FAMILY-FRIENDLY PUMPKIN PATCH GUIDE
Fall is in full swing, and it’s time for fall festival fun galore! See where you can pick the perfect pumpkins in our Ultimate Pumpkin Patch Guide below. Learn more about these fun fall farm outings for kids and discover many other family outing ideas on our Events Calendar. Lots of area farms offering pumpkins also have other experiences – you’ll find fresh made cider, food trucks, petting zoos and country festival activities. See where you can pick the perfect pumpkins in our Pumpkin Patch Guide below, and learn from a local expert how to best preserve your pumpkins throughout the season.Many would say it’s not fall until you pick the perfect pumpkin. Luckily, the Charlottesville area has plenty of local pumpkin patches to choose from, many of which host special events and festivals during the harvest season.
The History of the Jack-O-Lantern Tradition
Turnips, not pumpkins, were used in the original Jack-o’-Lantern carving ritual in Ireland. According to legend, it is based on Stingy Jack, a man who trapped the Devil multiple times and only let him go with the agreement that Jack would never go to Hell. But Jack discovered after his death that Heaven did not accept his soul either, and he was compelled to spend all of eternity wandering the Earth as a ghost. The Devil gave Jack a blazing lump of coal in a carved-out turnip to light his way. Eventually, in an effort to ward off evil spirits, the locals started carving frightening faces into their own turnips.
Charlottesville Area Pumpkin Patch Guide
Many would say it’s not fall until you pick the perfect pumpkin. Luckily, this area of Virginia has plenty of local pumpkin patches to choose from, many of which host special events and festivals during the harvest season. Get ready for some farm fun and jack-o-lantern carving! There is so much fall fun to be had! Check our amazing CharlottesvilleFamily Guides to Trick-or-Treat safety, corn mazes, haunted houses & ghost walks, apple orchards and a fun Halloween boo bag craft!
Pumpkins & A Corn Maze in the Shenandoah Valley
🎃Back Home on the Farm
(Rockingham County)
Location & Region
2915 Willow Run Road, Harrisonburg, VA 22802 | Distance from Charlottesville: Roughly 1 hour 15 minutes
Opening / Season / Hours
Open: August 30 – November 9. Hours: Tuesdays–Fridays, 3–7 p.m.; Saturdays, 10 a.m.–7 p.m.; and Sundays, 12–6 p.m.
What to Expect / Attractions
Celebrate the fall harvest with a corn maze, a pumpkin patch, and even attend an old-fashioned country tea at Back Home on the Farm. There are also climbing walls and obstacle courses for the kids to enjoy. Plus, kids will love riding the carousel, meeting friendly farm animals, and exploring the butterfly house.
Accessibility / Experience Tips
- The hayride and most activities are wheelchair- and stroller-friendly, though the farm has hills and uneven ground.
- Portable toilets with hand-wash stations are available throughout the property, and permanent facilities can be found in the main building.
- For everyone’s comfort and safety, pets aren’t allowed.
Richmond Area Pumpkins & A Maize Maze
🎃Belvedere Plantation
(City of Fredericksburg)
Location & Region
1410 Belvedere Drive, Fredericksburg, VA 22408 | Distance from Charlottesville: Roughly 1 hr 40 minutes
Opening / Season / Hours
Open: September 13 – November 1. Hours: Thursdays–Fridays, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.; Friday evenings, 6–10 p.m.; Saturdays, 10 a.m.–10 p.m.; and Sundays, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Open Columbus Day, 10 a.m.–6 p.m., and Saturday, November 1, 10 a.m.–10 p.m.
What to Expect / Attractions
At the Fall Harvest Festival at Belvedere Plantation, guests can enjoy the Maize Mazethe pumpkin patch and 30+ other activities. You are sure to find the perfect pumpkin for creating a jack-o-lantern. Tickets must be purchased in advance, and the entire farm is cashless this year.
Accessibility / Experience Tips
- No outside food is allowed beyond the parking lot, but picnic tables are available beside the market.
