Demarest Farms Pumpkin Patch Review: A Fall Day with My Toddler 🎃

“Rain is coming this afternoon… but my toddler still wants to go outside.”

So, we decided to take a quick trip to Demarest Farms in NJ, about 20–25 minutes from home.
I expected fewer people because of the rain.

I was very wrong. 😂

There were so many people!

🎃 Plan Ahead: Buy Your Tickets Online

The first surprise was the line.

We waited in the car for quite a while just to get into the farm. Then a staff member came by and told us to purchase our tickets online.

That’s when I realized why the line was moving so slowly.

If you’re planning a visit to Demarest Farms, buy your tickets online before you arrive.

🎃 Planning your visit? Check the latest ticket prices and availability here!

And here’s one important thing I wish I had known:

You need to select the $14 pumpkin option!

If you’re going specifically for the pumpkin patch, the checkout requires you to select “Any Size 1 Pumpkin – $14.”

So don’t get confused when you’re checking out!

We also purchased the Petting Zoo admission.

🎃 Pumpkin Patch

Once we finally got inside, we headed straight to the pumpkin patch.

There were plenty of pumpkins to choose from, and of course, this was the perfect place for toddler pictures. 📸

The entrance and parking area felt a little narrow, especially with so many cars, but the staff were helpful and directed everyone where to go.

🍎 Is It Too Late for Apple Picking?

Since the apple orchard was right next to the pumpkin patch, we decided to take a quick look.

Honestly?

It seemed a little late for apple picking. 😂

Most of the apples within easy reach were already gone, and the ones left looked very ripe.
I saw lots of families using the long apple pickers for $5.
My son wanted to try it too, but I told him,

“Let’s do it with Daddy next time.”

Sometimes that’s the easiest way to avoid a toddler meltdown. 😂

🐐 Wait… Is This the Petting Zoo?

We had already paid for the Petting Zoo, so when we saw the goats next to the pumpkin patch, we thought, “Oh, I guess this is it?”

There was no one checking our Petting Zoo ticket, and we could already feed the goats crackers for $1 each.

For a moment, I was thinking,

“Wait… I paid for the Petting Zoo, but is this really all there is?” 😂

Then we realized the actual Petting Zoo is located after you leave the farm area and head toward the Farm Market.

So if you’re visiting for the first time, don’t make the same mistake we did!

Once you leave the main farm area, follow the signs toward the Farm Market to find the Petting Zoo.

And one more important tip: the animal crackers are $1 each and cash only, so bring some cash!

Once we got there, we found goats, pigs, chickens, ducks, alpacas, horses, and cows.

My son had a great time feeding the animals—even though we were getting rained on! 🐐🐷🦙

🚜 Playground & Tractor Ride

After the pumpkin patch, we crossed the parking lot to the playground.
There were quite a few kids playing, and my son had a good time running around.

Then we headed over for the tractor ride.
Look for the tractor sign and wait there. When we visited, it looked like they were running about two tractors.

When my son was younger, he was scared of tractor rides.
Now he’s bigger and braver.

He actually told me,

“Mommy, don’t leave my side!”

…and then enjoyed the whole ride. 😂

These little moments make you realize how quickly they grow.

🍩 Farm Market & Apple Cider Donuts

After leaving the farm area, we headed toward the Farm Market.
One tip: the signs weren’t super obvious, so I recommend using your GPS.

The Farm Market was packed.
I wanted to get some apple cider donuts, but the line was SO long that we decided to skip them.

Apparently, everyone else had the same idea of getting their fall treats before the rain!

🎃 Would I Recommend Demarest Farms?

If you’re looking for a quick 2–3 hour fall activity with young kids, Demarest Farms is worth considering.

You can do the pumpkin patch, playground, tractor ride, and Petting Zoo all in one visit.

For us, though, the crowds, traffic, and waiting made the day a little more hectic than I expected.

So while I’m glad we experienced it, next time I may look for a different farm with a little more space and fewer crowds. 😊

They also had Halloween Lights set up during our visit, with tickets listed at $35. I think that could be really fun when kids are a little older!

🎃 My Tips Before You Go

• 🎟️ Buy your tickets online before arriving
• 🎃 Remember to select the $14 pumpkin option
• 💵 Bring cash for the $1 animal crackers
• 🚗 Expect some waiting around the entrance and parking area
• 📍 The Petting Zoo is near the Farm Market, after leaving the main farm area
• 🧭 Use GPS when heading toward the Farm Market
• 👕 A change of clothes for toddlers is always a good idea
• ⏰ Plan for around 2–3 hours with young kids

Looking for more fall activities?
Check out my guide to [Ochs Orchard Apple Picking review]