Pumpkin FAQs

Q: What activities do you have on the farm for pumpkin season?
A: Pumpkin season is a major event at Jones Family Farms. Every year, our Pumpkinseed Hill farm transforms into a themed celebration of autumn. Guests can choose from over 50 varieties of pumpkins and gourds in our Market Yard or wander through nearby pumpkin fields searching for the perfect jack-o-lantern. Enjoy hayrides, photo opportunities and a corn maze (open on weekends) as well as a small “stage” area with music where children are invited to dance. Meet our pigs, turkeys and chickens in the Market Yard or visit our food table for fresh baked cookies and apple cider on the weekends or farm fresh apples every day. The weekend before Halloween is our Annual UNICEF Family Festival. Families participate in fun games and activities, and proceeds are donated to UNICEF.

Q: Do you offer school tours at the farm?
A: Yes. To learn about our different programs, school program dates, and pricing, you can visit our Learn page. Please note that space is very limited for our popular Pumpkin School Tour program.

Q: Can I bring my scout group or club to the farm?
A: Small groups are welcome to come to the farm for pumpkin picking, and no reservation is needed. We recommend a 1:4 adult to child ratio, especially for younger children. In the future, we will have information on guided programs for scouts and other groups on our Learn page.

Q: May I celebrate my child’s birthday here?
A; Due to staffing and crowds we do not have an organized birthday party program. However, children are always welcome in small groups to participate in ongoing farm activities. Children must be adequately supervised by adults (we suggest 1:4 ratio). We suggest the party giver visit the farm to research prices (varies from year to year) for a medium pumpkin, hayrides, corn maze (weekends only), cookies and apples in order to let each guest have an idea of how much to bring per child. However, due to staffing, trash management and parking, we cannot allow visitors to bring the food-and-gifts part of their party to the farm; please enjoy this part of the party at home or a nearby park.

Q: Where may I set up my picnic/tailgate?
A: Due to crowds and staffing, as well as safety concerns, we do not maintain a picnic area. Because we have limited yard and parking lot space, tailgating/ picnicking is discouraged. Visitors might want to drive 3 miles on Rt 110 to Indian Well State Park for picnic facilities.

Q: Can I bring my pet to the farm?
A: We follow Good Agricultural Practices. Pumpkins and squash are food crops and therefore we cannot have any pets in the fields or barnyard area. We appreciate your cooperation. Since leaving your pets in the car can be hazardous to their health, we strongly recommend you leave your pets at home.

Q: Do you sell food on the farm?
A: Fresh farm apples are available every day. On weekends, pasteurized cider and fresh-baked cookies are available in the food area.

Q: Do you have apple picking?
A: We get our Empire apples from a great local farm in New York. We do not have any apple picking at Jones Family Farms.

Q: What is the price of the pumpkins?
A: Prices are decided by size. There are labeled pumpkins throughout the barnyard to give you an idea of how much the different size pumpkins cost.

Q: What do the hayrides cost?
A: The cost of the tractor hayride can vary. We will update this once 2010 prices are available.

Q: When is the corn maze open?
A: The corn maze is open on weekends and on the Columbus Day holiday. The maze is geared for families and usually lasts about 10-20 minutes. The 2010 cost will be updated when it is available. For everyone's safety, an adult must accompany children under 16 years old.

Q: What should I wear when visiting the farm?
A: Always wear sturdy shoes (boots, sneakers, closed toe, low heels). We also recommend that you bring layers of clothes because at certain parts of the day Pumpkinseed Hill can become very breezy.

Q: Where is the closest restaurant for a quick family meal?
A: Many restaurants are located on Route 111 in Monroe; including McGowan’s Pizzaland, Home Plate Deli, and Bill’s Drive Inn. There is a handout available at the Cashier’s Hut.

Q: Will you donate pumpkins to a worthy cause?
A: If we have an unusually good supply of pumpkins, we consider donations to nonprofits, especially in our community. Visit the Cashier’s Hut at Pumpkinseed Hill to obtain a request form. Donation forms must be mailed or faxed to the office; no phone calls or emails please. We will notify applicants about availability of donations in mid-October. Approved donations must be picked up only on weekdays between 10 AM and 5 PM. Please understand that although we want to help as many groups as possible, it is difficult to fulfill every request we receive.