In Colorful Colorado, there’s no better time than autumn. Yellow aspen trees electrify the mountainsides, and pumpkins and cornstalks decorate stoops. This time of year, Boulder is buzzing with activities. By far one of our Compass Boulder realtor team’s favorite annual traditions is wandering through a pumpkin patch. Will you choose a perfectly round, picture-perfect pumpkin? Or does 2022 call for an asymmetrical bumpy one with lots of character? Visiting a pumpkin patch is about so much more than buying a gourd. It’s about engaging with the festive spirit of fall.
To get a dose of the festive Halloween season, visit one of these incredible Colorado farms:
Cottonwood Farm- Lafayette, CO
Sheep, cows, bunnies, and chickens wander through the Cottonwood Farm. This family farm has been a staple of the area since the 1850s. This is an excellent farm for anyone who likes to buy produce seasonally and locally. They have a pick-you-own-pumpkin patch, of course. But they also sell:
- Acorn squash
- Butternut squash
- Spaghetti squash
- Delicata
- Pie Pumpkins
- And local honey.
After shopping, hop on a hay ride or explore the corn maze. Small children will also enjoy the straw bale maze.
The family encourages their guests to buy tickets in advance. If plans change, you can always cancel your reservation or edit your entry time.
Anderson Farms- Erie, CO
Anderson Farms is one of the biggest fall attractions in Colorado, and a personal favorite of our Compass Boulder real estate agents! It’s home to Colorado’s largest-running corn maze. It’s open day and night (but is never haunted). Before heading into the maze, exercise your problem-solving skills in a 5-minute escape room.
Visitors can take a picturesque wagon ride over to the pumpkin patch where you can buy super affordable pumpkins ($2-$12). When you return, we guarantee your attention will be split between all the other fun activities on the farm. Kids scramble around on Tire Mountain and can explore the Krazy Rainbow Maze. Take a ride on the barrel train, wooden train, or barnyard pedal karts. Try out the pumpkin cannon, which can shoot small pumpkins up to a ¼ mile. Pumpkins are guaranteed to land with a satisfying splat.
Anyone who likes a thrill can stick around after dark for the famous Terror in the Corn Haunted House. Relax and reserve a campfire site for afterward. S’mores and other concessions are available.
Denver Botanic Gardens- Denver, CO
The Botanic Gardens are infamous for their stellar events throughout the year. You can attend sunrise yoga classes in the gardens, or try the Japanese practice of forest bathing. This fall they are hosting a pumpkin festival. Our Boulder realtors recommend a few things on the itinerary including:
- An antique tractor exhibit
- Hayrides
- Photobooths
- Carnival Games
- Face painting
- Pumpkin Patch
- Corn Maze
- Food trucks and Vendors
- Local artisanal crafts
- Beer and hard cider vendors
The event takes place at Chatfield Farms in Littleton. If you miss this event, you can return to Chatfield Farms throughout the month to explore the 7-acre corn maze.
Rock Creek Farm- Broomfield, CO
Rock Creek Farm is one of the largest U-Pick-Em farms in the state. They have over 80- acres of pumpkins. With that many options, you’re destined to find the perfect pumpkin personality for your porch this season. They also offer a corn maze and haybale maze to explore. This year’s corn maze is shaped like the legendary BigFoot.
Good news for dog lovers! Rock Creek is one of the only dog-friendly corn mazes in the area. But keep in mind your pup must be leashed and keep a fair distance from the farm animals.
YaYa Farm and Orchard- Boulder, CO
The YaYa Farm doesn’t host any fall festival-type activities. But it’s a great place for Boulder foodies to get seasonal fruits and vegetables. This family-owned venture isn’t certified organic, but they practice organic natural and organic methods. Their specialty is heirloom varietals. There are over 1,000 productive fruit trees on the property. When you’ve picked to your heart’s content don’t forget to try the apple cider donuts from the farmstand. As a bonus, this farm is gorgeous enough to host local weddings and events.
Mile High Farms
Hitch a ride on an antique tractor over to the expansive pumpkin patch on Mile High Farms. If you thought that was fun, hop on a barrel cart ride. After you pick out your perfect pumpkin, stick around to enjoy the bouncy castles, corn pits, and even stage performances. There are corn mazes too, of course. One suited for adults, and another for children.
Miner’s Pumpkin Patch- Colorado Springs, CO
This pumpkin patch is worth the drive for history lovers. You’ll get to observe steam shovel and mining mucker demonstrations. You can even try panning for gold yourself! Visitors still find shimmering gold flecks in the outdoor panning troughs. Head up the hill to watch a blacksmith work in the authentic blacksmithing shop. When you’re ready for refreshment, enjoy a glass of fresh cider from the museum’s vintage cider press. Grab a meal from one of the food truck vendors and enjoy a shady picnic under the trees.
The petting zoo features adorable miniature ponies (hello lil’ Sebastian!). Play with lawn games like giant Jenga, checkers, and battleship.
In the pumpkin patch, pick out a gourd to take home… and one to try out in the Pumpkin Smash Catapult.
