A Fruit Picking Adventure at Alstede Farms
Looking for fun family-friendly activities in New Jersey? Alstede Farms in the Garden State might be just what you are looking for. This July, despite a grey sky and drizzling rain, we had a delightful adventure that's perfect for kids and adults alike.
An Idyllic Setting
One of the standout features of Alstede Farms is its sheer size. Boasting sprawling fields dotted with ripe fruits and vegetables, and fun (and included) hayrides that whisk you from one field to another, it's a paradise for families looking for wholesome outdoor fun. The morning we arrived, the farm was relatively quiet thanks to a poor weather report. Excited laughter of kids and the sound of farm animals greeted us.
A Taste of the Farm Life
Our day began with a tracktor ride, a favorite among the kids. The rumbling tractor brought an immediate connection to the rustic life. The best part? These hayrides are included in the cost of fruit picking – a deal that’s hard to beat and unfortunately missing from some other farms around!
Soon we were out in the fields, baskets in hand, ready to pick our own fruit. Alstede Farms offers a variety to choose from. From plump blueberries and tart cherries to juicy peaches, sweet raspberries, and the uncommon gooseberries – we were spoilt for choice. Each fruit was a different adventure and kept the little ones thoroughly engaged.
Memorable Moments
A humorous highlight of the day was our attempt at cherry picking. They were a bit past season and the tart cherries were sitting high up in the trees, defying our efforts. In an amusing scene of family teamwork, we found ourselves pulling branches down and lifting kids up on our shoulders, trying to reach the cherries that were just out of reach. Eventually, we surrendered to the stubborn cherries and moved on to the more agreeable raspberries.
Catering to the Little Ones
A baby changing station!
Alstede Farms scores high on family-friendliness. Alongside the fun, the farm’s facilities cater to the needs of parents. Both in the fields and by the market, clean bathrooms are readily available. We were shocked to find baby changing rooms and private spaces for breastfeeding – a rare find for moms like me with young kids.
Bites & Farm Stand
After fruit picking, hunger hit. Alstede Farms has a high quality farm market with the usual fresh produce but also interesting items like bison and venison meat. They also sell many pickles and other locally produced items In the fields were food trucks if you needed a bite after a morning of fruit picking. Pizza, pretzels and classics like hotdogs and warm donuts paired with coffee were all on offer. Other families brought their own lunch and ate on the provided picnic benches. There was even a wine tasting tent, though we did not participate.
Top Tips for Visiting Alstede Farms
Planning a visit to Alstede Farms? Book ahead online to save both time and money. Remember to arrive within your booking window and allow for more time than you would at a smaller farm. This farm is large, and there's so much to explore! We lucked out with a quiet day due to weather, but on clearer days, this farm gets busy.
Conclusion
Rainy day or not, Alstede Farms offers a day full of fun and memory-making activities. It’s a delightful place where kids can get a hands-on experience with nature while adults can take a step back, relax, and soak up the farm ambiance. If you’re searching for things to do with your kids in New Jersey, I highly recommend Alstede Farms.