- The farm is cashless past admissions, so plan to use cards or mobile pay.
- Dogs are welcome with a canine companion ticket, but pets must stay leashed.
A-Maze-ing Fun with Pumpkins, Animals, Food & More
🎃Blue Ridge Mountain Maze
(Nelson County)
Location & Region
462 Winery Lane, Roseland, VA 22967 | Drive time from Charlottesville: Roughly 45 minutes
Opening / Season / Hours
Open: September 10 – November 9. Hours: Fridays, 12–6 p.m. (beginning in October), Saturdays, 10 a.m.–10 p.m., and Sundays, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Columbus Day, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
What to Expect / Attractions
This top-ranked corn maze is back in the mountains of central Virginia this year! The Blue Ridge Mountain Maze is hosting their Virginia Corn Maze Fall Festival, featuring a huge pumpkin patch, farm animals, an obstacle course and of course, a giant Virginia corn maze.
Accessibility / Experience Tips
- Best times to visit: off-peak weekends in September and November.
- Jogging strollers work best on bumpy paths; small-wheeled strollers and pull wagons are difficult. Wheelchair accessible, but terrain is uneven.
- Follow Blue Ridge Mountain Maze on Facebook for news, tips, and insider deals.
Charlottesville’s Ultimate Apple & Pumpkin Experience
🎃Carter Mountain Orchard
(City of Charlottesville)
Location & Region
1435 Carers Mountain Trail, Charlottesville, VA 22902 | Drive time from Charlottesville: Roughly 10 minutes
Opening / Season / Hours
Open daily from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. with ticketed entry only on weekends from September 13 to November 9.
What to Expect / Attractions
Pick out your pumpkin and pick your own apples at Carter Mountain Orchard, Charlottesville’s staple fall destination. Top off the day with a hayride around the orchard—all in all, a perfect way to enjoy the beautiful Virginia countryside. If you see a line for the delicious apple cider donuts – don’t be deterred and jump on in. These annual treats are not to be missed. Country store, photo props, wine tastings, and more.
Accessibility / Experience Tips
- Entry tickets are required on select fall weekends.
- No ticket needed if you’re just using the drive-thru for apples and fall favorites.
Pumpkin picking is just one of many fall activities that Charlottesville locals love! Find 10 must-do family adventures in our Ultimate Fall Bucket List.
Pumpkins with a Mountain View & Country Store
🎃Chiles Peach Orchard
(Albemarle County)
Location & Region
1351 Greenwood Road, Crozet, VA 22932 | Drive time from Charlottesville: Roughly 25 minutes
Opening / Season / Hours
Open daily from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. with ticketed entry only on weekends from October 4 to October 26.
What to Expect / Attractions
Head west of Charlottesville to Crozet to pick your pumpkins at Chiles Peach Orchard’s scenic patch that happens to be at the base of the beautiful mountains. The orchard also has pick-your-own apples and a plethora of fall treats to enjoy.
Accessibility / Experience Tips
- No passes required to visit the Farm Market, Wine Shop, patio, or pavilion.
- Passes do not include apples or pumpkins. Pre-pay for pick-your-own at the Information Booth.
- Children under 12 do not need a pass, but must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
Pumpkins, Pumpkins, Pumpkins Everywhere!
🎃Fruit Hill Orchard
(Fluvanna County)
Location & Region
2745 Thomas Jefferson Parkway, Palmyra, VA 22963 | Drive time from Charlottesville: Roughly 45 minutes
Opening / Season / Hours
Open: mid-late July to the first or second week in November with fall activities beginning, September 13. Hours: Mondays to Saturdays, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
What to Expect / Attractions
Fruit Hill Orchard features two pumpkin patches, ensuring visitors will find the perfect one for them. The orchard also offers pick-your-open apples, and bonus–visitors can paint their own pumpkins or run their Apple Dash Obstacle Course!
Accessibility / Experience Tips
- By mid-September, enjoy pumpkin patches, games, and an orchard obstacle course.
- Apple varieties change often, so check Facebook or Instagram for daily updates.
