11 Best Pumpkin Patches in the U.S. for 2025
Nothing says fall like a visit to some pumpkin patches: bright orange fields, crisp air and maybe even a hayride or two. These special places offer much more than just picking the ideal jack-o'-lantern — they transform ordinary Fall days into adventures, and the best pumpkin patches across America combine beautiful scenery with fun activities that appeal to visitors of all ages.
Autumn brings out something special in people, and visiting pumpkin patches has become a beloved tradition that marks the changing seasons. These working farms and seasonal attractions showcase the harvest season while offering entertainment that extends far beyond the simple selection of pumpkins. Some are small and cozy, others are packed with corn mazes, petting zoos and donut stands. No matter the vibe, these spots stand out for making fall feel extra special.
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The Best Pumpkin Patches To Visit In The U.S.
No two pumpkin patches are exactly the same, and that’s what makes them so fun to visit. Some lean into classic charm with wagon rides and apple cider, while others go big with carnival rides, giant slides and rows of picture-perfect pumpkins. So if you’re looking for farms and attractions that create complete Autumn experiences with activities, amenities and atmospheres that make them worth traveling to visit, you’re in the right place. Each pumpkin patch on this list delivers something special that sets it apart from ordinary seasonal farms.
1. Get Lost (on Purpose) at Cool Patch Pumpkins in Dixon, California
If you want a pumpkin patch that goes all out, Cool Patch Pumpkins in Northern California is the place. It’s home to one of the largest corn mazes in the world — and yes, getting a little turned around is part of the fun. What started as a family farm has evolved into a full-fledged Fall destination, offering a range of activities to keep both kids and adults entertained for hours.
What You Can Do at Cool Patch Pumpkins
There is a massive corn maze that winds across 60 acres. The pumpkin patch is packed with all kinds of pumpkins: big, tiny, bumpy and smooth. Great for carving, decorating or just loading into a wagon for Fall photos. Kids can climb into the trailer, kick back on the straw bales and enjoy the ride through the scenic fields. And then they can explore the kid zone with slides, pedal cars and pumpkin blasters. Cool Patch makes a simple trip to the pumpkin patch feel like an all-day adventure. If you're building out a list of must-do Fall activities, this one's a no-brainer.
2. Experience Autumn Perfection at Shelburne Farms in Vermont
Shelburne Farms creates an unforgettable experience among the pumpkin patches on a historic 1,400-acre working farm overlooking Lake Champlain. This National Historic Landmark combines breathtaking scenery with hands-on agricultural education, making every visit special. The farm's commitment to sustainable practices and community connection shows in every detail of their Autumn celebration. The pumpkin patch sits against the backdrop of the Adirondack Mountains with Lake Champlain sparkling in the distance. Families can explore multiple pumpkin fields while learning about farming practices that have been refined over generations.
What You Can Do at Shelburne Farms
The main pumpkin patch stretches across rolling fields with varieties ranging from tiny decorative gourds to massive carving pumpkins weighing over 50 pounds. Kids can get up close with heritage breed animals like Highland cattle and Leicester Longwool sheep. Walk through beautifully preserved 19th-century buildings that tell Vermont's agricultural story and then join milking demonstrations, composting lessons and seed-to-harvest education that shows kids where food really comes from.
Your experience here isn't complete until you sample the farmhouse cheddar cheese aged in on-site caves, fresh apple cider and seasonal baked goods. The farm-to-table cafe serves lunch made with ingredients grown right on the property for authentic Vermont flavors. Their harvest festivals also feature live music, craft demonstrations, and apple-pressing events, where families can create their own cider. Evening programs include stargazing sessions and campfires, creating magical nighttime farm adventures.
3. Sip Cider and Snap Photos at Bishop’s Orchards in Guilford, Connecticut
Bishop’s Orchards is the kind of pumpkin patch that feels like it came straight out of a Fall postcard. Located on the Connecticut shoreline, this spot blends charm with plenty to do, especially if you’re into scenic strolls, tasty treats and cozy vibes. It’s a great pick for families, but also makes one of the top Fall date ideas in New England.
What You Can Do at Bishop’s Orchards
Grab a wagon and hit the fields to see pumpkin patches of all shapes and sizes. Try apple picking and some hot or cold cider. Pair it with a cider donut and you’ve got peak Fall flavor in a snack-sized package. Explore the farmer's market that's stocked with pies, jams, cheeses and local goods. Then, end the day with low-key, relaxing and super pretty hayrides.
