Pumpkin patches today give you way more than a spot to pick out a pumpkin. They’ve turned into full fall destinations where you can spend the whole day exploring. You’ll find corn mazes, hayrides, farm games, and even food stands that make these places feel like mini fall festivals. If you want more than just pumpkins, these farms deliver plenty of outdoor fun.

Each spot on this list brings its own mix of activities. At Bishop’s Pumpkin Farm in California, you can ride a train, visit farm animals, and grab a pumpkin treat. Jumbo’s Pumpkin Patch in Maryland adds wagon rides, craft shows, and a massive corn maze. The Great Pumpkin Farm in New York goes big with contests, rides, and live shows. Vala’s Pumpkin Patch in Nebraska feels like a theme park with apple blasters, bonfires, and dozens of attractions.

You’ll also find harvest fun across the country. Lyman Orchards in Connecticut pairs pumpkin picking with apple orchards and fresh pies. Southern Belle Farm in Georgia mixes a pumpkin patch with pig races, pedal carts, and a corn maze. Buford Corn Maze and Washington Farms in Georgia both pack in hayrides, games, and nighttime maze events. Cox Farms in Virginia is known for its giant slides and festival atmosphere. Papa’s Pumpkin Patch in North Dakota and Craven Farm in Washington each add their own local twist with play areas, wagon rides, and seasonal treats.

1. Bishop’s Pumpkin Farm: California’s Ultimate Fall Playground

At Bishop’s Pumpkin Farm in Wheatland, you get much more than a pumpkin patch. You can explore fields, ride trains, feed animals, watch pig races, and enjoy plenty of seasonal food and treats. It’s a place where you can spend the whole day without running out of things to do.

90-Acre U-Pick Pumpkin Patch

You can hop on a free hayride that takes you straight into the fields. Once there, you’ll find pumpkins of every size and shape spread across 90 acres. Whether you want a small carving pumpkin or a giant one for your porch, you’ll have plenty of choices.

This isn’t just a quick stop to grab a pumpkin. You can walk through the fields, take photos, and enjoy the open space. The farm has been growing pumpkins since 1973, and it’s now one of the largest U-Pick pumpkin patches in the world.

If you want the biggest selection, it’s best to go earlier in the season. The fields get picked over as Halloween gets closer.

Massive Corn Maze Adventure

The corn maze at Bishop’s is a favorite for families and groups. You can test your sense of direction as you weave through tall stalks that tower over your head. The paths twist and turn, making it easy to get lost for a while.

Some people like to race through to see who finishes first. Others take their time and enjoy the challenge. Either way, it’s a fun way to spend part of your visit.

The maze changes each year, so even if you’ve been before, you’ll face a new layout. That makes it worth coming back again.

Train Rides and Carnival Attractions

The BPF Line train circles the farm and gives you a relaxing ride with views of the fields and trees. It’s a great way to see the farm without walking the whole time. Kids especially love the ride, but adults enjoy it too.

You’ll also find carnival-style attractions like Charlie’s Carousel and Bishop’s Flying Service. These rides give you a chance to add a little thrill to your day.

If you’re looking for variety, these rides balance out the slower-paced activities like pumpkin picking. They make the farm feel more like a fall festival than just a patch.

Petting Zoo and Pony Rides

At Weeland Petting Zoo, you can feed goats and meet other farm animals. Kids get a chance to interact up close, and it’s a nice break from the bigger attractions.

Pony rides are also available, giving younger visitors a chance to experience something special. These rides are short but memorable, especially for children who may be riding for the first time.

The mix of animals and pony rides adds a hands-on farm feel to your visit. It’s not just about looking at animals—you actually get to engage with them.

Pig Races and Live Music

One of the more unique activities at Bishop’s is the pig races. You can cheer on your favorite pig as they dash around the small track. It’s lighthearted fun that gets the crowd laughing and clapping.

Live music often takes place on weekends. Local bands and performers bring energy to the farm, and you can sit back with food or drinks while enjoying the show.

