Halloween will be here before you know it. Time to head to a pumpkin patch near Boston to pick that just-right jack-o-lantern
Boston’s cooler mornings and changing leaves are a sign it’s that time of year again. Time to pick out a future jack-o-lantern with your Halloween-lovin’ half-pints. These tried and true pumpkin patches Boston families love have the all the patch perks your kids love. We’re talking corn mazes, crafts, playgrounds, pony rides, and more. Get ’em while you still can and carve out fun this weekend!
Shelburne Farm
If you want to combine your family’s two favorite fall activities—picking apples and picking pumpkins—there’s no better spot to do in than Shelburne Farm. Not only can you find the perfect jack-o-lantern wannabe, but families can pick so many different types of apples throughout the month of October too. Then it’s off to the playground to clamber up the combine climber, play at the John Deere tractor playground, visit the farm animals, play in the hay area (and take a ride too) before grabbing a bag of warm cider donuts to finish off your day.
Dates: Sep. 10-November, 2022
106 W. Acton Rd.
Stow, MA
Online: shelburnefarm.com
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Nihtila Farm
Especially when you’ve got tots in tow, it’s best to keep it simple. And that’s what we love about this family-owned farm that offers u-pick pumpkins straight off the vine and hay rides too. Pick up fall décor and fresh produce from the store when you’re there. The farm is open Fridays through Sundays, from 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Good to Know: This patch is also open on Monday, Oct. 10, 2022.
Dates: Sep. 23-Oct. 30, 2022
12 Nihtila Lane
Holbrook, MA
Online: nihtilafarm.wixsite.com
Related: Find Fall Adventures at These Boston-area Corn Mazes
Smolak Farms
This North Andover spot welcomes families to visit their working farm to pick your pumpkin. The weekends in September and October (plus Indigenous Peoples Day) are Fall Festival days with even more fun on the farm. Expect hayrides, carnival games, cow trains, live music and more. Families can pay per experience or get a kids combo ticket and do it all.
Dates: weekends, Sep.-Oct., 2022
315 S. Bradford St.
North Andover, MA
Online: smolakfarms.com
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Connors Farm
This farm has been in business since 1904, and they've got the pumpkin patch scene down. Their seven-acre corn maze is a huge draw and the barn and silo with slides is a little kid favorite. Take your family pic at the giant rocking chair and then see how far you can launch apples in the apple cannons. You'll need tickets to get in on the fun.
Dates: Sep. 3-Oct. 31, 2022
30 Valley Rd.
Danvers, MA
Online: connorsfarm.com
Related: Bushels of Fun! 13 Orchards Where You Can Pick Apples
Tougas Family Farm
This farm is full of all of the fall favorites—apple picking, a pumpkin patch, and everyone's favorite apple cider donuts. Take a wagon ride to the orchard, and then let the kids climb on the farm-themed playground before you head home with all of your goodies.
Dates: Now through end of Oct.
234 Ball St.
Northborough, MA
Online: tougasfamilyfarm.com
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Wilson Farm
Founded by Irish immigrants, Wilson Farm has been in operation at its present location since 1884. You won't be able to resist purchasing the apple cider donuts when you see them popping out of the donut machine, available on the weekends. Kids will love visiting the farm animals after you've picked the perfect pumpkin.
Good to Know: Looking to add an extra sweet activity to your pumpkin patch visit? Sign up for the Haunted Gingerbread House Workshop on Oct. 19.
Dates: Weekends, Sep.-Oct. 2022
10 Pleasant St.
Lexington, MA
Online: wilsonfarm.com
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Boston Hill Farm
Pick your own pumpkin directly from the field at this spot that is open every day. Grab a red wagon before you head out in case one of the giant gourds is calling your name. If you're looking for special sugar pumpkins (or other baking essentials), give them a call and they'll pick them ahead of time. Also, dogs (on leashes) are allowed here.
Dates: Now through end of Oct.
1370 Turnpike St.
North Andover, MA
Online: bostonhillfarm.com
Westward Orchards Farm Store
This smaller farm offers a quaint pumpkin picking scene without all of the rides and hooplah. They offer pick-your-own blueberries in the summer and u-pick apples in the fall. Kids will love riding the wagon out to the pumpkin patch (weekends only, starting September 24, 2022). Our tip? Be sure to save some room for the apple cider donuts when you visit.
Dates: Now through end of Oct.
178 Mass Ave.
Harvard, MA
Online: westwardorchards.com
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Crescent Farms
Just 40 minutes north of Boston, Crescent Farms has over 400 acres of farmland that includes pumpkin patches, gourds, hay fields, corn fields, and produce. Allow some extra time to check out the 15-acre corn maze ($8/person) or take a hayride (weekends for $3). The farm animals and promise of Richardson Ice Cream make this a family favorite.
Dates: Sep.17, 2002
150 Willow Ave.
Bradford, MA
Online: crescentfarm.com
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