Alstede Farms: Fall Fun And More On A Working Farm

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Want a day filled with classic farm fun? Alstede Farms, located in Chester, NJ, is a 600-acre family-run farm that has brought smiles to families for over 40 years. This working farm features a diverse selection of pick-your-own crops during the growing season, including strawberries, peas, pumpkins, and apples, but during the fall, Alstede really shines. With agro entertainment, an exciting corn maze, hayrides, and a nighttime Harvest Moon event, spending the day and night at Alstede is a real treat for families, where you can celebrate the beauty of the season. Scroll down to learn more about what you can find at Alstede Farms. (feature photo taken at Alstede Farms)

Alstede Farms

Take a hayride or visit the corn maze at this Chester, NJ farm. Photo taken at Alstede Farms

Take a scenic hayride 

Whether you have little ones who love running around or older kids, there is something for everyone at Alstede Farms. 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 the hayride, kids will 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 fall family photos at the photo ops nearby. All ages will be challenged at the corn maze, where you can choose between the adult or child entrance. (Hint: see if you can find the four farm animals hidden within the maze.)

Alstede Farms

Visit the animals at Alstede farms. Photo taken at Alstede Farms

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, corn maze by flashlight, live entertainment, and campfires, as well as a pumpkin picking add-on. Gather by one of the firepits with a complimentary glass of cider and pick up a s’mores kit to enjoy some treats by the fire pits while watching a live band. Ready to bust a move? Little ones can break out some of their sweet dance moves, and even the adults can get moving. If your sweet tooth is still calling, enjoy apple cider donut ice cream, pumpkin ice cream, and other seasonal favorites at the ice cream window. For a real treat, order their Harvest ice cream sandwich, which is two scoops of cream in between an apple cider donut with whipped cream on top—yum. Need heartier options? Stop by one of the food trucks in the FarmHouse District, which includes options from The Ripe Tomato, The Hen House, and the Doughnut Haus. Grab one of the picnic tables and take in the relaxed farm atmosphere. And if you can sneak away, check out the Wine Tasting Courtyard by Tomasello Winery with wine and hard cider tastings (they also have tastings and sell their products inside the farm store).

Don’t forget to take home some goodies from Alstede Farms. Photo taken at Alstede Farms

Bring home some seasonal goods

You can’t leave the farm without a visit to the farm store and pumpkin section with a bunch of seasonal pantry items and foods, such as heirloom pumpkin puree, leafy kale, and cherry butter, to name a few. 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 with you.

Fun the whole year round

Alstede Farms is open year-round, with special events that ramp up during holidays and seasons. From late May to mid-November, there are many fruits and vegetables for picking. In December, grab your little ones and have brunch with Santa in a festive setting and take a walk on the Evergreen Trail. When the Easter Bunny comes to town, enjoy brunch with him and have the chance for a cute photo op. As the weather begins to warm up, keep your eye out for farm-to-table events and a sunflower trail. When the leaves start to change and the crisp air begins again, come out for fall fun and Harvest Moon Nights.

What to know before you go

The Harvest Moon event runs through November 3, 2023, and is open from 6-10 PM for $19.99 per person. After November, stay tuned for Breakfast with Santa in December. Check their event calendar for more festivals, food events, and live entertainment—various pick-your-own opportunities run from late May to mid-November. 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. Alstede Farms is also an ideal place to host a birthday party or wedding as Alstede caters to their farms. 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.

For more information, visit the Alstede Farms website, Instagram, and Facebook.

Alstede Farms
1 Alstede Farms Lane
Chester, NJ 07930
(908) 879-7189

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About Author

Karen lives in Central Jersey with her two dogs, one cat, husband and daughter Olivia. Graduating from Seton Hall University with a B.A. in Journalism and Public Relations, she has been writing and working in the social media field for a few years. One of her proudest moments as a writer so far has been interviewing Tim Gunn from 'Project Runway' and subsequently winning Honorable Mention in NJ for Feature Writing. When she is not busy as a mom, she enjoys reading, going to the beach and watching the Real Housewives. She is very excited for the opportunity to be a part of the NJ Mom team!

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