These events give the farm a festive atmosphere. Instead of just walking from one activity to the next, you get entertainment that keeps the day lively.

Seasonal Treats and Farmers Market

Food is a big part of the experience here. You can start your morning with a pumpkin apple muffin, grab a hand-dipped corn dog or garlic fries for lunch, and finish with a warm cookie or a frozen Slushakie.

Mrs. B’s Country Bakery sells pies, breads, and other baked goods you can take home. The farmers market area also offers fresh produce and local items, so you can stock up before you leave.

These seasonal treats make the farm stand out. You don’t just pick pumpkins—you enjoy the flavors of fall while you’re there.

2. Jumbo’s Pumpkin Patch: Maryland’s Family-Friendly Destination

At Jumbo’s Pumpkin Patch in Middletown, Maryland, you get more than just pumpkins. You can explore a large corn maze, take a hayride, enjoy pony rides, let kids play, and even shop for crafts and snacks.

30-Acre Pumpkin Picking

You can walk through 30 acres of pumpkins and pick your own right off the vine. The farm grows many sizes, so you’ll find small pumpkins for kids to carry and large ones for carving.

Pumpkins are priced by the pound, which makes it easy to choose exactly what you want without overpaying. If you like variety, you’ll also see specialty squash and gourds scattered through the fields.

The wide-open layout means you won’t feel crowded. Families spread out while they search for the perfect pumpkin, making the experience relaxed and fun.

15-Acre Corn Maze

The corn maze stretches across 15 acres and offers plenty of twists and turns. It’s big enough to feel like an adventure but still manageable for families with kids.

The maze changes each year, so even if you’ve been before, you’ll get a new challenge. Some visitors like to time themselves, while others take their time and enjoy the walk.

Signs and checkpoints help you stay on track, so you don’t have to worry about getting stuck inside. It’s a good mix of fun and problem-solving that works for all ages.

Hayrides and Pony Rides

Hayrides run regularly and take you out to the pumpkin patch and corn maze. The rides are included with your visit on weekends, which makes them a popular choice for families.

You’ll sit on straw-covered wagons pulled by a tractor, giving you a classic fall farm experience. The ride is smooth and slow enough for young kids to enjoy.

For something extra, pony rides are available for children. Staff members guide the ponies, so even first-time riders feel safe. It’s a short ride but memorable for kids who love animals.

Face Painting and Playground

Face painting adds a creative touch to your visit. Kids can choose simple designs like pumpkins or more detailed patterns, and the artists work quickly so the lines move fast.

Next to the activity areas, you’ll find a playground where kids can burn off energy. The equipment is farm-style and safe for younger children.

Parents often use this time to relax while their kids climb, slide, and play. It’s a nice break between walking the fields and exploring the maze.

Craft Shopping and Concessions

The General Store and craft vendors give you a chance to shop while you’re at the farm. You’ll see handmade items, seasonal decorations, and local crafts that make good souvenirs.

Food stands serve simple fall favorites like hot cider, kettle corn, and baked goods. You can grab a snack to take with you or sit down for a quick break.

This mix of shopping and food makes the farm feel like more than just a pumpkin patch. It’s a place where you can spend a whole afternoon without running out of things to do.

3. The Great Pumpkin Farm: New York’s Fall Festival Hotspot

At The Great Pumpkin Farm in Clarence, New York, you don’t just pick out pumpkins—you spend the day surrounded by fall traditions. You’ll find outdoor games, farm animals, seasonal food, and plenty of family activities that make this place more than a simple pumpkin patch.

Expansive Pumpkin Fields

You can walk through wide fields filled with pumpkins in every shape and size. From small pie pumpkins to giant carving pumpkins, the selection gives you plenty of choices for home decorating or cooking.

The farm also sells gourds, stalks, and other fall décor, so you can bring the season home with you. Families often turn their visit into a tradition, snapping photos in the fields before loading up their wagons.

If you want a pumpkin that stands out, this is one of the best places to find it. The farm is known for its variety, and you’ll likely spot pumpkins that are larger than what you see at most local stands.

