Want a day filled with classic farm fun? On Alstede Farms in Chester, NJ, you can find it, along with Instagram-worthy photo ops on their 600-acre family-run farm that has brought smiles to families for over 40 years. This working farm has plenty of pick-your-own crops during the growing season, including strawberries, peas, pumpkins, and apples, and during the fall, Alstede really shines. With agro entertainment, an exciting corn maze, hayrides, and a nighttime Harvest Moon event, spending the day and night at Alstede is a real treat for families, where you can celebrate the beauty of the season. Alstede Farms is one of those must-visit farms in NJ—scroll down to find out why. (feature photo credit: NJ MOM)
Alstede Farms: Farm Fun For All Seasons
Take a scenic hayride
Whether you have toddlers who love running around or older kids, there is something for everyone at Alstede Farms. Littles will have a ball climbing a giant hay pyramid, going on Pony Rides, jumping in the Bouncy House, taking Wagon Train Rides, participating in Toy Duck Races, watching Barnyard Lasso, and feeding the friendly farm animals. On the hayride, kids will get an up-close look at a real working farm as they ride past horse pastures, sunflower fields, picturesque hills with vibrant fall foliage, tractors, and the apple orchard for picking. Depending on the crowds, the wait for the hayride can be anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes, so take advantage of your wait time to capture those fall family photos at the photo ops nearby. All ages can take the Corn Maze challenge by day or, for the more daring, travel through the maze by flashlight after sundown.
Stay for the Harvest Moon event
During the fall, stick around on Friday and Saturday nights for the Harvest Moon Hayride, including hay wagon rides, a corn maze by flashlight, live entertainment, and campfires. Gather by one of the firepits with a glass of cider while watching a live band as kids (and adults) bust out their dance moves. Stop by the ice cream window for pumpkin or apple cider flavored treats, like the Harvest Ice Cream Sandwich, a yummy blend of ice cream in between an apple cider donut with whipped cream on top. Need heartier options? The food trucks in the FarmHouse District have farm-to-table options, like The Ripe Tomato, which features pizza made with Alstede tomato sauce; The Hen House, with favorites like burgers and dogs; The Roasted Corn Station, with fresh corn from the farm; and The Coffee Haus for lattes and coffee treats. Grab one of the picnic tables and take in the relaxed farm atmosphere.
Bring home some seasonal goods
You can’t leave the farm without a visit to the farm store and pumpkin section for seasonal pantry items and foods, such as heirloom pumpkin puree, leafy kale, and their homemade cherry butter, a blend of fresh cherries from the farm cooked down to create a buttery spread for ice cream, yogurt or anything you want with a cherry on top. You’ll also find unique pumpkins in shades of orange, beige, and green to boost your fall decor. Still want more? Choose from beautiful fall flowers to bring the seasonal vibes home with you.
Fun the whole year round
Alstede Farms is open year-round, with special events that ramp up during holidays and seasons. From late May to mid-November, you’ll find lots of fruits and vegetables to pick from and summer festivals, like Christmas in July and the Peach Festival in August. In December, grab your little ones and have brunch with Santa in a festive setting and take a walk on the Evergreen Trail. When the Easter Bunny comes to town, enjoy brunch with him and have the chance for a cute photo op. Keep your eye out for farm-to-table events and a sunflower trail as the weather begins to warm up. When the leaves start to change and the crisp air begins again, come out for fall fun and Harvest Moon Nights.
What to know before you go
Check their event calendar for more festivals, food events, and live entertainment—various pick-your-own opportunities run from late May to mid-November and are time-ticketed online. The farm store has fresh fruits and vegetables, grass-fed meats, fresh quiches, guacamole, pico de gallo, jams, honey, pies, donuts, and homemade ice cream. Alstede Farms is also an ideal place to host a birthday party or wedding, as Alstede has a party tent and hall for small and large events. The farm is open daily, and most areas are open from 9 AM – 6 PM, but it’s best to check ahead because events and holidays may adjust the hours.
For more information, visit the Alstede Farms website, Instagram, and Facebook.
Alstede Farms
1 Alstede Farms Lane
Chester, NJ 07930
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