It’s that time of year again! Roasted pumpkin seeds on the porch, fall dessert candles lit, candy corn strewn about the kitchen, and a handful of happy children about the neighborhood are just a few of October’s festivities. With fall in full swing, Arizona’s Pumpkin Patches are a bustle of activity. Here are a few of the top visited pumpkin patch sites in the Valley.
MacDonald’s Ranch
October 1-31, 9 a.m.- 6 p.m.
To start off the Annual Pumpkin Festival, MacDonald’s Ranch will host mule and horse-drawn hayrides to and from the pumpkin patch. Located on Scottsdale Road, MacDonald’s Ranch has a number of fun activities including pony rides, a petting zoo, games, face painting, sand art and barbecue for everyone with admission only at $10 per person.
http://www.macdonaldsranch.com/pumpkin_patch_photo_gallery.htm
The Pumpkin Patch Train
October 1-31
Starting at the Williams Depot, the train will take passengers to a pumpkin patch filled with a hay bale maze, arts and crafts, and many pumpkins to choose from. There will also be a free Haunted Train Car that passengers can explore. The Java Platform Snack Shop will also hold Halloween treats for purchase.
http://www.thetrain.com/special-events/the-pumpkin-patch/
Freeman Farms
October 1-31 on Saturdays and Sundays, 9 a.m.- 5 p.m.
For a $15 fee per person at Chino Valley’s Freeman Farms, families can enjoy a hayride, kids’ train, merry-go-round, petting zoo, corn maze, and endless fun. Face painting and snacks will also be on site. Pumpkins are available to cut on site if you bring your own utensils.
Mother Nature’s Farm
October 1-31
Rated best in the New York Times, Gilbert’s Mother Nature’s Farm hosts a freshly stocked pumpkin patch filled with fun ideas and activities on site to decorate the pumpkin of your choice. Concessions will also be on site, as well as plenty of room for kids to play.
http://mothernaturesfarm.com/pumpkinpatch.aspx
Tolmachoff Farms
October 1- November 10
Located in Glendale, this fall festival is endless with produce and pumpkins. A $9 admission fee will include a mini maze, spider web, pedal carts and play areas. There are fun $2 train rides also offered on the weekends. This six-acre corn maze is an attraction you do not want to miss.
http://www.tolmachoff-farms.com/
Schnepf Farms
October 1- 31, Thursday and Sunday 10 a.m.- 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.
One of Arizona’s most famous pumpkin patch sites will be open throughout October for pumpkin picking—as well are rides, a corn maze and more. Not only can you pick pumpkins at this Queen Creek farm, but fresh produce as well. This site offers vegetation for both the parents as well as the kids.