4. Discover Family Fun at Eckert's Country Store and Farms in Belleville, Illinois
Eckert's Country Store and Farms has been creating magical Autumn memories for families since 1837, making it one of America's oldest family-owned farm operations. Located just outside St. Louis in Belleville, Illinois, this sprawling destination combines traditional pumpkin picking with modern entertainment that keeps everyone engaged. The farm's long history is evident in the quality of its crops and the warmth of its hospitality.
What You Can Do at Eckert's Country Store and Farms
Choose from over 20 pumpkin varieties that sprawl the pumpkin patches, including massive jack-o'-lantern giants and perfect pie pumpkins. Work through a carefully designed corn maze that changes theme every year, with bridges and multiple difficulty levels and then climb aboard tractor-pulled wagons for bumpy rides through beautiful Illinois farmland and fall foliage. If you have kids, let them explore the multiple playground zones featuring farm-themed equipment, tire swings and climbing structures for different ages.
5. Create Mountain Magic at Darnell Farms in Bryson City, North Carolina
Darnell Farms transforms into an autumn wonderland nestled along the scenic Tuckasegee River in Bryson City, right in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains. This second-generation family farm spans 100 acres of beautiful mountain valley where families can experience authentic farm life alongside exciting seasonal celebrations. Darnell Farms’ combination of working farm authenticity and family-friendly entertainment makes Darnell Farms feel like a hidden gem in the Bryson City area.
What You Can Do at Darnell Farms
Enjoy mile-long tractor rides through beautiful mountain scenery that end at real pumpkin patches, where kids can pick their perfect pumpkin straight from the vine. If you haven't yet, try the famous DreamWhips: frozen concoctions of ice cream and seasonal fruit, including Pumpkin Pie and Caramel Apple flavors made with a vintage soft-serve machine. Pick up local delicacies as you browse fresh mountain produce, local honey, homemade jams and Cherokee tomatoes while enjoying hammock swings and river views.
A fun event, you can attend the annual Plow Day and Harvest Festival in late October, featuring old-time farming demonstrations, bluegrass music and traditional mountain crafts. Participate in seasonal workshops that teach farming traditions while providing hands-on creative experiences with pumpkin painting ideas for the whole family.
6. Play, Paint and Pick at Vala’s Pumpkin Patch in Gretna, Nebraska
Vala’s Pumpkin Patch isn’t just a farm, it’s like a fall theme park with pumpkins. With over 50 attractions spread across 400 acres, this Nebraska favorite goes big on fun, flavor and everything festive. It’s loud, colorful and packed with ways to celebrate the season your way.
What You Can Do at Vala’s Pumpkin Patch
After you find your perfect gourd among the pumpkin patches, head to the painting station for some hands-on fun. Great for families looking for fresh or anyone who prefers paint over carving. Get a little lost in the maze or walk the storybook trail with younger kids. Each stop has something cute, quirky or photo-worthy.
The food is next-level, and includes apple cider slushies, roasted corn, caramel apples and homemade fudge. There are also pig races and pumpkins that are shot out of a cannon.
7. Carve Out a Day of Fun at Bengtson’s Pumpkin Farm in Homer Glen, Illinois
Just outside of Chicago, Bengtson’s Pumpkin Farm brings together the best parts of a fair, a farm and a classic pumpkin patch. It’s high-energy, super festive and packed with stuff to do for every age group. If you like your fall fun with a side of funnel cake and tractor rides, this place is calling.
What You Can Do at Bengtson’s Pumpkin Farm
Wander the pumpkin patches until you find one that suits your needs. Then head home and try out some new pumpkin carving ideas like scary faces, silly designs or whatever your creativity comes up with. There’s a mini rollercoaster on the farm, as well as a train and other fun carnival attractions. The petting zoo is huge and full of friendly animals, so you can feed a goat, brush a cow or just walk through and soak up the cuteness. When you're done washing your hands, enjoy donuts, cider, BBQ and churros, grab a picnic table and dig in.
8. Experience Six Generations of Fun at Patterson Farm in North Carolina
Patterson Farm transforms into an autumn playground where six generations of farming tradition meet modern family entertainment in Mount Ulla, North Carolina. This 125-year-old family operation spans over 200 acres where families can experience authentic farm life alongside more than 40 exciting Fall activities. The combination of historic farming heritage and contemporary attractions creates an unforgettable pumpkin patch experience that appeals to visitors of all ages.
