With fall officially here, it’s prime farm season, and we recently spent time doing all the fall things (hello, pumpkin picking) at Johnson’s Locust Hall Farm in Jobstown, New Jersey. My two kids had an absolute blast, enjoying a blend of adventure, relaxation, and classic farm fun–from picking apples and pumpkins to dancing to live music and interacting with barnyard animals. From the moment we arrived, the warm and welcoming atmosphere, along with the beautiful surroundings, made it a memorable experience that exceeded all our expectations. We ended up spending over six hours at the farm and are already excited to return to this farm and others all over NJ. (featured photo credit: NJ MOM)
Here’s what to know about Johnson’s Locust Hall Farm
Park & Pick fun for the whole family
The first stop on our farm adventure was the Park & Pick area, which was an absolute hit with the kids. We grabbed our picking baskets and set out to pick fresh apples, pumpkins, and giant sunflowers. The kids were thrilled to run through the orchard and fields, carefully selecting the best apples to pick. My daughter was delighted to find a sunflower as big as her head—it was a picture-perfect moment, and she proudly carried it around for the rest of the day.
Sunflowers as big as your head at Johnson’s Locust Hall Farm
After we filled our baskets with farm-fresh produce and sunflowers, we headed over to the pumpkin fields, where they had wheelbarrows and clippers to pick our favorite pumpkins. My kids had to sit on the giant pumpkins in the field, and we ended up finding two matching pumpkins pretty quickly, which we carted back to be weighed.
Slide into fun at Johnson’s Locust Hall Farm. Photo Credit: NJ MOM
A family play area with something for everyone
After our fair share of picking, we headed to the play area so the kids could play freely, and we could hang back for a quick break. There’s a lot to keep kids entertained, including barnyard animals, giant slides, sit-on tractors, a giant sandbox (my kids’ favorite, of course), and even a charming little playhouse. My son couldn’t get enough of the tractors, pretending to drive them like a farmer, while my daughter spent her time sliding down the giant slides. They both loved seeing the animals, running around in the open pasture, and dancing to the live music. One of the things I appreciated most about the play area was how thoughtfully it was designed. The activities were spaced out enough that it never felt crowded, and the variety of things to do meant there was always something new to discover. The whole area is fenced in, and there was even a fun cornhole setup that we all enjoyed playing together. It felt like a wonderful mix of farm-themed exploration and good old-fashioned play.
The BEST apple cider donuts
The apple cider donuts and seasonal treats at Johnson’s Locust Hall Farm are another reason we’ll be back. They were served warm, soft, and large, with the perfect balance of sweetness and spice. I’d honestly go back just for the donuts! We paired them with a fresh apple cider slushie, and it was the ideal fall treat. The farm also has a market with plenty of other local goodies, from fresh pies to jams and honey, and we couldn’t resist taking some of those home as well.
Take in the natural beauty
After a bit of playtime, slushies, and dancing, we decided to take a wagon ride around the farm. This was a highlight for all of us. The ride took us through some of the most beautiful parts of the farm, past the apple orchards, rows of towering cornfields, and a picturesque pond. We even got to see some cows grazing peacefully in the distance. My kids were thrilled to see the animals up close, and they waved and laughed the entire time. The views were stunning, and the ride was peaceful and relaxing. It felt like a lovely way to take in the natural beauty of this 320+ acre farm.
Laid-back farm vibes
As the day wound down, none of us wanted to leave. There was something about Johnson Locust Hall Farm that made the day feel extraordinary. The combination of fun activities for the kids, delicious food, beautiful scenery, and a laid-back farm vibe made it a quintessential memory-making outing. One of the highlights of the day was the live music playing while we were there. It created such a relaxing and joyful atmosphere, and it was the quintessential soundtrack for our time on the farm. Sitting back with my family, munching on our fall treats while listening to the music and watching our kids play and dance, was one of those moments where everything feels right. Whether you’re there to pick apples and pumpkins, enjoy some quality playtime, or simply relax and take in the farm’s beauty, it’s a destination that truly has something for everyone. We’ll definitely be back soon, and I have a feeling it’s going to become an annual tradition for us.
What to know before you go
Before visiting, be sure to check Locust Hall’s U-Pick page for updates on picking seasons. Typical U-Pick produce seasons include strawberries (mid-May to June), peaches, sunflowers, field flowers, and blackberries (summer), and pumpkins, sunflowers, and apples (available during the Fall Festival in September and October). All U-Pick activities are weather and crop-dependent, so make sure to call ahead for the latest updates. For your visit, we recommend wearing closed-toed shoes, light-colored clothing, sunscreen, and a hat. Backpacks and coolers are not allowed in the picking fields, and strollers with bottom baskets will be checked before leaving the field. Johnson’s Locust Hall Farm is a working farm, so be mindful of uneven ground while exploring the property. Be sure to visit their Farmer’s Market and stay tuned for their festive fun for the holidays.
Check out their website, Facebook, and Instagram
Johnson’s Locust Hall Farm
2691 Monmouth Road
Jobstown, NJ 08041
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