Yes, it’s still a heat wave on the Front Range, but that hasn’t stopped Mother Nature from shortening the days and ushering in autumn. Most of you probably have already committed to fall as your favorite season; I know I have. So what to do to celebrate the abundance of produce and plethora of harvest this year.
Here’s our guide to the classics, the trendy and even the bizarre pumpkin patches, corn mazes and festivals in Colorado. And, as always, remember to check the website before you go in case of any weather closures, prices and hours.
Anderson Farms, Erie
Colorado‛s Longest Running Corn Maze: Entering 19th season. Activities include hayrides to the pumpkin patch, 30-acre corn maze, spider web, tire mountain, barrel train, pedal karts, gem mining, gourd launching and more. Hours vary but the farm is open from September 23 through Halloween. The standout attractions include the corn maze, harvest festivals, Terror in the Corn haunted hayride and ghost town, and Zombie Paintball Hunt for the older kids in your crew. (andersonfarms.com)
Bartels Land and Livestock Inc. & Corn Maze/Pumpkin Patch, Fort Collins
Open September 19 through October 31, the event offers a corn maze, pumpkin patch, and endless products to pick from in the field. Other attractions include hayrides, petting zoo, mini maze for the kids, acres and acres of pumpkins of all sizes, gourds, Indian corn, straw bales and late season vegetables. There are also pumpkin cannons to send them flying. U-pick CSA farm.(thebartelsfarm.com)
Cottonwood Farms, Boulder
Open daily this Saturday through Halloween, this fall festival offers free admission. There is a corn maze, straw bail maze, pumpkin patch, animals to see, steam engines ($3) and opportunities to find fall harvest décor for your home. Open 10 – 6 everyday. (Cottonwoodfarms.com)
Crazed Maze, Thornton
Offering a 20-acre corn maze that can tale up to 40 minutes to complete, pumpkin field, pony rides, petting zoo, jumping castle, air slide, obstacle course, playground, corn kennel box, sand art and smart phone game, this is geared for the wee ones and it’s jam-packed with entertainment. It’s close to the city and a great first time experience for the virgin corn maze family. (maizeinthecity.com)
Denver Botanic Gardens, Littleton
The DBG’s corn maze might be one the most famous in the state. Located at their Chatfield Farms are the corn maze, hayride, barrel train and unlimited jumping on the giant pillow. They say pony rides and hamster balls are available for an extra fee. With ample space and room to roam, my family rarely misses this one. And, the black out maze during weekends in October are only illuminated with glow sticks, so maybe bring an extra flashlight? (botanicgardens.org/corn–maze/)
Frederica Mesa Farm Fall Festival, Avondale
Frederica Mesa Farm‛s Fall Festival is located in East Pueblo County and open from September 18 through November 1. Located on on nearly 10 acres are 2 full corn mazes, which is always elaborately designed. The Fall Festival also features a pumpkin patch, small children‛s hay maze, expanded children‛s play area including a bounce house and a corn cannon! (fredericamesafarm.com)
Flat Acres Farm, Parker
Bring the entire family to join in the fun of the corn maze, snake tunnel, corn kernel boxes, petting zoo, kids hay bale maze, giant swing set and many other activities. Before leaving, be sure to stop by the Pumpkin Patch and pick that perfect carving pumpkin. Reapers Hallow Haunted Maze
Will give you the scare of your life, woods incorporated into the maze make for that extra haunt. (flatacresfarm.com)
Fritzler’s Corn Maze, LaSalle
This corn maze has over 20 attractions, 1.6 miles of trail and two phases of the maze to conquer. There are also farm activities to choose from and an ATV mini roll coaster barrel train. Favorite activity such the Super Pumpkin canyon and the opportunity for children to burry themselves in corn has made this a very population options since its start in 2000. Secondof the corn mazes, Scream Acres, is worth waiting for night fall to really get a good spook. There is a ghost haunt, zombie paint ball slayer, and creep attractions. (fritzlermaze.com)
Harvest Farm, Wellington
Their fall festival includes a 10-acre, non-scary corn maze, hay wagon ride, pig race, goat city, petting zoo, evening camp firing, roping arena, natural area, mini maze, “Bunnington” (home of cute bunnies), hay bail pyramid, sheep herders wagon, pumpkin junction, corn box covered wagon, face painting, food trucks, corn canyons and more. This 200-acre farm, sponsored by a lot of big names, totally rocks out for their fall festival and entertains for hours. (harvestfarm.net)
Haunted Field of Screams, Thorton
This is the largest haunted attraction in Colorado with the scariest thrills—Haunted Field of Screams, Dead Man’s Night Maze, and Zombie Paintball massacre. This might be a better option for older kids or a teenage outing as it is strictly for screams. Get your fright on until 10pm or midnight on the weekends. (Hauntedfieldofscreams.com)
