Picking your own pumpkins for Halloween decorations and cooking is an October tradition just about everywhere in the United States. Arizona is no different, and there are several places you can go to enjoy picking your pumpkins from a pumpkin patch. These harvest festivals are presented in alphabetical order, by the name of the farm or location.
Pumpkin Patches
The Great Pumpkin FestivalDesert Botanical Garden
Papago Park, Phoenix
Take a hayride out to the Garden's pumpkin patch, where children 12 and under can choose their own free pumpkin. Get lost in the Amazing Hay Bale Maze, visit with friendly animals in the petting zoo, enjoy lively country-western entertainment. Free pumpkins for children 12 and under. Activities and hayride included with Garden admission. Pony rides for additional charge.
In 2011: October 20 - October 23
See photos of the Desert Botanical Garden Pumpkin Festival!
Brooke's Pumpkin Patch at Mother Nature's Farm
1663 E. Baseline Rd., Gilbert
Pumpkin Patch is stocked with fresh pumpkins daily, ranging from 1 ounce to 500 pounds. Pumpkin weigh-off October 1, 2011, winners announced at noon. $7 per child includes an OZ pumpkin, decorating the pumpkin, air bounce, hayride, straw bounce, feeding the animals and Alexander's Adventure Maze. Adults are $3 to tag along and ride the hayride. Bring a picnic lunch or buy snacks.
In 2011: September 26 - November 4
See photos of October festivities at Mother Nature's Farm!
MacDonald's Ranch Pumpkin Patch
26540 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale
Petting zoo, hay maze, sack racing, a gem mine, western golf game and two horseshoe pits.
Horse or Mule drawn Hay ride to and from the pumpkin patch. See the little pig Charlotte and her son Jimmy Dean, the miniature pony Chocolate, the goats Shrek, Fiona and Baby Friday, the miniature donkeys Pete and Repeat and all of the other critters. Pony rides available, no charge but tips are appropriate so bring some cash. $8 entrance fee per person. Bring one or more cans of food for donation and receive $1 off. Pumpkin prices vary by size. You may bring your own sack lunch.
In 2011: October 1 - 31 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily (closes at 1 p.m. on Halloween)
See photos of MacDonald's Ranch!
Schnepf Farms Pumpkin and Chili Party
24810 Rittenhouse Road, Queen Creek
At the Schnepf Farms Pumpkin & Chili Party, activities include hay rides, miniature golf, 4 acre Sonic Burger Maze, country road rally, honeybee adventure, carousel rides, petting barn, Hillbilly Bob's Pig Races, Swinging Lady Bugz (36") (seen above), Flying Farmers ride (under 32" tall), New & Improved Pumpkin Launch, New & Improved Witch Mountain giant slide, Arizona's only gravity roller coaster (32" tall), New & Improved straw bale maze, Rock climbing wall, "live" entertainment, bon fires & marshmallow roasting (6:30pm), lil' farmers play yard with lil' farmer town, Schnepf Family Museum, Sweet Shop, Country Store, Gift shop. Rocket's K-9 Comets Frisbee Dog Stars. Fireworks Friday and Saturday nights, weather permitting. Some rides and features have additional charges. $15 per person, children 2 and under are admitted free. Check at Fry's for discounted tickets. Queen Creek and San Tan residents $10 any Thursday (must show proof of residency); seniors (60+) admitted for $8 on Thursdays or Fridays; military with proof $10 per person; wear a costume the last weekend and get in for $8.
In 2011: Every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday in October
See photos of October festivities at Schnepf Farms!
Tolmachoff Farms
5726 N. 75th Avenue
Glendale, Arizona
From the web site: "Great big pumpkin patch, 6 acre family corn maze with a scarecrow theme (search for pieces of your map as you walk through), mini corn maze (perfect for the little ones), haunted corn maze (dare to enter). Other activities: petting zoo, train ride, hay pyramid, corn box, adult/child pedal cart track and much more." Admission includes family and mini maze, petting zoo, play areas, bounce house (bounce house on weekends only). General admission $8 per person ages 2 & up. Extra charges -- Pumpkins: price varies; train ride: $2 (weekends only); tomato cannon: $2 (weekends only).
In 2011: October 1 through November 20 except Mondays in November
See photos of October festivities at Tolmachoff Farms!
All dates, times, prices and offerings are subject to change without notice.
