Must Visit Pumpkin Patch & Apple Picking Orchards Near Charlotte NC This Year

Nicole Leininger October 9, 2022

It’s the ideal way to welcome autumn: a family pumpkin patch adventure. There is no shortage of pumpkin-themed activities in the Charlotte area during the fall season; the suburbs are brimming with places for kids to fill a wagon with their top picks and participate in a variety of family-friendly farm activities. Pumpkins aren’t just for carving spooky jack-o’-lanterns or whipping up warm fall meals with youngsters; they’re also great for decorating!

The Charlotte region is full of fall-themed entertainment for after you finish picking pumpkins. From festivals to hayrides, the biggest corn maze to an animal barn, there are bound to be activities that your kids will love. We at Nicole Leininger made a list of the best pumpkin farms and orchards with attractions and barnyard animals so that you can build lasting family memories year after year.

The Best Pumpkin Patch Orchards To Visit

Maize Adventure

Maize Adventure is another great option for pumpkin picking near Charlotte. With basketball-sized and larger pumpkins perfect for carving and painting, you and your family are sure to find the pumpkin you’ve been dreaming of all year. Maize Adventure’s Pumpkin House is another local favorite, where the walls and roof are made out of pumpkins! This is a great place to capture family photos that will last a lifetime.

The admission includes a 10-acre corn maze, hayrides, a petting zoo/petting barn, a kiddie zip line, kids cow train rides, and more! Their corn maze is one of the biggest corn mazes in the area and is sure to be a challenge. This is a great place to bring the kids for a fun day full of fall season runs activities.

Location: 1615 Kersey Valley Road Archdale, NC 27263

Hours: Saturday 11 am-6 PM, Sunday 1 pm-6 pm

Cost: $10 per car, $20 per bus.

Riverbend Farm

This year Riverbend Farm is celebrating its 30th year as a local pumpkin patch favorite! The fields you can visit on the afternoons and weekends offer a variety of pumpkins for you to choose from. This family farm has 4 large wagons that go to and from the fields on the weekends so you can stay in the field as long as you want. On the weekday afternoons, 2 wagons run continuously

Riverbend Farm is a working farm that offers pumpkin picking, hayrides, farm tours, and more. This is a great place to come to learn about where your food comes from and how it’s grown. The farm also has a farm store where you can see barn animals and buy fresh produce and other products from the farm.

Location: 12150 McManus Road Midland, NC 28107

Hours: M-F 3:30 pm to 6 pm, Saturday 10 am to 6 pm, & Sunday 1 pm to 6 pm

Cost: $6.00 per person (age 2 & older), Pumpkins are 50 cents/lb

Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard

Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard is a family-owned and operated farm that offers pumpkin picking, hayrides, apple picking, and more. This is a great place to come for a day of Fall fun activities including a farm-themed playground with the family. They also have a farm shop where you can buy farm fresh produce, baked goods, hot dogs, and other items from the family farm itself.

Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard is a local favorite when it comes to apple picking. With over 20 different apple varieties to choose from, you are sure to take home a delicious treat you and your family can enjoy for weeks to come! Not to mention, their apple cider and pumpkin donuts are a must-try!

Location: 170 Stepp Orchard Drive Hendersonville, NC 28792

Hours: Monday-Thursday from 9 am to 5:30 pm, Friday-Saturday from 9 am to 6 pm, and Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm

Cost: Pick Your Own Apples: 1/2 peck basket $13, peck box $15, 1/2 bushel box $20

Tips for Choosing the Best Pumpkin Patch for Your Family

With the following tips in your pocket, you’ll be all set for an unforgettable day at a pumpkin patch, Charlotte, NC!

Age-Appropriate Adventure

You must consider the age of your children when selecting the perfect pumpkin patch, Charlotte, NC.

If you have tiny tots in tow, seek out pumpkin patches that offer gentle hayrides, petting zoos with fuzzy barnyard animals, other farm activities, and maybe even a mini-corn maze or wagon ride suitable for strollers. These pumpkin patches provide a more relaxed, sensory-friendly experience, allowing your little pumpkins to make the perfect jack-o-lantern while soaking in the magic of the season without feeling overwhelmed.

Got a troop of adventure seekers, puzzle solvers, and thrill-seekers in your family this fall season? Look for patches with heart-pounding attractions like a sprawling haunted corn maze, a corn cannon, zip lines, pumpkin bowling, or pumpkin slingshots. These are sure to keep the older kids and kids-at-heart engaged and entertained, fostering memories they’ll cherish forever.

