Every year when the leaves start to turn we find ourselves wanting to make a farm pilgrimage with the kids to visit a pumpkin patch and mark the harvest. Farmers all over the region oblige our collective need by carving intricate mazes into their cornfields and offering hay rides out to the pumpkin fields.
Pumpkin patch experiences vary widely. Purists can pick their gourds at a farm that offers little more than hot cider as a side activity, while families looking for a more carnival atmosphere can visit farms and pumpkin patches tricked out like amusement parks — the offerings get a little wilder each year.
Here are our top picks for pumpkin patches and fall farm fun in Snohomish and King County. Check farms' Facebook pages or websites for updates before going. Also see our South Sound pumpkin patch picks, and sweet spots for apple picking.
Snohomish County
The Festival of Pumpkins
Snohomish Valley's famed Festival is a collaboration between seven neighboring farms (Stocker Farms, Craven Farm, The Farm at Swan's Trail, Bob's Corn, Bailey Vegetables and Pumpkin Patch, Carleton Farms and Thomas Family Farm — see below for details on each farm). The advantage, of course, is that you'll be able to visit more than one pumpkin patch in a day without driving long distances between locations.
Deals and dates: Great deal alert! Get an early-bird discount pass on sale now through Oct. 8, 2017. For $25 for two kids and two adults you save 50% on fun fall activities at each of the seven famous farms. See ticket page for details and read carefully about valid dates and activities at each location. Hours and activities vary among each farm so be sure to check individual farm websites to confirm days, hours and deals. No pets!
Stocker Farms, Snohomish
Known for: huge pumpkin patch, corn maze and Stalker Farms at night
Patch action: Starting in October, this Snohomish County farm is open daily. Grab a wagon and head into the fields or choose from pre-sorted pumpkins on the lawn. On weekends, head across the street to the Family Adventure Farm, featuring a 10-acre corn maze, pumpkin cannon, jumping pillow, hayrides, animal barn, crafts, rubber duck races, face painting and other activities. This year's maze theme is in honor of Ronald McDonald House. Your visit will benefit local Ronald McDonald House Charities of Western Washington & Alaska.
For older kids looking for a scare, there’s Stalker Farms, which has two walk-through haunt experiences and a Zombie stalker paintball ride.
Dates/hours: Farm market and pumpkin patch open daily in October, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. The Family Adventure Farm is open in October for weekends only 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Check Facebook page for updates.
Deals and details: 8705 Marsh Road, Snohomish; 360-568-7391; $8.95–$12.95/person, ages 2 and under are free (save by buying online).
Craven Farm, Snohomish
Known for: Overall fantastic farm with fun play area for the littles; big- and small-sized corn mazes
Patch action: Named one of the nation's best pumpkin patches by Travel and Leisure in 2016, this farm is justifiably very popular, especially with younger kids. The farm market area doubles as a play area with vehicles, tractors and pirate ships to climb on; there is also a snack bar open on weekends and picnic tables. Pick some pumpkins in the field, get lost in the 15-acre corn maze that's themed Alice in Pumpkinland, take a hayride through Minionville and visit the farm animals. Also check out the new Adventure Maze, complete with an obstacle course and farm-related trivia! Select Fridays in October check out the Night Owl (non-scary) Corn Maze.
Dates/hours: Open daily, Sept. 23–Oct. 31, 9:30 a.m. to dusk (6:30ish). Hayride, apple slinger, facepainting, Snack Shack and Espresso Shop are open on weekends only. Check Facebook page for updates.
Deals and details: 13817 Short School Road, Snohomish. 360-568-2601; admission free, corn maze $8; adventure maze $6; pumpkin slingshots $2; Night owl corn maze $12; Duck races $3 per duck; Hayride $5; apple slinger $0.50 each.
The Farm at Swan's Trail, Snohomish
Known for: Washington State corn maze and huge play area
Patch action: Another Snohomish farm that has it all, from its Washington State Corn Maze — a 12-acre map of the state that shows actual roads, places and towns — to wagon rides, a "cow train", a large petting zoo and a playground. And, of course, pumpkin-picking in the 45-acre pumpkin patch. The Farm also has U-pick apples, and on weekends there are plenty of mouth-watering fresh baked goods. Insider tip: The Farm at Swan's Trail has private rooms popular for birthday parties.
