Hopefully you trekked out to one of these farms, corn mazes or fall festivals last year, if not, maybe this is our year to convince you or guilt trip you with some ideas and photos. I’ve added a few more locations from last year per feedback and deleted a couple I kind not find information on anymore. We love hearing from you. 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, hours and dates. We put in Alphabetical order per town.
Mile High Farms, Bennett
Opening on October 1st 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)
Rock Creek Farms, Broomfield
Opening day is Sept 24 for the 100+ acre farm and the U-pick-em pumpkin station, corn mazes, farm animals, family fun area treats and eats, and for Halloween, pumpkin carving with free pumpkin stencils. Per the website, this is one of the largest and most entertaining Halloween attractions in northern Colorado, admission is always free, and you must try the hay bale maze or get lost in the winding paths of over six miles of Corn Mazes. Visit with pigs, goats, ponies, donkeys, chickens and other farm animals. Enjoy a selection of fall festive treats and decorations such as gourds, indian corn, caramel apples, baked goods, straw bales and more. (Rockcreekfarm.com)
May Farms, Byers
Any weekend in October, between 10 am – 5 pm, pop in for October Harvest Fest at May Farms, where you will find all the delights of Autumn and fun for the entire family. This event is open to the public for $25 Admission and incluces Unlimited , Hay Rides, Barrel Train Rides, Barnyard Petting Zoo, Pumpkin Patch (1 Pumpkin Included), Pumpkin Cannon (4 Pumpkins included), Corn Hole Games and Activity Acres amongst other activities. Food, beverage, it’s all here. (mayfarms.com)
Cottonwood Farms, Boulder
Open daily Sept 24 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)
Wishing Star Farm, Calhan
Fall Fest is September 22 – October 31 and just 22 minutes from Colorado Springs!!! 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)
Anderson Farms, Erie
Colorado‛s Longest Running Corn Maze: Entering 20th 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 21 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 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)
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. Open October 1st, 2016 – October 30th, 2016. Open Thursday – Sunday only. (northerncoloradocornmaze.com)
Studt’s Pumpkin Patch, Grand Junction
Open the entire month of October, The Original Studt’s Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze is the biggest and best in the Grand Valley. Studt’s is excited to once again offer fun for the whole family with a Pumpkin Jump, Hay Mountain with Kids Slide, Horse Drawn Hayrides, Animal Train, Pony Rides, Photo Area, Dark Acres Haunted Corn Maze and more. On Sunday, Oct 30, there is a Pumpkin Demolition Derby, Pumpkin Carving and Smashing, Kids Candy Trail / Prizes. (http://studtspumpkinpatchandcornmaze.com)
Pumpkins and More A-Maiz-ing Farm, Holyoke
This year’s patch will include 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. (amaizingpumpkinsandmore.com)
Fritzler Corn Maze
This corn maze has over 20 attractions, 1.6 miles of trail and two phases of the maze to conquer… and as of Sept 22, 2016, 350,000 people have visited since inception. 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. Second of 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)
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 romp for the kids. This is actually a farm stand open year-round, so if you fall in love, you can easily go back for more. (isabellefarm.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. Pony rides and the jumping pillow 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? Sept 16 –Oct 30. (botanicgardens.org/corn–maze/)
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)
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 and Dead End Motel, The Last Night . . . Haunted Maze. This place will give you the scare of your life, woods incorporated into the maze make for that extra haunt. (flatacresfarm.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 7 days a week September 30th through November 2th 10 am – 4:30 pm 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)
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)
Haunted Field of Screams, Thornton
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. Opens this Friday, Sept 23! (Hauntedfieldofscreams.com)
Harvest Farm Festival & Corn Maze, Wellington
There are so many wonderful harvest festivals in the Denver area so why not attend one that is also for a great cause? The Harvest Farm’s 209 acres in Wellington, Colo. may look like regular farmland, but is run by the Denver Rescue Mission where men can find the first steps toward a new life. Their Harvest Farm Festival & Corn Maze from October 1-30, 2016 boasts a full lineup of attractions, including a 10-acre corn maze, hay-wagon rides, an obstacle course suspension bridge, pig races, evening campfires, a pumpkin patch, and snacks. Contest: WIN TICKETS!
