While there are charming pumpkin patches scattered throughout the Garden State, a select few stand out for their exceptional fall festivities and bountiful harvests. If you’re on the hunt for the perfect pumpkin and an unforgettable autumn experience in 2024, these are the six best pumpkin patches in New Jersey that you simply can’t miss.

1. Happy Harvest Farm, Montvale – This family-owned gem is nestled in the picturesque Pascack Valley. Happy Harvest Farm’s pumpkin patch opens in late September and offers a variety of pumpkins alongside hayrides, a corn maze designed afresh each year, and a quaint cider mill. Their weekend harvest festivals feature live music, pumpkin painting, and artisanal local food vendors.

2. Meadowbrook Orchards, Chester – Get ready to be enchanted by Meadowbrook Orchards’ Pumpkin Paradise—a sprawling field brimming with pumpkins of all sizes. Along with classic pumpkins, they offer unique varieties that are perfect for both carving and cooking. After picking your ideal pumpkin, enjoy their delicious homemade apple cider doughnuts or embark on a scenic hayride through the orchard.

3. Pumpkin Hollow Acres, Egg Harbor Township – The coastal climate of Egg Harbor Township makes Pumpkin Hollow Acres a standout spot for pumpkin picking near the shore. They boast an impressive array of pumpkins and gourds suitable for decoration or pie-making. Additionally, there’s a petting zoo for children and “moonlight mazes” held on select evenings for an added twist of adventure.

4. Autumn Blaze Farm, Warren County – Family fun is at the heart of Autumn Blaze Farm’s annual Fall Festival. Beyond choosing from their abundant pumpkins, visitors can explore sunflower fields in early fall or take part in tractor-pulled hayrides that offer stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Their night-time bonfires provide a cozy end to a day packed with autumnal activities.

5. Frosty Hollow Organics, Sussex County – For those who prefer an organic option, Frosty Hollow Organics is unbeatable. Every pumpkin is grown without synthetic fertilizers or pesticides. The natural beauty of Sussex County enhances the experience with its rolling hills and vibrant foliage serving as a backdrop to this pristine patch. Check out their weekend storytelling sessions that captivate both young and old alike.

6. Sunnyside Gardens, Wall Township – Sunnyside Gardens is famed for its high-octane Halloween festivities and extensive selection of jack-o’-lantern-ready pumpkins. The all-ages excitement includes everything from haunted barn tours to costume contests. The little ones will love the mini-train ride that winds through the property’s decorations and fall-themed displays.

Each one of these top-tier New Jersey pumpkin patches offers its own brand of fall fun and seasonal splendor. Whether it’s for the perfect carving pumpkin or just to soak up some crisp autumn air among rows of orange gourds, these six locations promise to provide an exceptional pumpkin picking experience in 2024.