Corn Maze and Hayrides

Each year, the farm designs a brand-new corn maze. You can spend time winding through tall stalks, trying to find your way out. Kids enjoy the challenge, and adults often join in to see who can solve it the fastest.

Hayrides are another highlight. Tractor-drawn hayrides run on most weekends, and you can also catch horse-drawn rides when scheduled. On special festival weekends, admission even includes one free tractor hayride.

The rides give you a chance to sit back and enjoy the scenery. You’ll pass through farm fields and see the festival grounds from a new angle, making it a relaxing break from the busier activities.

Petting Zoo and Barnyard Animals

You can visit the petting zoo to meet goats, sheep, and other barnyard animals. Kids love feeding and petting them, and the setup makes it easy to get close without feeling crowded.

The barnyard area also has space to watch animals in their pens, so even younger children who don’t want to touch them can still enjoy the experience. It’s a simple way to connect with farm life.

Alongside the animals, you’ll find other kid-friendly attractions like a hay maze and playground. These smaller activities keep children entertained while giving parents a chance to relax nearby.

Pumpkin Cannon and Paintball

The farm offers more than traditional fall fun—you’ll also find a pumpkin cannon and paintball setup. The pumpkin cannon launches pumpkins across a field, and the sight alone is worth stopping to see.

Paintball is set up in a safe, contained area where you can test your aim. It’s not a full paintball field but more of a target practice activity, which makes it approachable for beginners.

Both of these attractions add a playful, competitive edge to the day. If you want something beyond hayrides and pumpkins, this is where you’ll find it.

Live Entertainment and BBQ Cook-Off

On weekends, the festival hosts live music, stage shows, and even magic acts. These performances run throughout the day, so you can stop by between other activities. The mix of entertainment keeps the atmosphere lively and fun.

Food is another big part of the experience. Seasonal treats like cider, donuts, and kettle corn are available, but the BBQ cook-off weekends stand out. You can sample smoked meats while enjoying the festival atmosphere.

The combination of live shows and food vendors makes this area a gathering spot. You can sit, eat, and listen to music while taking a break from the more active parts of the farm.

4. Vala’s Pumpkin Patch: Nebraska’s All-in-One Fall Experience

At Vala’s Pumpkin Patch in Gretna, Nebraska, you get more than a simple pumpkin field. You can spend the day picking pumpkins, exploring corn mazes, watching live shows, visiting farm animals, and enjoying seasonal foods like caramel apples and kettle corn.

Pumpkin Picking and Wagon Rides

You can hop on a hayrack wagon and ride out to the pumpkin fields. The ride itself feels like part of the adventure, giving you a chance to see the wide-open farm and the bright orange pumpkins spread across the fields.

Once you arrive, you’ll find pumpkins of all shapes and sizes. Whether you want a small one for decorating or a big one for carving, you’ll have plenty of options.

Wagon rides run throughout the day, so you don’t have to worry about missing out. It’s an easy way to carry your pumpkins back without hauling them across the farm by hand.

This simple mix of wagon rides and pumpkin picking makes the experience feel both relaxing and fun.

Corn Maze Challenges

Vala’s corn maze is one of the most popular attractions. Instead of just walking through, you’ll find twists, turns, and dead ends that make the maze a real challenge.

The maze is large enough to keep you busy but not so big that it becomes overwhelming. Families often turn it into a game to see who can make it out first.

You’ll want to plan for at least 30 minutes if you want to explore the whole maze. It’s a fun way to break up the day and get everyone moving.

For kids, the maze has easier paths, so you don’t have to worry about them getting lost or frustrated.

Live Shows and Pig Races

You can catch live entertainment all day at different stages around the farm. Shows range from stunt dogs to magic acts, and there’s even a one-man circus performance.

One of the highlights is the pig races. Kids and adults gather around to cheer for their favorite pig as they run the track. The races are quick, funny, and always draw a crowd.

The schedule changes depending on the day, but you’ll usually find multiple shows happening at once. This means you can choose what interests you most without waiting too long.

It’s a good idea to check the event board when you arrive so you don’t miss the shows you want to see.

