Pick Your Own Pumpkins

Choose the perfect gourd to carve into a jack-o’-lantern at one of our favorite pumpkin patches.

By Stacey Feintuch

Apple cider. Fresh donuts. Pumpkin spice lattes. These are the smells and tastes associated with fall. And of course, what’s more synonymous with fall than pumpkin picking. Fortunately, this area has plenty of spots to spend a fall day in the great outdoors, picking the perfect pumpkin. Here are some of our favorite spots.

New York City

Decker Farm

435 Richmond Hill Road, Staten Island historicrichmondtown.org 718-351-1611 HOURS: Oct. 2-31, Saturday-Sunday (plus Monday, Oct. 11), 11am-5pm ADMISSION: $4-$11. Tickets on sale online. Check website for details. This pumpkin patch features pumpkins of all shapes and sizes. Complete with photo-ops and fall decorations, you’re sure to experience a picture-perfect moment as you decide which pumpkin to take home. And don’t miss the Pumpkin Chucking, Snack Wagon, Living History Demonstrations, and more! WHY WE LOVE IT: Watch the kids try to solve a maze made completely of hay bales.

Queens County Farm Museum

73-50 Little Neck Parkway, Floral Park queensfarm.org 718-347-3276 HOURS: Oct. 1-30, daily, 11am-4:30pm ADMISSION: Pumpkins priced by size. October is pumpkin month at Queens County Farm. Enjoy the crisp fall air as you wander through the patch to scoop up the perfect pumpkin. Walk the farm grounds and soak in some New York history. This farm is one of the longest continually farmed sites in New York State, dating back to 1697.

WHY WE LOVE IT: Enjoy on-site hayrides and a 3-acre interactive corn maze.

Dr. Davies Farm

306 Route 304, Congers drdaviesfarm.com 845-268-7020 HOURS: Exact times for pumpkin picking not available at press time. Online reservations available and walk-ins welcome. Check website for details. ADMISSION: The pumpkin patch is free to walk but pay for all that you pick (pumpkins range from $3-$40). Grab your wagon or wheelbarrow and come on down to the pumpkin patch at this farm—it’s been family run since 1891. You can even take hayride to the patch (optional at $10), or go apple picking while you’re here, too. WHY WE LOVE IT: They sell mouthwatering delicious homemade doughnuts and cold and hot apple cider.

Rockland County

Outhouse Orchards

139 Hardscrabble Road, North Salem 914-277-3188 outhouseorchardsny.com HOURS: Saturday-Sunday, 9am-5:30pm; arrive within the first hour of your admission and finish within your reservation time slot. ADMISSION: Reserve a ticket online for entrance and parking at the orchard for one vehicle: $15, plus $2.73 fee covers all people inside the vehicle. At the farm, you can purchase bags for apple picking, corn maze tickets, or browse the country store. You’ll find a wide selection of pumpkins, gourds, and Halloween decorations that will get you in the fall spirit as soon as you lay eyes on their pumpkin patch (all pumpkins are vine free). Pick your favorite pumpkin and staff will weigh it for you at the check-out tent. WHY WE LOVE IT: The 2021 corn maze is ready for you to solve. See if you can find your way out.

Wilkens Fruit & Fir Farm

1335 White Hill Road, Yorktown Heights wilkensfarm.com 914-245-5111 HOURS: Anticipated opening for pumpkins is Oct. 1: Wednesday-Monday, 10am-4:30pm. Check Harvest Calendar for exact dates. ADMISSION: Check back for details. The 2021 season celebrates the 105th year of harvest at Wilkens. When you’re done choosing your pumpkin, get lost in the corn maze that gets a new and updated design each year. WHY WE LOVE IT: It also offers pick-your-own apples, peaches, nectarines, and Christmas trees.