- No reservations or fees. Admission and pick-your-own are always free!
Apples, Pumpkins & Festival Fun
🎃Graves Mountain Farm
(Madison County)
Location & Region
205 Graves Mountain Lane, Syria, VA 22743 | Drive time from Charlottesville: Roughly 60 minutes
Opening / Season / Hours
Open the first three weekends in October. Hours: Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
What to Expect / Attractions
The Apple Harvest Festival at Graves Mountain Farm will take place the first three weekends in October this fall. Visitors can enjoy love music, hay rides, animals, fresh fall foods and of course, pumpkins and gourds.
Accessibility / Experience Tips
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Admission is $5, with extra charges for select activities.
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Parking is in the field, with handicap spots located closer to the entrance.
The Largest Corn Maze in the USA
🎃Liberty Mills Farm
(Orange County)
Location & Region
9166 Liberty Mills Road, Somerset, VA 22972 | Drive time from Charlottesville: Roughly 30 minutes
Opening / Season / Hours
Open: September 13 – November 11. Hours: Fridays and Sundays, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Saturdays, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
What to Expect / Attractions
Located just 30 minutes northeast of Charlottesville is this 33 acre fall corn maze–now the largest corn maze in the country! Liberty Mills Farm also features a farm market, an antique tractor collection, wagon rides and pick-your-own pumpkins.
Accessibility / Experience Tips
- Strollers and wagons are welcome throughout the maze and property.
- Parking varies by season; follow posted signs and staff directions.
- The farm is handicap accessible, though all-terrain wheelchairs are recommended for the best experience.
A Pumpkin Paradise in the Shenandoah Valley
🎃Middle River Farms
(Greene County)
Location & Region
1744 Weyers Cave Road, Grottoes, Virginia 24441 | Drive time from Charlottesville: Roughly 55 minutes
Opening / Season / Hours
Open: September 10 – Picked Out. Open daily from sun up to sun down.
What to Expect / Attractions
Located in the scenic Shenandoah Valley, Middle River Farms is a family-run farm, featuring 13 acres with more than 30 varieties of pumpkins and gourds. Find straw bales, corn shocks, and mums for your fall decorating needs while making family memories year-after-year.
Accessibility / Experience Tips
- Take advantage of the $40 wagon deal — it’s the best value for pumpkin lovers!
- Arrive early in the season for the best selection and bring help to load your wagon.
Hayrides, Pumpkins & Farm Animals in the Valley
🎃Mulberry Hills Farm
(Rockingham County)
Location & Region
6442 Cross Keys Road, Mount Crawford, VA 22841 | Drive time from Charlottesville: Roughly 55 minutes
Opening / Season / Hours
Open: September 13 – October 31. Open daily from 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
What to Expect / Attractions
Located just up I-81 from Staunton, Mulberry Hills Farm is a family run farm offering pick-your-own pumpkins, gourds, mums, straw bales, corn shocks, and a new corn maze. Visit their farm animals and take a free hayride on the weekends. Plus, enjoy plenty of cute picture boards for creating fall family memories.
Accessibility / Experience Tips
- Explore the new corn maze for 2025—fun for all ages!
- Some activities are only available on Saturdays and Sundays, so plan accordingly.
Sunflowers & Pumpkins at A Family Farm
🎃Sarah’s Pumpkin Patch
(Madison County)
Location & Region
Caves Ford Lane, Madison, VA 22727 | Drive time from Charlottesville: Roughly 35 minutes
Opening / Season / Hours
Open: September 27 – October 26. Hours: Wednesdays and Fridays, 3:30–6 p.m.; Saturdays, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; and Sundays, 12–5 p.m.
What to Expect / Attractions
Sarah’s Pumpkin Patch is a true you-pick experience, where visitors clip the pumpkins from the vine. Over 20 different varieties of pumpkins are grown, where you can find everything from traditional large orange carving pumpkins to pink, blue, white, and striped pumpkins in the field (and more!)! When you visit the patch, you can also make your way through the 4 acre corn maze and choose from the almost 10,000 sunflowers that are planted!
