Abma's Farm

Abma's Farm At A Glance...

• Barnyard Petting Zoo with a variety of animals including goats, sheep, alpaca, donkeys, ponies, bunnies, pigs, and cows.
• Seasonal U-Pick events for flowers, vegetables (tomatoes, eggplant, peppers, potatoes), and pumpkins.
• Farm market selling homegrown produce, fresh eggs, baked goods, deli items, and local products.
• Todays Sunrise: 5:22 am,   Sunset: 8:32 pm  
• New Jersey Gateway Region Bergen County

• Activities:

  • Picnicking
  • Walking

  Farming:

  • Farm Market
  • Pick Your Own
  • Pumpkin Picking

  Attractions:

  • Animals
  • Petting Zoo

  Rules/Regulations:

  • Alcohol *NOT Permitted*

Contact / Location

A Brief History

Abma's Farm began in 1929 when Barney Abma started a small farm. Initially, it was a modest operation to sustain the family, with an orchard, a small vegetable field, cows, and pigs. Barney Abma soon began raising chickens for eggs and meat. Over the decades, his sons, including James and Henry, significantly expanded the egg operation, reaching up to 25,000 laying hens in the 1960s. The original barn was renovated in the 1970s by James Abma to become the retail Farm Market seen today. The farm has continued to evolve, with subsequent generations adding to and diversifying its offerings while maintaining its agricultural roots in Bergen County.

Programs / Education

Field Trips & Group Visits (Wyckoff): Offers self-guided and guided Barnyard Petting Zoo visits for groups (schools, scouts, etc.). These tours include learning about various farm animals. Specific packages are available, some including hayrides (seasonally) and animal crackers for feeding. Lunch picnic area available upon request for an additional fee in May only for groups.

Best Time of Year to Visit

Spring: Visit for spring plants in the greenhouse, Easter events, and to see baby animals in the petting zoo.

Summer: Ideal for U-Pick flowers and vegetables, and enjoying the farm in full bloom. Summer camps and various workshops are often held.

Fall: A very popular time for pumpkin picking, fall festivals, hayrides (often part of pumpkin picking packages), and enjoying autumn decorations and baked goods.

Late Spring/Early Winter: For fresh greens and early produce. The market and petting zoo are open year-round (with adjusted hours/days).

Trip Ideas

• Family Day Out: Spend a few hours at the petting zoo, let kids enjoy the play areas, and then pick up fresh produce and treats from the market.
• Seasonal U-Pick Adventure: Plan a visit around specific U-Pick seasons like strawberry (though strawberry U-Pick seems more prominent at their Hillsborough location), tomato, or pumpkin picking for a hands-on farm experience.
• Gardener's Visit: Explore the extensive greenhouses for plants and gardening inspiration, followed by a stop at the market for fresh ingredients.
• Educational Group Trip: Schools and scouts can arrange for guided or self-guided tours of the petting zoo.

Special / Seasonal Events

• U-Pick Events: Flower Picking (July - Late Sept), Veggie Picking (July - Aug), Tomato Picking (July - Aug), Potato Digging (Aug), Pumpkin Picking (Late Sept - Oct).
• Workshops: Little Cactus Club: Succulent Workshop, Lil' Gardeners DIY Planting, Wine & Design Build Your Own Bouquet (various dates).
• Children's Programs: Camp Cock-a-Doodle-Do (July-Aug).
• Holiday Events: Likely Easter, Fall-themed events, and Christmas season activities (e.g., Santa visits, as alluded to in their "About Us"). Check website for specifics.
• Birthday Parties (Wyckoff): Offered from early May to late October, with themes like "Barnyard Bash" and "Hayride & Pumpkin Picking Party".

Tips and Tricks

• Purchase tickets online in advance for events and the petting zoo, especially on weekends and holidays, to ensure entry.
• Bring cash for U-Pick events and animal feed in the petting zoo.
• Wear closed-toe footwear and farm-friendly clothing, especially for U-Pick.
• Check the farm's website or call ahead for U-Pick conditions and availability, as it can change based on weather and crop yield.
• No outside food is permitted at the farm or in U-Pick areas.
• Pets are not permitted at the farm or in U-Pick areas due to food safety reasons.
• Parking is free.

Picnics / Lunches / Eating

• Outside food is generally not permitted.
• The farm market offers a deli with sandwiches, salads (including their popular chicken salad), baked goods, and drinks that can be purchased.
• A lunch picnic area is available upon request at checkout for an additional fee for group visits (e.g., field trips) in May only (not available July or August for groups). General public picnic areas are not explicitly mentioned.

Specials & Coupons

The website mentions a "Grandparents' Day" for their Hillsborough petting zoo where grandparents get free admission on Wednesdays; check if a similar promotion exists for Wyckoff or if any other specials are advertised on their social media or local flyers. No ongoing general coupons are listed on the website.

Parking

Free parking is available on-site.