What better way to get into the fall spirit than spending an afternoon with your family, and perhaps some friends, picking your own pumpkins for carving? There are several places in and around Phoenix you can go. Don’t forget to grab a cooler and picnic blanket from the garage before heading to any one of the following pumpkin patches.
October 2nd to November 5th
4011 S. Power Rd.
Mesa, AZ 85212
(480) 882-1482
During the month of October, Vertuccio Farms is hosting a variety of family-friendly fall activities, including a seven-acre corn maze and live entertainment (specific nights only). Admission to the festival includes corn maze, mini golf, mule-pulled wagon rides (Saturdays and Sundays only), mini zip line, and more. The farm will also be selling pumpkins perfect for carving, as well as hay bales, and corn stalks. Visit vertucciofarms.com for hours.
Admission:
Schnepf Farms Pumpkin and Chili Party
October 5th to the 29th
24610 S. Rittenhouse Rd.
Queen Creek, AZ 85242
(480) 987-3100
Every Thursday through Sunday, families can enjoy hayrides, a petty zoo, corn mazes, and live entertainment. A variety of other activities, shows, and rides are also included in your admission cost. Pumpkins, organic vegetables (you pick), and train rides, as well as chili and an assortment of other food are available for an additional cost. Visit schnepffarms.com for hours. This event has been voted, “The Best Fall Family Event in the Valley” by both Phoenix and New Times magazines.
Admission:
Mother Nature’s Farm Halloween Pumpkin Patch
October 1st to the 31st
1663 E. Baseline Rd.
Gilbert, AZ 85233
(480) 892-5874
Rated Arizona’s best in New Times, the Halloween Pumpkin Patch at Mother Nature’s Farm is stocked daily with fresh pumpkins, ranging from 1 ounce to 500 pounds. After decorating their pumpkin, kids can enjoy the air bounce, a hayride, feeding the animals, and Alexander’s Adventure Maze (included in kid’s admission). Food is available at Maneau’s Munchies. You are also invited to bring your own picnic lunch. Open daily from 9am to 9pm. Visit mothernaturesfarm.com for details.
Admission:
MacDonald’s Ranch Annual Pumpkin Festival
October 1st to the 31st
26540 N. Scottsdale Rd.
Scottsdale, AZ 85255
(480) 585-0239
Take an authentic Western hayride pulled by horses or mules, or train ride to the patch to find the perfect pumpkin for carving and enjoy the petting zoo, gold panning, hay maze, and tour through town. Blazin’ Barbeque will be serving hot food and cold drinks daily, and specialty vendors, including face painters are available on the weekend. Visit macdonaldsranch.com for hours and special discount days.
Admission:
October 6th to the 29th
Open Wednesday through Sunday
1826 W. McDowell Rd.
Phoenix, AZ 85007
(602) 252-6771
While not quite a pumpkin patch, we couldn’t go without mentioning the Arizona State Fair, which attracts more than one million people annually. The fair’s 150-foot Ferris wheel towers over attractions, livestock shows, concerts, fair food, and more fun. Visit azstatefair.com for hours and details on this year’s concert series. This year’s lineup features Snoop Dog, Gin Blossoms, and Rick Springfield. It promises to be fun for the whole family.
Admission:
