Utah is such a glorious place in the fall! If you’re like me, you’re soaking up all the time outdoors that you can before the weather gets cold and it’s time to hibernate. One of my favorite outdoor activities is going to a pumpkin patch. We’re lucky because we have so many fantastic ones right here in northern Utah.

1. Cornbelly’s

Cornbelly’s is a Utah institution during the fall, and you’ve got to go there if you’ve never been. Cornbelly’s is incredible because although it’s a blast for little kids, it’s also a whole lot of fun for adults (so you won’t be standing around bored while the kids play. Promise).

Cornbelly’s is so much more than just a pumpkin patch. Fun activities include a barn swing, a bungee bouncer, corn hole and corn ball, duck races, face painting, hayrides, a ropes course, paintball, and too many more things to list here. The 2019 corn maze is Harry Potter-themed, and it’s huge—8 acres of pathways, to be exact. There’s also a smaller kiddie maze and a haunted maze for those 12 and older.

If you like your fall adventures a little scarier, check out Insanity Point, with plenty of haunts and a special fireworks show. There are also a wide variety of special events at Cornbelly’s throughout the season, so don’t miss taking advantage of those.

Info:

3003 North Thanksgiving Way, Lehi

Sept. 27 through Nov. 2 (Mon–Thu: 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Fri–Sat: 10 a.m. to 12 a.m.)

2. Gibson’s Green Acres Dairy

Gibson’s Green Acres Dairy is a feel-good family farm with five acres of pumpkins. This is the place to go if you want to choose from a lot of pumpkins (and we hear these are especially beautiful ones). Gibson’s has 20 varieties and every shape, size, and color of pumpkin you can imagine. Pumpkins are just 30 cents a pound.

Gibson’s has plenty of activities for the whole family, too. They have two corn mazes, a haunted maze, a hay maze, a petting zoo, farm games, a straw pyramid, and a giant slide. Also, don’t miss the wagon ride, which is a tour of the farm where employees talk about what happens on the farm each day. See a full map of activities here.

Info:

449 South 4700 West, Ogden

Through October (Mon–Thu: 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Fri–Sat: 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.)

3. Mabey Farms

Mabey Farms is really neat because it offers free admission to its pumpkin patch; you just buy your pumpkin. The farm was founded in 1884 and has been recognized by the state of Utah as a Utah Century Farm. Mabey Farms has 14+ acres and 45 varieties of pumpkins to choose from. Prices are extremely reasonable, and the staff is excellent.

This is an especially good place for photo ops—it even has a barn wood photo booth and plenty more backdrops to choose from. We highly recommend this patch if you’re most interested in picking out pumpkins and not being distracted by games, rides, and other activities. Hey, sometimes simple is really best.

Info:

10090 S 1000 W, South Jordan

Sept. 28 through Oct. 31 (Mon–Sat: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.)

4. Black Island Farms

Black Island Farms is family owned and has been around for around 50 years. Even better, they’re in a new and improved location for this year. There is a LOT to do here.

At the top of your to-do list should be the 16-acre corn maze (which has three phases, so pick your poison). There are also pumpkin patch activities like a grain chute slide, corn box, straw mountain, cow train, and more. Take a hayride out to choose your own pumpkin, and don’t miss the farmers market with all sorts of fresh farm goodies. If you’re twelve or older, you might enjoy Black Island Farm’s haunted maze.

Info:

2075 South 4000 West, Syracuse

Sept. 20 & 21 and Sept. 27 through Oct 31 (Mon–Thu: 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., Fri: 4 p.m. to 12 a.m., Sat: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Sun: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.)

5. Pack Farms

Pack Farms opened up in 1950, growing vegetables and other products that were sold locally for many years. In fact, the Pack family has supplied pumpkins to Utah grocery stores for a long time. So many people requested to come to the farm and pick out their own pumpkins that they finally opened up a patch where people can do just that. With 20 acres of pumpkins alone, you shouldn’t have a problem finding one you like!

Kids can also play for free in the hay maze before or after picking out a pumpkin. The paid activity area includes a PVC roller slide, a tractor tire playground, a pumpkin slingshot, a corn box, and round bale rollers. This is just no-frills fun.

Info:

1700 W Glovers Lane, Farmington

Sept. 27 through Oct. 30 (Mon–Sat: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.)

6. Petersen Family Farm

Petersen Family Farm is a quaint farm with a rich history (it’s been around since 1871). The family grows fruits and vegetables on 70 acres of land. This is a relaxing place where you can breathe deeply and fully enjoy those relaxing October nights, so it’s perfect if you don’t like the hustle and bustle of some of Utah’s other pumpkin patches.

While the top activity here is picking out your pumpkin, the farm has some other fun activities, too. They include relaxing wagon rides, apple slingshot, and a good, old-fashioned popcorn crank each evening. (These activities start at 5 p.m. except on Saturdays, when they start at 9 a.m.). See more details here.

Info:

11887 South 4000 West, Riverton

Sept. 29 through Oct. 31 (9:00 a.m. to dusk)

7. Little Bear Bottoms

Little Bear Bottoms is a family farm that grows sod, corn, and of course, pumpkins. It’s owned a by a local farmer, and is essentially, a non-profit organization. They just want you to join them for a good time in the perfect haunted atmosphere (hey, they already had the spooky barn and the land along the river).

Speaking of the river, the haunted river trail is the star of the show. If you like being spooked, you’re going to love the dark tunnels, creepy trees, mad farmers, and more. (This is not recommended for small children or those who scare easily). Other attractions include a huge straw fort, a spooky barn ride complete with tricks and scary stories, and a pumpkin and gourd patch.  And don’t miss the maze with dead ends at every turn!

Info:

5000 US-91, Wellsville

Opens Sept. 27

8. Cross E Ranch

The Cross E Ranch is huge and produces an incredible variety of products and holds many different types of activities throughout the year. This farm and cattle ranch has rich legacy, and they want to share that with the many people who come to their farm to enjoy the fall. Plus, there are so many different types of pumpkins to choose from!

Top attractions include a 14-acre corn maze. This year’s celebrates the 150^th anniversary of the Transcontinental Railroad connection made right here in Utah. It’s actually three mazes in one, so pick the one you want based on how adventurous you’re feeling. Pig races, zip lines, a wagon train ride, hayrides, a corn pit, mega slides, and a tractor tire pit will be there waiting for you when you’re done with the maze. Also, I highly recommend the caramel apples and the delicious donuts. The food here is excellent!

Info:

3500 N 2200 W, Salt Lake City

Sept. 20 through Nov. 2 but closed on Halloween (Mon–Thu: 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Fri–Sat: 2:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.)

9. Wheeler Farm

The Wheeler Historic Farm is one of the few original 19^th-century homesteads remaining in Utah. This farm is funded by Salt Lake City’s Parks and Recreation Department. It’s had major additions since it opened in 2000, and it really does feel like a natural retreat in the middle of our city.

This is a very family-friendly pumpkin spot, and it’s especially good for little ones. If you want a short event out with a few activities, this is perfect for you. Activities include a play zone, hay maze, cow train, and wagon rides. Pumpkins, of course, are also available.

Info:

6351 South 900 East, Murray

Sept. 27 through Oct. 31 (Mon–Thu: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Fri–Sat: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sun: 9:00 a.m. to 4 p.m.)

I hope this inspires you to go to a pumpkin patch with friends and/or family this beautiful fall here in Utah. If I missed a favorite spot of yours, won’t you let me know in the comments?