Originally posted on September 29, 2025 @ 12:41 AM
Best Pumpkin Patches and Harvest Festivals in America (Fall 2025): Autumn in the United States is a magical season, filled with colorful leaves, crisp air, and countless opportunities for family fun. Fall 2025 is shaping up to be another fantastic year for pumpkin patches, harvest festivals, and apple-picking adventures. Whether you’re searching for the perfect pumpkin to carve, an adventurous hayride, or a festive fall outing, America offers countless destinations for all ages. This guide highlights the best pumpkin patches and harvest festivals in America (Fall 2025), helping you plan the ultimate autumn experience.
🎃 Top Pumpkin Patches to Visit This Fall
1. Siegel’s Cottonwood Farm – Lockport, Illinois
Siegel’s Cottonwood Farm is a Midwest favorite, offering sprawling fields filled with pumpkins of every size. In addition to pumpkin picking, visitors can enjoy hayrides, corn mazes, petting zoos, and seasonal treats. This family-owned farm has become an iconic fall destination, perfect for children and adults alike.
2. Cool Patch Pumpkins – Dixon, California
Home to one of the world’s largest corn mazes, Cool Patch Pumpkins offers not only a pumpkin-picking experience but also interactive games, food trucks, and hayrides. Its large-scale maze is a fun challenge for both kids and adults, making it a must-visit for families in California.
3. Spina Farms Pumpkin Patch – Oakdale, California
Spina Farms is famous for its pumpkin blasters, a fun activity where visitors can launch pumpkins into the air. Alongside the blasters, the farm has corn mazes, hayrides, a petting zoo, and seasonal concessions, making it a full day of fall fun for everyone.
4. Rivercrest Orchard – Fayetteville, Arkansas
Rivercrest Orchard offers a mix of pumpkins, sunflowers, and interactive activities. From zip lines to barnyard play areas, families can enjoy a variety of attractions while exploring the harvest-themed festival. This orchard is ideal for both kids and adults looking for adventure in a scenic setting.
5. Burnham Orchards – North East, Pennsylvania
Burnham Orchards’ annual “Applechella” festival combines apple picking, live music, and local food vendors. Its scenic landscapes and festive atmosphere make it a standout spot in the Northeast for fall enthusiasts seeking a charming, family-friendly outing.
🍂 Harvest Festivals Across the U.S.
6. Butler’s Orchard Pumpkin Festival – Germantown, Maryland
Running from late September through early November, Butler’s Orchard hosts its 45th Annual Pumpkin Festival. Visitors can enjoy hayrides, corn mazes, pumpkin carving, and live entertainment. It’s a seasonal tradition that draws families from all over the D.C. area.
7. Happy Times Pumpkin Fest – Lincolnshire, Illinois
Happy Times Pumpkin Fest at Didier Farms features pumpkin picking, hayrides, and a petting zoo. Running from mid-September through late October, the festival ensures plenty of opportunities for families to enjoy fall activities.
8. West Oaks Farm Market Apple Festival – Winchester, Virginia
The Apple Festival offers weekends filled with hayrides, corn mazes, and apple picking. With live music and farm-fresh treats, it’s a perfect destination for families looking to enjoy the harvest season in Virginia.
9. Kelder’s Farm Hudson Valley Fall Festival – Kerhonkson, New York
Set in the scenic Hudson Valley, Kelder’s Farm Fall Festival runs from early September to early November. Families can enjoy apple and pumpkin picking, live music, and numerous fall-themed attractions, making it an ideal autumn getaway.
10. Von Thun Farms Fall Festival – New Jersey
With locations in South Brunswick and Washington, Von Thun Farms offers hayrides, pumpkin picking, and a wide range of family activities. Open on weekends from September through November, it’s a budget-friendly, all-ages fall destination.
🍏 Family-Friendly Apple-Picking Spots
Wilkens Fruit & Fir Farm – Yorktown Heights, NY: Offers over 40 apple varieties, corn mazes, and delicious homemade pies.
Greig Farm – Red Hook, NY: Apple picking combined with pygmy goat feeding and a local craft market.
Masker Orchards – Warwick, NY: Drive-up apple picking with no admission fee, perfect for a budget-friendly day out.
🎉 Additional Fall Events Worth Exploring
Houston Pumpkin Festival – Discovery Green, TX: Urban fall fun featuring bounce houses, LED-lit activities, and pumpkin patches.
P-6 Farms Fall Fest – Montgomery, TX: Corn mazes, flower picking, and family activities every weekend from September to November.
Texas Renaissance Festival – Todd Mission, TX: From October through November, enjoy themed entertainment, crafts, and food for a whimsical autumn experience.
🧺 Tips for Visiting Pumpkin Patches and Harvest Festivals
Check Event Dates: Festivals often operate on specific weekends. Verify dates before visiting.
Buy Tickets in Advance: Popular events can sell out quickly.
Dress for the Weather: Layering is key in unpredictable fall weather.
Bring Cash: Some vendors prefer cash, especially at smaller farms.
Plan for Kids: Choose festivals with hayrides, petting zoos, and safe play areas.
Conclusion
Fall 2025 is the perfect season to explore the best pumpkin patches and harvest festivals in America, offering endless family-friendly activities, picturesque landscapes, and seasonal treats. From hayrides and corn mazes to apple picking and pumpkin carving, these destinations promise memorable autumn experiences for all ages. Plan your visits, embrace the fall spirit, and create cherished moments with your loved ones.
Note: Event dates and details are subject to change. Always check official festival and farm websites for the most accurate information.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: When do pumpkin patches open in the U.S.?
Most pumpkin patches open in late September and remain open through October.
Q2: Are evening hours available at pumpkin patches?
Some festivals, like Houston Pumpkin Festival, offer evening events with LED-lit activities.
Q3: Do apple-picking orchards require reservations?
Check individual orchards; weekends can be busy, so reservations are sometimes recommended.
Q4: Are these events suitable for toddlers?
Yes! Many farms offer safe, family-friendly activities like hayrides and petting zoos.
Q5: Can I take home the pumpkins and apples I pick?
Absolutely! Most farms allow you to take your produce home.