NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ — Fall doesn’t officially start until the autumnal equinox on Sept. 22, but the season is already underway at apple orchards near New Brunswick.
There are plenty of activities at these fall attractions to appeal to all ages, especially kids.
Patch compiled a list of some of the best apple orchards and family-friendly fall attractions in and around Middlesex County. Before you go, be sure to call ahead or check the orchard’s website to clarify hours of operation or to check for the availability of apples.
Battleview Orchards: 91 Wemrock Road, Freehold, NJ 07728
Giamerese Farm, 155 Fresh Ponds Road, East Brunswick, NJ 08816
Hacklebarney Farm: 104 State Park Road, Chester, New Jersey 07930
Demarest Farms, 244 Wierimus Road, Hillsdale, New Jersey
Melick’s Town Farm: Two locations, Oldwick and Califon (19 King Street, Oldwick, New Jersey and 472 County Rd 513, Califon, NJ 07830)
Riamede Farm, 122 Oakdale Road, Chester, New Jersey
There are also these corn mazes and pumpkin patches near New Brunswick:
Heavenly Hill Farm, 451 NJ-94, Vernon Township, NJ 07462
Fairfield Farms & Greenhouses: 177 Big Piece Rd, Fairfield, NJ 07004
This should be a good year for apple picking, according to the 2025 forecast from the U.S. Apple Association, which estimates the harvest will be 6 percent higher than in 2024, for a total of 273 million bushels.
That estimate is based on USDA data from the top seven apple-producing states — respectively, Washington, New York, Michigan, Pennsylvania, California, Oregon and Virginia. When other states are considered, total production could be as much as 290 million bushels, the industry trade group said