Looking for a great way to spend time outside of the city? Outside of Jersey City, New Jersey’s farms are all set for Halloween this year with a pumpkin harvest well worth the trip. Here are a few farms to check out this October if you’re planning a trip outside the city.

Melick’s Town Farm

A short 45 minute trip from downtown Jersey City, Melic’s Town Farm hosts free haywagon rides each weekend of October. Located at 170 Oldwick Road, Whitehouse Station, Melick’s also has locations in Califon and Bridgewater. At the Oldwick Road location, however, the cider mill is open every day and you can even cut your own flowers while you’re there. Learn more about Melick’s Town Farm.

Happy Day Farm

Another great farm to check out this season is Happy Day Farm in Manalapan Township, New Jersey. Located just under an hour away, this is one of the most instagrammable farms within an hour from Jersey City, featuring pumpkin houses and other photo worthy installations. 

The best time to visit is during Happy Day Farm’s Fall Festival Days — every Friday, Saturday and Sunday (plus Columbus Day) — when all of the farm’s fall attractions come alive, including Pumpkinville, a corn maze, pig races, tractor rides, fun slides, a feeding zoo and more. Learn more about Happy Day Farm.

Ripple Hill Farm

Pumpkin picking aside, another great way to pick up on the fall vibes is to visit a local orchard for apple picking. Located just 40 minutes from downtown Jersey City, Ripple Hill Farm offers apple picking every Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. 

This is a small family-owned farm so be sure to have cash as they do not take cards. Entry fee is $5 per person (children under 10 are free). Any of the fresh fruit that is picked is weighed at checkout. Learn more about Apple Picking at Ripple Hill Farm.