Isebelle Farms, Lafayette
Open this weekend through Halloween. This is a no frills get-your-pumpkin on deal. Get your orange ornament of choice and explore. There is a straw bail for kids and a narrated tractor pulled hayride. Lots of local food and goodies to choose from and a great afternoon r0mp for the kids. (isabellefarm.com)
Mile High Farms, Bennett
Opening on October 3rd for Saturdays and Sundays only throughout the month, this maze and pumpkin patch themes out their corn maze each year and is usually covered by media it’s so cool. Their fall into fun activities include the pumpkin patch, massive corn maze, hayrides, Grover’s garden (petting zoo), barrel carts and face painting. (Milehighfarms.com)
Miller Farms Corn Maze & Fall Festival, Platteville
Begin your day with a visit to our petting zoo, followed by navigating your way through their corn maze. Visit ‘Antique Alley’ and enjoy your lunch in our picnic area, where they’ve got dozens of covered tables set up for your convenience. Take a hayride through 180 acres of fields where you can pick your own vegetables—potatoes, carrots, onions, beets, Indian corn, squash, peppers, and obviously, pumpkins. The Fall Fest runs from Labor Day to mid November and is open from 9 – 7. (millerfarms.net)
Niemann‛s Pumpkin Patch, New Castle
Open September 26 – October 31 on Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m and available for group appointments during the week. Choose the perfect pick from their large assortment of Goliath Big Stem, Carving, Cinderella, Pie, Wee-B-Little Pumpkins in beautiful “Peach Valley”, goose gourds, straw bales and corn stalks. More than a dozen fall festival events, including hayrides, straw bale maze and straw mountain. (niemannsgardens.com)
Northern Colorado Corn Maze, Fort Collins
Certainly the most popular options up north, these guys have it all—corn maze, scavenger hunt, pumpkin patch, bounce houses, farm animals, corn shuckers, pedal car race, trick or treat, and more. Their haunted maze at dusk is creepy and quite graphic, perfect for high school kids. (northerncoloradocornmaze.com)
Pope Farms, Wiggins
This western corn maze and pumpkin patch opens October 3rd for the entire month. Attractions include a 10-acre corn maze, camp fires, corn canyons, corn hole, corn box, cow train, face painting, hay mountain, hay ride, pumpkin pillow, hay bail maze, pumpkin patch, and the pumpkin pulverize, come evenings from October 16th through Halloween, the maze goes haunted. (popefarmscornmaize.wix.com/cornmaize-wigginsco)
Pumpkins and More A-Maiz-ing Farm, Holyoke
This eastern gem includes a five-acre corn maze and many other family and kid-friendly activities such as hayrides, a corn box, duck races, slides, horse swings, a giant spider web for climbing, a cow train, straw bale mountain, and a children’s maze. Other attractions such as a haunted corn maze (which opens in October) and a nightly campfire will also be offered from September 12 through October 31. (amaizingpumpkinsandmore.com)
Rock Creek Farms, Broomfield
Opening day is this Saturday for the 100+ acre farm. U-pick-em pumpkin station, corn mazes, farm animals, family fun area treats and eats, and for Halloween, pumpkin carving with free pumpkin stencils. (Rockcreekfarm.com)
Rocky Mountain Pumpkin Ranch, Longmont
Fall Festival begins October 1 and runs through Halloween. The ranch offers carnival rides and activities every weekend including a petting zoo, pony rides, straw maze, inflatable obstacle course and much more. No entry fee and self guided tours available on weekdays. (rockymtnpumpkinranch.com)
Two Springs Ranch, Pueblo
Open every Sat and Sun form. Families can pick a pumpkin, get lost in the corn maze, canoodle with farm animals, and take a hayride amongst other farm activities. (facebook.com/twospringsranch)
Weathers Family Farm, Yuma
Explore a real working farm and ranch in the heart of the eastern plains. Open for the weekends on Saturday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and on Sunday from 1 p.m. – 5 p.m., this family operation boasts a corn maze, as well as education opportunities to learn about life on the farm. (weathersfarms.net)
Wishing Star Farm, Calhan
Located twenty minutes east of Colorado Springs and open from September 25 – October 31st, Thursday through Sunday. Bring the whole family to see the many animals, jump with the family on the jumping pillow, see duck races, go on a hay ride to the Pumpkin Patch and pick your favorite pumpkin. Pony rides are offered all day long as well as a petting zoo, tire swings, corn bins, roping dummies, tractor tires to climb on and culvert tunnels to crawl through. And for the foodies in your group, stop by the Harvest Store for fresh pies, farm fresh eggs, homemade jellies and breads and fall decorations. (wishingstarfarm.com)
FALL FESTIVALS
Oktoberfest
