8 must-visit places for pumpkin patches and fall fun in the GTA
Published September 22, 2024 at 6:21 pm
Autumn has arrived, bringing cooler temperatures and the perfect excuse to bundle up in cozy sweaters by the fire.
It’s the season for sipping apple cider or pumpkin spice lattes, taking haunted hayrides and getting lost in corn mazes. And of course, no fall is complete without a visit to a pumpkin patch.
Here are some farms and orchards in the GTA where you can enjoy pumpkin picking and other seasonal activities:
Brooks Farms
Located at 122 Ashworth Rd. in Mount Albert, On., Brooks Farms is a historic farm established in 1875. The farm will host its popular Fall Fun Festival every weekend, running this year from Sept. 7 to Oct. 27.
The festival includes attractions such as farm animals, wagon rides, giant jumping pillows, a zip line, sandbox fun, slides and live shows like the singing chicken and puppet shows. Visitors can also enjoy pig races, pumpkin cannon shows, tire horse swings, bouncing ponies and play structures.
Cost:
- September: $19.99 + tax per person (children 23 months and under free)
- October: $24.99 + tax per person (children 23 months and under free)
Reesor’s Farm
Located at 10825 Ninth Line in Markham, Reesor’s Farm offers a Pick-Your-Own Pumpkins and Corn Maze experience from Sept. 13 through Halloween. The pumpkin patch and corn maze cover seven acres, providing fun for the whole family.
Cost:
- Weekdays: Adults (13+), $7; Children (6-12), $3.50; Children 5 and under, free
- Saturdays: Adults (13+), $9; Children (6-12), $4.50; Children 5 and under, free
Andrew’s Scenic Acres
Located at 9365 10 Side Rd. in Milton, Andrew’s Scenic Acres offers a range of activities for the whole family, including pumpkin picking and wine tasting. Every weekend in October, the farm hosts its Harvest Festival featuring tractor rides, a fall photo display, farm animals, a straw mountain climb, a haunted forest and more.
Cost:
- Free for children up to 5 year-old
- $16.50 + HST for ages 6-64
- $12 + HST for seniors (65+)
- Seniors receive free admission on Mondays (excluding holidays)
- Personal support workers are admitted free with clients
The festival runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends.
Downey’s Farm
Located at 13682 Heart Lake Rd. in Caledon, Downey’s Farm has been welcoming visitors for over 25 years. The 4th generation Downey family has farmed in Caledon for over 100 years and invites visitors to enjoy seasonal activities such as wagon rides, corn maze, live entertainment and their iconic Pumpkinfest, running from Sept. 21 to Oct. 31.
Cost:
- Peanuts Corn Maze (ages 2-92): $17.99 + HST (children under 23 months are free)
- Weekend Pumpkinfest Play Area: $24.99 + HST (children under 23 months are free)
Pumpkinfest features a wide selection of pumpkins, gourds, ornamental corn, and straw bales, with their famous “Sea of Orange” offering the perfect jack-o-lantern options.
The farm is open daily, with the farm store operating from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and the farmyard play area from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Pingle’s Farm
Located at 1805 Taunton Rd., Clarington, Pingle’s Farm is one of Durham Region’s most popular pumpkin patches.
On weekdays (Tuesday-Friday), the Harvest Festival offers a quieter experience with access to pick-your-own areas, wagon rides, a playland, an animal area and the corn maze. Hours are from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
On weekends (Saturday-Sunday), the full festival experience includes live music, food and drink stations and all the regular attractions. Weekend hours are extended from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Cost:
- Weekends (Sept.): $17
- Weekends (Oct.): $23
- October 27: $20
- Locals Day (Tuesdays): $5
- General Admission (Wed & Thurs): $12
- Fridays (Sept.): $15 | (Oct.): $12
- Special Event: Harvest Market Grand Opening (Sept. 6) – $10
- Special Event: Hallowoof (Oct. 26) – $20
Springridge Farm
Located at 7256 Bell School Line in Milton, Springridge Farm offers fun fall activities with admission to the Fun Farmyard, available from Sept. 14 to Oct. 31.
Cost:
- Weekdays: $10 per person (ages 2-92)
- Weekends & Holidays: $16 per person
Admission includes access to the 5 Acre Corn Trail, where visitors can wind through the trail and enjoy solving “corny” riddles along the way.
Visiting the farm market, bakery, and gift shop is free.
Albion Orchards
Located at 14800 Innis Lake Rd. in Caledon, Albion Orchards is a popular spot for picking pumpkins and gourds. These are perfect for decorating your porch or for fall recipes like pumpkin soup, pie, or roasted seeds. Whether you’re looking to carve a spooky jack-o’-lantern or enjoy a seasonal snack, Albion Orchards has a variety of pumpkins to choose from.
While there is no specific admission fee, visitors are required to pay for the pumpkins they pick. Be sure to check their website for the most up-to-date pricing information.
Hutchinson Farm
Located at 6202 Walkers Line in Burlington, Hutchinson Farm offers a fantastic pumpkin-picking experience. It features classic jack-o’-lanterns of all sizes, a unique pumpkin museum and Atlantic Giant pumpkins weighing up to 300 pounds. The farm showcases a variety of pumpkins, squash and gourds. There is no mention of an admission fee on its website, though it’s pay for what you pick.