Autumn Adventures at Demarest Farms, Hillsdale NJ

Demarest Farms offers a unique slice of outdoor family fun just outside New York City, situated in Hillsdale, New Jersey. This working farm combines classic fall traditions with festive seasonal events that draw crowds looking to soak up the harvest vibes and fresh country air. Known for its pick-your-own fruit experiences, visitors come prepared to fill baskets with crisp apples and juicy peaches grown right on site. The orchard stretches across rolling farmland where neat rows of fruit trees change color with the seasons, inviting hands-on engagement with nature. Beyond fruit picking, Demarest Farms activates the entire family with a variety of themed events. Come October, the Halloween Light Show transforms the farm at night, blending handcrafted displays and immersive lighting that delight kids and adults alike. Daytime guests enjoy the Orchard of Lights, pumpkin patches fully stocked with colorful gourds, and farm-fresh baked goods such as their celebrated apple cider donuts—often cited as among the best in the region. Children can wander toward the petting zoo or play structures, while adults savor harvest-season staples from the farm shop, including homemade jams, jellies, nuts, and a well-regarded salad bar and sandwich station. For special occasions, events like Stewie the Duck's Family Fun Day and Scotty Mac’s Sippy Poo BBQ add festive flare. The farm also hosts the New Jersey Wine Festival, highlighting local viticulture amid scenic farmland. Accessibility and crowd management have improved with slotted visit times, making for a comfortable visit even during peak weekends. While the prices lean a bit higher than a supermarket, Demarest Farms delivers a hands-on rural experience that city dwellers and suburban families treasure—a living chapter of New Jersey’s agricultural heritage and seasonal celebration. Whether harvesting fruit, savoring freshly baked treats, or taking in colorful illumination, the farm holds something tangible and memorable at every visit.