Apple Picking Near Staten Island
When the fall rolls around, I get excited about one big thing (no, not the kids going back to school…): apple picking season near Staten Island! The colder weather brings us cute boots and sweaters, preparing to cozy up by a fire, and pick-your-own apples! Plus, a trip to the farm isn’t complete without a cup of delicious apple cider, followed by homemade treats (I’m looking at you, apple cider doughnuts!). If you’re ready to ring in fall with apple picking near Staten Island, then check out these farms and orchards in nearby New Jersey. Your family will have a blast picking fruit and checking out the various kid-friendly activities offered at each place.
A few things to note: Opening seasons are approximate as of the writing of this article since crops are based on weather conditions. Always check the farm’s website or call ahead to confirm availability. And don’t forget proper footwear as fields can be muddy or have uneven ground. Most farms don’t allow pets or picnicking (or any outside food, for that matter).
6 Orchards For Some Of The Best Apple Picking In NJ
Von Thun’s Farm
519 Ridge Road, South Brunswick
732-329-8656
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Approximate drive from Staten Island: 45 minutes
Hours: Daily, 10 am-5 pm; apple picking: mid-September through October
Cost: $3 for ages 3 and older; one-quarter peck bag, $9; half-peck bag, $15; peck bag, $25.
The farm grows eight varieties of apples, which are available at different times during the season. Apple varieties include autumn gala, golden delicious, suncrisp, honeycrisp, crimson crisp and more. Call ahead if you’re looking for a specific variety.
Giamarese Farm
155 Fresh Ponds Road, East Brunswick
732-821-9494
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Approximate drive from Staten Island: 45 minutes
Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 9am-6pm (must arrive by 5 for pick-your-own)
Cost: $2.89 per pound.
There are lots of fresh fruits and vegetables to pick at this New Jersey farm, including apples and pumpkins. Varieties of apples include gala, molly delicious and honey crisp. Apple season runs late August through Columbus Day. Arrive at least an hour and a half before closing.
Battleview Orchards
91 Wemrock Road, Freehold
732-462-0756
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Approximate drive from Staten Island: 45 minutes
Hours: Check the website for upcoming dates and hours
Cost: Call or check Facebook daily for updated prices on what’s in season for picking.
Battleview Orchards offers a vast variety of apples, including: ginger gold, gala, honrycrisp, macintosh, red delicious, fuji, empire and more! When you’re done picking, swing by the Country Store for fresh fruits and veggies, home baked pies, breads, and other pastries, and, of course, cider and cider doughnuts!
Lee Turkey Farm
201 Hickory Corner Road, East Windsor
609-448-0629
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Approximate drive from Staten Island: 45 minutes
Hours: Monday-Saturday, 9 am-6 pm; Sunday, 2-6 pm..
Cost: Admission Monday-Saturday is $3 per person for anyone 3 years and older. Sunday admission is $5 per person age 3 and up. After that, you just pay for what you pick.
Before entering the fields and orchards, you must complete a liability form stating you understand the rules of the farm and you and your family are entering and picking produce at your own risk. You will receive a picking card. Bring the card back any time throughout the season to show you’ve already filled out your liability form for the year. You can familiarize yourself with the rules before visiting by reading them on their website. Apple picking season starts in August.
Demarest Farms
244 Wierimus Road, Hillsdale
201-666-0472
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Approximate drive from Staten Island: 1 hour
Hours: Apple season begins in September Check the U-pick schedule online. Reservations required.
Cost: $8 for ages 2 and older, includes parking, entrance to the orchard, petting zoo, and playground; free for kids younger than 2; $15 for a bag to hold the apples you pick (bag holds approximately 10-12 lbs.).
This farm has it all—lots of pick-your-own fruit varieties, plus a petting zoo, Halloween lights, and more. When you’re done picking, check out the farm store with a bakery, apple cider doughnuts, flowers, and fresh produce.
Alstede Farms
1 Alstede Farms Ln., Chester
908-879-7189
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Approximate drive from Staten Island: 1 hour
Hours: Farm Store: daily, 9 am-6 pm; u-pick: daily, 9 am-6 pm.
Cost: Call or see more information at alstedefarms.com.
The farm has over 50 different apple varieties. Call in advance or visit the “What Can I Pick Today” portion of the farm’s website to confirm which varieties are available. Check out the corn maze, evergreen adventure maze, and sunflower trail. Many animal friends live on the farm, too. Visit and say hello to horses, goats, donkeys, sheep, cows, chickens, ducks, turkeys and bunnies!
