As October nears, we all start thinking about autumn, and even though the leaves haven’t changed colors just yet, there is certainly nothing wrong with getting into the spirit of fall. That includes — especially — getting a pumpkin or two.
Whether you’re wanting a pumpkin for decoration, for a jack-o-lantern or for cooking, you can find a good one in one of the many pumpkin patches in North Alabama, and have some family fun while you’re there. Here are a few we recommend:
Tate Farms
Located at 8414 A Moores Mill Road in Meridianville, Tate Farms is a family-owned and operated row crop and pick-your-own pumpkin farm.
The pumpkin-picking season at Tate Farms opens September 28 and runs through October 29. The experience includes animals, refreshments, rides and more!
- Hours: Wednesday-Friday from 1-8PM, and Saturdays from 9AM-9PM.
- Cost: $15 (ages 2+) per person
- More Info: www.tatefarmsal.com
JDM Family Farm
JDM Family Farm in New Hope (located at 1614 Old Gurley Pike) not only has some of the best pumpkins you can find, but also offers family activities like pedal cars, hayrides, giant slides, a jump pillow, petting zoo and even duck races!
JDM Family Farm opens Oct. 1.
- Hours: Thursday 5-8PM, Friday from 5-9PM, and Saturdays from 12-9PM.
- Cost: $14, kids ages 2 & under are free
- More info: www.jdmfamilyfarm.com
McGee Farm
Take a trip up to Florence to visit McGee Farm. You will not regret it! Their fall season begins Oct. 3, and you have a choice of picking your own pumpkin from the pumpkin patch or from a pre-picked pile.
Visitors to McGee Farms (located at 8211 County Road 7) can also enjoy a farm life experience like feeding chickens, tractor rides and more. And don’t forget to visit the gift shop where you will find tons of fall decor for your home.
- Open weekdays 3-6PM, Saturday 10AM-6PM and Sundays 1-5PM.
- Cost: $3.25-6.50/person (under 2 free with an adult)
- More info: www.mcgeefarm.com
Panther Branch Pumpkin Patch
Located at 24874 Copeland Road in Athens, Panther Branch Pumpkin Patch is run by the Phillips Family and is a small 20-acre farm helping local families planning domestic or international adoptions (all proceeds go toward adoption assistance for families).
Visitors can enjoy picking pumpkins, gourds and flowers, feeding fish at the pond, taking a hayride, playing at the new playground and trying out the zip line across the pumpkin patch. The farm opens Oct. 1.
- Open: Saturdays in October from 9AM – 4PM
- Cost: Free admission, bring money for pumpkins
- More info: https://www.facebook.com/pumpkins4punkins
Hidden Rivers Farm
This family farm, at 298 Goose Pond Road in Hartselle, is owned and operated by two sisters and features a giant corn maze, pumpkin patch, lots of farm animals to pet and several play areas for kids.
Hidden Rivers Farm opened before most of the pumpkin patches in the area, having been open since Sept. 24.
- Open: Fridays from 4-8PM, Saturdays and Sundays 10AM-7PM
- Cost: $8-$9 per person; under 2 are FREE
- More Info: www.hiddenriversfarm.com
Sand Mountain Corn Maze + Pumpkin Patch
At Sand Mountain Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch in Sardis City, you can do a lot more than just pick yourself a pumpkin. Activities include the corn maze, wagon rides, cow train rides, corn blasters, duck races, slides, corn pits and a playground.
And for those who want a little scary Halloween fun, teen and adults can take part in the “Zombie Splatter” on weekends after dark, where players can have some frightful fun taking a wagon ride through Zombieville with paintball guns.
Located at 8420 Cox Gap Rd., Sand Mountain Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch opens Oct. 1.
- Hours: Tuesday – Thursday 4-9PM; Friday 4-10PM; Saturday 10AM-11PM, and Sunday 1-9PM.
- Cost: $15-$25 (depending on package); 2 and under are free
- More info: Facebook
Down on the Farm Pumpkin Patch
Down on the Farm Pumpkin Patch is located at 2257 Heaton Road in Rainsville. Activities include a corn maze, pumpkin painting, hayrides, a simulated milking cow, a farm animal petting zoo, playground and tons of games for the family.
Down on the Farm opened Sept. 24.
- Hours: Saturdays 10AM-8PM and Sundays 10AM-6PM
- Cost: Packages starting at $5-$17
- More Info: www.downonthefarminal.net
Which one of these are you going to visit? Or are there any we might have left out? Let us know on Facebook, TikTok and Instagram, and be sure to subscribe to our newsletter.
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