Updated for 2020!
At Mommy University, we love visiting farms especially farms in NJ! A family trip to the farm offers so many amazing developmental benefits as well as fun and exciting adventures. This summer, farms all across New Jersey are offering exciting brain boosting events for all ages. From story time to festivals to live music, there is something for everyone to enjoy. We have compiled a list of some of our favorite NJ farm events that not only encourage family fun and adventure, but also boost language, creativity, academic skills and much more! This list is organized in alphabetical order making it easier for you to find your favorite farm or learn about one you have always wanted to visit.
Brain Boosting Events and Experiences at NJ Farms
Abmas Farm
Open year round, Abmas Farm in Wycoff, NJ is a must-do day trip for families. From a petting zoo to pony rides to educational farm tours, there is something for everyone to enjoy. There are also fun workshops and camps you won’t want to miss! The Barnyard Petting Zoo is currently open Monday – Saturday and costs only $3/person. Every Wednesday grandparents are FREE. Abmas Farm is also offering a half-day summer camp.
Alstede Farms
Located in beautiful Chester, NJ, Alstede Farms offers year round farm fun for the entire family. Besides feeding farm animals, climbing the hay pyramid and eating amazing homemade ice cream, there are exciting family friendly events that you won’t want to miss! This summer, enjoy the Evergreen Maze and Sunflower Maze (beginning July 17). Pick-Your-Own is also available.
Donaldson Farms
Nestled in Warren County, Donaldson Farms offers some of my favorite family experiences. Farm goers of all ages flock to this farm especially during the summer when they offer weekly nighttime fun including homemade meals, live music and fun games! Summer Nights on the Farm takes place every Friday in the summer. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Donaldson Farms also offers pick-your-own experiences.
Fosterfields Living Historical Farm
Take a trip to Morris Township, NJ to Fosterfields Living Historical Farm for your chance to see what farm life was like during the early 20th Century. It is a fun family experience that helps kids understand the history of NJ and farming.
Heaven Hill Farm
Located in Sussex County, NJ is the gorgeous Heaven Hill Farm. They are known for their fall festivities, but their spring and summer events are equally as exciting. Families can enjoy fun festivals and other action packed farm events.
*Due to COVID-19, events are not taking place this summer; however, Heaven Hill’s nursery, bakery, greenhouses, and farmer’s market are still open!
Howell Living History Farm
Step back in time and explore over 250 years of farming practice and life at Howell Living History Farm located in Mercer County. Guests of all ages can enjoy hands-on experiences, explore the farm and enjoy fun events. Although the farm is closed for general admission due to COVID-19, Harvest Tours are still available 4 days a week. Preregistration is required.
Johnson’s Corner Farm
Located in Medford, Johnson’s Corner Farm offers hours of farm fun for the entire family. With pick-your-own adventures and hayrides along with Discovery Barnyard and various festivals, you will want to visit this amazing farm all summer! Friday Night Classic Car Cruise and BBQ is back too. The event takes place every Friday night and reservations are required. Beginning July 22, guests can also enjoy the Sunflower Celebration.
Oasis Family Farm
If you are looking for a fun farm experience in South Jersey then Oasis Family Farm is for you! Housed in Robbinsville, this farm offers a wide variety of family friendly festivals everyone will love!
*Due to COVID-19, Oasis Family Farm is not currently open.
Terhune Orchards
With endless amounts for farm fun, Terhune Orchards in Princeton, NJ is the perfect family day trip destination this spring and summer. From story time to festivals to summer camp, there is something for everyone to enjoy at this amazing NJ farm! The Read and Pick Program is a unique program that combines story time with farm activities for kids preschool age through 8 years old. Sessions are 1 hour and cost only $10/child. The program takes place on Tuesdays and each week has a different theme. Farm guests can also enjoy talking a walk on the Farm Trail and visiting animals in the barnyard. Summer camp is taking place as well.
Tranquility Farms
This summer, Tranquility Farms in Andover is offering endless family fun! Weekly classes will be available including story time, scavenger hunts, farm fitness, and more. Don’t forget to stop by the ice cream window for a delicious scoop of homemade ice cream too. Visit their Facebook page for details. Registration is required.
VonThun Farms
Located in Monmouth Junction, VonThun Farms offers events and activities the entire family will love. Their location in Washington, NJ also offers fun farm adventures for all ages including their Sunflower Trail that is open daily. Pick-your-own is also available.
Windy Brow Farms
Located in Newton, Windy Brow Farms may not offer specific events this summer but their famous homemade ice cream is reason enough to take a drive. I recommend trying the French Toast and Taylor Ham ice cream. They also offer vegan flavors. Take a walk through their bakery too for more delicious treats.
Know of more farm events near you? Put them in the comments below and we will add them to this post! Keep checking back as we will be adding new events and farms frequently.