Whether you like your pumpkins baked, carved or steamed in your latte, there is no denying that pumpkin season is officially here. Every October, Valley families flock to the nearest pumpkin patch in search of the best. To make it a little easier, we’ve rounded up the some of the best pumpkin picking spots in Arizona.
Mother Nature Farms
Stop by this family-owned and -operated pumpkin farm in Gilbert, rated the best pumpkin patch by Phoenix New Times. Through the month of October from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Mother Nature farms offers a plethora of pumpkins, ranging in size from one ounce to as large as 500 pounds. Entrance to the farm includes a pumpkin, a sticker bag, air bounce, hayride, animal feeding, mazes and more. So bring your family and friends for an all-day pumpkin adventure. Price of admission is $3 per adult and $10 per child 1 year and older.www.mothernaturesfarm.com
Apple Annie's Orchard
For pumpkins at the peak of the season, pack up the family and head to Apple Annie’s Pumpkin Patch in Wilcox. Choose from a farm of gorgeous full -size pumpkins, as well as apples, peaches and corn. But don’t wait too long, this farm only stays open until Oct.31. The orchard is open from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Admission is free for everyone. http://www.appleannies.com/
MacDonald's Ranch
Throughout the month of October, MacDonald's Ranch will be hosting its Annual Pumpkin Festival in Scottsdale. Enjoy the peak-of-the-season pumpkin patch, petting zoo, hay rides and more. Best of all, bring a can of food to donate to Desert Mission Food Bank and receive $1 off the entrance fee. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays and weekends, with the exception of Tuesdays and the evening of Halloween. Admission is $10 for everyone 1 and up. http://www.macdonaldsranch.com/pumpkin-patch-info.htm
Marana Pumpkin Patch & Farm Festival
What better way to celebrate fall season than with Marana’s 50-acre pumpkin patch field and farm festival. Choose between two amazing corn mazes, a petting zoo, and then feast on festival food. Enjoy the Marana pumpkin patch through October 30, with $10 admission on weekdays and $12 admission on weekends. http://maranapumpkinpatch.com/
Schnept Farms
Head over to Schnept Farms in Queen Creek to enjoy the Pumpkin and Chili Party every Thursday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. in October. Voted “The Best Fall Family Event” in the Valley by Phoenix Magazine, Phoenix New Times and Sunset Magazine, this is one event you don’t want to miss. Enjoy vast fields of pumpkins, corn mazes, and even roller coasters while indulging in delicious homemade chili. Admission is $18 per person. http://www.schnepffarms.com.
Vertuccio Farms
Stop by Vertuccio Farms during their Fall Festival, Oct. 1 through Nov. 6. Families can enjoy farm activities like pumpkin picking, barrel train rides, tube slides, duck races and much more. The farm will open every day at 9 a.m. and close weekends at 10 p.m. except Sunday, which will close at 6 p.m. Admission is $9 per person ages 2 and up. http://www.vertucciofarms.com
The Great Pumpkin Festival at Desert Botanical Gardens
Join in on a fall tradition for one weekend only (Oct. 21-23) at the Desert Botanical Garden. Enjoy a hayride to the pumpkin patch, a pumpkin-decorating center, and the community garden. Also enjoy the carnival-style games and country music. Hours are 8:30 a.m. to noon on weekdays, and 8:30 to 3 p.m. on weekends. Admission prices vary. https://www.dbg.org/events/great-pumpkin-festival
Rocker 7 Farm Patch
Make your way to Buckeye for the Rocker 7 Farm Patch. This unique farm is a place where parents and kids can have a blast. Included at this farm is a pumpkin patch and corn maze for the kids, and a beautiful one of a kind sunflower field for everyone. Open weekends from Oct. 7 to Oct. 30, hours and admission prices vary.
http://rocker7farmpatch.com/farm-patch-fun/
Yuma Family Pumpkin Patch
Be sure to venture to the Yuma family pumpkin patch from Oct. 14--30 for some unique galactic fall fun. Featured at this pumpkin patch are tractor rides, mini golf, petting zoo and a Galactic Adventures show, showing every Friday and Saturday night. Times vary, general admission is $5 for everyone age 3 and up. http://yumafamilypumpkinpatch.com/
Buckelew Farm
If you are in Tucson, be sure to stop by the Buckelew Farm to take part in the 28th annual Pumpkin Festival and Corn Maze. Open to the public the last four weekends of October, this fall event appeals to the young and the young at heart. This farm festival offers tractor-drawn wagon rides into the pumpkin patch, a corn maze for the adventuresome, and even a haunted corn maze for those who enjoy a scary thrill. Hours and admission prices vary. http://www.buckelewfarm.com.
