4 Charming Pumpkin Patches to Celebrate Fall

Enjoy family fun with pumpkin picking and other seasonal activities

mother and daughter picking pumpkins together

The appeal of a pumpkin patch extends beyond photo opportunities, as it offers a connection to nature that is good for mental health.

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Cassandra Brooklyn,

AARP

Published October 10, 2024

As autumn approaches, the vibrant hues of orange and gold signal the return of one of the season’s most cherished traditions: visiting pumpkin patches. Though many associate this whimsical pastime with families and children, it’s a delightful experience that can be equally rewarding without kids. The charm of a pumpkin patch extends beyond photo opportunities, as it offers a connection to nature that is good for mental health.

Many pumpkin patches sell farm fresh produce packed with antioxidants and nutrients that are essential for eye health as you age. Even the inedible produce — such as miniature pumpkins and bumpy gourds — can be integrated into harvest decorations and table settings in your home.

Pumpkin patches often host a variety of seasonal activities, from hayrides and corn mazes to live music and wine tastings. These gatherings foster a sense of community and engagement and provide a chance to socialize with friends and meet new people. Considering that friends are also good for your health and well-being as you age, visiting pumpkin patches could be the perfect opportunity to get your crew together to try something new.

From live music and whiskey tastings in Indiana to a giant straw bale maze and “adult playground” in Idaho, here are some especially pleasant pumpkin picking experiences to enjoy this fall.

At the Pumpkin Patch on Sauvie Island, you can pick pumpkins, wash down grass-fed burgers with hard cider and load up on fresh produce at a market.

Courtesy Travel Portland

Portland, Oregon

Situated on one of the largest river islands in the country, the Pumpkin Patch on Sauvie Island is Portland’s answer to the active traveler’s search for the perfect autumn experience. Here, you can pick pumpkins, wash down grass-fed burgers with hard cider, load up on fresh produce at a daily market and enjoy nearby birding, cycling and kayaking. Bike or drive 4.4 miles to the Wapato Access Greenway State Park Trail, a 2-mile walking loop for bird-watching, or head to one of several island docks to kayak. Cyclists can ride a 12-mile loop around the southern end of the island, with both the Pumpkin Patch and nearby Bella Organic Pumpkin Patch & Winery directly on the route. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. through October. Admission: Free; $2 for hayrides; $10 for adults, $8 for adults 60-plus for the maze. 16511 NW Gillihan Rd.

Tubbs Berry Farm has activities that cater specifically to grownups, including an adult-size slide.

Courtesy Heidi Tubbs

Twin Falls, Idaho

While Twin Falls’ Tubbs Berry Farm has plenty to keep kids of all ages busy (petting zoo, bounce pad, hayrides, paintball, farm foosball, golf, cornhole, giant slides), its other offerings specifically cater to adults. Its adult playground comes complete with adult-size diggers, slides, bounce pads and apple cannons. The adult-focused straw bale maze has walls over 8 feet high. In addition to pumpkin picking, pick-your-own raspberries are available until the first frost, which sometimes doesn’t occur until the end of October. The farm could make a great date night option for fall foodies, who prefer more upscale offerings than the burgers and fries sold at kid-focused farms (think pumpkin chili and fried delicata squash with the farm’s own garlic salt). Open through Oct. 31. Monday to Thursday from 3 to 9 p.m., and Friday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Closes at 7 p.m. Oct. 31. Admission: $12 on Monday to Thursday and Friday until 2 p.m.; $15 on Friday after 2 p.m. and Saturday. $5 for adults 60-plus with identification. 1250 S Park Ave. W.

At Avila Valley Barn, there are 45 varieties of gourds and pumpkins to choose from.

Alamy

San Luis Obispo, California

Not only does Avila Valley Barn have 45 varieties of gourds and pumpkins to choose from, there also is an array of activities to take in autumn’s splendor. Pick the pumpkins and gourds of your choice from the field, stock up on organic produce and bakery items at the on-site farm stand, dig into smoked artichokes and pulled pork sandwiches at the Smoke House, then wash them down with crisp adult beverages at the hard cider bar. If you’re more of a wine person, several wineries along the Avila Beach Wine Trail offer tastings five to 10 minutes from the barn. Hikers and bikers may want to head to the Bob Jones Trail, which is about a quarter mile from the barn. Open through Oct. 31. Stand: Open daily 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; hayrides open Monday to Friday from 1 to 5 p.m. and Saturday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission: Free for the barn and farm; $6 hayrides. 560 Avila Beach Dr.

After picking pumpkins from the patch at Huber’s Orchard & Winery, head to the market for apple butter, pumpkin pies and fresh produce.

Courtesy SoIN Tourism

Borden, Indiana

Come to southern Indiana’s Huber’s Orchard & Winery for the squash, and stay for the spirits — in moderation. Hop on a scenic wagon ride at this seventh-generation family farm to pick pumpkins from the patch, then load up on apple butter, pumpkin pies, apple-cider donuts and fresh produce at the year-round market. The on-site Fall Festival takes place every weekend in October, when you can relax listening to live music from local musicians, grab lunch from one of several food trucks, and sample the offerings from the winery and distillery at tasting tents. Older adults may want to sign up for wine tastings and tours at Huber Winery. Bourbon, brandy and gin enthusiasts can opt for the on-site Farm to Glass tour at award-winning Starlight Distillery. Its unique Bottle-Your-Own Experience starts with the traditional Straight From the Barrel tour and lets you bottle your own whiskey to take home. On October weekends, you can bottle your own whiskey without the tour. Open Sunday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. (pumpkin patch and wagon rides offered through end of October). Admission: Free for the farm and wagon rides; wine tours/tastings are $15-$35; distillery tours are $15-$100. 19816 Huber Rd.

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Cassandra Brooklyn is a contributing writer who covers travel, caregiving, human-interest stories and the outdoors. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Time and National Geographic, among other publications.