From Homewood to Hoover, Cullman to Calera, and many points in between, there’s likely a pumpkin patch within a half-hour road trip from your driveway. Most spots offer activities to entertain toddlers all the way up to the older kiddos (corn maze confusion, anyone?), so don’t get tricked into thinking these destinations are just for the littles. Pumpkin patches are basically a one-day mini theme park visit, with all the food, fun, and family memories you can make! Bonus: Your kids won’t have any trouble falling asleep after a day at the farm.
4D Farm
4dfamilyfarm.com
Where: 7182 County Rd. 703 in Cullman
What: Cow train, new swing ride, zip line, apple cannons, singing chicken show, pumpkin patch, and more
When: Thursdays-Sundays through October and November 2
How Much: Day passes start at $16.95; purchase online to save off gate prices
Don’t Miss: The Goblin Glow beginning at dusk on Friday and Saturday nights
Bennett Farms
bennettfarms.com
Where: 1073 County Rd. 13 in Heflin
What: The annual pumpkin patch with farm animals, sunflowers, corn cribs, duck race, and hayrides; the Country Store sells handmade soaps, pottery, and more
When: Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays-Sundays through October
How Much: $14 admission plus extra for pumpkins and activities
Don’t Miss: Scarecrow decorating and live music every Saturday in October
Camp Winnataska
winnataska.org
Where: 260 Winnataska Dr. in Pell City
What: Annual Pumpkin Patch with games and hayrides
When: October 19-20
How Much: $15 includes a pumpkin, wagon ride, inflatables; bring money for extras like gem mining and horseback rides
Don’t Miss: Face-painting at The Craft Hut
Grace House Pumpkin Festival
grace-house.org
Where: Homewood Central Park
What: 11th Annual Pumpkin Festival benefitting Grace House Ministries
When: October 14, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
How Much: $10 for children (includes a pumpkin, goodie bag, and inflatables), adults are free
Don’t Miss: Old-school fun with balloon animals and face-painting
Griffin Farm of West Blocton
griffinfarmal.com
Where: 826 Griffin Rd. in West Blocton
What: Animal barn, barrel train, hamster wheel, zipline, pumpkin patch, and king-size corn bed
When: Saturdays-Sundays in October
How Much: $10 admission for ages 2 and up
Don’t Miss: Charlotte’s Web and the bison enclosure
Halloween Fairyland
tannehillstatepark.org/events
Where: Tannehill State Park in McCalla
What: 200 campsites with trick-or-treating, moonwalks, face painting, and a bungee jump
When: October 26; festival (11 a.m.-4 p.m.) and trick-or-treating (5-9 p.m.)
How Much: Gate admission is $3 kids 6-11, $5 ages 12-adult (some attractions cost extra); bring money for the annual festival T-shirt
Don’t Miss: Creative campsite decorations and lights
Pumpkin Junction
hodrrm.org
Where: Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum in Calera
What: A short train ride through the woods to the patch for pumpkins, crafts, and inflatables
When: Saturdays-Sundays October 5-20
How Much: Tickets start at $18 for children and adults
Don’t Miss: The train whistle! Listen out for the boarding signal about 45 minutes after you arrive
The Patch at Helena Hollow
helenahollow.com
Where: 6027 Hwy. 17 in Helena
What: More than 25 activities on 10 acres, including a hay run, corn barn, and Silo City
When: Fridays-Sundays in October and Columbus Day
How Much: $13 (Fridays and Columbus Day); $15.95 (Saturdays and Sundays); some activities are extra
Don’t Miss: The gigantic pipeslides
Hay Hoover
hooveral.org
Where: Veterans Park on Valleydale Rd. in Hoover
What: Hayrides, pony rides, petting zoo, and more (costumes encouraged!)
When: October 14, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
How Much: Free
Don’t Miss: Shuttle service from Spain Park High School!
Miss Sims’ Garden
cityofhomewood.com/sims-garden
Where: 913 Irving Rd. in Homewood
What: Pumpkin and mum sale at the only Over-the-Mountain pumpkin patch, family photo ops, scavenger hunt, and arts and crafts
When: Daily through October
How Much: Free admission plus the cost of pumpkins and mums
Don’t Miss: The scarecrow contest! Email simsgarden@homewoodal.org
Old Baker Farm
oldbakerfarm.com
Where: 184 Furrow Ln. in Harpersville
What: U-pick pumpkin farm, corn maze, petting farm, and train rides
When: Daily through October 31st
How Much: $13 (includes a pumpkin); $1 cash discount
Don’t Miss: Cowboy Day October 12-13, with live-action shootouts and a bluegrass band; Festival Weekend October 26-27, featuring vendors, live music, and an 1800s-style carnival
Penton Farms
pentonfarms.com
Where: 3595 County Rd. 59 in Verbena
What: Patch, hay mountain, corn maze, human hamster wheels, super slide, and wagon rides
When: Daily except Sundays through November 2
How Much: $14 (includes most activities and a pumpkin)
Don’t Miss: The cow train ($3 per person); bring cash for the Snack Shack and shopping the more than 50 varieties of pumpkins
The Great Pumpkin Patch
greatpumpkinpatch.com
Where: 288 Hwy. 45 in Hayden
What: hayride to the pumpkin patch, hay pyramid, country store, petting zoo, and more. Also enjoy costume contests, live entertainment, and goodies from the Pie House.
When: Daily through November 3
How Much: $10 adults; $13 kids (weekdays) and $20 (weekends)
Don’t Miss: Bungee jumping ($10) on weekends and $5 pony rides