Deals and details: 7301 Rivershore Drive, Snohomish; 425-334-4124. Parking and admission is free and includes Pig Show, Duck Race & Petting Farm. The corn maze is $8 on weekdays and $10 on weekends; play passes range from $8-$18.
Dates/hours: Open from Sept. 24–Oct. 31, 12 p.m.–6 weekdays and 10 a.m.–6 p.m. on weekends. (but due to field-trip scheduling call ahead for availability on weekdays). Check Facebook page for updates.
Bob's Corn & Pumpkin Patch, Snohomish
Known for: Reservable firepits in the corn maze (18 this year!)
Patch action: A free hayride takes visitors through the 30-acre pumpkin patch and amusements include corn pit, slides, farm animals, face painting and an apple cannon (not all activities available during the week). Pick a pumpkin from the large U-pick field and buy harvest-themed farm goods such as corn stalks and gourds, all GMO-free. There are two corn mazes: a 10-acre corn maze, where your group can reserve a fire pit for hours of fun (they will build and maintain the fire for you as well as transport any roasting sticks and supplies you bring), and two smaller mazes for the little ones.
Deals and details: 10917 Elliott Road, Snohomish, 360-668-2506. Admission to the pumpkin patch (including hay ride, trike track and play area) is free; day maze $10, $50/family: 24 months and under free. Night maze is $15, $75/family: 24 months and under free. Combo package wristbands available for multiple activities $10–$20. Military discounts available.
Dates/hours: Maze opens Sept. 9, pumpkin patch opens Sept. 23–Oct. 31. Day maze open 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Nighttime maze (non-scary) open Fridays and Saturdays in October, from 6–10 p.m. (reserve a fire pit!). Pumpkin patch open 10 a.m. until dark. Activities limited on weekdays. Check Facebook page for updates.
Carleton Farm, Lake Stevens
Known for: Fun for younger kids, including a kids' corn maze and zip swing
Patch action: This year's 4-acre maze is a puzzle of trails in which you play two games at the same time! One is Farm Scene Investigation (FSI, a Carleton favorite) where you try to find the missing Farmer Joe. The other, new this year, is a trivia game titled Chunkin Punkin. Check the website for upcoming details! Also enjoy the maze by night (non-scary) on certain nights in October. On weekends, enjoy a zip swing and slides in the Kids Korral, shoot the pumpkin cannon, and take hay rides or bucket train rides.
Teens and adults looking for a thrill may want to check out Carleton's Fright Farm Friday and Saturday nights. Scary attractions include Zombie Paintball, Zombie Farm and the Haunted Swamp.
Deals and details: 830 Sunnyside Blvd. S.E., Lake Stevens, 425-334-2297. Admission and parking are free. Night maze $13 ($12 online); Fright Farm attractions vary $13–$20 (combo packages available). Additional pricing for 2017 is not yet available. Check website for pricing updates.
Dates/hours: Open daily, Sept. 30–Oct. 31, 10 a.m.–6 p.m., last day maze entry at 5 p.m. Extended activities on weekends. Night maze (fire pit rentals available) open Friday–Saturday nights in October, 7–9 p.m. The Haunted Swamp, Zombie Farm and Zombie Paintball are open Friday–Saturday nights in October (and the Thursday before Halloween).
Thomas Family Farm, Snohomish
Known for: Zombie paintball safari hayride (!), putt-putt and beer garden
Patch action: On weekdays, you can pick a pumpkin but on weekends you can hop a free hayride or play in Kid Land, with rubber duck races, putt-putt golf and a hay maze. Other daytime activities include: monster truck rides, gem-mining, kid’s paintball blast and an apple cannon. There is a large 3-mile treasure hunt corn maze as well as a .3 mile corn maze for younger kids. Or explore the maze at night with flashlights (non-scary). This farm, however, may be the place to take horror-loving teens, as it is home to the Zombie Paintball Safari Hayride, and the Nightmare on 9 haunted house.
