Farms & Pumpkins

Pumpkins. Apples. Hayrides. Corn mazes. Fresh cider. And yes, plenty of cider donuts. South Jersey’s agricultural roots make fall one of the best times to visit a local farm. As the harvest changes, so does the experience: apple orchards give way to pumpkin fields, farm markets fill with seasonal produce, and weekends bring hayrides, animal visits, games and corn mazes.

Make a Day of the Harvest

At Johnson’s Corner Farm in Medford, a fall visit can include a hayride to the fields, pick-your-own pumpkins, apples, sunflowers, sweet potatoes, popcorn and gourds. The family-friendly corn maze, Discovery Barnyard and Animal Farm add more ways to spend the afternoon. Before leaving, stop at the bakery or food tent for cider, fresh-baked goods and apple cider donuts.

In Burlington County, Johnson’s Locust Hall Farm in Jobstown combines pick-your-own activities with a working-farm setting. The fall experience includes hayrides, an apple orchard, pumpkin picking, sunflower fields and a five-acre corn maze. Its farm market is another reason to linger, with baked goods and cider donuts made from apples grown at the farm.

Choose Your Own Pumpkin Adventure

For a simpler farm-market stop, Mood’s Farm Market in Mullica Hill offers pick-your-own apples and pumpkins, along with fresh produce and pantry items. The farm also hosts seasonal events, including an apple festival and corn maze. It is a useful choice for visitors who want to shop, pick up something for the kitchen and spend a little time outdoors without committing to a full festival-style visit.

Coombs Barnyard in Elmer brings an agricultural education component to the season. Families and organized groups can combine a hayride with animal visits, seasonal produce or pumpkin picking, barrel train rides and a corn maze offered during September and October. Its programming makes the farm especially suited to younger children, school groups and visitors who want more context about how a working farm operates.

Plan Around the Season

Fall farm activities change from week to week. Apple picking often begins before pumpkin fields reach their busiest period, while corn mazes and festival attractions may operate only on selected days. Crops can also sell out or become unavailable because of weather and growing conditions.

Before visiting, check the farm’s official website for current crop availability, hours, admission, reservations and activity schedules. Some attractions require advance tickets, and some farms use separate pricing for hayrides, mazes or animal areas. Pet policies vary, too; several farms restrict dogs in markets, orchards or activity areas.

Wear shoes that can handle grass, soil and uneven ground, and bring a layer for cool wagon rides. If you are visiting with young children, allow extra time for parking, ticket lines and picking your way through the fields.

A South Jersey farm visit can be as active or unhurried as you choose. Pick a pumpkin in Salem County, navigate a maze in Burlington County, shop for apples in Gloucester County or make an afternoon of rides, animals and warm cider in Medford. The harvest is the starting point; the farm experience is what makes the season worth returning for.