Accessibility / Experience Tips
- Apple and Google Maps recognize “Sarah’s Pumpkin Patch”; for best results, search Caves Ford Lane, Madison VA.
- Private hayrides are available for 2025, perfect for families or small groups.
- Credit cards are accepted, but you can save $5 on wagon and wheelbarrow rentals when paying with cash.
An October of Pumpkins
🎃Seamans’ Orchard
(Nelson County)
Location & Region
5529 Crabtree Falls Highway, Tyro, VA 22976 | Drive time from Charlottesville: Roughly 55 minutes
Opening / Season / Hours
The season runs the entire month of October. Hours: Mondays – Fridays, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.; Saturdays, 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; Closed Sundays.
What to Expect / Attractions
Nestled at the foot of the mountains, Seamans’ Orchard is a fourth generation farm, opening their pumpkin patch and corn maze for the entire month of October for all to enjoy.
Accessibility / Experience Tips
- Pumpkins are grown using a no-till system with rye mulch, keeping them clean, conserving water, and preventing weeds.
- Picking conditions can change quickly, so please call or check the farm’s Facebook page before your visit.
Adventure-Filled Farm Fun
🎃Round Hill Farm
(Culpeper County)
Location & Region
6347 Everona Road, Culpeper VA 22701 | Distance from Charlottesville: Roughly 50 minutes
Opening / Season / Hours
Open: September 20 – November 2. Hours: Fridays (starting in October), 3–6:30 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. (in September and November); and Saturdays and Sundays, 9:30 a.m.–6:30 p.m. (in October). Columbus Day, 10 a.m.–6:30 p.m.
What to Expect / Attractions
Celebrate fall with hayrides to the pumpkin patch, a zip line, a super slide, farm animals and much more at Round Hill Farm. This farm is a great place for tweens and teens.
Accessibility / Experience Tips
- The farm is handicap accessible for all visitors.
- Free gravel parking is available on-site.
- Check Facebook or call ahead on rainy days to confirm the farm is open.
Best Ways to Preserve Pumpkins and Jack-O-Lanterns
Virginia Cooperative Extension horticulture expert Ashley Edwards shared how to best preserve pumpkins throughout the entire season.
“Pumpkins are very sensitive to temps below 45 degrees Fahrenheit,” said Edwards, who shared her expertise on the best ways to extend the gourd life and keep them vibrant. “If your pumpkins are outdoors, take them inside if a hard frost is expected, as this will decrease their shelf life.”
“When picking out the best pumpkins, one of the most important things you can do is to select pumpkins with healthy stems that don’t have bruises, nicks, or early signs of rot,” Edwards said. “Whole, uncarved pumpkins can last from 1 to 6 months, depending on the variety, and if they are not exposed to harsh elements.Displaying them in ways that allow for good air circulation can also help.”
“To prevent waste this fall, consider composting your pumpkins,” she said. “This year’s pumpkins can be incorporated into a compost pile or garden that can be used to help grow next year’s pumpkins.”
“Pumpkin seeds can also be saved to use in your garden for next year. However, since the pumpkin might have been cross-pollinated, the resulting pumpkins from those saved seeds could be a variety of colors, shapes, or sizes,” Edwards said. “It can be fun to see what you get the next year. Only save seeds from healthy pumpkins.”
Edwards is part of a team at Virginia Tech and Virginia Cooperative Extension who is working on a grant-funded project that is comparing pumpkin varieties and exploring options for extending shelf life postharvest.
Looking for more fall family fun? Check out our Family Fun section for more festive fall ideas, and our Food & Home section for fall recipes, decor tips and more. There is so much fall fun to be had! Check our amazing CharlottesvilleFamily Guides to Trick-or-Treat safety, corn mazes, haunted houses & ghost walks, pumpkin patches, apple orchards and a fun Halloween boo bag craft!
A very special thank you to our Halloween content sponsors: Charlottesville Orthodontics, Pediatric Associates of Charlottesville, and Tucker Griffin Barnes Law.