Farm Animals and Playground

You’ll find plenty of farm animals to visit, from goats and sheep to chickens and ducks. Many of the animals are in kid-friendly areas where you can get close and watch them up close.

The playgrounds give kids a chance to burn off energy. They include climbing structures, slides, and even giant jumping pillows.

For younger children, there are safe play zones with smaller equipment so they can join in too. Parents often enjoy relaxing nearby while kids explore.

The mix of animals and play areas makes this part of the farm a favorite for families with kids of all ages.

Seasonal Food and Kettle Corn

Food is a big part of the trip. You can try hand-dipped caramel apples, hot apple cider, and savory-sweet kettle corn made fresh on site.

Many visitors plan their meals around the farm’s food stands. Options range from hearty meals to simple snacks, so you can grab something quick or sit down for a bigger bite.

The smell of kettle corn often fills the air, making it hard to resist. It’s a snack you can carry as you walk around the farm.

Seasonal treats like pumpkin-flavored desserts and apple cider donuts give you a taste of fall that you won’t want to skip.

5. Lyman Orchards: Connecticut’s Harvest Celebration

At Lyman Orchards in Middlefield, you get more than a pumpkin patch. You’ll find apple orchards, seasonal mazes, hayrides, and a farm market filled with fresh food and baked goods.

Editor’s Pick for New England! We’re in love with the charm of this orchard — the scenery is absolutely breathtaking and captures the essence of fall perfectly.

Pumpkin Patch and Apple Picking

You can walk through fields filled with pumpkins of different shapes and sizes. Whether you want one for carving, painting, or cooking, you’ll find plenty of options. The patch is open through the fall season, and you get to pick your own right from the field.

Apple picking is just as popular here. With over 30,000 trees and dozens of apple varieties, the orchard gives you a lot to choose from. You can pick crisp favorites like Honeycrisp or try less common varieties.

It’s a good idea to call ahead to check which apples are in season. Conditions change quickly, and the orchard updates daily. This way you know exactly what’s ready before you arrive.

Sunflower and Corn Mazes

The sunflower maze is a bright stop in late summer. You can walk through tall flowers while kids enjoy exploring the paths. It’s a short-lived attraction, but it makes for great photos and a fun outdoor stroll.

In the fall, the corn maze takes over. Spread across several acres, the maze includes winding paths, decision points, and only one correct way out. It’s designed each year with a new theme, so even if you’ve been before, it feels fresh.

The maze isn’t just for fun—it also supports local charities. A portion of ticket sales goes to community causes, so you’re helping while you enjoy yourself. Families often spend an hour or more working their way through.

Hayrides and Train Rides

On weekends, you can hop on a hayride that takes you through the orchard. The ride gives you a relaxed view of the farm and its rolling hills, especially during peak foliage. Kids usually enjoy the bumpy ride, and it’s stroller-friendly for families.

Horse-drawn hayrides are sometimes offered, adding a traditional touch. It’s a slower pace and lets you take in the scenery without rushing.

For younger kids, small train rides run during certain festivals and events. These rides are short but fun, giving children a chance to feel part of the farm adventure without walking long distances.

Farm Market and Bakery

The farm market is a big part of the visit. You’ll find fresh-picked fruit, local produce, and pantry items like maple syrup, honey, and cheese. If you don’t want to pick in the fields, you can buy pre-picked pumpkins and apples here.

The bakery is known for seasonal treats. Popular items include apple cider donuts, pies, apple crisp, and dumplings. Many people stop in just for these baked goods, even if they aren’t picking fruit.

During festivals, the market often adds hot food like BBQ, pancakes, or prepared meals to go. You can sit at picnic tables outside or take your food home. It’s a simple way to end your day at the orchard.

6. Southern Belle Farm: Georgia’s Outdoor Adventure

At Southern Belle Farm in McDonough, Georgia, you get more than a pumpkin patch. You can spend the day picking pumpkins, exploring a four-acre corn maze, riding hay wagons, cheering at pig races, and letting kids enjoy barnyard animals and play areas. Families also find hands-on fun with pumpkin painting and face painting.