Deals/details: 9010 Marsh Road, Snohomish, 360-568-6945. Kid Land admission $6: ages 2 and under free, parents free; Treasure Hunt Corn Maze $7, Kid's Corn Maze $3, other daytime activities $3–$7. Flashlight maze $14, Zombie paintball $22, (timed tickets available online or at ticket booth), Nightmare on 9 house tickets can be purchase in a combo package for $30–$36.
Dates/hours: Open Saturdays and Sundays in October, from 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Nighttime hours are Thursdays and Sundays 7–10 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays 7 p.m.–12 a.m. Check Facebook page for updates.
Biringer's Black Crow Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze, Arlington
Known for: Dog-friendliness (but leashed only, please)
Patch action: Join Gary and Julie Biringer for their annual pumpkin patch and corn maze, featuring a pet-friendly pumpkin patch, 5-acre corn maze, free trolley rides to U-Pick pumpkins, kiddie hay maze, slides, covered wagon for picnics and skeleton graveyard. Local honey, cider, apples and fresh corn (seasonal) available. “After Dark” Corn Maze is available for private groups of 50 or more and must be booked in advance.
Deals/details: 2431 Hwy 530 N.E., Arlington, 360-435-5616. Admission free (includes covered wagon and trolley rides, pumpkin bowling and kiddie hay maze), corn maze $8 (includes free small pumpkin); Family Pass (2 adults and up to 4 kids) $30 and includes 4 small pumpkins. Group rates available.
Dates/hours: Open daily Oct. 1–31. Monday–Friday, 11 a.m.–6, p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Night maze by appointment only.
Foster's Produce and Corn Maze, Arlington
Known for: Funny goats, large pumpkin patch
Patch action: This fourth-generation, family-owned farm features a 10-acre Charlotte's Web themed corn maze and huge U-pick pumpkin patch and goat walk open daily. Weekends, enjoy cow barrel train rides, pumpkin cannon blaster, pumpkin sling shot and more. Hit the target on the slingshot and receive a free ice cream cone!
Deals/details: 5818 SR 530 N.E., Arlington; 360-435-6516. Admission, corn maze $6: ages 3 and under free. Pumpkin Cannon $2/shot or $10/10 shots, Pumpkin Slingshot $2/3 shots, cow train $4.
Dates/hours: Corn maze and patch open daily Sept. 15–Oct. 31 from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Most activities Saturdays and Sundays only. Check the Facebook page for updates.
Fairbank "Hands On" Pumpkin and Animal Farm, Edmonds
Known for: Barnyard experience for tots — kids might even view chicks hatching!
Patch action: Another experience geared to younger kids, this rustic farm offers rough paths and barnyard smells, and the kids can get their fill of baby animals to watch, feed and pet, including chicks, ducklings, goats, ponies, rabbits and pigs. There is also a U-pick pumpkin patch, tiny tot "maize maze," the Hidden Bear Trail to Pumpkin Land and a hay tunnel.
Deals/details: 15308 52nd Ave. W., Edmonds. 425-743-3694. Admission $3/person (ages 10 months and up). No credit/debit cards accepted.
Dates/hours: Open weekends in October, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
King County
Jubilee Farm, Carnation
Known for: Affordable fun; horse-drawn hayrides out to the pumpkin fields; awesome organic pumpkins and other gourds; and a pumpkin trebuchet (catapult).
Patch action: Jubilee Biodynamic Farm grows organic produce and celebrates fall with lots of free harvest activities including its now-famous trebuchet — a giant pumpkin catapult. Take a hayride out to the U-pick pumpkin fields, buy lunch or hot cider in the concessions area, visit the farm animals and do a kids' hay maze in the barn loft.
Details: 229 W. Snoqualmie River Road N.E., Carnation. 425-222-4558. Admission, parking and most activities free.
Dates/hours: Open weekends in October, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Check for updates on the Facebook page.
