9 Must-Do Fall Activities in New Jersey

Summer is gone and it’s time to fall in love with Autumn (see what I did there). Whether you’re looking for day trips to do with the family, hangouts with friends, ideas for date night or just some you time, we’ve put together a terrific list of events just a drive away from Jersey City. Some are seasonal and others are for a limited time only, so be sure check out these must-do fall activities in New Jersey before time runs out! Before you go, you might want to grab a bite to eat, so we gathered a list of great joints to find your favorite fall comfort food in Jersey City

 

Through The Season

 

Alstede Farms – Chester, NJ – (1 hour away from Jersey City)

Alstede Farms, located in Chester Township, NJ, offers ‘pick your own’ nearly year round with choices to pick from a variety of fruits, flowers and vegetables. Apples, raspberries, sweet corn, and vegetables will be available from now till October. Peaches, sunflowers, blackberries, beans will be available till September and pumpkins and potatoes will be available starting September till November. 

Alstede takes orders online and they also have a farm store located on the premises. Alstede also offers activities such as their Harvest Moon Hayride and corn maze. For more information about Alstede Farm please visit their website here.

 

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Battleview Orchards – Freehold, NJ – (1 hour away from Jersey City)

Located in Freehold, Battleview Orchards offers “Pick Your Own” New Jersey Strawberries, Sour Cherries, New Jersey Peaches, Nectarines, New Jersey Apples, and Pumpkins. A family owned and operated farm, Battleview Orchards has been part of NJ for over 100 years. Today the orchard includes a country store that is open 9am to 6pm everyday aside from Tuesdays. Visit the Battleview website for more information and visit their facebook to check on “pick your own” time slots and availability.

 

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Terhune Orchards – Princeton, NJ – (1 hour away from Jersey City)

At Terhune Orchards, located in Princeton, NJ, you have the opportunity to experience apple & pumpkin picking, cider & pies from the bakery, farm animals, a farm market, a vineyard & winery and so much more. This family owned and operated 200 acre farm is noted for quality products and country-style service. To start planning your trip to Terhune Orchards or to learn more visit the Terhune Orchards website here. 

 

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U-Pick Sunflower Festival – Cream Ridge, NJ – (1 hour away from Jersey City)

Holland Ridge Farms is a family-owned tulip grower and flower farm in Central Jersey. U-pick Sunflower Festival is a celebration of one of the most popular flowers in the world. Their “pick your own flowers” features not only yellow sunflowers but also white, red and bi-color varieties as well as thousands of other cut flowers including gladiolas, lilies, and dahlias. With acres and acres of sunflower fields, the Holland Ridge Farms u-pick is currently the largest on the East Coast. The farm is available for private parties, photo shoots, and bookings aside from the usual ticket entry. All visitors are required to purchase a ticket online beforehand. The season starts beginning September 24th. To learn more about the Holland Ridge U-pick and book your trip, visit their website here. 

 

Hacklebarney Farm Cider Mill – Chester, NJ – (1 hour away from Jersey City)

Located less than an hour from Jersey City, Hacklebarney Farm Cider Mill offers a variety of activities to experience including live cider pressing, a corn maze, pumpkin picking, a weekend hot dog stand, farm store, and a bakery specializing in treats like apple pies and cider donuts. Cider pressing demos begin in October. Open Saturdays & Sundays from 10am to 5pm. Check out the Hacklebarney Farm Cider Mill website and their facebook for more info!

 

Limited-Time Event

 

2nd Annual Oktoberfest at Raceway Park – Englishtown, NJ – October 16th – (1 ½ hours away from Jersey City)

Oktoberfest is back at Raceway Park in Englishtown, NJ where you’ll be able to sample Lagers, IPAs, Stouts, Pilsners, wines, and hard seltzers from over 20 breweries from around the tri-state area. Other activities that come with a ticket to Oktoberfest at Raceway Park include gourmet food vendors, a live band and a variety of games, including corn hole and hatchet tossing. Pay one fee to get in, and all drinks are on the house! You will receive a five ounce souvenir glass with a two ounce pour line. Check out their Facebook page for more info or click here for the event listing.

 

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27th Annual Pine Barrens Jamboree – Waretown, NJ – October 9th – (1 ½ hours away from Jersey City)

The Pine Barrens Jamboree is back for their 27th year of celebration. At this free event, visitors can expect music, cultural demonstrations, 35+ food & drink vendors as well as history & nature programs.  To learn more about the Pine Barrens Jamboree check the Ocean County Parks & Recreation Facebook page or check the event listing here.

 

Delaware River Railroad Excursions – Phillipsburg, NJ – Thru October 27th – (1 ½ hours away from Jersey City)

Take a one and a half hour scenic train trip along the scenic Delaware river. Specialty train trips include The Warren County Winery Train, The River Train, The Mine Train and Corn Maze Train and so much more. Visitors can experience and enjoy two different types of games situated in a corn maze, scenic picnic groves, and access to Ol’ Susquehanna Mine with the ability to search for and take home your very own gemstones. To book tickets and learn more information, check their website here.

 

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LBI Fly International Kite Festival – Long Branch, NJ – October 8th to 11th – (1 hour away from Jersey City)

Witness extraordinary displays and demonstrations of hundreds of kites as they take to the skies above the beautiful Long Beach Island beaches in a safe and socially distanced way. Courteous social distancing is expected of all attending beachgoers. This festival is a unique, family-friendly, outdoor event annually hosted by the LBI Chamber of Commerce. To learn more information about this event, visit the facebook page or their website

Jordan Mikhail
Author: Jordan Mikhail