Pumpkin Picking and Corn Maze

You can walk through rows of pumpkins spread across the farm’s fields. Whether you want a small pumpkin for decorating or a larger one for carving, you’ll find plenty of choices. The patch is open during fall weekends, making it easy to plan a visit.

The corn maze covers four acres and changes design each year. You’ll wander through tall stalks while answering questions to help guide your path. It’s big enough to feel like a challenge but still family-friendly.

Kids and adults can enjoy the maze together, so it’s not just for one age group. If you like taking your time, you can make it last an hour. If you’re quick, you’ll be out in less than 30 minutes.

Hayrides and Pig Races

Hayrides take you on a slow ride around the farm. You’ll sit on hay bales while a tractor pulls the wagon through open fields. It’s a simple way to see the farm’s landscape without walking long distances.

Pig races are one of the most popular attractions. Small pigs race around a track while the crowd cheers them on. The races happen several times a day, so you won’t have to worry about missing them.

Both the hayrides and pig races are included in your activity admission. You don’t need to pay extra, which makes them easy to fit into your visit. These two activities give you a mix of relaxing and high-energy fun.

Barnyard Animals and Playground

You can meet goats, cows, chickens, and other barnyard animals up close. Feeding cups are available, so kids can give the animals a snack. This makes the barnyard a hands-on stop for younger visitors.

The playground and outdoor activity areas give kids space to run and play. They can climb, slide, and test their balance on seesaws. The jumping pillow and giant tunnel slide are also included with admission.

Parents often like this part of the farm because kids can burn energy while they take a break. It’s a safe space with plenty of room to spread out.

Pumpkin Painting and Face Painting

Pumpkin painting lets kids decorate their own pumpkins without carving. Paint, brushes, and supplies are provided, so you don’t need to bring anything. It’s a low-mess way for younger kids to take home a decorated pumpkin.

Face painting adds another layer of fun. Artists use safe paints to create simple designs like pumpkins, animals, or fall-themed patterns. Kids can walk around the farm with their new look while enjoying other activities.

Both options give families creative keepsakes. You leave with more than just pumpkins—you leave with memories and a few colorful extras.

7. Buford Corn Maze and Washington Farms: Georgia’s Double Dose of Fall Fun

These two Georgia spots give you a mix of classic pumpkin patch activities and extra attractions that keep families busy all day. From hayrides and pony rides to corn cannons and jumping pillows, you’ll find plenty of ways to enjoy the season beyond picking pumpkins.

Buford Corn Maze: Hayrides, Pony Rides, Animal Viewing

At Buford Corn Maze, you can start with the main attraction—the corn maze itself. The paths twist and turn through tall stalks, giving you a fun challenge to solve with friends or family.

After the maze, you can hop on a hayride. The ride takes you through the farm grounds at a relaxed pace, letting you enjoy the fall scenery. Kids especially love the open-air ride, and parents get a chance to sit back for a bit.

You’ll also find pony rides available for younger children. This activity gives kids a safe and memorable way to interact with the farm’s animals. Along with ponies, you can walk around and view other farm animals, making it feel like a mini petting experience without leaving the property.

The farm also hosts extras like a Haunted Forest in the evenings during fall, which adds another layer of fun if you’re visiting later in the day.

Washington Farms: Jumping Pillows, Corn Cannon, Petting Zoo

Washington Farms offers a wide variety of activities that go well beyond pumpkins. One of the most popular attractions is the jumping pillows, which are large inflatable trampolines where kids can bounce for as long as they have energy.

You can also try the corn cannon, which lets you shoot ears of corn at targets across a field. It’s a simple but entertaining way to add some competition to your visit.

The petting zoo is another highlight. Here, you can meet goats, sheep, and other friendly animals. Kids get the chance to touch and feed them, which makes the farm feel more hands-on and interactive.

With the corn maze, pumpkin patch, and these extra attractions, Washington Farms gives you a full day of fall fun that mixes outdoor play with farm experiences.

