Want a day filled with classic farm fun? At 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 offers plenty of pick-your-own crops during the growing season, including strawberries, peas, pumpkins, and apples, as well as festivals and nighttime events year-round. In the fall, Alstede Farms really shines with agro-entertainment, offering an exciting corn maze, hayrides, and a nighttime Harvest Moon event. Spending the day and night at Alstede any time of year is a real treat for families, offering a chance to celebrate the season’s beauty. Scroll down to find out why Alstede Farms is one of those must-visit farms in NJ. (feature photo credit: Alstede Farms)
Alstede Farms: Farm Fun For All Seasons
Picking and seasonal fun on a working farm
Because Alstede Farms is a true working farm, the fun starts with seasonal picking. Depending on the season, you can pick over 13 fruits and veggies, including strawberries and peaches, apples, pumpkins, and more. Each picking admission includes a container to hold the produce, a scenic hayride, and access to the giant maze (seasonal) and the hay bale pyramid. But what makes Alstede Farms stand out are the events that ramp up during holidays and seasons. In the spring, when the Easter Bunny comes to town, enjoy brunch with him and have the chance for a cute photo op. Keep an eye out for farm-to-table events and a sunflower trail as the weather warms up. During the summer, there are also Christmas in July and the Peach Festival in August. In December, grab your little ones for a festive brunch with Santa, then take a walk on the Evergreen Trail. When the leaves start to change and the crisp air begins again, come out for fall fun and Harvest Moon Nights.
Enjoy farm-themed fun
Whether you have toddlers who love running around or older kids who love playing games, they’ll find plenty of agro-themed fun at Alstede Farms. During festivals, especially in the fall, 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 hayrides, kids can 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 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 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 a picnic table 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.
Visit the animals
One of the favorite things to do at Alstede Farms is to visit the adorable farm animals and enjoy hands-on experiences that make a trip to the farm memorable. In the spring, the farm comes alive with new growth and baby animals. Head to the barnyard where you can see some of the farm’s furry and feathered residents, including ducks, horses, goats, sheep, donkeys, and rabbits. You can buy carrots and animal feed inside the farm store and give the animals a snack while you visit with them. Make sure you stop at the hay pyramid that adults and kids alike can play on.
FAQ’s About Alstede Farms
How much does it cost to visit Alstede Farms?
Pick Your Own (PYO) admission tickets are sold online and include the container to hold fruits/vegetables and the cost of produce picked, starting at $17.99. Admission also includes scenic hay wagon rides around the farm, access to the farm mazes/trails (season-dependent), and access to the giant hay pyramid. Children’s add-on activities are included in the $18.99 price.
What are the hours of the farm?
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.
How can I find out about events?
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.
What will I find at the farm store?
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.
For more information, visit the Alstede Farms website, Instagram, and Facebook.
Alstede Farms
1 Alstede Farms Lane
Chester, NJ 07930
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