Crisp leaves, pumpkin spice, foggy mornings, kids finally back in school, giant spiders creeping me out…yep, it’s fall, time to start the annual search for the best pumpkin patch near Seattle. 

Time to find the perfectly rotund, peachy pumpkin that will make the neighborhood kids shriek in delight. Time to wander a muddy field sipping on hot apple cider, and to spend way too much money on pumpkin slingshots and corn mazes and carnival games and donuts…which are all the best things about pumpkin patches, anyway. 

Here are our favorite pumpkin patches around Seattle and Tacoma; whether or not you actually need pumpkins, these farms make for fabulous autumn day trips from Seattle.

Hunter Farms, Union

Hunter Farms is worth the scenic drive for a true, tractor/hayride-laden pumpkin patch experience. Wear your boots!

Here you are driven on a hayride or wagon ride out to the pumpkin fields, where you can wander, take gorgeous photos, and eventually make your way back to pay for your pumpkins (which are often more reasonably priced than some others on this list). When you’re done with pumpkins, there’s a barn to explore, featuring a hay maze that kids will love, and some animals to greet. Stalls of food and crafts will give you something to do/eat while you wait for your kids to emerge from the hay maze.

Best for: A true muddy pumpkin patch experience with a gazillion types of pumpkins

Picha Farms, Puyallup

Picha Farms has all the pumpkin patch fun you’d want without being overly large or overwhelming. You’ll find hayrides, a corn maze, a pumpkin slingshot, a kiddie train, and a field full of pumpkins. It’s easy to get to from most parts of the South Sound. This is a great patch especially for younger kids as it’s not a huge pumpkin patch (the farm is large, but the area where the pumpkins are laid out for your picking pleasure is walkable even for the tiniest of tots), yet still has enough going on for everyone in the family to have fun. Also, watch for free family photo days as there is often one day each season where you can get a photo taken by a local photographer for free!

Best for: Families and those looking for FREE entrance

Spooner Farms, Puyallup

This is one of our favorites because entrance is free, there are enormous pumpkins plus a huge array of little decorative pumpkins for purchase, and there’s plenty to keep the kids entertained.

It’s more than just pumpkins, but less than a full-day fair affair. 

Our favorite things here are the pumpkin slingshot and the huge, themed corn maze, but kids will also love the barn full of animals (chickens! bunnies!) and the child-sized go-kart track. 
The downside is that pumpkins don’t actually grow here — you aren’t going to a true pumpkin patch, so if you are looking for a more authentic agricultural experience, you may want to look elsewhere. On the other hand, it’s not too muddy!

Best for: A couple hours of family fun with lots of pumpkins to choose from; FREE entrance

Maris Farms, Buckley

Maris Farms is famous for its corn maze and haunted woods, but also features activities such as a zip-line, trout fishing, a mechanical bull, trike races, monster truck rides, duck races, pig races, and more (some years feature new attractions so always check for the year you’re attending). If you’ve got older kids who enjoy a good scare, then this is the perfect place to pick up a pumpkin, but also enjoy some serious fall and Halloween fun. The Haunted Woods is not recommended for kids under 10. For some creepy fun that’s a little less scary, you can also enjoy the corn maze by flashlight at night.

Best for: A serious day of fall fun, or older kids (and parents) who want to be terrified

Schilter Family Farm, Olympia

Easily accessible from I-5, Schilter Family Farm was our favorite for years when the kids were small. Not only do they have pumpkins, they also have LOTS to do for younger kids: play areas, zip swings, a hay maze, a corn maze, a giant bounce pillow, a ‘trike trek’…need I go on?

Best for: The preschool/elementary set

Mosby Farm, Auburn

Mosby Farm keeps things pretty simple with a harvest-style pumpkin patch and a corn maze. Grab a cart and find your perfect pumpkin, and then explore your way through the maze. Pets are allowed, but bring a leash and baggies.

Best for: Families, those with pets who want to help select a pumpkin

Carparnito Brothers, Kent

Carparnito Brothers is a popular patch just south of Seattle that has a bit of everything. There is an entrance fee, but it’s credited toward your pumpkin purchase. But Carparnito Brothers has a lot more to offer than pumpkins. Don’t miss the themed corn mazes, farm animals, a hay maze, games, goats, and other fall fun. Young children can even swim in a pit of dried corn! This farm also invites field trips and birthday parties.

Best for: Anyone with kids!

Thomasson Family Farm, Enumclaw

Owned and operated by a local family in Enumclaw, Thomasson Family Farm has 10 acres of pumpkins and 5 acres devoted to a corn maze. If you only want to go to the pumpkin patch, admission is free! If you want to enjoy the many family fun activities the farm offers, you’ll pay one admission fee and have access to them all, including a trip through the corn maze, a game of laser tag on weekends, the trike track, games, and other activities.

Best for: Anyone who wants a one-and-done admission fee for all activities, FREE pumpkin patch admission