Remlinger Farms, Carnation
Known for: An amusement park that young kids adore plus awesome hay maze fun, U-pick pumpkins and great service
Patch action: Remlinger buzzes with activity during its Fall Harvest Festival weekends in October. Take a wagon ride out to the U-pick pumpkin fields, shop in the farm market and explore the corn maze. Head to the Family Fun Park for entertainment (watch popular entertainer Cyndi Soup in the Farm Theater) and more than 25 rides, from a small (but thrilling) roller coaster to a tot-size ferris wheel to pony rides, antique pedal car rides and more. Kids can also climb on tractors and an old schoolbus, scale a fort and do a hay maze (or just jump in the hay). There are lots of picnic spots at Remlinger, but you're supposed to buy food on the premises — there is a snack bar and full restaurant.
Deal/Details: 32610 N.E. 32nd St., Carnation, 425-333-4135. Free admission to pumpkin patch. Fall Harvest Festival Park admission $21.45 (under age 1 free). Check website for details. Enjoy toddler weekdays Sept. 5–29, from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. with limited attractions for $7.61 (under age 1 free).
Dates/hours: Fall Harvest Festival runs Sept. 23–Oct. 29, on weekends 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Find updates on the Facebook page.
Oxbow Farm, Carnation
Known for: Sustainably farmed heirloom pumpkins, wonderful Living Playground and Kids' Farm
Patch action: Oxbow isn't just a farm, it's a sustainable education center that stars in both farm fun and education. Pick up pumpkins (including many lovely heirloom varieties) and produce (don't miss the "magic beans" for kids), take a hay ride, explore the Kids' Farm and let the kids play all day in the Living Playground, including a Gourd Tunnel, a Creepy Tepee, a House O' Hay (indoor hay-bale playground), and more. Seasonal arts and crafts projects are available all day. Bonus: food trucks!
Details: 10819 Carnation-Duvall Road N.E., Carnation. Use the west entrance and follow these directions as Google will mislead you. 425-788-1134. Admission free. Licensed service animals only.
Dates/hours: Farm open October 5–29, Thursday–Sunday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Oxtober Pumpkin Festival Oct. 7–29, weekends only 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Check Facebook page for updates.
Baxter Barn, Fall City
Known for: Miniature donkeys and other farm animals
Patch action: You have to make an appointment to visit Baxter Barn, a local farm focused on sustainable farming practices, but it's well worth it. Kids will love seeing the horses, mini-donkeys, chickens, pheasants and quail. In October, beyond picking pumpkins, you can take a tractor ride, buy certified salmon-safe eggs, and take a learning tour of the farm. Call to make an appointment.
Details: 31929 S.E. 44th St., Fall City. 425-765-7883. Tours by appointment. $5/person, including visits with the animals (petting the miniature donkeys is a special treat). Minimum $20. Tractor rides are extra.
Dates/Hours: Tours are generally available Tuesday–Saturday, Oct 5–31. Call to make a reservation 425-765-7883. See website for more details. Check Facebook page for updates.
Fall City Farms, Fall City
Known for: Cider press and glassworks display
Patch action: Bring your kids to watch cider being pressed and doughnuts sizzling. Meet the cows and donkeys, enjoy a wagon ride, pick a pumpkin from the patch, then check out the autumn-themed glassworks display by Made in Washington.
Details: 3636 Neal Road, Fall City. 425-246-5249. Free entry, with produce and other fall food for sale.
Dates/hours: Fall City Farm is open Oct. 1–30, Fridays 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Saturdays 9 a.m.–6 p.m., Sundays 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Check Facebook page for updates.
Fox Hollow Farm, Issaquah
Known for: Petting farm, tractor rides and pony rides
Patch action: This well-groomed farm in Issaquah is a guaranteed hit, especially with younger kids. Its popular Fall Festival includes a pumpkin patch, ATVs and race track, corn bin, pony rides, hay maze, inflatables, haunted forest trail, bonfires with s'mores and concessions. Come in costume for trick-or-treating. Starting the end of September, you can also bring your kids to watch the salmon running up the creek!
Dates/hours: Open Wednesdays plus Friday–Sunday, Sept. 29–Oct. 28. Timed tickets vary (3-4 hour slots). Purchase online as they tend to sell out. Check website calendar and Facebook page for updates.