Orange County

Apple Ridge Orchards

101 Jessup Road, Warwick appleridgeorchards.com 845-987-7717 HOURS: Pumpkin picking begins Sept. 18: Thursday-Sunday and holidays, 9am6pm. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram for updates. ADMISSION: $3 per person ages 2 and older. Includes free parking and entrance to the farm. $10 for each pumpkin picked of any size. This orchard is among the most scenic and rustic spots in the Hudson and Warwick valleys. Enjoy the patch as well as custom farm displays. After your pick-your-own experience, stop by the farm stand to get some treats including its famous apple cider doughnuts and pies. WHY WE LOVE IT: Enjoy a Pumpkin Picking Movie Night on the farm featuring Spookley the Square Pumpkin.

Soons Orchards

23 Soons Circle, New Hampton soonsorchards.com 845-374-5471 HOURS: It will likely start by Sept. 18 and runs weekends and holiday Mondays until Halloween. Wagons run from 10am or 11am until 4pm, depending on demand and weather. ADMISSION: Check back for details. The orchard offers reservations and accepts walk-ins. Enjoy a fall afternoon outing in the lower Hudson Valley. No pre-picked pumpkins on a lawn here. Take a hayride to their actual pumpkin patch and pick pumpkins off the vine. It also offers apple picking, a farm market, and a tap room serving foods, snacks, and cocktails. WHY WE LOVE IT: Soons makes its own kettle corn; nut butters like peanut, almond, and cashew; and hummus (roasted red pepper and regular lemon garlic).

Dutchess County

Dykeman Farm

31 Dykeman Lane, Pawling dykemanfarm.com 845-832-6068 HOURS: Pumpkin picking typically opens the last weekend in September and runs Saturday-Sunday, 10am-5pm through October. Check website for details. ADMISSION: Free parking and free admission. This fourth-generation family-owned and -operated farm has been offering pick-your-own pumpkins since 1974. Enjoy more than the pumpkin patch here: Take advantage of a photo spot, purchase local honey, enjoy the kids play area, buy some fall décor, and more. WHY WE LOVE IT: Hayrides are free!

Fishkill Farms

9 Fishkill Farm Road, Hopewell Junction fishkillfarms.com 845-897-4377 HOURS: Pumpkin picking expected to begin Saturday, Sept. 18. Reservations will be required. Reservation arrival times are generally from 9am-4:30pm. The last entry to the orchard is at 5pm, and it closes at 6pm. Reservations are rain or shine. ADMISSION: If you have an apple picking reservation, you don’t need a pumpkin reservation and can pick and pay for your pumpkins when you’re here. Pumpkins are flat prices depending on their weight class. If you want to just pick pumpkins, pricing is $30 which includes entry for up to 5 people (ages 2 and older, kids under 2 don’t need to be counted in the reservation number) as well as $20 worth of pumpkins from pumpkin patch. An additional two people can be added at check in for $5 each. Fishkill Farms is an apple orchard and diversified fruit and vegetable farm. Kids will love getting lost in the corn maze and taking a wagon ride throughout the orchard. Hungry? Enjoy a delicious Jerk Chicken meal at the outdoor grill. WHY WE LOVE IT: You can pick your own ecocertified or organic apples, too.

Dutchess County cont’d

Greig Farm

227 Pitcher Lane, Red Hook greigfarm.com 845-758-8007 HOURS: Pumpkin picking typically begins mid-September and continues through early November: daily, 9am-7pm. ADMISSION: No entry fee. Pay only for what you pick by the pound. 2021 prices will be announced soon. Bring friends and family together and spend an afternoon picking pumpkins. This pick-your-own farm in the Hudson Valley has been family run since 1942. While the farm does cut many of the pumpkins off the vine for you, you may find one still on the vine.

WHY WE LOVE IT: We can’t get over the gorgeous photos of the farm on social media.

