Unearth The Voyage
Tucked into a quiet corner of Bergen County, New Jersey, there is a working farm that has been drawing families back season after season for generations. It has a barnyard full of animals you can actually feed, a greenhouse packed with plants and flowers, a market stocked with fresh produce and baked goods, and enough seasonal activities to fill an entire afternoon.
The kind of place where kids refuse to leave and adults end up buying more than they planned. This is not a theme park or a pop-up event.
It is a real, working farm that opens its gates to the public and delivers something genuinely worthwhile every single visit, no matter what time of year you show up.
Where to Find It and What to Expect
Abma’s Farm Market, Greenhouse, and Barnyard Petting Zoo sits at 700 Lawlins Rd, Wyckoff, NJ 07481, right in the heart of Bergen County.
First-time visitors are often surprised by how much is packed into one property. There is a full farm market, a working greenhouse, a barnyard petting zoo, seasonal flower fields, a bakery counter, and a gift shop, all in one location.
One practical heads-up worth knowing before the visit: the farm operates on a cash-only basis for some transactions, but there is an ATM on site. Buying petting zoo tickets in advance is also recommended, especially on busy fall weekends when the crowds pick up noticeably.
A Family Farm With Deep Roots
The Abma family has been farming this land for decades, and the farm has become one of those rare community anchors that multiple generations of Bergen County families return to year after year. It is common to meet people who first came here as children and now bring their own kids and grandchildren through the same barnyard gates.
That kind of loyalty does not happen by accident. The farm has maintained its identity as a working, genuine agricultural operation rather than turning into a purely commercial attraction.
The animals are well cared for, the produce is homegrown, and the staff carries a warmth that reflects the family-run nature of the business.
The Abma name is recognized throughout the region, and the farm’s longevity speaks to a consistent commitment to quality. For many local families, a visit here is not just a fun outing, it has quietly become a yearly tradition they would not skip.
The Barnyard Petting Zoo Lineup
The barnyard petting zoo at Abma’s is genuinely well-stocked. Goats, sheep, cows, donkeys, mini horses, pigs, ducks, bunnies, alpacas, and even emus all call this farm home.
The variety alone sets it apart from smaller petting zoos that typically offer just a handful of animals.
Admission to the petting zoo is priced at $5.50 per person, and animal feed is available for purchase separately. Crackers work well for the pigs, pellets go to most of the other animals, and carrot tops are a hit with the bunnies.
Each feeding option adds a layer of interaction that keeps kids engaged well beyond a quick walk-through.
The animals here are calm and clearly accustomed to being around people, which makes the experience approachable even for younger children or those who are a little nervous around farm animals. The goats, in particular, are known for being enthusiastically competitive when food appears, which tends to get big laughs from the crowd.
Fall Activities That Actually Deliver
Autumn is arguably the busiest and most celebrated season at Abma’s. Pumpkin picking, hayrides, and a wide selection of fall flowers draw crowds from across Bergen County and beyond.
The pumpkin variety alone is worth the trip, with options ranging in size, shape, and color to suit every decorating preference.
The hayride and pumpkin package is available for $21 per person, which covers petting zoo admission, the hayride, and a pumpkin to take home. Pony rides are offered as a separate add-on and are available seasonally through October, with timed reservations recommended to avoid disappointment.
Apple cider donuts are a fall staple at the farm market and have developed a loyal following of their own. Light, fluffy, and dusted with the right amount of sweetness, they have become one of those items people specifically plan their visit around.
A fall afternoon at Abma’s, donut in hand, has become a seasonal ritual for many Bergen County families.
The Farm Market Worth Browsing
The farm market inside Abma’s is a proper grocery stop, not just a souvenir counter. Fresh fruits and vegetables, much of it homegrown, fill the shelves alongside locally produced honey, freshly baked bread, and a rotating selection of seasonal items.
The quality of the produce is consistently high, and regulars often stop in just to pick up the week’s groceries.
The prepared food section is a practical bonus for families visiting with kids. Pre-made soups, salads, and sandwiches are available, and there is a picnic area outside where you can sit down and eat without rushing.
It turns a farm visit into a full afternoon outing rather than a quick stop.
Fresh chocolate milk, sourced from the farm’s own cows, is one of those items that catches people off guard with how good it actually is. London broil and other fresh cuts of meat are also available, making the market a genuinely useful stop for home cooks in the area.
The Greenhouse and Flower Fields
Plant lovers have their own reason to make the trip to Abma’s, and the greenhouse does not disappoint. Packed with flowering plants, seasonal greenery, and a rotating selection tied to the time of year, it is the kind of place where you walk in for one thing and leave with six.
The staff knows their inventory well and can point visitors toward the right plants for specific conditions.
The cut-your-own flower fields are a seasonal highlight, typically open during the summer months when blooms are at their peak. There is an admission fee to access the flower fields, which covers the experience of walking through and selecting your own bouquet.