Details: 12031 Issaquah-Hobart Road S.E., Issaquah. 425-996-0575. Weekend admission $50 for a car with up to seven people. Weekday admission — Wednesday and Friday — is $10 per person (under age 1 free). Admission includes all activities.
Kelsey Creek Farm, Bellevue
Known for: Fab and free fall festival; farm animals to see all year round
Attractions: This city farm hosts the very popular Kelsey Creek Farm Fair on Saturday, Oct. 7. Kids can check out the goats, chickens, and rabbits and take a tractor ride through the farm, bounce in the inflatables or choose a prepicked pumpkin from a hillside to decorate. If you miss the festival, Kelsey Creek offers scheduled tours and birthday parties year-round, offering pumpkin patch tours and firsthand experiences with farm chores and crafts.
Dates/hours: The Kelsey Creek Farm Fair is Saturday, Oct. 7, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Check for updates on the Facebook page. The surrounding park and playground are open year-round, dawn to dusk. Farm animals can be seen in the pastures every day from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Deals/details: Admission is free, and costs for food and activities vary. Cash only. 410 130 Pl. S.E., Bellevue. On festival day, free shuttle service is available from Wilburton Park and Ride, 720 114 Ave. S.E. and Bannerwood Sports Park, 1630 132nd Ave. S.E. 425-452-7688
South King County
Carpinito Brothers, Kent
Known for: Roasted corn, kettle corn and huge array of pumpkins
Patch action: Carpinito Brothers offer U-pick pumpkins, two giant corn mazes and yummy harvest snacks like roasted corn on the cob. This year's mazes feature a shark and seahorse design. Visit the Farm Fun Yard across the street to visit the farm animals, take a tractor-drawn hay ride, race rubber ducks, explore the hay maze, feed the goats on the goat walk and "swim" in the corn pen.
Dates/hours: Open daily Sept. 29–Oct. 31, 9 a.m.–6 p.m. Check Facebook for updates
Deals/details: Patch and corn maze: 27508 W. Valley Hwy N., Kent. Farm Fun Yard: 6720 S 277th St., Kent. 253-854-5692. Call for pricing details.
Thomasson Family Farm, Enumclaw
Known for: Huge corn maze, corn box for kids and tractor train rides
Patch action: Another reader favorite in South King County, this working dairy farm runs a 216,000-square-foot corn maze during pumpkin season that is sponsored by Darigold, plus old-fashioned farm attractions such as apple-lobbing slingshot competitions, tractor train rides, hay rides, hay maze, duck races, petting farm, a corn box (filled with nine tons of corn) for the kids and more. In honor of the farm's 10-year anniversary, the corn maze includes a biplane flying a “10 years” banner over Mt. Rainier. A returning favorite: Solve the mystery in the maze that's themed "Who stole Farmer Cathy's Pie?" or try laser tag.
Dates/hours: Open daily, Oct. 1–31, 9:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. (Check Facebook page for updates.)
Deals/details: 38223 236th Ave. S.E., Enumclaw. 360-802-0503. Multiple packages ranging from $7–$12 on weekdays and $10–$20 on weekends depending on activities chosen. See website for details.
Kitsap County
Creek House Farm, Port Orchard
Known for: Personalized pumpkins. Next year order by Aug. 31 to have names, etc. scratched into young pumpkins and then search for your special pumpkin in the patch when it comes time to harvest! Service is $5 for up to 10 letters. Pumpkins sold by final weight.
Patch action: Located in Port Orchard, Creek House raises organic, heirloom pumpkins and offers U-pick pumpkins, farm animals to visit, autumn crafts, and opportunities for photos.
Dates/hours: Open in October on Friday, noon–6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.; and Sunday, noon–6 p.m. until the pumpkins sell out. Check Facebook page for updates.
Details: 6060 E. Collins Rd., Port Orchard.
More fall fun
- South Sound pumpkin patches and corn mazes
- Salmon-spotting adventures around Seattle and the Eastside and in the South Sound
Editor's note: This seasonal article has been updated for 2017.
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