(https://www.harvestfarm.net/fall-festival.html)
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. Open Weekends October 1st- October 30th, Friday 4-9, Saturday 10-9, Sunday 10-66. (popefarmscornmaize.wix.com/cornmaize-wigginsco)
Weathers Family Farm, Yuma
Explore a real working farm and ranch in the heart of the eastern plains. The 2016 Weathers Family Farms Corn Maze opens October 1st! This year they have also planted several unique pumpkin varieties. Plan now to visit Saturdays and Sundays in October. Although small, this family operation has wonderful education opportunities to learn about life on the farm. (weathersfarms.net)
Festivals, U-pick-its and even more frights and fun!
Oktoberfest
Oktoberfest lives on in The Mile High City! Modeled after Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany, this family-friendly fest, will be running weekends, and the next weekend (Oct 1) is it! The festical 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)
Mountain Fall Festival
For the month of October, visitors to Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park in Glenwood Springs, Colorado, can enjoy a Mountain Fall Festival, daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 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 5 p.m. with hayrides, face painting and pumpkin decorating. On October 22 there will be a special performance by Oktoberfest band, Alpine Echo from noon to 5 p.m. Admission to this event will be free with at least one can of food for donation to the Lift-Up food bank. Please check website for times and prices. (GlenwoodCaverns.com)
Pumpkin Harvest Festival
At Four Mile Historic Park, enjoy an old-time fall celebration Oct 1&2 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
It’s the 32nd annual Boo at the Zoo for Denver! Discover “spooktacular” Halloween fun Oct. 22-23 & Oct. 29-30 at the Denver Zoo during Boo at the Zoo. Enjoy 25 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! It’s always packed and a great time, some of the best costumes in the State. (www.denverzoo.org)
Trick or Treat Street
October 28 – 30 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. – 6 p.m. 2121 Children’s Museum Drive, Denver. (mychildsmuseum.org)
Littleton Harvest Festival
Come one, come all, to the annual Harvest Festival on October 8, 2016 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. On our 1860s farm pick out your Halloween pumpkin 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. Cash or check only. (littletongov.org)
Festival of Scarecrows
Fall would not be complete without the fun and free Festival of Scarecrows. On Oct 6, 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. Raindate is Oct 17 this year just in case.(arvada.org)
Tigges Farm, Greeley
The Pumpkin patch is free to the public and open 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 all season. 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 15 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
Check for dates on the home page, but I believe the first date to purchase pumpkins is Oct 8th and then on from 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. (http://gshep.org)
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. Visit their website, they have a few locations and varying hours. It’s over a century-old operation. (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)
Hop on board the Peanuts™ Great Pumpkin Patch Express Depart Durango with the little ones upon the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad that takes families to meet Charlie Brown and Snoopy. Wind through breathtaking canyons as you travel through fresh fall foliage in the remote wilderness of the San Juan National Forest. At the pumpkin patch, children will be greeted by a maze/fun house, face painting, trick or treating and more. Adults can enjoy a glass of Durango’s own Four Leaves Winery as they help their children pick the perfect pumpkin.
Hang high at Boo at the Bridge Take in the natural beauty of the Royal Gorge atop one of the world’s highest suspension bridges. The park will offer several activities including Night Flights on the Gondolas, Salida Circus, Northern Wind Dancers, Halloween-themed movies at the Plaza Theater and much more. Night flights are offered on the Royal Rush Skycoaster and the Cloudscraper Zip Line across the gorge will be open until dusk.
Author: Julie Bielenberg
Julie is a mama of three who travels in search of fields, farms, families and more. Sometimes . . . she finds herself in often uncovered, or understated locales, which has since become her niche.