It is a popular option for anyone who wants fresh flowers without the florist markup.
The greenhouse inventory shifts with the seasons, meaning spring visits look completely different from summer or fall ones. That variety keeps regular visitors coming back throughout the year to see what is new and what is currently in bloom.
Bakery Highlights You Should Not Skip
The bakery counter at Abma’s has built a strong reputation among regular visitors, and the chocolate frosted donut is the item that comes up most often. It is described as light and fluffy with a frosting that leans sweet, making it a solid pick for anyone with a preference for dessert-style baked goods.
Beyond the donuts, freshly baked bread is available regularly, and the selection changes based on the season and what the kitchen is producing. The apple cider donuts during fall are a seasonal must, and they tend to sell out on busy weekends, so arriving earlier in the day is a smart move.
The bakery is not a large, sprawling operation, but what it produces is made with care and uses quality ingredients. For families spending a few hours at the farm, grabbing something from the bakery counter makes for a natural and satisfying end to the visit before heading back to the car.
A Year-Round Destination, Not Just a Fall Stop
Many people associate Abma’s primarily with fall pumpkin season, but the farm operates year-round and offers something different in every season. Spring brings Easter Bunny photo opportunities and a fresh wave of greenhouse plants.
Summer fills the farm market with peak-season produce and opens up the flower fields for picking.
Winter turns the property into a holiday destination. Christmas trees and wreaths are available for purchase, and Santa and Mrs. Claus make appearances that families with young children have built into their December traditions.
The Santa visits are described as genuinely engaging, with both characters taking real time with the kids rather than rushing through a photo line.
The petting zoo and farm market remain open throughout the year, which means there is never a wrong time to visit. Whether it is a cold Tuesday in February or a warm Saturday in July, the farm stays active and welcoming, which is part of what makes it such a reliable local fixture.
Special Events That Bring Extra Fun
Throughout the year, Abma’s hosts special events that go beyond the everyday farm experience. The Touch a Tractor event is a standout for younger children, giving toddlers and preschoolers a chance to get up close with real farm equipment.
For kids who are fascinated by big machines, this kind of access is genuinely exciting and hard to find elsewhere.
Birthday parties can also be arranged at the farm, making it a creative alternative to the usual party venue options. The combination of animals, outdoor space, and a farm atmosphere gives parties a memorable backdrop that kids tend to talk about long after the cake is gone.
Seasonal events like Easter Bunny and Santa visits are scheduled in advance, so checking the farm’s website at abmasfarm.com before planning a visit is always a good idea. The event calendar fills up, and some activities require reservations, especially during the busy fall and holiday seasons when demand is highest.
The Corn Pit and Play Area
Tucked near the petting zoo area is a play space that has become a genuine crowd-pleaser for the youngest visitors. The corn pit, filled with dried corn kernels and stocked with toy trucks, is the kind of low-tech setup that children find completely absorbing.
Kids who visit with older siblings often end up spending more time in the corn pit than anywhere else on the property.
The play area is compact but well-designed for the toddler and preschool crowd. It gives parents a chance to take a breath while the kids stay happily occupied, which is not a small thing after an energetic loop through the barnyard.
Access to the play tractor area is included in the farm’s package deal, which covers the hayride, petting zoo admission, and pumpkin during fall season. For families visiting outside of the fall package period, it is worth checking the current pricing structure on the farm’s website to confirm what is included.
Practical Tips Before You Go
A few practical notes can make an Abma’s visit run much more smoothly. The farm is cash only for certain purchases, but an ATM is available on site.
Bringing some cash in advance is still the smarter move, especially if you plan to buy animal feed, bakery items, and produce all in the same visit.
Petting zoo tickets are best purchased in advance, particularly on fall weekends when the farm sees its highest traffic. Pony rides operate on a timed reservation system, and slots can fill up quickly, so booking ahead through the website is strongly recommended if that is a priority for the kids.
Weekday mornings tend to be quieter, which makes them a good option for families with younger children who do better with less crowd pressure. The farm is open Tuesday through Saturday starting at 8 AM, and arriving early means more time with the animals before the afternoon rush brings in the bigger groups.
Why Families Keep Coming Back
The repeat visit rate at Abma’s is one of the clearest signals that the farm is doing something right. Families who came as children now bring their own kids, and those kids are already asking to come back before the car has left the parking lot.
That cycle of loyalty is built on consistency, variety, and a genuine farm experience that does not feel manufactured.
Every season offers something new to look forward to, whether it is spring seedlings in the greenhouse, summer flower fields, fall pumpkins and hayrides, or winter holiday events. The farm market and petting zoo stay open year-round, so there is always a reason to make the drive to Wyckoff.
For Bergen County families looking for an outing that covers multiple interests at once, kids, plants, animals, fresh food, and seasonal fun, Abma’s Farm Market, Greenhouse, and Barnyard Petting Zoo consistently delivers. It earns its place on the short list of local destinations worth returning to, again and again.
