Photo from Mainstay Farm Facebook page
Out with summer florals, in with the fall foliage. October rolling around means pumpkin patches are burgeoning, steering in mazes, hayrides, costume parties and gourds galore.
It also means dressing up the fam for fall pictures. So if you're up for a day trip, here are a few picturesque pumpkin patches worth visiting that offer both a fall backdrop and kid-friendly activities.
Mainstay Farm “Family Pumpkin Days”
Where: 1004 W. Bethesda Road, Cleburne
When: Every weekend in October.
Hours: Sat. 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Sun. 12:30-5:30 p.m.
Along with sheep racing, hayrides, train rides, face painting, a maze, a tree house, duck races, pumpkin ice cream and fall decor available for purchase, Mainstay Farm is also introducing a brand new 150-foot inner tube slide. Admission for guests is $16.95 online and $18.95 at the gate. Children 2 and under are free.
Storybook Ranch Pumpkin Patch
Where: 3701 S. Custer Road, McKinney
When: Sept. 24-Nov. 1
Hours: Sun.-Fri. 10 a.m. to sundown, Sat. 9 a.m. to sundown
With ponies, a hay maze, bounce houses, a petting zoo and a tour of an 1800s historic western town, this pumpkin patch is a family photo shoot waiting to happen. While access to the actual pumpkin patch is free, all other activities are $15 per child 2 years and older. Participating adults will have to pay $5 admission for the petting zoo and wagon ride. Pumpkins will also be available for purchase.
Blase Family Farm Pumpkin Patch
Photo from Blase Family Farm website
Where: 1232 E. Fork Drive, Rockwall
When: Oct. 1-30
Hours: Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sun. noon-6 p.m.
Admission to this Rockwall patch is $7 per person, excluding kids ages 1 and under. A petting zoo, hayride, and hay maze — along with the petting and feeding of a longhorn — are just a few of the activities offered here. There will also be a farm train so guests can tour the 13-acre property. Don't forget to purchase a pumpkin.
Pumpkin Farm at Preston Trail Farms
Photo from Preston Trail Farms Facebook page
Where: 15102 TX-289, Gunter
When: Sept. 15-Nov. 22
Hours: 8 a.m.-8 p.m. daily, store opens at 6 a.m.
This pumpkin farm boasts 50 farm animals and gives guests the chance to learn more about them during an educational tour. The farm also offers a hay maze, a hayride and a roping pen. Additionally, rides on a brand new train will be offered on the weekends. Admission is $8 per person during the weekdays and $10 on Saturday and Sunday, with free admission for children 2 and under.
Hall's Pumpkin Farm
Photo from Hall's Pumpkin Farm Facebook page
Where: 3420 Hall Johnson Rd., Grapevine
When: Sept. 29-Oct. 21
Hours: Mon.- Thurs. 3 p.m-8 p.m., Fri. 3-10 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-10 p.m., Sun. 1-8 p.m.
Hall's Pumpkin Farm lets visitors take pumpkins home, giving guests the option of picking a pumpkin off the vine or buying one that's already been plucked. On top of that, the farm offers a tractor-pulled hayride on the weekends, a two-acre corn maze and farm animals to see. While some concessions will be available, the farm suggests that visitors bring their own snacks and drinks. Admission is free to the pumpkin patch, but the corn maze and the hayride are an extra $5. Although professional pictures are not allowed, families are still invited to enjoy the scenery and activities, snapping an iPhone pic or two.
