September marked a record-breaking heat month in Dallas-Fort Worth—with the most triple-digit temps on record!—so it doesn’t feel like fall at all. A little sweat won’t stop us from enjoying the season, however! We may not be able to wear flannel shirts and boots just yet, but we can still enjoy all the amazing autumn activities.
My family loves visiting pumpkin patches, corn mazes, and fall festivals this time of year—even in the midst of a heat wave. There’s nothing like picking out pumpkins, going on hayrides, and enjoying delicious, seasonal treats. From u-pick farms to adrenaline-pumping activities to classic autumn photo opportunities, there is something for everyone at these fall-focused locations.
It may be too hot to function right now, but that’s even more reason to get into the fall spirit with some local family fun. Check out eight of the best pumpkin patches in DFW below, opening soon.
1. Blase Family Farm
Location: 1232 East Fork Drive, Rockwall
Dates: Sept. 19-Nov. 1
Admission: $12 per person; children under 2 are free
Pumpkins and a petting zoo all in one small farm? That’s what makes Blase Family Farm a favorite for my family! Surrounded by trees that help keep the temperature down, this pumpkin patch has plenty of stunning photo ops and activities for the kids, without being too overwhelming.
After visiting and feeding the animals, including a llama, let the kids run around a mini hay maze. Then, browse the pumpkin patch and snap photos. Don’t miss the hayride through the trees, where you can snack on homemade fudge or an ice-cold popsicle (this is Texas, after all) and enjoy the beautiful view.
2. Autumn at the Arboretum
Location: 8525 Garland Road, Dallas
Dates: Sept. 19-Nov. 1
Admission: $25.95 for adults; $21.95 for children ages 3-12; kids 2 and under are free
Autumn at the Arboretum is a pumpkin wonderland, with over 100,000 pumpkins, gourds, and squash throughout the garden. Pretty incredible, right? This year’s theme is Harvest Hues, with unique fall-themed pumpkin houses inspired by famous artists that make for cool photo backdrops.
If you want to take pumpkins home, there are two options. You can pre-order a bundle of beautiful pumpkins by Oct. 7 to pick up between Oct. 9 and 10, perfect if you want several for decorating your home. Or go to the Pumpkin and Squash Show and Sale Oct. 16 to 18, where you can browse a huge variety of pumpkin colors and sizes for cooking and decorating.
3. Mainstay Farm
Location: 1004 West Bethesda Road, Cleburne
Dates: Sept. 20-Nov. 7
Admission: $39.95 per person; children 2 and under are free
Think of Mainstay Farm less as a traditional pumpkin patch and more as a fall theme park. Yes, this farm has pumpkins for sale inside a huge, Texas-sized barn, but it also has mini roller coasters, the Texas Big Wheel, a gigantic climbing playground, a tube hill slide, train rides, hayrides, and apple cannons, among other things.
If you’re looking for unique photos, take the kids to the pick-your-own zinnias field (and you can even take the bouquet home!). Freshly squeezed lemonade, wine chillers, and other refreshing drinks—and tons of food—are available for purchase as well, so you can refuel throughout the day. It’s such a fun way to spend an autumn weekend!
4. Sunset Trail Farm
Location: 1794 Sunset Trail, McKinney
Dates: Sept. 25-Nov. 8
Admission: Starting at $12; children under age 2 are free
Start your visit at Sunset Trail Farm by buying hot apple cider, cool blackberry lemonade, or all-natural shaved ice to enjoy while you walk around. This farm is full of fun games, including rubber duck races, pumpkin bowling, corn hole, and more. Admission also includes access to the kids’ hay maze, farm animals, and picturesque backdrops.
Be sure to bring cash to try the pumpkin launcher, get your face painted, or pick your own beautiful bouquet of flowers. There are also sweet snacks for purchase and a food truck available on weekends.
5. Denton Valley Farms
Location: 8740 County Road 224, Clyde
Dates: Sept. 26-Nov. 1
Admission: Starting at $19.95 each; kids 2 and under free
Like your pumpkin with a bit of spice and your autumn activities with a healthy dose of thrill? Then bring your family to Denton Valley Farms for more than 40 activities. These include a huge corn maze, hayrides through the haunted woods, zip lines, a pedal car track, an abandoned mineshaft slide, pony rides, lawn games, paintball, an obstacle course, and so much more.
A pumpkin patch is here too, along with homemade pumpkin spice ice cream and other snacks. You’ll want to come back every week!
6. Kadee Farm
Location: 5054 US Highway 69
Dates: Sept. 26-Nov. 1
Admission: $10 per person; 3 and under free
The best experiences are the simplest, like rolling around in a massive corn pit or jumping on hay. Kadee Farm offers these and more fall-inspired activities this season, including hayrides, a corn maze, and train rides.
Pumpkins are the main attraction, of course, and you can buy them, paint them, and test them out in a water race. And if you visit on Oct. 10, you can shop the fall vendor market, featuring baked goods, home décor, boutique goods, and handmade items.
7. Hall’s Pumpkin Farm and Corn Maze
Location: 3240 Hall Johnson Road, Grapevine
Dates: Oct. 2-Nov. 1
Admission: $15 for adults; $10 for kids ages 4-11; kids 3 and under free
Go back to the roots of what makes great fun at Hall’s Pumpkin Farm and Corn Maze. See some pumpkins growing on the vine at the pumpkin patch and shop ready-to-take-home pumpkins of wide varieties, as well as hay bales and corn stalks.
You can also explore the corn maze, which is two acres of twisting fun, tall enough for adults to get lost in. The maze is even open at night, which you can explore with a flashlight if you dare! The hayrides on the farm serve a dual purpose—a fun experience and a chance for guests to stop and feed the cows and donkeys during the journey.
Grab fresh kettle corn, apple cider, and other concessions in between taking photos in the cute fall set-ups.
8. Huffines Harvest Fest
Location: 1500 Apollo Road, Richardson
Dates: Oct. 17-18
Admission: Free
All the fall fun your heart desires is packed into two days at Huffines Harvest Fest. Decorate pumpkins and dress up scarecrows for display, challenge your friends to pumpkin Tic-Tac-Toe, and visit the petting zoo. You can also grab a craft beer to sip on while you peruse the artisan market, treat yourself to a fall goodie, and listen to live music.
This fall festival also includes a pumpkin patch with many different sizes, colors, and types of pumpkins to choose from. Pick one out, then take photos at the cute displays.
Each day includes a special event: Pawtoberfest with dog-themed activities and treats for your furry friends on Saturday, and Kids Markets, hosted by creative child business owners, on Sunday. Because everyone deserves to enjoy some special fall fun!
This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.
Related: TSA PreCheck perk? DFW travelers can now walk loved ones to their gates
