While pumpkin-spice-flavored everything may now be the harbinger of fall, nothing quite says autumn like a regular old pumpkin patch. From picking the most essential piece of your jack-o’-lantern to hot cider, from hayrides to corn mazes, pumpkin patches are a quintessential part of any autumnal experience. Here are a few from across the country that are sure to inspire seasonal memories for years to come.
Long Hill Orchard — Massachusetts
In addition of an expansive apple orchard, this Massachusetts orchard offers a pick-your-own pumpkin option in the fall. Tractor-drawn hayrides will take your on your journey to the perfect pumpkin. Then you can enjoy a peaceful picnic lunch on the farm grounds before heading over to the animal area, where goats, chickens, and Bun Bun the Bunny are waiting to say hello.
Great Pumpkin Farm — New York
This farm located in Clarence, New York, takes pride in providing seasonal entertainment for the whole family. It has a little something for everyone. From a haymaze to a petting zoo, from a jumbo jumping pillows to a spooky “Boo Barn,” there’s plenty to do to work up an appetite for some homemade donuts and cider. And don’t forget to check the schedule online, as there are special events happening every weekend (including the World Pumpkin Weigh-off and a dog-and-pony show!).
Barton Hill Farms — Texas
The pumpkin patch at Barton Hill Farms has been voted The Most Scenic Pumpkin Patch in Texas, but if picturesque views aren’t enough, this farm also boasts multiple corn mazes, barnyard animals, a pioneer fort, live music, and even more!
Didier Farms — Illinois
From mid-September through the end of October, Didier Farms celebrates Pumpkinfest. There’s a display of painted pumpkins, hayrides through the grounds, and even a camel you can take for a spin (really!). If riding a live animal doesn’t sound appealing, this year they also have a carousel and gem mining sluice where you can excavate precious stones and keep your findings.
Cool Patch Pumpkins — California
This Dixon, California, attraction has more to offer than just pumpkins–though their pumpkin patch does have over fifty varieties to choose from. There’s also a mind-bending forty-acre corn maze and a brand-new Fun Zone, complete with a corn-bath quicksand pit, a a pumpkin cannon, a straw mountain, and a more manageable kiddie maze for families with smaller children. A tractor-pulled hayride will give you a tour of the grounds and you can fuel up with any of the delicious seasonal refreshments served onsite.
Bob’s Corn and Pumpkin Farm — Washington
Located in Snohomish, Washington, this thirty-acre pumpkin patch is home to over fifty varieties–ensuring that you’ll find at least one to turn into a spooky jack-o’-lantern or delicious pie. In addition to pumpkins, pick some sweet corn or other vegetables, or bring a jar and take home some local honey! There’s an apple cannon, hayrides, a corn maze that will make your head spin, and pony rides on the weekend. The ten-acre corn maze also has firepits you can reserve for your group to gather around if the weather gets chilly.