What we're not doing this fall: paying overpriced farm admission just to leave underwhelmed.
Hi, I'm Huma 👋 NJ mom of two and family travel advisor. I'm always hunting for the best family activities, weekend getaways and day trips from NJ and NYC. If you've been searching for things to do with kids this fall, pumpkin farms, or an easy family fall day trip, put this one on your list.
This local hidden gem became my most-commented post ever, and so many of you asked for the name that I'm sharing it here: Minard's Family Farms in Clintondale, NY, about 1.5 hours from NYC. Here's everything you need to plan your day.
What made this farm worth the drive
- 🍎 Apple picking
- 🌻 Sunflower field
- 🎃 Pumpkin patch
- 🚜 Hayride
- 🌽 Corn maze
- 🐐 Farm animals
- 🚂 Buzzy Bee Train
- 🛝 Playground
- 🍔 Food on site
What won me over is that it's a full day in one place. Pick apples, grab pumpkins, get your sunflower photos, hop on the hayride and the Buzzy Bee Train, visit the petting zoo, then let the kids burn off the rest of their energy on the playground. Nobody was bored, including the grown-ups.
Minard's wristband prices
Regular Wristband
$17Includes: Bouncy Pillow, Sand Pit, Tumble Bus, School House, Chalk Bus, Petting Zoo, Spider Web, Pony Hop & Zone, Barnyard Football, Tug of War, Barnyard Baseball, Mac'n Tosh, Tic Tac Toe, Apple Checkers, Pumpkin Bowling, Tire Mountain, Pedal Carts, Corn Maze & more.
Super Wristband
$28Everything in Regular, plus: Gem Mining, Apple Cannons, a small ice cream cone and a ride on the Buzzy Bee Train.
Season Pass
$70Visit all fall season as many times as you like, with all the benefits of a Regular wristband. The more memories, the better!
Mining bags (purchased separately)
- Prospector Bag $6.50
- Pay Dirt Bag $8.50
- Fossil Find Bag $10.00
- Mother Lode Bag $21.00
*Prices are subject to change. Please confirm current prices and hours with Minard's before you go.
Fall farm scenes for inspiration. Watch my reel below to see our actual day at the farm.
My tips for a farm day with kids
- Plan a weekend trip. Minard's is open Saturdays and Sundays in season, no reservations needed, so just check the weather and go.
- Go early. Morning light is best for sunflower photos, and lines for rides are shorter.
- Dress for dirt. Sneakers or boots, layers, and a change of clothes for the car.
- Pack the basics: sunscreen, water, wipes and a tote for your apples.
- Bring a wagon or stroller if your little ones tire out. Pumpkins get heavy fast.
- Save the playground for last so the kids have something to look forward to (and nap on the way home).
Want more family fall ideas?
Get my Minard's day plan, more local farm picks and family travel deals, sent straight to your inbox.
Got it! Huma will be in touch soon.
Prefer Instagram? Comment FARM on the reel and I'll DM you the guide.
Contact Huma
I'm a local expert who can help with all your travel needs, from farm days to Disney.
- 📩 holidaywithhuma@gmail.com
- 📱 Instagram · TikTok · Facebook: @holidaywithhuma
Planning something bigger?
Farm days are my favorite local reset, but if you're dreaming about Disney, a Caribbean cruise or an all-inclusive, I plan those too, and my planning services are free. Tell me where you want to go.
Huma
← More from the blogPhotos via Wikimedia Commons: sunflower field by Björn S. (CC BY-SA 3.0); hayride by Rberchie (CC BY-SA 4.0); sunflowers by Audrey from Central Pennsylvania (CC BY 2.0); pumpkin patch by Yelderberry (CC BY-SA 4.0); apples by Pete Markham (CC BY-SA 2.0); farm wagons by Chris Light (CC BY-SA 4.0); corn maze by Michael Barera (CC BY-SA 4.0); red barn by Don Graham (CC BY-SA 2.0); hay barn from the U.S. National Archives (public domain); Catskills background, Evergreen Mountain from Buck Ridge Lookout, by Daniel Case (CC BY-SA 3.0). commons.wikimedia.org