Pumpkin patches that fit your seasonal needs

There are few things more seasonally appropriate during the month of October than pumpkin picking.
Whether you bring them home to bake into a pie, display on your porch or carve into a spooky decoration, pumpkin picking is a fun activity no matter how old you are.
Luckily for those of us who enjoy it, we aren’t just limited to grocery stores this fall in order to buy our pumpkins. There are plenty of locally owned pumpkin patches where you can pick your perfect jack o’lantern, so make sure you take advantage of them before the season comes to a close.

Good Family Farm Pumpkins

Located only seven minutes away from KW, this farm boasts 26 varieties of squash, 21 varieties of pumpkins and 10 varieties of gourds that you can buy for affordable prices from their roadside stand. They’re open daily until Oct. 31, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m..

Payment: Cash only

Address: 909 Bridge St. E. Waterloo

Shantz Family Farm

A popular autumnal day trip for families, schools and friends, this 148-year-old farm founded in 1870 hosts a corn maze, straw maze, farm animals, a Snack Shack that sells fresh pumpkin pie and other baked goods, as well as offering produce for sale and their “U-Pick Pumpkin Patch.” They’re open daily until Nov. 1, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sundays 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Payment: Cash only

Address: 1544 Bleams Rd., RR#2 Petersburg (Wilmot)

Herrle’s Country Farm Market

Herrle’s is a beloved family-owned local farm that grows and sells seasonal produce, including the perfect pumpkins for baking and decorating. Offering a variety of baked goods and fresh fruits and vegetables, this market is open daily until Oct. 31, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and 8 a.m. 6 p.m. on weekends.

Payment: Cash, debit and credit

Address: 1243 Erbs Rd, St. Agatha

Snyder’s Farm

This popular fall destination frequently used as a photo backdrop for Instagram photos has a wide variety of activities available for the public. With two haunted houses, a corn maze, barnyard, bakery, pumpkin patch, their well-known Fear Farm and more, this spot is the place to go if you’re looking for food and fun in-between your pumpkin picking. They are open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and require an entry fee of $14.99 on weekends and $10 during the week.

Payment: Cash, debit and credit

Address: 936685 Blenheim Rd, Bright

Andrew’s Scenic Acres

An expansive farm that offers pick-your-own produce, an animal corral, a haunted forest, baked goods and a winery. This location has an extended list of festive goods and activities to take part in during October. There is an admission fee of $5 per person during the week and $10 on weekends. They are open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. until Oct. 31.

Payment: Cash, debit and credit

Address: 9365 10th Sideroad, Milton

Nauman’s Farm

A casual and welcoming farm experience which offers thousands of pick-your-own pumpkins. They are nestled in the Mennonite farming community of St. Clements and are open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. during the week and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends.

Payment: Cash, debit and credit

Address: 3250 Hessen Strasse, St. Clements

Strom’s Farm and Bakery

Celebrating 40 years of “Fall Family Fun,” Strom’s offers numerous activities like their “Pumpkin Chuckin’ Slingshot,” five-acre corn maze and wagon rides. Their admission fee is $15 per person and they are open until Oct. 28 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m..

Payment: Cash, debit and credit

Address: 5089 Wellington Rd 32, Guelph