As temperatures finally begin to drop in October, it’s the perfect time for Valley families to get in the fall spirit. Visit a pumpkin patch to bring home the perfect pumpkin for carving, painting or decorating. There are plenty of locations, so you are sure to find a farm close to home, or even one a little further out of town for a fun fall day trip. The possibilities are endless, so get picking today.

 

Schnepf Farms Pumpkin & Chili Party, Oct. 1-Oct. 31

Schnepf Farms in Queen Creek puts together more than just a pumpkin patch; they hold a full-on fall festival. This is regarded as one of the best fall festivals in Arizona because there are activities for everyone in the family to enjoy. In addition to the pumpkin patch, there will also be lots of food, rides and animals. The festival runs Thursday through Sunday each weekend of October. http://www.schnepffarms.com/

 

The Great Pumpkin Festival at Desert Botanical Garden, Oct. 23-25 

The Great Pumpkin Festival is back in Phoenix this fall at The Desert Botanical Garden. Guests will take a hayride to the pumpkin patch, where guests 12 and under get to pick out their own free pumpkin. The event will also feature the Amazing Hay Bale Maze, a petting zoo, lively Country and Western entertainment and carnival-style games and much more. The festival is free for members and children under 3. All others pay garden admission rates: adults (19-59) $22, seniors (60+) $20, students with ID (13-18) $12, and children (3-12) $10. https://www.dbg.org

Rocker 7 Farm Patch, Oct. 10-Nov. 8

The Rocker 7 Farm Patch in Buckeye truly offers something for the whole family. A corn maze, a sunflower field, a hay wagon ride, a kids’ activity area, an educational barn and a concessions area accompany this pumpkin patch. There is never a dull moment at this fun, family farm experience. Weekday tickets are $6, and exclude train and hay rides. Weekend tickets include all activities and are $9. Children in diapers are free. http://rocker7farmpatch.com

MacDonald’s Ranch, Oct. 1-Oct. 31

MacDonald’s Ranch horseback riding stable in Scottsdale is hosting its annual Pumpkin Patch, which supports local farmers. Annually the pumpkins are provided to MacDonald’s Ranch from Apple Annie’s Orchard and Orme Ranch. While picking out a locally grown pumpkin to take home, families can visit a petting zoo, pan for gold, escape a hay maze, take a train or hay ride, play Western games and more. Weekday admission is $10, and weekend admission is $12. Children 1 and under are free. http://www.macdonaldsranch.com

Vertuccio Farms, Sept. 26-Nov. 1

Come out to Vertuccio Farms annual Corn Maze & Fall Festival in Mesa for lots of family fun. In addition to a pumpkin patch to find your family a perfect pumpkin, there will be duck races, a spider-web climb, pedal carts, a petting zoo, the new giant jump pad, and much more. There are also many days throughout the month with special events such as 1880’s variety shows and mini photo sessions. Admission is $9 per person, and ages 2 and younger are free. http://vertucciofarms.com

Apple Annie’s Pumpkin Patch, Sept. 26-Oct. 31

Get out of the city for a day and visit Apple Annie’s Pumpkin Patch in Willcox. Families can pick their own pumpkins and other fall vegetables, or pick up some that have already been picked for your convenience. After finding the perfect future jack-o-lantern, visit Arizona’s largest corn maze, offered in two difficulty levels. The farm even has a separate location, which serves an all-you-can-eat pumpkin and buttermilk pancake breakfast, an apple smoked burger lunch and homemade pumpkin ice cream, pumpkin pies, pumpkin pies and homemade cider donuts. http://www.appleannies.com/

Mother Nature’s Farm, Oct. 1-Oct. 31

This friendly, family-owned pumpkin patch in Gilbert is full of pumpkins ranging in size from just one ounce to 500 pounds. There are plenty of activities to keep children busy all day long including an air bounce, a hayride, a straw bounce, Alexander’s Adventure Maze, and animal feeding. Guests can bring their own lunch and have a picnic in the fields, or purchase food from Maneau’s Market. Children’s inclusive admission is $10 and adults are $3. http://www.mothernaturesfarm.com/

Tolmachoff Farms, Oct. 1-Nov. 8

Come out for Tolmachoff Farms Pumpkin Days & Corn Maze in Glendale, where there is something for the whole family to enjoy. Every year their corn maze takes on a new theme, so come out discover what’s new this year.  There is also a mini corn maze, a petting zoo, a train ride, a hay pyramid, farm activities, a children’s play area and more. By night, Tolmachoff Farms turns into AZ Field of Screams for the brave souls who are looking for a scare. Admission is $9 each for ages 2 and up. http://www.tolmachoff-farms.com

Mortimer Farms, Oct. 2-Nov. 1

Mortimer Farms in Dewey is hosting their annual Pumpkin Festival and Corn Maze in honor of a good cause. A portion of all ticket sales will benefit Phoenix Children’s Hospital and the 25-acre corn maze features an image honoring patients. There will be attractions, games, farm activities, live entertainment, a barn dance and much more. Admission is $15 per person and children 3 and under are free. http://www.mortimerfamilyfarms.com/

Pumpkins at the Peak, Oct. 30

Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak Resort in Phoenix will be hosting its 19th annual Pumpkins at the Peak event on Oct. 30, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. For admission, they ask guests to bring a canned food or cash donation for St. Mary’s Food Bank. The resort’s waterpark will be decorated for a spirited poolside carnival experience. Families can enjoy live entertainment, festive treats, family games, crafts and costume fun. There will be 20 activity and craft booths surrounding the pool, so it is sure to be ghoulish fun for the whole family. http://www.squawpeakhilton.com/