Bring your school group to Demarest Farms in Hillsdale, NJ, for an unforgettable day of pumpkin picking, hayrides, and animal visits. Enjoy fresh pressed cider and apple cider donuts for a perfect fall outing.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
3–4 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for children and adults of all fitness levels, with mostly walking on flat fields and short hayride seating.
Wildlife
History
Demarest Farms has been a family-owned operation for over 100 years, preserving traditional farming methods and educating visitors about local agriculture.
Conservation
The farm employs sustainable farming practices including crop rotation, integrated pest management, and composting to minimize environmental impact.
Demarest Farms
Bring your school group to Demarest Farms in Hillsdale, NJ, for an unforgettable day of pumpkin picking, hayrides, and animal visits. Enjoy fresh pressed cider and apple cider donuts for a perfect fall outing.
Demarest Farms is a farm in Hillsdale, New Jersey, known for seasonal pick-your-own fruit, farm events, and community-focused activities. The farm offers apple and peach picking, pumpkin patches, scenic hayrides, a farmyard petting zoo, and specialized events such as the New Jersey Wine Festival and the Orchard of Lights. Each season features curated activities: spring and summer fruit picking, charitable barbecues and family fun days, and autumn harvest events tailored for families, schools, and groups. Reservations are required for limited experiences like pick-your-own peaches and pumpkins, ensuring an organized and enjoyable visit. Demarest Farms hosts fundraising events that support organizations such as the Fisher House Foundation and the Stew Leonard III Water Safety Foundation, highlighting a commitment to local causes and public safety. The farm operates rain or shine for select festivals, providing reliable planning information for visitors. Demarest Farms emphasizes safe, educational experiences with supervised school group visits that include hayrides, petting zoo interactions, fresh-pressed cider, and apple cider donuts. The Orchard of Lights is a guided vehicle tour across 32 acres with holiday displays, fire pits, and family-friendly entertainment. The farm’s mix of hands-on agriculture, seasonal entertainment, and philanthropic events makes it a trusted destination for Hudson Valley and northern New Jersey families seeking authentic farm experiences. Visitors can expect clear reservation policies, seasonal schedules, and community-oriented programming that prioritize visitor enjoyment and safety. On-site retail markets feature fresh local goods, and friendly staff provide guidance to make every visit comfortable and memorable for all ages daily today.
Location
Hillsdale, NJ
Convenient Bergen County destination
Pick-Your-Own
Peaches • Apples • Pumpkins
Reservations required for limited experiences
Community Events
Fundraising & Family Days
Supports Fisher House and Water Safety Foundation
Orchard of Lights
32 acres
Guided holiday vehicle tour
Reserve pick-your-own slots, buy festival tickets, or book school group visits to secure a memorable farm day with hayrides, petting zoo visits, and seasonal events.
Wear Comfortable, Closed-Toe Shoes
Fields can be muddy or uneven, so sturdy shoes will keep kids safe and comfortable during pumpkin picking and hayrides.
Bring Water Bottles
While cider is provided, staying hydrated is important, especially for younger kids active throughout the day.
Arrive Early for Best Pumpkin Selection
To secure the freshest and largest pumpkins, plan to arrive early in the day before the farm gets busy.
Supervise Children in Animal Areas
Petting zoo interactions should be monitored to ensure safe and gentle handling of animals by students.
Comfortable Closed-Toe Shoes
Protect feet during walking in soil and around animals.
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Light Jacket or Sweater
Stay warm during cooler autumn weather, especially in the morning.
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Reusable Water Bottle
Stay hydrated throughout the outdoor activities.
Hand Sanitizer
Keep hands clean after petting animals and handling pumpkins.