Where To Find The Perfect Pumpkin Patch

From a massive fall fest in Chicago to San Francisco’s pumpkin capital of the world, these five cities pull out all the stops for a day of pumpkin picking.

New York City

A little over an hour outside of the city, fall fans will find Happy Day Farm in Manalapan, NJ. Located on a sprawling 130-acre farm, pumpkin picking is only the beginning of your day on the farm. We love the Pumpkinville houses (yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like - houses made entirely of pumpkins), corn maze, tractor rides and, on select Fall Festival Days, experience 35 fall-themed activities that include: exploring a Snoopy-themed corn maze, playing in a pirate ship, practicing your horse lasso, cheering on the pig races, visiting the petting zoo, and so much more family fun.

Chicago

Grab your friends and head over to Goose Island in Chicago for Jack’s Pumpkin Pop-Up, which is Chicago’s largest fall festival. Start with picking from a field of 10,000 pumpkins before heading to the real fun, including Chicago’s largest corn maze, three full-service bars (pumpkin spice cocktails, anyone?), Axe Throwing games, gem mining, some freaky photo ops, food trucks and more. It’s the perfect way to kick off spooky season!

San Francisco

Who knew San Francisco’s Half Moon Bay was considered the pumpkin capital of the world? As such, they celebrate every year with the Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival (Oct. 19 and 20 this year). Now in its 52nd year, the two-day fest includes the Great Pumpkin Parade, pie eating contests, a costume contest, pumpkin carving, pancake breakfasts, and even pumpkin carving. Kids have a chance to carve their own and watch Farmer Mike, “the Picasso of Pumpkin Carving,” in action. On Oct. 14, the festival hosts a pre-party with the Great Pumpkin Weigh Off, where farmers from all around come to try and break the world record for heaviest pumpkin. It’s a sight to behold.

Boston

Come for the pumpkins, stay for the hard cider. Just outside Boston in Natick, MA, Belkin Family Lookout Farm has 25,000 pumpkins up for grabs in their field. The farm train will take you out to pick your best pumpkins. After, parents will enjoy locally brewed beer, hard cider and harvest bites at The Lookout, an all-outdoor dining experience. All outdoor equals parents get a relaxing lunch break while kids can run around in the field. Last year, the working farm added some more fall fun, including a two-acre corn maze, barnyard play area, peddle tractors and lawn games. On the weekends, kids can also play on the Apple Bounce Pad and Busy Bee Express Ride. Here’s to family fun that’s truly fun for all!

Los Angeles

Timeout Los Angeles describes the West Coast-cool Mr. Bones Pumpkin Patch like this: "it’s like someone dropped off a piece of country farmland in the middle of a fast-paced, urban city.” The Culver City patch features rows upon rows of pumpkins for picking, a giant hand-carved rocking horse, petting zoo and sweet mini straw maze. Kids will also love the face painting, super spider slide, pumpkin decorating and spider bounce house. Food trucks on-site allow you to make a day of it with lunch. Bonus: Mr. Bones Pumpkin Village lets you see where the famous Mr. Bones and his friends reside during the holiday season.

The Related Life is written and produced by the Related Life Editorial Team. Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest events, news, and announcements in your area, and tag us for a chance to be featured @therelatedlife and #therelatedlife.