Though the sun still shines brightly in the sky, it’s only a matter of time before that bright shining orb succumbs to cloud cover and those delectable, orange orbs on the vine demand our full attention. Yup, it’s pumpkin season! Don’t go pulling out the rainboots and scarves quite yet, but be prepared. Pumpkin spice is going to rule menus throughout the Pacific Northwest, and it’ll be time to head to your favorite pumpkin patch to score the perfect gourd for your jack-o-lantern. Bonus, aside from being fabulous decoration there will be seeds to roast and plenty of pumpkin guts to craft fresh, homemade pumpkin pie.
The good news is, for those who revel in all things pumpkin-y, there’s no shortage of patches in the South Sound. Heck, Puyallup should be renamed Pumpkin Town during the season. They have pumpkins galore. Here are just a few in Puyallup and beyond:
Double R Farms
Open October 1 – 31, 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Monday – Friday, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Saturday/Sunday
5820 44th Street East, Puyallup
Double R Farms is located directly off River Road, making it easy access for those on the go. There’s tons of fun from their 5-acre corn maze, pumpkin slingshots and tractor pulled hayrides that will have the kids hollering “yeehaw!” Bonus: concessions are available on the weekends, and the pumpkins are lined up in a grassy field, so there’s less likely to be a muddy mess. Double R also boasts the “largest selection of pumpkins in the valley.”
Spooner Farms
9622 State Route 162 East, Puyallup
Open October 1 – 31, 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. daily (slingshot and maze hours may vary)
Spooner Farms boasts one of the most family friendly venues. The littles will delight in fun like face painting, pony rides, farm animals, whimsical, autumn photo opportunities and Pumpkin Pete’s Playtown. And the entire family can partake in the winding paths at the corn maze, the pumpkin slingshots and loads of concession options from fudge to caramel corn to roasted corn and more. Plus, the pumpkin and gourd selection is plentiful. Tip: wear your galoshes on a rainy day.
Scholz Farm and Garden
Open April 13 – October 31, 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. daily
14310 128th Street East, Puyallup
Scholz Farm and Garden is a fourth generation farm in the Orting/Puyallup Valley. Springtime brings farm fresh eggs, rhubarb and jarred salsas, jams and dressings, while for the entirety of October they open the Pumpkin Palace. U-pick pumpkins, corn maze, painted pumpkins and farm animals can all be enjoyed while shopping this seasonal, fresh retail spot.
Picha Farms
Open October 1 – 31, 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Monday – Friday, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Saturday/Sunday
6502 52nd Street East, Puyallup
Picha Farms hosts a ton of harvest fun for the whole family, including your furry friends. Though leashed pets are permitted on the grounds, they cannot join you on the hayride or in the whopping, 7-acre corn maze. There’s a pumpkin slingshot and loads of gourds and cornstalks with which to adorn your home. Concessions include lattes, hot apple cider, kettle corn and hot dogs.
Old McDebbie’s Farm & Jim’s U-Fish
Open 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., Friday – Sunday
4924 268th Street East, Spanaway
Established in 1999 by a family looking to connect the community with nature, Old McDebbie’s Farm & Jim’s U-Fish offers a fun experience year-round. Though there’s a $6 general admission price (with some services costing additional), there’s loads of fun to enjoy, including their Eye Spy Trail, Musical Forest, Hot Wheels table, play areas, picnic tables and exotic animals. Plus, you can enjoy a pony or train ride while choosing among the pre-picked pumpkins.
Sterino Farms
Open 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. daily
6116 52nd Street East, Puyallup
Though not a traditional pumpkin patch, Sterino Farms open produce market hosts fall fun the week leading up to the big day. Purchase a carving pumpkin, any size, for a measly $1. There is a limit of 15 per person, but you can’t beat the deal if you’re a procrastinator. Last year they even offered free hot dogs for those loading up on future jack-o-lanterns.
Maris Farms
Open September 30 – October 31, 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Monday – Friday, and 9:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Saturday/Sunday
25001 Sumner-Buckley Highway, Buckley
Maris Farms is the one Halloween-y hot spot where the teens won’t have to pretend like they aren’t having the time of their lives. They really go all-out with ziplines, human foosball and even mechanical bulls. There is also loads of fun for the wee-ones, with a 5-acre corn maze, hayrides, pony rides, a bounce house and all that jazz. You can also hop aboard the Cow Train, pedal cars or even monster trucks! Catch the Triple Pig Crown racing series or visit fabulous farm animals. There is an admission fee varying from $7-$19.70, depending on day of week and age range, and concessions are only available on the weekends. If you’re looking for a real thrill, visit their Haunted Woods. This 35-minute trail boasts a cornfield full of actors looking to invoke nightmares. This is the part that is PG-13 fun. Check the website for available tickets and pricing.