I know what you’re thinking – already? Well, perhaps not quite, but soon the pumpkins will be out and you’ll be looking for a good local patch to take your kids and grab some terrific kids’ photos. With that in mind, here’s my list of best local pumpkin patches in the New York and surrounding areas:

Best Pumpkin Patches in New York

Stuart’s Farm – Granite Springs
62 Granite Springs Road
Granite Springs, NY
914-245-2784
http://www.stuartsfarm.com/

It’s been around for 180 years, so it must be good! With over 30 kinds of pumpkins (including the kinds that are bigger than your kids) plus apples, tomatoes, and fresh-baked goods, your family will find lots to do and see – as well as great locations for kid’s photos.

Albert H. Schmitt Family Farms
6 Bagatelle Rd
Dix Hills, New York 11746
(631) 549-1159
shmittsfamilyfarms.com

For those of you would like to avoid a drive (especially through Manhattan), this farm is reachable by Long Island Rail and a short taxi ride. Once there, your kids can enjoy hay rides, a bouncy house, haunted maze, and an animal train ride. Open on weekends from 10am to 6pm, this is the perfect way to spend a day outside and get some great photos of your kids.

Best Pumpkin Patch in New Jersey

Duffield’s Farm
280 Chapel Heights Road
Sewell, NJ 08080
(856) 589-7090
duffieldsfarm.com

Open Monday through Saturday, Duffield’s offers fun family activities including apple picking, hay rides, even birthday parties! Have a blast, have a picnic, and get some great photos of your kids and the rest of your family enjoying fun fall activities. You might even want to return in December to meet Mrs. Clause and have some gingerbread…

Best Pumpkin Patch in Connecticut

Harris Hill Farm
99 Ridge Road
New Milford, CT 96776
(860) 354-3791
harrishillfarm.com

Located in Litchfield County, Harris Hill Farm is open Saturdays and Sundays and offers lovely views of the valley below – perfect for capturing the varied colors of fall. With hayrides and a kid’s maze in addition to them pumpkin patch, this farm makes for a fun family excursion.

Tips for Pumpkin Patch Photos

Don’t forget to read our complete blog for more tips, but the most important thing is to dress for the weather! No one is going to be any fun if you are cold. Having a thermos of hot drinks and a few flannel blankets can also help, as well as adding a splash of color to your photos! For the best results you want your kids wearing colors that will stand out against their surrounds, so ideally avoid orange and green.

If you have any suggestions for great pumpkin patches in your area, please share!