Albert H. Schmitt Family Farms

6 Bagatelle Road, Dix Hills schmittsfamilyfarms.com 631-549-3276 HOURS: Pumpkin picking typically runs late September-October, Saturday-Sunday and Oct. 11, 10am-5pm. Check website for details. ADMISSION: Prices are TBA. This farm has been a family business for many decades. It’s more than just pumpkin picking here. Enjoy hayrides, duck races, an animal train ride, and more. WHY WE LOVE IT: It sells roasted corn as well as apple cider and apple cider doughnuts.

Long Island

Brightwaters Farms

1624 Manatuck Blvd., Bay Shore brightwatersfarms.com 631-665-5411 HOURS: Fall harvest usually runs in October. They’re typically open Wednesday-Friday, 12-5pm; Saturday-Sunday and Oct. 11, 9am-5pm. Check back for details. ADMISSION: Typically, no charge during the week; $10 weekends. Check back for details. Come to Brightwaters Farms with family and friends and experience the warm, serene atmosphere of its more than 12-acre countryside setting. Fall activities include hayrides, magic shows, and farm-animal feeding. WHY WE LOVE IT: Concession menu options galore here! Enjoy roasted corn, jumbo turkey legs, fresh-squeezed lemonade, and more.

Elwood Pumpkin Farm

1500 E. Jericho Turnpike, Huntington 631-368-8626 elwoodpumpkinfarm.com HOURS: Sept. 18-19: SaturdaySunday, 1-5pm. Sept 25-30: Saturday-Sunday, 10am-5pm. Oct. 1-31: Monday-Friday, 3-5pm; Saturday-Sunday, 10am5pm ADMISSION: Pumpkins are priced by size. This farm is Long Island’s most western pumpkin farm. Unlike most other farms in the area, pumpkins are grown in the fields. You’re invited to pick off the vine while supplies last. Enjoy a wagon ride around the farm and a small corn maze perfect for kids (both require a fee).

WHY WE LOVE IT: This farm is also Long Island’s most western cut-your-own Christmas tree farm.

F&W Schmitt’s Family Farm

26 Pinelawn Road, Melville 631-271-3276 schmittfarms.com HOURS: Sept. 18-Oct. 31, Monday-Friday, 12-5pm; Saturday-Sunday, 10am-5pm ADMISSION: $10; free for children ages 16 months and younger. Pumpkins are an additional fee. Hayrides, mini golf, photo ops, and access to the playground are all included in your admission at this family farm. On weekends, there’s even more fun, including pony rides, a petting zoo, haunted corn trail, and a haunted house (all require an additional fee). WHY WE LOVE IT: Want a taste of Halloween but your kids aren’t ready for a full haunted house? The farm offers a daytime walkthrough of the haunted house, with the lights turned on and no actors.

Hank’s Pumpkintown

240 Montauk Highway, Watermill 631-726-4667 hankspumpkintown.com HOURS: Sept. 11-12, Saturday-Sunday, 9:30am-5:45pm; starting Sept. 16: daily, 9:30am-5:45pm ADMISSION: Pumpkins: $0.74 per pound. Maze Park Wristbands: $18 Saturday-Sunday and holidays; $12 Monday-Friday Get ready for a full day of fall family fun when you head to Hank’s! It features more than 30 acres of attractions and activities, including pumpkin picking, three interactive corn mazes, wagon rides, barrel train rides, a jump pad, gem mining (for an extra fee), pedal karts, play structures, a giant slide, and more. WHY WE LOVE IT: When your kids are done exploring all the fun here, stop by the farm market for apple cider slushies, hand-dipped candy and caramel apples.

Lewin Farms

812 Sound Ave., Calverton 631-929-4327 lewinfarm.com HOURS: daily, 9am-4:40pm; call to confirm availability. Pumpkins are anticipated late September to late October. ADMISSION: Call to confirm pumpkin prices; u-pick is cash only. This fourth-generation family farm was the first Long Island farm to offer pick-your-own to Long Islanders. It now offers a variety of seasonal you-pick options, including pumpkins and apples, berries, vegetables, and Christmas trees. WHY WE LOVE IT: Before you pick your pumpkins, head over to the farm’s corn maze—the 2021 maze is the most challenging one yet!