8. Cox Farms: Virginia’s Iconic Fall Festival

At Cox Farms in Centreville, Virginia, you get much more than a pumpkin patch. The farm mixes classic fall traditions with unique attractions like giant slides, themed play areas, farm animals, and plenty of seasonal treats.

Pumpkin Patch and Hayrides

You can pick your own pumpkin straight from the patch, and every admission includes one to take home. The fields are full of different shapes and sizes, so you’ll find one that fits your style.

The hayrides are a highlight. They take you through themed scenes with playful displays, friendly characters, and farm sights along the way. The ride is family-friendly, lasts about 20 minutes, and gives you a fun break before heading back to the festival grounds.

Both the hayrides and pumpkin patch are included with your ticket, which makes it easy to enjoy without paying extra. Kids love the ride, but adults usually find it just as fun.

Giant Slides and Playgrounds

Cox Farms is known for its giant slides. They’re built into grassy hills and come in different sizes, so younger kids and older kids can both enjoy them. The slides are wide enough for more than one rider, which makes them popular for families.

The playground areas are spread across the grounds. You’ll find rope swings, straw tunnels, and themed play zones designed for climbing and exploring. These areas are open-ended, so kids can run around and use their imagination.

If you want a mix of active play and classic fall fun, the slides and playgrounds give you plenty of options. They’re also free with admission, so you can go back as many times as you want during your visit.

Farm Animals and Pig Races

You’ll see goats, cows, chickens, and other farm animals up close at Cox Farms. The Goat Village is especially popular, where you can watch baby goats climb and play. Kids can peek into pens and learn about different animals in a hands-on way.

The pig races add a lively twist. Small pigs race around a track while the crowd cheers them on. The races happen several times a day, and they’re short but full of energy.

Between the animal barns and the pig races, you get a mix of education and entertainment. It’s a good balance of farm life and festival fun that appeals to all ages.

Seasonal Food and Kettle Corn

The food stands serve fall favorites like apple cider, fresh apples, and hot drinks to warm you up on cooler days. You’ll also find barbecue, burgers, and other easy meals if you want more than a snack.

Kettle corn is one of the most popular treats. It’s made fresh on-site, and you can smell it across the festival grounds. The sweet and salty mix makes it easy to carry around while you explore.

If you like seasonal flavors, Cox Farms offers plenty of options. From cider to kettle corn, the food adds another layer to the fall festival experience.

9. Papa’s Pumpkin Patch and Craven Farm: Unique Midwest and Northwest Experiences

Both spots give you much more than a field of pumpkins. You can take part in hands-on fall activities, explore themed mazes, and enjoy hayrides that make the day feel complete.

Papa’s Pumpkin Patch: Corn Maze, Hayrides, Kid Activities

At Papa’s Pumpkin Patch, you can wander through a corn maze that mixes fun with a bit of challenge. The paths twist and turn, making it a good activity for both kids and adults. It’s not too overwhelming, so you can enjoy the maze without feeling lost for hours.

The hayrides here let you see the farm from a different view. You’ll ride past pumpkin fields and fall decorations, which makes for a calm break between activities. Families often use this time to snap photos and relax before moving on to the next stop.

For kids, there are plenty of activities that go beyond pumpkins. Play areas, small rides, and hands-on games keep younger visitors busy. These extras make it easier for you to spend a full day at the patch without running out of things to do.

Craven Farm: Pumpkin Slingshot, Storybook Corn Maze, Hayrides

Craven Farm in Snohomish, Washington, mixes tradition with playful twists. One highlight is the pumpkin slingshot, where you can launch pumpkins into open fields. It’s a simple but fun activity that adds a bit of energy to the day.

The Storybook Corn Maze is another big draw. You can walk through themed sections based on classic tales, which makes the maze more engaging for kids. The design changes each year, so you get a new experience every visit.

Hayrides around the farm give you a chance to see the fields and enjoy the fall scenery. Between the rides, food stands, and family-friendly games, you’ll find plenty of ways to keep the day moving without relying only on pumpkin picking.