What You Can Do at Patterson Farm
Choose from acres of pumpkin patches growing in real fields where you can select the ideal specimen for your creative pumpkin carving ideas or seasonal decorating projects. You can also get lost in an intricately designed corn maze that provides just the right amount of challenge for families working together to find their way out.
All aboard the unique cow-themed barrel train that takes families on scenic tours around the farm property while creating lasting memories. Kids can climb the Tractor Tire Mountain, play King of the Hill on straw bale stacks and dig for treasures in the sand pit area designed for active fun.
9. Experience Award-Winning Fun at Great Country Farms in Beaumont, Virginia
Great Country Farms creates an unforgettable autumn adventure on 400 scenic acres nestled at the base of Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains in Bluemont. This working farm has perfected the art of Fall entertainment through decades of hosting families seeking authentic agricultural experiences combined with exciting seasonal activities. The farm's famous apple cider donuts and freshly pressed cider have become legendary among visitors who return year after year.
What You Can Do at Great Country Farms
Choose from multiple varieties of fresh apples and pumpkins while learning about sustainable farming practices on wagon rides through scenic orchards. Like many of the other top pumpkin patches on this list, you can navigate through a themed corn maze, in this case, it's designed to teach visitors about zodiac constellations while providing family-friendly puzzle-solving adventures.
Enjoy the farm's famous cider donuts made fresh using traditional recipes that have earned recognition throughout Virginia and beyond. And what better way to sample cider than through the historic hands-on demonstrations using the Zurschmeide Family's antique 1865 cider press while sampling freshly made cider.
10. Make Fall Magical at Underwood Family Farms in Moorpark, California
If you're looking for sunshine with your scarecrows, Underwood Family Farms is a West Coast pumpkin patch that brings full Fall fun without the frost. Just outside of Los Angeles, it’s packed with color, flavor and family-friendly vibes — all wrapped in that perfect California glow.
What You Can Do at Underwood Family Farms
Take your family and hop on a wagon to head into the fields. There’s nothing like finding your pumpkin still growing in the dirt among the pumpkin patches. Giant pumpkins, hay pyramids, corn stalks and more, it's like stepping into a fall-themed photo shoot. One fun activity is that they lift pumpkins up high and drop them just to see them splatter. Grab a fresh smoothie or apple cider slush before petting and feeding the animals, like goats, sheep, cows and even emus.
11. Find Classic Fall Fun at Linvilla Orchards in Media, Pennsylvania
Just outside of Philly, Linvilla Orchards holds the kind of pumpkin patches that feel like a Fall festival every single day. It's big, bright and buzzing with activity — which makes it great for families, friend groups or anyone trying to soak up every ounce of October before it’s gone.
What You Can Do at Linvilla Orchards
Their pumpkin patches are loaded with pumpkins of all sizes from huge to mini. Climb aboard the hayride around the orchard for a slow, scenic and cozy vibe as the leaves start to turn. The maze isn't too tricky, but still enough to get a little lost and laugh your way through. Grab the ubiquitous cider donuts, fresh-baked pies, apple butter and more. Weekends bring live bands, craft tents and more reasons to hang out all day long.
Pumpkin Patch FAQs
What Is A Pumpkin Patch In The USA?
A pumpkin patch is a farm or field where people can go to pick their own pumpkins during the Fall. Many also have hayrides, corn mazes and seasonal treats.
Are Pumpkin Patches An American Thing?
Pumpkin patches are most popular in the U.S. and Canada. They’re a big part of Fall and Halloween traditions, especially in rural and suburban areas.
What State Has The Best Pumpkin Patches?
States like California, Illinois and Pennsylvania are known for standout pumpkin patches, but almost every state has great local spots worth visiting.
What Is The Pumpkin Tradition In The U.S.?
Pumpkins are tied to Fall and Halloween. People carve them into jack-o’-lanterns, decorate their homes and use them in foods like pie and soup.
Pumpkin patches in the U.S. offer way more than just pumpkins — they’re packed with fun for all ages. Kids can explore corn mazes and petting zoos, while adults enjoy cider tastings, picture-taking and cozy fall treats. Whether you’re planning a family outing, a fall date or just want to soak up the season, there’s a patch out there with the perfect mix of adventure and Autumn charm.
For even more fun activities for Fall, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!
