Autumn has arrived, and Halloween is just around the corner. Which means its time to plan a run to the pumpkin patch! Those jack-o-lanterns aren’t going to carve themselves, you know. So, where are the best places to go pumpkin-picking and the perfect pumpkin patches near you? Here’s our list of the best places for family and friends to go pumpkin picking, including charming pumpkin patches across the U.S. perfect for a fun fall outing this year.
where to go pumpkin picking this fall at a patch near you
The Fall is in full swing, and we are ready to make the most of it.
When we’re not mulling cider or peeping leaves, we might be in the mood for a fall-tastic, family-friendly activity where we can appreciate the autumnal beauty all around us. How does pumpkin picking sound?
Head to any of these seventeen farms for amazing produce, wow-worthy attractions, and all your favorite seasonal festivities. And of course, you’ll be able to gather some gorgeous pumpkins – just in time for Halloween and Thanksgiving.
the best patches fo pumpkin picking this fall
1. Butler’s Orchard (Maryland)
You can make a reservation any time of year to pick-your-own at Butler’s outstanding farm, but the fall is when they really shine. After we take one last sunflower stroll, tomatoes, it’s time for the annual Pumpkin Harvest Festival – now in its 43rd year!
This festival runs all season long, and includes activities like hayrides, corn mazes, pumpkin cannons, and pony rides. And if you think you might become a regular, season passes are on sale now.
2. Cherry Crest Adventure Farm (Pennsylvania)
It doesn’t get more much more elaborate than autumn at Cherry Crest Adventure Farm. Since 1996, they have provided Pennsylvania with first-rate pumpkins, as well as a full roster of unforgettable fall activites. Slide down the hay chute, try your hand at apple-blasting, and then get lost in the five-acre corn maze – Cherry Crest’s claim to fame. Voted the in the country’s top ten corn mazes for the last five years, this is one autumn attraction you do not want to miss.
And the fun doesn’t have to end on Halloween – come back on November 5th for the “Pumpkin Madness Festival,” where you’ll have an opportunity to smash, throw, and and even bowl any leftover pumpkins. Make sure to stick around for the glow-in-the-dark “pumpkin drop” – and fireworks!
3. The Great Pumpkin Farm (New York)
Anyone can have a pumpkin patch, but The Great Pumpkin Farm in Clarence, New York takes it one step further: they have a pumpkin palace.
Fulfill all your scariest Halloween dreams by playing zombie paintball, then sit down at the Witches Bar and Café for a slice of legendary pumpkin pie. The rest of their attractions and contests will keep you occupied all through the season, with rides, petting zoos, pillow jumping, and more. September 17th through October 31st.
4. The Pumpkin Patch on Sauvie Island (Oregon)
The Pumpkin Patch on Sauvie Island has been open for more than fifty years, so you know that it must be a pretty special place.
In addition to their unbeatable array of pumpkins, they of course host daily activities such as hayrides, corn mazes, and visits to their big red barn – where you can pick up a steaming mug of “Pumpkin Perk” coffee. They are open daily, and admission is free.
5. Vala’s Pumpkin Patch and Apple Orchard (Nebraska)
You could spend the whole season at Vala’s and never run out of new experiences. Between their challenge course and zip line, their campfires, their Halloween décor, and their twenty other attractions, there’s more than enough fall fun to last you all season long.
Stop by to celebrate Halloween, and then come back in November for their Thanksgiving Market.
6. Bengston’s Pumpkin Farm (Illinois)
Welcome to tractor town. If you want to feel fully immersed in all things fall – and all things farm – this is the place to be. Bengston’s boasts 13 family friendly rides, 225 furry friends, and over a hundred eats and treats for you to enjoy.
Pick your own pumpkins, and then spend the rest of the day at this fabulous, fall-filled carnival.
7. Fleitz Pumpkin Farm (Ohio)
Fleitz’s has come an incredible distance since they first opened as a small farm in 1991.
Now they are an expansive, fully-functional farm, with pre-cut and washed pumpkins ready for you to take home and enjoy. You can also find apples, squash, popcorn and more. Don’t forget to pop in the Snack Shack for cider slushies and hot cider donuts.