Stakey’s Pumpkin Farm

270 West Lane, Riverhead 631-722-3467 stakeyspumpkinfarm.com HOURS: Sept. 18-Oct. 30: Monday-Friday, 12-5pm; Saturday-Sunday, plus Oct. 11, 9am-5pm. Call ahead if rain is forecasted. ADMISSION: Pumpkins: $0.79 per pound. Corn maze: $10. Stakey’s Pumpkin Farm is a family-owned and -operated business nestled on the East End of Long Island. Farmer Jim is a third-generation farmer, but the first in his family to have a pick-your-own pumpkin farm. The farm started in 1976 with just over an acre. It’s grown into a 26-acre field where you can roam and pick from 18 varieties of pumpkins straight off the vine. WHY WE LOVE IT: The farm doesn’t just offer pumpkins. It grows and sells mums, cabbage, kale, cornstalks, straw bales, and more.

White Post Farms

250 Old Country Road, Melville 631-351-9373 whitepostfarms.com HOURS: Sept. 18-Oct. 3, SaturdaySunday, 10am-6pm. Oct. 9-24 (plus Oct. 11), Saturday-Sunday, 9am-6pm. ADMISSION: $32.95 (+tax); free for children younger than 15 months. Pumpkins: $0.69 per pound. Fall Festival weekends at White Post Farms feature pumpkin picking, an animal farm, pony rides and train rides (both require an extra fee), sing-along hayrides, pumpkin painting, a variety of family shows, tasty treats, and more. WHY WE LOVE IT: In addition to getting up close to the farm’s animals, kids can hand or bottle feed some of the animals (for an extra fee).

New Jersey

Alstede Farms

1 Alstede Farm Lane, Chester alstedefarms.com 908-879-7189 HOURS: daily, 9am-6pm (last admission to pick-your-own is 5pm). Pumpkins anticipated to be available mid- to late September. Check the website for updates. ADMISSION: Exact prices for pumpkin picking not available yet. Check the website to make reservations in advance online (it’s a little cheaper than purchasing at the door and guarantees your entry) Alstede Farms offers orange and white pumpkins, munchkins, gourds, and assorted winter squash—all available in u-pick! Pony and tractor-pulled wagon rides are offered daily (for an extra fee). Plus, you can visit with and feed some of the farm’s animals. WHY WE LOVE IT: Sunflower, evergreen, and corn mazes are on-site and included with pickyour-own admission.

Demarest Farms

244 Wierimus Road, Hillsdale demarestfarms.com 201-666-0472 HOURS: Through Oct. 31: Thursday-Sunday, 8am-5pm. Visits limited to your reservation time frame. Arrive promptly at your scheduled time. If you arrive late, you’ll still be asked to the leave at the end of your reservation time. ADMISSION: Use the online reservation system: $7 ages 2 and older (includes free parking and entrance to the pumpkin patch), plus $12 for the largest pumpkin that you pick. Free for children younger than 2. Open since 1886, this farm is a staple in Bergen County. Hayrides still aren’t being given right now, so wear shoes for walking on uneven surfaces. No outside items allowed including strollers, backpacks, and purses. WHY WE LOVE IT: Save room for the farm’s delish apple cider doughnuts!

Secor Farms

85 Airmont Ave., Mahwah secorfarms.com 201-529-2595 HOURS: Pumpkin picking typically goes from mid-September until the end of October, daily, 9am4:30pm. Check website for details. ADMISSION: Pricing varies depending on size of pumpkin. Walk to the decorated pumpkin patch to find the best pumpkin to take home. Scattered in the pumpkin patch, you’ll also find fun decorations for photo ops. In addition to pumpkins, it carries a large selection of gourds, jack-be-little pumpkins, corn stalks, and Halloween decorations. WHY WE LOVE IT: Check out the farm’s market, which carries a variety of New York state apples, fresh-pressed apple cider, and homemade apple cider doughnuts.