Oktoberfest lives on in The Mile High City! Modeled after Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany, this family-friendly fest Sept. 18-27, 2015 commemorates this world-famous and time-honored tradition of German heritage. Enjoy German attractions including music from national touring groups, performances by international dancers, children’s activities, and heritage booths selling German goods, splendid decor, an accordion concert and authentic drinks and cuisine. Ballpark Neighborhood (between 20th and 22nd Sts. on Larimer St.) (thedenveroktoberfest.com)
Fright Fest
Weekends Throughout October, things gets spooky — especially during Fright Fest at Denver’s famed downtown theme park, Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park. This enormous fun zone transforms from theme park to “scream” park all month long during Fright Fest. From haunted houses to a free Trick-or-Treat Trail, there’s something for the whole family to enjoy. (www.elitchgardens.com)
Pumpkin Fest
On Oct. 9-11, search for the perfect jack o’ lantern or pumpkin pie gourd for all your Halloween and fall festivities! Thousands of pumpkins will be ripe for the picking from the Denver Botanic Garden at Chatfield’s pumpkin patch. The gardens will be filled with exciting children’s activities and vendors selling handcrafted gifts. Explore a menagerie of animals at the working farm, tour the historic ranch and enjoy the carnival rides. 8500 W. Deer Creek Canyon Rd., Littleton. (www.botanicgardens.org)
Mountain Fall Festival
For the month of October, visitors to Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park in Glenwood Springs, Colorado, can enjoy a Mountain Fall Festival with a pumpkin patch, family-friendly games, fall-themed photos and Oktoberfest food and drink specials. There’s even more fun on Saturdays from noon to 6 p.m. with hayrides, face painting and pumpkin decorating. The mountain-top park will also offer four special, spooky Halloween evenings October 23, 24, 30 and 31. From 6 to 9 p.m. guests can take a haunted cave tour, roast s’mores around the fire pits and play Halloween games. The haunted cave tours are recommended for ages 8 and older. Admission for these four evenings is $10 per person or $5 for annual passholders. (GlenwoodCaverns.com)
Pumpkin Harvest Festival
At Four Mile Historic Park, enjoy an old-time fall celebration Oct. 3-4 without even having to leave the city! Join them for some nostalgic autumn fun, including a scarecrow-building station and pumpkin patch, pie-eating contests, live music, crafts, seasonal treats, and county fair amusements. Historic demonstrations and tours of the Four Mile House Museum will highlight how families in the region lived and prepared for the season during the late 1800s. Horse-drawn wagon rides will be offered each day so that you may take a turn about the grounds in 19th-century style. Admission is free, but there is a charge for food and some activities. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; (fourmilepark.org)
Boo at the Zoo
Discover “spooktacular” Halloween fun Oct. 24-25 & Oct. 30-Nov.1 at the Denver Zoo during Boo at the Zoo. Enjoy trick-or-treating stations while supporting Denver Zoo’s mission to provided exceptional care to our resident animals. Space is limited so buy tickets early! (www.denverzoo.org)
Trick or Treat Street
October 23-25 is the sweetest time of year at the Children’s Museum of Denver, so round up your fairies, super heroes and tiny goblins for a trick-or-treating adventure bursting with fun. This is a safe, friendly event for small children. Please, no scary costumes. Activities included with Museum admission. 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. 2121 Children’s Museum Drive, Denver. (mychildsmuseum.org)
Littleton Harvest Festival
Come one, come all, to the annual Harvest Festival on October 10, 2015 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Pick out your Halloween pumpkin from their 1860s farm and then enjoy hayrides, and other fun activities. There is no cost to get into the Museum; however some activities and refreshments require tickets which can be purchased the day of the event. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. (littletongov.org)
Festival of Scarecrows
Fall would not be complete without the fun and free Festival of Scarecrows. On Oct. 10, buy pumpkins, stroll through Olde Town Arvada, vote for your favorite scarecrow or enter in a variety of contests and fun competitions, or bring your biggest home-grown pumpkin for weighing to claim the biggest pumpkin prize. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. (arvada.org)
Halloween Spooktacular Recital & Haunted House at Neighborhood Music Stapleton
Neighborhood Music Stapleton Studio will host a wicked event on October 25th from 3-5:30 PM. Join the school for a student recital and take a trip through their spooky digs. The Haunted House is only $2 and a kiddie version is available for the youngsters in your group. (neighborhoodmusicstapleton.com/halloween-spooktacular-haunted-house/)
FALL AND AUTUMN-THEMED EVENTS INCLUDING U-PICK-ITS
This is certainly not an extensive list, but merely some suggestions. Happy picking everyone.