8. Wiard’s (Michigan)
Come for the pick-your-own produce, and stay for the Country Fair: a ticketed event that has every fall-themed attraction you’ve ever dreamed of, including a Haunted Thrill Park, an animal petting farm, old west wagon rides, and an enormous corn maze.
If you need something to kickstart that festive autumn feeling, this will definitely do the trick.
9. Froberg’s Farm (Texas)
Pumpkin patches aren’t only for special occasions. Even if all you’re looking to do is pick up a coffee or pastry, you can stop by Froberg’s bakery and cafe anytime during the year.
But their fall festival (in its 9th year) of course is the most special time. They have pumpkins available for picking and for photo ops, corn mazes, paintball, gemstone mining, and plenty of fried pies to go around.
10. Bishop’s Pumpkin Farm (California)
Having planted their first pumpkin in 1973, Bishop’s knows a thing or two about how to run a farm. Catch a hayride out to the fields, and then pick your way through 90 acres of beautiful pumpkins.
Afterwards, you can ride the carousel, get lost in the corn maze, and raise your heart rate with their epic zipline. And you’ll absolutely want to buy tickets to the 50th anniversary harvest party on September 9th!
11. Orr Family Farm (Oklahoma)
Orr Family Farm is the place to make memories. They have twenty-five different on-site attractions, including a carousel, pedal boats, football, and a giant, climbable mountain of hay. And after you pick your pumpkins, you can head to the cookie barn to pick up a sweet treat.
Wish you didn’t have to leave? You don’t have to! Orr boasts a full camping (or ‘glamping’) experience, so the fun never has to end. Season starts September 24th!
12. Tougas Family Farm (Massachusetts)
Nobody does fall quite like New England, and that’s why you have to head to Tougas. In their second generation of farmers, Tougas offers their seasonal produce to happy customers throughout the harvest, making them a year-long mainstay in the community.
Pick an October’s worth of pumpkins, devour a cider donut, and then head to the barnyard to play with their adorable baby goats.
13. Busy Barns Adventure Farm (Wisconsin)
You’ll find “adventures galore” at Busty Barns. Jump on a hayride, and journey over to the pumpkin patch – where you can pick your perfect pumpkin, or choose from a variety of pre-picked beauties.
The farm has thousands available – as well as gourds, corn, sunflowers, and other fall décor – and 40 other family-friendly activities for your enjoyment. Slides, obstacle courses, and more.
14. Long Neck Pumpkin Farm (Colorado)
Long Neck’s pumpkin patch opens for business on September 24th, and this is one fall adventure you don’t’ want to miss.
Be the first to hop on their hayride, sail down their bale slide, and win a game of corn hole. Presale tickets are now available!
15. Craven Farm (Washington)
From September 17th until October 30th, you can stop by Craven Farm’s 40th annual pumpkin festival. Since 1983, Craven has been a place where families come to make memories – and yours could be next. As well as all the usual fall attractions, Craven Farm has fire pit rentals, and an Alice in Wonderland-themed corn maze.
Because pumpkin patches are a kind of Wonderland, after all. And if you’re a night owl, make sure to check out the farm’s special late nights.
16. Happy Day Farm (New Jersey)
Keep your eyes peeled, because Happy Day’s Fall Festival is happening on September 10th, and tickets will go on sale the first week of the month! As well as all our favorite fall funtimes, Happy Day Farm has pig races, sunflower fields, feeding zoos, and over thirty-five other attractions. And if you come in October, there are “pumpkin house” installations that are designed with your photo ops in mind!
You can even play “maize-o-poly” – a live action board game, with you and your family as the pieces – on one of their two corn mazes. One of the mazes is minions themed, and the other is themed after Happy Day’s ten years of happiness.
17. Reindeer Farm (Alaska)
Don’t be fooled! Reindeer Farm has all of our fall favorites – a pumpkin patch, a haunted walk, pony rides, live music, and a hay maze… they just also happen to offer a full-fledged reindeer experience. As well as the reindeer, you’ll get to see alpacas and highland cattle, and all are available to be pet and fed.
If you’ve ever wished you could get ready for Halloween and Christmas at the same time, get ready to have your dreams come true.
Where are the best places to go pumpkin picking this fall?
That’s our take on the best places in the U.S. to go pumpkin picking this fall, including charming pumpkin patches with hayrides and treats in a lovely spot near you. Have fun out there!