The best spots for pumpkin picking NY families love

This 47-acre historic site is the oldest continually-farmed land in NYC. In addition to pumpkin picking on weekends in the fall, tots can visit the animals in the petting zoo, scope out farm equipment or get lost (and found) in the Amazing Maize Maze. There's also a haunted house and fall festivals throughout the season.

To enjoy the pumpkin patch of your dreams, hop aboard the ferry to Governors Island. The annual Pumpkin Point extravaganza in Nolan Park will feature thousands of gourds, and guests are invited to take one home, free of charge. Social distancing and face masks will be required. Trick or treating and concessions will not take place this year. At the end of the event, leftover pumpkins will be composted at Earth Matter NY’s Compost Learning Center on Governors Island or donated to local food pantries. All ages. 

This 130-acre farm in Manalapan, NJ not only has pumpkins but "pumpkinville," houses made of pumpkins, installations and photo ops, a corn maze (shaped like Super Mario), pig races, tractor rides, a fun slide, a feeding zoo and sunflowers and zinnias picking. Over 35 activities are included with admission. $10 per person, cash only. If you're just picking a pumpkin, there is no fee.

Get a taste of farm life right in New York City. Staten Island's popular you-pick pumpkin patch at Decker Farm will not only lead you toward the perfect gourd for all of your autumnal needs, but it gives kids a chance to enjoy fun seasonal activities such as hayrides, corn mazes and crafts.

Late September is prime pumpkin-picking season at Lewin Farms on Long Island. Visit the grounds to snag your own gourds, peppers and eggplant after you try navigating through the corn maze. When the season's over, head back for the holidays to pick out your family Christmas tree.

This appropriately-named venue is a quintessential fall hotspot for New York families. At Hank's Pumpkin Town, you'll not only stock up on those Jack-o-lanterns to be, but you'll have fun watching the kids get their faces painted, having an adventure on the wooden playground and gem mining. 

When a location is open for pumpkin picking seven days a week, you know it means business. Long Island's Dix Hills farm is a destination for all-things fall celebrates the most colorful season with hayrides, duck races, an animal train ride, roasted corn, apple cider donuts candy apples and of course a patch that will lead you toward the perfect pumpkin. Stock up on mums for your stoop while you're there! Admission is free.

The family-owned and operated farm is anxious to pair you and your loved ones with a pumpkin. Come for the patch with over 70 varieties and (free) hayrides and stay for the treats: The market has fresh fruit, vegetables and flowers that you can take home to add some rustic charm to your fall decor. Of course, browsing is best enjoyed with a cup of apple cider. 

New Yorkers don't mind making a trip to this 270-acre farm thanks to its homegrown organic vegetables and eco-certified fruit. Come autumn, it's a favorite for apples and pumpkins. But the good news is if you can't make it to Hopewell Junction, you can also find the farm's goods at local markets.

This conveniently located Huntington farm is one of the few PYO to GYO—Elwood Pumpkin and Christmas Tree Farm grows its own pumpkins on its own pumpkin patch. The corn maze and hayrides are kid-friendly extras. It's open all week long! Free admission.

Pumpkin picking starts in September at this Jersey farm. While searching for your seasonal gourds, be sure to enjoy all of the other fall festivities on the grounds, including a pumpkin slingshot, rope and corn mazes, a farm animal feeding station and hayrides. Little ones will get a kick out of the tower, bales of straw that they can climb up and slide down while taking in 360 views of the farm. 

At Fink's in Wading River, Long Island, families can pluck pumpkins right off the vine and buy produce by the pound or wheelbarrowful. On weekends during the Fall Festival, the farm offers a barnyard, pony rides and hayrides, a kiddie train, a bounce house and a corn maze which can be navigated during the day, or if you're feeling brave, by flashlight after dark on select evenings. Spooky! If your little ones have a destructive side, let them blast produce out of the corn cannon or pumpkin slingshot. They'll LOVE it! 

No matter the season, this farm and orchard is bustling. Families drop in for fun-filled events throughout the year, from an annual Easter egg hunt to Santa visits around the holidays. In autumn, this is a prime apple- and pumpkin-picking spot with fall festivals going on every weekend throughout the season. After selecting a pumpkin from the farm’s many varieties, shoot an apple cannon, enjoy live music, pony rides, hayrides and a bounce house and visit with the resident animals.

If you’re into pick-your-own fruits, then this Bergen County spot should be at the top of your list. Not only will pickers find peaches and apples, but plump pumpkins, too. The shop also sells pumpkin carving tools so little artists can go to town when they get home. Families will love the hayrides, a corn maze and quality time with adorable farm animals. The farm also hosts a Halloween Light Show and Pumpkin Picking Movie Nights—a total plus during the Halloween season. 

After a round of mini golf, pick your very own pumpkin from this farm’s patch. City kids can get a true taste of farm life by helping to milk a cow! There’s also a corn maze (for an additional fee), a petting zoo where tots can mingle with sheep and pigs and a jumping pillow that’s great for burning off extra energy before the car ride home.

This gorgeous farm in Bergen County has an impressive selection of flowers, produce and seasonal decor. Select a pristine pumpkin, then stock up on gourds, corn stalks and other decorations to spookify the house for Halloween. Hop on a hayride around the farm and past the pond, explore the corn maze, visit the animals at the petting zoo and play with toy tractors in the corn box. The family can even post up for a picnic at one of many tables (the farm serves food on weekends, or treats can be purchased at the market). 

After snagging their perfect pumpkin at this Connecticut farm, kids can try their luck at guessing its weight. If they guess within two ounces of the pumpkin’s actual weight, it’s free! Silverman’s says they give away “thousands of free pumpkins each year,” so it’s worth a shot! Don't forget your camera—colorful displays of squashes, gourds and Indian corn make a great Instagram shot! Learn more about the PYO rules here. 

Families can choose to pick their own pumpkins straight off the vine at this farm or hit up the farm stand to select a pre-picked gourd or decorative corn stalk. Weekend visitors can hop on the tractor for a scenic hayride around the property and grab some cider donuts to munch on.

This family-operated patch in northern New Jersey has a giant selection of pumpkins, gourds, squash and autumn décor like cornstalks and haystacks. Open daily in October, it’s a prime spot for selecting a jack-o'-lantern pumpkin or tiny munchkins. Leading up to Halloween, check the schedule for family-friendly events like goat feedings, face painting, storytimes and crafts.

This local fruit farm is just an hour north of NYC and accessible via Metro-North and a 15-minute cab ride. Once there, find your perfect pumpkin and swing by the bakery to fill up on apple cider doughnuts, hot dogs, cookies and popcorn. Apple cider is available starting the third week in September so time your trip accordingly if you want to go home with jugs of the sweet drink.

When Halloween season kicks into high gear, swap the Granny Smiths for pumpkins at Hurds Family Farm (or simply opt for both). When your family's picking adventures are done, make sure to let the kiddos enjoy the big apple bounce, nature trails, the Wild Apple Obstacle Course and of course, a pitstop at the Big Apple Café to refuel with sweets.