As summer comes to a close, Phoenix welcomes the best time of year. Each fall, farms across the Greater Phoenix area invite you out to experience the fruits (and veggies) of their harvest and celebrate autumn with a wide variety of festivities — from corn mazes to pumpkin patches — with the entire family.

Here are the best farms in Phoenix to choose a pumpkin, ride a hay bale, social distance in a corn maze, pick up some seasonal treats or just snap a few pics in your favorite flannel.

Find more things to do this weekend on our event calendar.  You can always find Halloween-related events here. We've also rounded up the best fall festivals around town, as well as Dia de Los Muertos events in Greater Phoenix. 

 

Mother Nature’s Farm, Gilbert

Sept. 24–Oct. 31

Mother Nature's Farm is a one-stop shop for all your seasonal needs. From pumpkins that proudly range from 1 ounce to 500 pounds to fall decorations for sale at Maneau's Market. Admission includes a pumpkin, a hayride, access to Alexander's Adventure Maze and the spider web crawl and an opportunity to feed the petting zoo animals. Since the weather is gorgeous, visitors are encouraged to bring a picnic — or grab some snacks on site — and take advantage of the picnic tables, grassy fields and big shade trees throughout the 47-acre farm (some treats available for purchase). Check out the farm's COVID-19 safety precautions here.

Hours: Monday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

 

Vertuccio Farms, Mesa

Sept. 29–Oct. 29

If you find yourself on the opposite side of town, however, you'll want to check out Mesa's Vertuccio Farms, where the fall festival takes place the entire month of October. Explore the 5-acre corn maze, hit the mini golf links, paint a pumpkin, check out the farm animals and visit the farmers market for seasonal produce and flowers (there are even corn stalks and hay bales for sale). Sound like fun? That's just the beginning. There's pumpkin bowling, a zip line and a variety of farm-inspired obstacles to climb, slide and bounce your way through, too. Please note: Because the farm is operating at a limited capacity to maintain social distancing, tickets should be purchased online in advance.

Hours:
Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

 

Mortimer Farms, Dewey

Sept. 29–Oct. 29

The Mortimer Farms Pumpkin Fest & Corn Maze is a celebration for all ages, offering a delightful array of activities that promise unforgettable memories. The expansive corn maze beckons, challenging you to explore its twists and turns. Discover the joy of pumpkin picking in the bountiful pumpkin patch. Indulge in farm-inspired rides, games, and activities that promise laughter and excitement.

Delight in the farm-to-table experience as you savor delicious food from The Windmill Kitchen, food trucks on the weekend, Crepes & Cream Co, The Bakery & Deli, Doghouse, and more. Each Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Columbus Day, guests are treated to an extensive lineup of shows, entertainment, Grain Train rides, Barrel Train rides, hayrides, and a bustling marketplace. As the sun sets, on Friday and Saturday, the festivities continue with mesmerizing fire dancers, lively karaoke, spirited barn dances on Friday night, navigating the corn maze in the dark, and more thrilling entertainment.

Hours:

7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Schnepf Farms, Queen Creek

Oct. 5–29

While Schnepf Farms is widely known for its summer peaches, this 5,000-acre farm in Queen Creek transforms into a pumpkin paradise that celebrates all things fall. Each weekend in October, the Pumpkin & Chili Party offers visitors seasonal flavors paired with a wide variety of activities — from pumpkin launching to pig racing. This annual festival is known for family fun: The older members of your squad can check out the zip line and rock-climbing wall, while the play yard and carousel rides are perfectly suited for the younger ones. Be sure to visit the on-site bakery and store for pies, cinnamon rolls, sauces and salsas to take home with you. This year, the farm has made a few changes for everyone's health and safety, including a new curbside pick-up option.

Hours: 
Thursday from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Sunday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

 

Tolmachoff Farms, Glendale

Oct. 4–29

This four-generation family farm in Glendale is home to a variety of farm-fresh and U-pick produce, it becomes a family friendly playground each autumn. Pack up the crew and head out to the Pumpkin Days celebration, where plenty of fresh air and space for social distancing await you. In addition to selecting a gorgeous gourd, you'll want to stick around for the petting zoo, train ride, hay pyramid, corn box, pedal cart track and bounce house. Another must for the season is the 6-acre family corn maze that's created around a new theme each year. There's also a mini corn maze — perfect for the little ones — and a haunted corn maze for the thrill seekers. While there's plenty of space for social distancing, be sure to bring your masks (and contact the farm directly for details on cleaning practices).

Hours:
Tuesday through Thursday from 12 to 8 p.m.
Friday from 12 to 11 p.m.
Saturday from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Sunday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

 

MacDonald's Ranch Annual Pumpkin Patch, Scottsdale

Sept 30–Oct. 29

MacDonald's Ranch first opened to the public in 1970 and, in the years since, has become a community staple, offering both a taste of the Wild, Wild West and interactive farm experiences. This north Scottsdale hidden gem celebrates the fall season with its annual Pumpkin Patch festivities, including a petting zoo, a panning for gold experience, a hay-bale maze, a pedal car track and a variety of lawn games. Families are also welcome to explore the photo areas, and pony rides, horse-drawn hayrides or mechanical bull rides are available for an additional $5. Just don't forget to make your way over to the actual pumpkin patch to hunt for the perfect future jack-o'-lantern. In an effort to keep guests safe, train rides, face painting and the caterpillar bounce will not be a part of this year's festivities.

Hours: Wednesday to Monday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

 

Halloween Town Pumpkin Patch

Oct. 19–31, Select Dates

Who says the Halloween festivities can't last for an entire week? Not us. In fact, Halloween enthusiasts can find more ideas for things to do here. But for the sake of your pumpkin quest, you'll find them — and a whole lot more — right here. Located at Paradise Valley Mall, this Halloween pop-up will offer face and pumpkin painting, rides, games, and other attractions. Be sure to get dressed up, because costumes are encouraged. Guests can expect temperature checks, mask requirements, as well as social distancing and cleaning measures in place to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Hours:
Weekdays from 4 to 9 p.m.
Weekends from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

 

Rocker 7 Farm Patch, Buckeye

Oct. 12–Oct. 29, Select Dates

Looking for a fall experience beyond the pumpkin patch? You're in luck. This year, the Rocker 7 Brand announced that its Farm Patch location will open its sunflower field beginning Oct. 16. According to the website, 75,000 sunflower seeds were planted to brighten this not-so-bright year — and they'll be tall, blooming and ready to visit just in time to enjoy the seasonal temperature drop. For the safety of all guests, the sunflower field schedule includes appointment-only time slots, and reservations can be made online in advance.

Hours vary by date. Click here for more information. 

 

Arizona Pumpkin Patch, Greater Phoenix Locations 

Oct. 14–31

With more than a dozen Greater Phoenix locations, the Arizona Pumpkin Patch family is the authority on this annual tradition. In fact, you can learn about all the different types pumpkins here before you head out to the patch. And don't forget to bring Fido, because these pumpkin patches are pet friendly. The family-owned and operated Phoenix location is open seven days a week and admission is free. While masks and social distancing are required, curbside pick-up and delivery options are also available.

Hours: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

editor's picks