Tigges Farm, Greeley
The Pumpkin patch is free to the public and open September 26 through October 31 Daily, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Take a wagon to the patch, find your pumpkins. Buy a pink pumpkin and part of the price will be donated to the Pink Pumpkin Patch Foundation for breast cancer research. Don’t’ forget to stop by the gift shop for homemade crafts and gifts and even roasted chilies. There are over a dozen chile varieties to choose from and are roasted “on the spot.” (TiggesFarm.com)
Happy Apple Farm, Penrose
Open September 5 till October 31 Wednesday – Sunday, 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. with a great pumpkin patch. L Happy Apple Farm is one of Colorado’s most vibrant pick your own fruit farms with Gooseberries ,Blackberries, Raspberries, Apples and in the fall Pumpkins. They offer free hayrides and there is no admission! On the weekends they serve apple wood smoked brisket or pulled pork along with Turkey legs and hot dogs for the kids, Apple pie, Apple Cider Donuts and blackberry cobbler along with other goodies in the Italian deli. They also roast Pueblo Chili’s! (happyapplefarm.com)
Arapahoe County Fall Fest
On October 17 join Arapahoe County for Fall Fest. There’s fun for the whole family. Pick out and purchase your favorite pumpkin and take a scenic hayride. Take a turn milking Bessie the Cow and visit her barnyard friends in the petting farm. Enjoy breakfast or lunch from some of Denver’s hottest food trucks. Try your hand at gold panning, learn more about the fine art of blacksmithing, tour the farmhouse, meet a local beekeeper and more, all while listening to live music by local bands. (http://www.arapahoegov.com/index.aspx?nid=1160)
Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, Centennial
Open from October 10 through October 31 Daily from 10 a.m. – dusk. This patch offers more than a dozen varieties of pumpkins, gourds and Indian corn while all of the money goes to projects serving the homeless and hungry. (facebook.com/PumpkinPatchCentennial)
Munson Farms, Boulder
Open daily, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. from July to October, Munson Farms is a family run farm of 35 years that is a staple to the Boulder communities and beyond. They grow and sell 30 varieties of heirloom pumpkins and winter squash as well as apples, gourds, corn shocks, straw, and a variety of summer vegetables. Hayrides (weekends only) to the U-Pick Pumpkin patch and a 5-acre corn maze are great for kids of all ages. (munsonfarms.com)
Mazzotti Farms & Pumpkin Patch, Hudson
Find seasonal gourds and varies pumpkins at the farms U-Pick patch. Following, explore the 10-ace corn maze and immerse yourself in the best autumn has to offer. (mazzottifarms.com)
Delicious Orchards, Hotchkiss
MY PERSONAL FAVORITE!!! Open May through November, this place was made for moms. Chose your perfect pumpkin and try some farm-pressed organic fresh apple cider or delicious Hard Apple Cider. Taste some amazing Colorado wines and munch on local foods while wandering around the orchard. It’s great any time during autumn and the sandwiches are heavenly. Heck, Big B’s juices are made here, from the bounty in front of you. (bigbs.com)
Hanagan Farms, Swink
Pumpkin patch, corn maze, corn pyramid and corn box are just part of the draw at Hanagan Farms. It’s the produce that is truly the highlight. For over a century, the farm has been growing great melons, onions, zuchini, cucumbers and green chili peppers. Open daily from 7 a.m until 7 p.m. from September 14 through Halloween. (hanaganfarms.com)
Berry Patch Farms, Brighton
For those more interested in the harvest and food experience, may we recommend this farm? They have barn Farm Market Hours: T, TH, Sat 8-4 p.m.; Wed 3-6 p.m., Light Red Raspberry Picking: 8-1 p.m.: Tues/Thurs/Sat and Flowers/pickling cucumbers/basil picking: 8-1 p.m. Tues/Thurs/Sat. They have classes available for kids and really focus on the produce at this outlet. It’s something different than a corn maze or haunted house for October and kids want to go back year after year. (berrypatchfarms.com)
Amber Johnson
Wow, amazing round-up. This is my favorite time of year and many of these destinations are on my bucket list!