If your main goal is to find that flawless pumpkin to carve into a spooky masterpiece, opt for patches that emphasize the whole pumpkin-filled experience. These patches often have a wide variety of pumpkins in all shapes and sizes, perfect for fulfilling your pumpkin artistry ambitions.

Activities and Timing

Be aware of the pumpkin patch’s seasonal schedule.

Some pumpkin patches near Charlotte may open early in September, while others might wait until mid-October. Timing your visit with peak pumpkin season ensures a vast selection and vibrant pumpkins ripe for the picking.

You should also keep in mind to visit on weekdays if you’re looking for a quieter experience like a quiet wagon ride, as weekends can get crowded. However, if you crave the bustling atmosphere and the camaraderie of fellow pumpkin enthusiasts, weekends are your go-to.

Admission and Budgeting

Some patches offer free admission but may charge for specific activities, while others have a flat entrance fee.

Usually, you can purchase tickets online, just be sure to budget accordingly and know what the admission includes. This is very important as some patches offer food vendors serving hot dogs, souvenir shops, and even pumpkin decorating stations. Be prepared for these additional expenses to make the most of your visit.

So, whether your family is chasing hayrides, enjoying a relaxing wagon ride through the farm petting barn animals, navigating corn mazes, or merely seeking the great pumpkin, you’re sure to find the perfect patch to suit your autumn aspirations. Happy pumpkin picking!

Things To Do at a Pumpkin Patch:

Ready to embark on an unforgettable autumn adventure? When you step foot in a pumpkin patch, Charlotte NC, it’s not just about plucking the perfect pumpkin. It’s a full-blown fall extravaganza! Here are some engaging activities that’ll make your trip to the pumpkin patches near Charlotte an absolute blast:

Pickin’ Pumpkins

Let’s start with the star of the show – picking pumpkins! Wander through rows of vibrant orange orbs and carefully select the one that speaks to you. Will it be a round, plump jack-o’-lantern candidate or a quirky, warty gourd perfect for your fall decor?

Hayride Happiness

Climb aboard a cozy musical hayride and let the tractor take you on a scenic journey through the patch. As you roll along the wagon ride, soak in the breathtaking fall foliage around the farm, and don’t forget to keep an eye out for that perfect pumpkin just waiting to be discovered.

Conquer the Corn Maze

Challenge your inner adventurer by navigating the twists and turns of a corn maze. It’s not just for kids – the whole family can join in on the fun. Who will be the first to find their way out of the kids’ corn maze?

Animal Encounters

Take a detour to the petting zoo, where your kids can get up close and personal with farm animals. It’s an educational opportunity disguised as entertainment, teaching them about adorable critters and rural life.

Picnic Perfection

Don’t forget to pack a scrumptious picnic lunch! Find a cozy spot amidst the pumpkins, lay out a blanket, and savor sandwiches, apple cider, and pumpkin pie. It’s a mealtime experience that’ll truly embrace the spirit of the fall season.

Snap Memories

Keep your camera or smartphone handy because the pumpkin patch is a picture-perfect paradise! Capture candid shots of your family exploring, laughing, and enjoying the crisp fall air. These photos will be treasured memories for years to come.

At the pumpkin patch, Charlotte NC, it’s not just about collecting pumpkins; it’s about creating cherished moments and embracing the beauty of autumn. So, whether you’re navigating a corn maze, cuddling with adorable farm animals, or simply savoring a pumpkin pie picnic, your pumpkin patch adventure promises an abundance of fall fun!

Summary

So join us and explore the best pumpkin patches and apple orchards near Charlotte, North Carolina for sweet treats, kids activities, and an unforgettable autumn adventure.

Maize Adventure offers oversized pumpkins, a unique pumpkin house, and a range of thrilling activities like the biggest corn maze, wagon rides, and zip lines. Riverbend Farm, celebrating its 30th year, also offers wagon rides to pumpkin fields, hayrides, and farm tours.

Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard offers pumpkin and apple picking, a play area and hayrides, and delicious treats.

Never forget that you have the power to tailor your visit based on your family members’ ages and interests. Just make sure that while planning to consider seasonal schedules and what admission includes, and be sure to follow pumpkin patch etiquette for a memorable family experience.

Still not sure where to start?

Contact Charlotte’s real estate expert, Nicole Leininger if you need help.


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