I think we all have the same craving for an escape from the heat by pretending the start of fall means we can wear sweaters and boots, so hopefully this list of the best pumpkin patches in Phoenix will help you do just that! As a Phoenix family photographer, I know my family clients are sweating during their fall portrait sessions, and it always makes me chuckle when they immediately throw on tank tops and shorts as we wrap up. The things we do for a little pumpkin spice!

Here are 5 of the Best Pumpkin Patches in Phoenix

Mother Nature’s Farm Pumpkin Patch

The Kelsall family has grown their farm into a discovery zone for kids and families that’s open throughout the year. This farm may truly be the epitome of the best pumpkin patch in Phoenix, because it started as just a pumpkin patch! From just a 10×10 space, Mother Nature’s Farm now has 40 acres of pumpkins! They also open a little earlier than most patches, so if you’re ready for fall in September, keep an eye out for their opening day.

Open morning to night, this pumpkin patch is a great spot for a quick trip, half or full day with your family. You entrance fee includes rides and attractions, making it a perfect outing to let your kids get their energy out. Start or end by finding pumpkins just the size you need for each family member. They keep pumpkins ready daily, from 1 ounce to 500 pounds! If you are partial to a homemade picnic, you can bring your own meal and snacks, otherwise you can stop by the on-site food stand for snacks, drinks and meals then find plenty of shade when you choose a picnic table and or grass patch to relax while you eat.

As you adventure through the farm, you’ll find photo ops aplenty and a market for specialty treats, fall decor and pumpkin accessories. Included in the entrance price is a goody to take home, bale maze, hay ride, climbing and play areas, bull roping fun, and a corn pit that’s sure to feed the senses! Everyone can get in on the fun with games and pedal cars, plus you can feed some sweet farm animals. There is so much to do! You can check out all the details on their website. If you need directions, Mother Nature’s pumpkin patch can be found at 1663 E. Baseline Rd. Gilbert, AZ 85233.

MacDonald’s Ranch

A true and historical hidden gem, this is one of the best pumpkin patches in Phoenix. MacDonald’s Ranch was started in 1956 by the Richardson Family and opened in 1970 to the public. Through the two generations, with cowboy cookouts, bonfires, stables, horse breeding, training, and riding, and now to include their annual pumpkin patch, they continue to focus on a western lifestyle and family.

Closed just one day a week, the MacDonald’s Ranch pumpkin patch is quite the western experience! Find your perfect pumpkin to purchase, or just take a look around before joining in the festival fun they have to offer. You’ll be given a scavenger hunt to complete before you leave, so try to find everything as you make your way around!

Cowboy up and pan for gold, milk a cow, pick a duck to race, and conk the crow. These are just carnival games, don’t worry, but if you want to interact with real animals, they’ve got a petting zoo for you, too! Parents can capture some themed memories with their photo op spots around the farm, so be ready to snap a few pictures. Find your way through the hay bale maze, jump in the corn pool, and let the kids climb on the hay stacks or race pedal cars.

There are some paid attractions throughout the ranch that are really fun and too good to miss! Pony rides and two different trains are available, as well as a mechanical bull for anyone tall and brave enough to test their skills. If you decide to go to the petting zoo, you can opt to feed the animals for an extra fee. Of course, the gift shop and any vendors hanging out on the day you visit have a separate cost from your entrance ticket. MacDonald’s Ranch does have deals throughout the season, so make sure to take a look at their website. Plan your route to the ranch at 26540 North Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, Arizona 85255

Vertuccio Farms

Vertuccio Farms started after the Vertuccio family immigrated from Italy, then from New York to Arizona. Starting with citrus and watermelons, this 40 acre farm has grown into the community with the fall festival, fresh crop stands and farmers markets. Their second generation owner, and son, is now proudly running the show!

This farm has one of the best Phoenix pumpkin patches and the annual 5 acre corn maze that’s been around for 25 years! Your entrance ticket includes all of their attractions. There is so much to do aside from the pumpkin patch and most activities are great for both adults and kids. Enjoy farm animal fun with pig races, the petting zoo and Sassy the donkey. Compete against each other in mini golf or see how high you can jump on the giant jumping pillow. The Vertuccio pumpkin patch has a unique experience with a giant tube roll!

Let the kids run wild on the playground and ropes course, and browse the goodies in their shop. If you’re looking to bring a little fall festival feel back home with you, purchase straw bales and cornstalks along with your pumpkins to decorate. Of course, don’t forget to test your skills in their 5 acre corn maze! If you plan to go at night, make sure you bring flashlights as the maze does not have lights already!

Days and hours are limited, so be sure you check their schedule here. You can find the Vertuccio Farms pumpkin patch at 4011 S. Power Rd., Mesa, AZ 85212

Justice Brothers Ranch

The Justice Brothers Ranch has been in Arizona since 1928 making it the longest operated citrus orchard in the state through 5 generations of Justices. They have raise cattle and grow citrus, beans, wheat, cotton, alfalfa and potatoes, and now they grow cactus! The Justice Brothers pumpkin patch in west Phoenix is true to its name with a variety of pumpkins, including specialty ones. Kids can play on old farm equipment if you want to hang around a while. Purchase pumpkins and shop for local eggs, fruit and honey!

*For 2024, it looks like Justice Brothers Ranch is closed.

Find their pumpkin patch page here for updates and stop by for a visit at 14629 W Peoria Ave, Waddell, AZ 85355 

Arizona Pumpkin Patch

This popular patch is one of the best pumpkin patches in Phoenix if you’re looking for a simple and fun pumpkin experience. With no entrance fee, this pumpkin patch is a great spot for each family member to select the perfect squash for them. Even your friendly pups can get in on the fall fun with you! Stop in front of the corn stalks for a sweet photo op. Each pumpkin is farm fresh, so you get the maximum lifetime for your carving and decorating. Speaking of carving, Arizona Pumpkin Patch has carving kits to purchase, just in case you need one! Head over to their website if you have questions for them and want more details, otherwise, click to find a patch in each of these locations: Glendale, Peoria, Waddell, Chandler, Tempe, Mesa, Gilbert, Gilbert 2, Gilbert 3, San Tan Valley, Queen Creek. Be sure to check updated locations on this page, as they have a lot of patches around Arizona!

Bonus! The Farm at South Mountain

This year, contending to be easily considered one of Phoenix’s best pumpkin patches, The Farm at South Mountain has a special event that you must keep your eyes peeled for! ‘The Farm’ hosts a one day festival with pumpkins, specifically designed for kids! They get to pick a pumpkin and enjoy a day of activities like crafting, jump houses, a scavenger hunt and story time. Pumpkins, food and drinks are for sale at this event, and entry is a low-cost ticket per child. The easiest way to find updates is through their Facebook page here and Instagram Profile here. If you decide to join in on the fun, head to the farm at 6106 S 32nd St, Phoenix, AZ 85042

5 More of the Best Pumpkin Patches in Phoenix this October

There are so many great opportunities to snag a pumpkin and spend some extra, quality family time this October. Be sure to soak up all the goodness of early holiday season at these pumpkin patches, and pick the one that fits your family’s needs best. On the hunt for more things to do in Phoenix with your family this year? Below are a few more ideas!

• Get in the Fall Spirit with These 5 Pumpkin Patches in Phoenix, AZ
• Play, Learn, Grow! Arcadia Toys
• Sweet Pea Baby Rentals: Phoenix Family Travel Made Easy
• The Ultimate Guide to the Best Phoenix Farmers Markets