Fall in Texas brings cooler temperatures and a beloved seasonal tradition – visiting pumpkin patches. Across the Lone Star State, farms transform into autumnal wonderlands filled with pumpkins of all shapes and sizes. These attractions offer more than just pumpkin picking, with many featuring corn mazes, hayrides, petting zoos and other family-friendly activities.
Texas boasts some of the best pumpkin patches in the country, offering visitors unforgettable fall experiences. From small family farms to sprawling agritourism destinations, the state’s top pumpkin patches provide festive atmospheres perfect for making memories. Visitors can select the perfect jack-o’-lantern pumpkin, snap photos in scenic settings, and enjoy tasty seasonal treats like apple cider and pumpkin pie.
1) Sweet Berry Farm
Sweet Berry Farm in Marble Falls, Texas offers a delightful fall experience for families and couples alike. This seasonal pick-your-own farm transforms into a bustling pumpkin patch during autumn.
Visitors can enjoy a wide range of activities at Sweet Berry Farm. The farm features pumpkin painting, hayrides, and mazes for guests of all ages to enjoy.
One unique attraction is the stuff-a-scarecrow activity, where guests can create their own festive decorations. The farm also offers u-pick flowers, adding a colorful touch to the fall festivities.
Sweet Berry Farm’s annual Harvest of Fall Fun festival draws crowds from across Texas. The event showcases the farm’s commitment to providing a memorable autumn experience.
The farm’s convenient location in the Texas Hill Country makes it easily accessible for a day trip or weekend outing. Its well-organized layout ensures visitors can navigate the various attractions with ease.
Sweet Berry Farm
Address: 1801 FM 1980, Marble Falls, TX 78654
Website: sweetberryfarm.com
2) The Robinson Family Farm
The Robinson Family Farm in Temple, Texas offers a quintessential fall experience. Their pumpkin patch boasts a vibrant array of gourds and pumpkins, perfect for families seeking the ideal Halloween decoration or autumn centerpiece.
Visitors can enjoy more than just pumpkin picking. The farm hosts an annual Fall Festival featuring a corn maze, hayrides, and other seasonal attractions. These activities provide entertainment for all ages, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists.
The farm’s commitment to creating family traditions is evident in their carefully curated events. From Christmas tree sales to sunflower fields, they offer year-round attractions that keep visitors coming back.
Robinson Family Farm’s dedication to agriculture and community engagement makes it a standout among Texas pumpkin patches. Their efforts to provide a wholesome, farm-based experience have earned them recognition as one of the best in the state.
Address: 2651 Bob White Rd, Temple, TX 76501
Website: therobinsonfamilyfarm.com
Admission: $19.95 online (taxes and fees not included), children under 2 free
3) Dewberry Farm
Dewberry Farm stands out as a premier pumpkin patch destination in Texas. Located in Brookshire, just 45 minutes from downtown Houston, this farm offers an immersive fall experience for families.
The farm features an impressive 8-acre corn maze with a Peanuts theme, providing a fun challenge for visitors of all ages. Over 40 rides and attractions keep guests entertained throughout their visit.
Dewberry Farm’s pumpkin patch is expansive, offering a wide variety of pumpkins for picking. Visitors can capture memorable fall photos amidst the picturesque setting.
For those seeking spooky thrills, the farm hosts BOOriffic Nights from late September through early November. This Halloween event includes three creepy haunts and plenty of eerie entertainment.
The farm’s Fall Festival runs from mid-September to early November, offering discounted tickets for a full day of autumn activities. It’s an ideal spot for creating lasting family traditions.
Dewberry Farm
7705 FM 362, Brookshire, TX 77423
Website: dewberryfarm.com
4) YesterLand Farm
YesterLand Farm in Canton, Texas offers a quintessential fall experience with its expansive pumpkin patch. Visitors can select from a wide variety of pumpkins in different shapes, sizes, and colors.
The farm’s annual Fall Festival enhances the pumpkin picking adventure with additional attractions. Guests can navigate through a challenging corn maze or enjoy the farm’s amusement park rides, including roller coasters and a Ferris wheel.
YesterLand Farm also features unique attractions like a pumpkin house and pig races. On Friday and Saturday evenings, the farm hosts a fireworks display at 8:30 PM, adding a magical touch to the autumn atmosphere.
For those interested in other fall activities, the farm offers sunflower and zinnia picking. The diverse range of attractions makes YesterLand Farm a popular destination for families and autumn enthusiasts.
YesterLand Farm
Address: 15410 I-20, Canton, TX
Website: yesterlandfarm.com
Admission: $24.95 online, $34.95 at gate
5) Elves Farm
Elves Christmas Tree Farm and Pumpkin Patch offers a delightful autumn experience just one hour north of Dallas. Located in Denison, Texas, this family-friendly destination combines holiday cheer with fall festivities.
The pumpkin patch opens in early October, welcoming visitors on weekends throughout the month. Guests can explore the farm and select from a variety of specialty pumpkins.
Beyond pumpkin picking, Elves Farm provides numerous activities for all ages. Visitors can enjoy a farm zoo, navigate through a maze, take a relaxing hay ride, and even participate in human foosball.
Admission prices range from $10 to $15 per person, granting access to most on-site attractions. The farm’s picturesque setting creates an ideal backdrop for family photos and lasting memories.
Elves Farm seamlessly transitions from autumn to winter, opening its Christmas tree farm in late November. This dual-season appeal makes it a unique destination in North Texas.
Address: Denison, TX
Website: www.elveschristmastreefarm.com
6) Mainstay Farm Park
Mainstay Farm Park in Cleburne, Texas offers a quintessential fall experience with its expansive pumpkin patch and festive activities. Located about 25 miles south of Fort Worth, this farm attracts visitors from across the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex and beyond.
