Carve out some time to visit one this year
Halloween isn’t looking trick-or-treater friendly this year, but have no fear, there are large pumpkin farms within an hour of Denver where it won’t be hard to social distance and spend a day of unique fun. More than pumpkin patches, the large farms listed below are amazing places to take the family to find a pumpkin, get some exercise, and spend the day together. These pumpkin patches are all day trips—more than just a place to buy a pumpkin. These farms provide hayrides, corn mazes to get lost in, farmer market foods, animal exhibits, and of course, large pumpkin patches where you can explore and pick a pumpkin.
Most of the big pumpkin patch farms are planning on opening in late September or the first week of October with social distancing in mind and COVID guidelines requiring masks when people cannot be 6 feet apart. Don’t forget the camera—pumpkin patches offer the ultimate photography session of your little ones. The following 5 pumpkin patch farms will provide you with a day of fun not too far from Denver.
Anderson Farms
Photo by Carol Jacoby
Anderson Farms, a Colorado staple when it comes to corn mazes and pumpkins, hopes to open this year on September 25 with its Fall Festival reservations opening September 1. The maze, which changes every year in shape, is over 25 acres. At Anderson Farms, you can take a wagon ride out to the pumpkin patch and pick your pumpkin, pet the animals at the petting farm, ride the barrel ride, and enjoy tasty treats or bring your own picnic. There’s also a playground, big kid and little kid 3-wheel bikes to ride, as well as a mini straw bale maze for the little ones.
Rock Creek Farm
Courtesy of Rock Creek Farm (Facebook)
Rock Creek Farm, located in Broomfield, has over 6 miles of corn mazes. On the weekends, you can even explore the mazes at night with a flashlight until 10 p.m. They plan to open Saturday, October 5 this year. Free admission is also nice—you just pay for some activities and any pumpkins you must have. Do note, they do not accept credit cards, but there is an ATM on site. One of the few farms to offer hayrides pulled by actual horses, Rock Creek Farm also has several farm animals for the kids to check out.
Cottonwood Farms
Cottonwood Farms in Lafayette offers majestic views of the mountains as a backdrop to your picture taking at the pumpkin patch. They offer little red wagons for visitors to take on your trail walk. You can put your kid or your pumpkin in the wagon—or both! Cottonwood Farms plans to open September 26 and asks that you check their website for websites after September 1. Wagon rides are available on Saturday and Sundays. Hayrides are also available. Whether going through the 4-acre corn maze or straw bale blaze, looking at animals or picking a pumpkin you are bound to have a great outdoor experience.
Maize in the City
Courtesy of Maize in the City (Facebook)
Maize in the City in Thornton at 104th and McKay Road offers a 20-acre corn maze and a smaller mini maze. Maize in the City has more attractions open during the week than some other farms that only open everything on weekend days. Pony rides, a petting zoo, as well as a playground, makes a great day out for the smaller kids. Jumping castles and obstacle courses provide extra fun.
Rocky Mountain Pumpkin Ranch
Courtesy of Rocky Mountain Pumpkin Ranch (Facebook)
Rocky Mountain Pumpkin Ranch located in Longmont, Colorado, has variety when it comes to activities. Beyond the standard hay maze and petting zoo, they have pony rides, several amusement park type rides, including an animal train car and a dragon rollercoaster, pony rides, a cornstalk tunnel, firetruck slide, and you can even paint your own pumpkin. Host your child’s birthday party here for a guaranteed cherished memory.
Where is your favorite pumpkin patch? Let us know in comments.
