After living in Arizona for the last 6 years I’ll tell you September/October does not get easier. I grew up in Seattle, where the fall months brought the changing of leaves, crisp morning weather, and the scent of apples and pumpkin pie. In Arizona it is still in the low 100’s and no sign of summer coming to an end. Therefore I have taken a few steps to create a fall atmosphere to make it feel like a traditional fall in my home. One of those steps is to take my children to the local pumpkin patches. There are a few around the east valley and I have been to all of them. Here is a list and my own personal review of each:
When: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, Oct. 1-30, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily Oct. 31 through Nov. 4
Where: Mother Nature’s Farm, 1663 E. Baseline Road, Gilbert
Cost: Admission is $10 per child age 1 and older, $3 per adult; prices for pumpkins vary (child admission includes a small pumpkin)
*there is a coupon on the website
This is not a traditional pumpkin patch. It consists of hay bales stacked high and a variety of pumpkins for purchase placed on top of the hay. However there are a lot of fun activities for children available at this site including hayrides, a petting zoo, pumpkin decorating, bouncy houses, and a small hay maze. It can get very crowded so plan on going early in the season or during the week if you can.
When: Open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays, Oct. 1 through Nov. 12
Where: 2011 S. Power Road, Mesa
Cost: Admission is $9 per person, free for kids 2 and younger with a paid adult admission.
*coupons available on their website
Again not a tradition pumpkin patch but this one has a ton of fun activities for kids of all ages. There is a train ride, bouncy horses, small farm games, a bouncy house, a giant pillow, slides, 10 acre corn maze with a fun activity search, farm animals you can feed, and fall must haves for sale like pumpkins and hay bales. ***This is by far my favorite pumpkin farm to visit in the fall based on cost vs what you get.
When: Monday -Sunday 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: 24810 S. Rittenhouse Road, Queen Creek
Cost: $17 per person at the gate, $12 per person when tickets are purchased in advance at Fry’s Food Stores; free for children younger than 2.
This is the ultimate pumpkin patch. It includes hay rides, mini-golf, multiple mazes, a petting barn, carnival rides, pig races, frisbee dog performances and, of course, a pumpkin patch. There are also “lil’ farmers” play areas, a Schnepf Family Museum, Sweet Shop, Country Store and gift shops to explore, along with fireworks on Friday and Saturday nights. Food, pumpkins, train and pony rides are available at additional cost. If you are looking for a genuine pumpkin patch experience this is the place to go. Downfall it is pricey and doesn’t include a pumpkin for the kiddos.
When: Noon to 8 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays, Oct. 16-31
Where: Epiphany Lutheran Church, 800 W. Ray Road, Chandlerh
Cost: Free admission; bring cash to buy pumpkins
Not a lot of activities but if you are looking for a good deal on a pumpkin this is the place to go.
TOLMACHOFF FARMS
When: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays, and 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, Oct. 1-31
Where: Tolmachoff Farms, 5726 N. 75th Ave., Glendale
Cost: Admission is $8 per person, free for children 1 and younger
Lots of animals for feeding and petting zoo. Corn maze, pumpkin patch, hay stacks, and train ride.
I hope that this guide brings a little fall to your warm weather this October.