The farm’s centerpiece is its Texas-sized Pumpkin Barn, filled with pumpkins of various shapes and sizes. Guests can select their perfect pumpkin while enjoying the rustic ambiance.
Mainstay Farm Park goes beyond traditional pumpkin picking. The farm features a Ferris wheel, jumping pillows, and farm animals for added entertainment. Visitors can also pick sunflowers and zinnias from the flower fields.
Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the vintage truck setup, providing charming fall photo opportunities. Live music adds to the festive atmosphere, creating a lively environment for all ages.
The farm’s Fall Festival runs from late September through early November. Admission fees apply, with online tickets available at a discounted rate compared to gate prices.
Mainstay Farm Park, 1004 W Bethesda Rd, Cleburne, TX 76031
Website: www.mainstayfarm.com
7) The Jersey Barnyard
The Jersey Barnyard offers a delightful fall experience in La Grange, Texas. This family-owned dairy farm transforms into a vibrant pumpkin patch during autumn, providing visitors with a true taste of rural life.
Guests can explore the colorful pumpkin fields and select their perfect Halloween companion. The farm’s dedication to agriculture shines through in their carefully cultivated patch.
Beyond pumpkin picking, The Jersey Barnyard offers a range of family-friendly activities. Children can enjoy pumpkin painting, adding a personal touch to their harvest finds.
The working farm atmosphere gives visitors a chance to learn about dairy operations and agricultural practices. It’s an educational opportunity wrapped in autumn fun.
The Jersey Barnyard’s commitment to creating lasting memories makes it a standout among Texas pumpkin patches. Its blend of seasonal festivities and genuine farm experiences sets it apart.
Address: 1796 Shumard Oak Lane, La Grange, TX 78945
Phone: 979-249-3406
Website: www.thejerseybarnyard.com
8) Evergreen Farms
Evergreen Farms offers a unique twist on the traditional pumpkin patch experience. Located in Elgin, Texas, this farm is best known for its Christmas trees but transforms into a pumpkin lover’s paradise each October.
The highlight of Evergreen Farms’ fall festivities is their innovative Pumpkin Hunt. Families can embark on a free wagon ride into the Christmas tree fields, where mini pumpkins are hidden among the evergreens.
Visitors can purchase tickets to participate in the Pumpkin Hunt, with each ticket granting the finder two mini pumpkins. This creative approach combines the excitement of an Easter egg hunt with the autumn charm of pumpkin picking.
In addition to the Pumpkin Hunt, Evergreen Farms offers other seasonal activities for a modest fee. These extra attractions provide fun for all ages and complement the main pumpkin-themed event.
The farm’s dual identity as both a Christmas tree farm and a pumpkin patch creates a distinctive atmosphere that sets it apart from other fall destinations in Texas.
Contact: Evergreen Farms, 242 Monkey Road, Elgin, TX 78621
Website: www.evergreen-farms.com
History of Pumpkin Patches in Texas
Pumpkin patches in Texas have evolved from simple agricultural endeavors to popular autumn attractions. The state’s climate and soil conditions have long supported pumpkin cultivation, with farmers adapting their practices over time.
Early Agricultural Practices
Texas farmers began growing pumpkins in the late 1800s. The crop thrived in the state’s warm climate and fertile soil. Initially, pumpkins were primarily grown for livestock feed and personal consumption.
As demand grew, farmers expanded their pumpkin fields. By the early 1900s, some areas of Texas had become known for their pumpkin production. The Texas Panhandle, in particular, emerged as a major pumpkin-growing region due to its ideal conditions.
Farmers developed techniques to improve yields and quality. They experimented with different varieties suited to Texas’s climate. Irrigation methods were refined to ensure consistent crops in drier years.
Growth of Agritourism
In the 1960s and 1970s, Texas farmers began to recognize the potential of pumpkin patches as tourist attractions. This shift marked the beginning of agritourism centered around pumpkins.
Farms started offering pick-your-own experiences, allowing visitors to select pumpkins directly from the field. This hands-on approach proved popular with families seeking autumn activities.
As interest grew, farmers expanded their offerings. Corn mazes, hayrides, and petting zoos became common additions to pumpkin patches. These attractions helped extend the visiting season and increase revenue.
By the 1990s, pumpkin patches had become firmly established as fall traditions in Texas. Many farms now host elaborate fall festivals, drawing thousands of visitors each year. These events celebrate not only pumpkins but also the state’s agricultural heritage.
Seasonal Activities and Events
Texas pumpkin patches offer an array of fall festivities beyond simply picking pumpkins. Visitors can enjoy harvest-themed celebrations and attractions designed for the whole family.
Harvest Festivals
Many pumpkin patches in Texas host vibrant harvest festivals during autumn. These events often feature live music, craft vendors, and seasonal food offerings. Visitors can sample freshly pressed apple cider, savor pumpkin-flavored treats, and browse local artisan goods.
Some farms organize pumpkin carving contests, allowing guests to showcase their creativity. Hayrides through scenic farm fields are a popular activity, giving visitors a chance to take in the fall colors and crisp air.
Family-Friendly Attractions
Pumpkin patches cater to families with various engaging activities. Corn mazes challenge visitors of all ages to navigate intricate pathways cut into vast cornfields. Some farms create themed mazes based on popular characters or local landmarks.
Petting zoos allow children to interact with farm animals like goats, sheep, and chickens. Face painting stations and costume contests add a festive touch, especially as Halloween approaches.
Many locations offer bounce houses, slides, and obstacle courses for energetic youngsters. Some farms set up miniature train rides or tractor-pulled wagons to transport families around the property.