Now that it’s officially October, and the cool fall weather has arrived, you might be ready to pick that perfect pumpkin for Halloween.
In the Raleigh area, there are a few places open now for your family-friendly pumpkin picking outing.
Read on for a short guide to pumpkin patches and markets in Raleigh, Apex, Garner, Cary and Wake Forest.
Raleigh Farmers Market
A wide selection of pumpkins to choose from, as well as seasonal flowers and produce.
Open: 5 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday at 1201 Agriculture Street in Raleigh. [website]
Ragan & Holly’s Pumpkin Patch
Not just pumpkins, but vintage tractors for farm enthusiasts. Plus, mini donuts on the weekends in seasonal flavors such as pumpkin spice and maple spice, apple cider and more.
Open: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily. Location is the same as Jean’s Berry Patch, 38 Lewter Shop Road in Apex. [Facebook]
Tractor’s Corn Maze
Opening this weekend, two large pumpkin patches for the picking. Hayrides and pumpkin painting won’t be offered this year. $8/person and cash only, kids younger than 2 are free. Includes a pumpkin.
Open: Saturdays and Sundays 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (not including the after dark corn maze) at 13912 Bold Run Hill Road in Wake Forest. [website]
Phillips Farms
A working farm with seasonal activities through the year, the fall season includes a corn maze, a wagon ride, a haunted farm and a family fun park. Admission is $12 at the farm (can use cards) and kids younger than 2 are free, while other purchases (including pumpkins) are cash only.
Open: 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays; 3-6 p.m. Fridays, 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. (first session) and 2-6 p.m. (second session) Saturdays, 1-6 p.m. Sundays. Separate hours for haunted farm. 6701 Good Hope Church Road in Cary. [website]
Ken’s Korny Corn Maze
Much more than just a corn maze, 10 acres of activities include a pumpkin patch, a rope maze and lots of outdoor activities for kids. Admission is $12/person for 6 and older, $6 for ages 3-5, younger than 2 admitted free with paying adult.
Open: 4-9 p.m. Fridays, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturdays, 12-8 p.m. Sundays; available by appointment other days. Located at 3175 Benson Road (Hwy. 50 South) in Garner. [website]
Page Farms
Pick a pumpkin from the vine, enjoy a hay ride and see the farm animals.
Open: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Thursdays-Sundays, $15 per person, includes a pumpkin. 2 and younger free. 6100 Mt. Herman Road in Raleigh. [website]
Shepherd’s Way Farms
If you’re looking for a wide variety of pumpkins and mums for purchase, Shepherd’s Way Farms has two convenient pop-up locations for a no-fuss way to pick your pumpkins. One is in North Hills and one north of 540 at Creedmoor and Norwood roads.
Open: North Hills lot is on Lassiter Mill Road near JCPenney; North Raleigh lot is at the BP at Norwood & Creedmor roads. 9 a.m.-6:30 p.m. daily. [Facebook page]
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