Best Tampa Pumpkin Patches & Fall Activities for Families 2025
Fall in Tampa means pumpkin patches, corn mazes, hayrides, and family fun! While Florida's autumn weather stays warm, September through October brings the perfect opportunity to enjoy seasonal activities with your kids. This comprehensive guide covers the best pumpkin patches near Tampa and fall festivals throughout the Tampa Bay area.
Whether you're looking for a quick pumpkin photo op in the city or a full day of farm activities, Tampa Bay has excellent options for families. From traditional pumpkin picking to elaborate corn mazes, these venues offer memorable fall experiences for kids of all ages.
What's covered in this guide:
- Top pumpkin patches within 45 minutes of Tampa
- Corn mazes and hayride locations
- Urban pumpkin patch options for quick visits
- Planning tips for Florida fall weather
- What to bring and when to visit
- Additional fall activities and festivals
Best Tampa Area Pumpkin Patches
North Tampa & Surrounding Areas
1. Kerby's Nursery Pumpkin Patch (Seffner)
Location: 2311 S Parsons Ave, Seffner, FL 33584
Distance from Tampa: 15 minutes
Season: Late September through October 31
Hours: Daily 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Pricing: Free entry, pay for pumpkins and activities
Best For: All ages, convenient location
Kerby's Nursery transforms into a fall wonderland each autumn with thousands of pumpkins, photo opportunities, and fall decorations. This family-owned nursery has been a Tampa tradition for years.
Activities:
- Extensive pumpkin selection (all sizes)
- Multiple photo opportunity setups
- Fall plants and mums
- Hay bale displays
- Seasonal decorations for purchase
Why families love it: Easy access from Tampa, well-stocked with pumpkins, great for quick visits, beautiful photo backgrounds, and you can shop for fall plants while you're there.
Parking: Large parking lot, stroller-friendly
2. Harvest Holler Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch (Dade City)
Location: 38116 Meridian Ave, Dade City, FL 33525
Distance from Tampa: 45 minutes
Season: Late September through October
Hours: Weekends primarily, check website for daily hours in October
Pricing: $10-15 per person for activities, pumpkins additional
Best For: Kids ages 5+, adventure seekers
Experience a real working family farm at Harvest Holler! This venue offers one of the area's best corn mazes along with traditional pumpkin patch activities.
Activities:
- Multi-acre corn maze (different difficulty levels)
- Pumpkin patch with u-pick pumpkins
- Hayrides around the farm
- Farm animals to visit
- Jump pads and play areas
- Picnic areas
Why families love it: The corn maze is challenging and fun, authentic farm experience, friendly staff, and plenty of space to explore.
Tips: Wear closed-toe shoes for the corn maze, bring water, and plan for 2-3 hours to enjoy all activities.
3. Raprager Family Farm (Brooksville)
Location: 16651 Ponce De Leon Blvd, Brooksville, FL 34614
Distance from Tampa: 50 minutes
Season: September weekends through October
Hours: Saturdays and Sundays, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Pricing: $12-18 per person, includes most activities
Best For: Full day family outing, ages 3+
Raprager Family Farm offers a complete fall festival experience with activities for the whole family. This working farm provides an authentic agricultural experience.
Activities:
- Corn maze adventure
- Pumpkin patch (u-pick and pre-picked)
- Petting zoo with farm animals
- Hayrides through the property
- Barrel train rides for little ones
- Pedal karts
- Corn pit play area
- Food vendors on weekends
Why families love it: All-inclusive pricing, variety of activities, well-maintained facilities, and the kids can spend hours exploring.
Plan ahead: This is a popular destination on October weekends. Arrive early (by 10:30 AM) to avoid the biggest crowds.
South Tampa & Plant City Area
4. Parkesdale Farm Market (Plant City)
Location: 3702 W Baker St, Plant City, FL 33563
Distance from Tampa: 30 minutes
Season: Year-round market, pumpkins September-October
Hours: Daily 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Pricing: Free entry, pay for pumpkins and produce
Best For: Quick visits, all ages, strawberry lovers
While primarily known for strawberries, Parkesdale Farm Market brings in beautiful pumpkins each fall. This is perfect for families who want pumpkins without a full farm experience.
Activities:
- Wide selection of pumpkins (all sizes and varieties)
- Fresh produce shopping
- Famous strawberry milkshakes (available year-round!)
- Fall decorations and gourds
- Baked goods and jams
Why families love it: Quick and easy, excellent pumpkin selection, the legendary strawberry shakes, and you can stock up on fresh produce.
Insider tip: The strawberry milkshakes are worth the trip alone, even in fall!
5. Sweetfields Farm (Bradenton)
Location: 7220 Moccasin Wallow Rd, Bradenton, FL 34202
Distance from Tampa: 45 minutes
Season: October weekends (check website for exact dates)
Hours: Saturdays and Sundays, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Pricing: $15-20 per person, includes activities
Best For: Full day adventure, ages 2+
Sweetfields Farm is an organic vegetable farm that opens to the public during pumpkin season. This is one of the most comprehensive fall experiences in the Tampa Bay area.
Activities:
- Elaborate corn maze
- U-pick pumpkin patch
- Petting zoo with goats, chickens, and more
- Hayrides
- Sunflower fields (if in season)
- Tractor rides
- Play areas and games
- Food trucks and vendors
- Picnic areas
Why families love it: Beautiful farm setting, organic focus, variety of activities, great for photos, and the sunflower fields are stunning.
What to know: This farm is very popular. Purchase tickets online in advance for October weekends. Bring a wagon for little ones and your pumpkins.
6. Hunsader Farms (Bradenton)
Location: 5500 County Road 675, Bradenton, FL 34211
Distance from Tampa: 50 minutes
Season: October weekends
Hours: Saturdays and Sundays, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Pricing: $15-20 per person
Best For: Festival atmosphere, all ages
Hunsader Farms hosts an annual Pumpkin Festival with activities, entertainment, and fall fun for the whole family.
Activities:
- Pumpkin patch
- Corn maze
- Petting farm
- Pony rides
- Hayrides
- Live entertainment
- Food vendors
- Craft vendors
Why families love it: Festival atmosphere, live music and entertainment, variety of food options, and something for everyone.
Urban Tampa Options
7. Hyde Park Village Pumpkin Patch (Tampa)
Location: 1602 W Snow Ave, Tampa, FL 33606
Distance: In Tampa
Season: October
Hours: Daily during mall hours
Pricing: Free to visit, pay for pumpkins
Best For: Quick photo ops, convenient location
Hyde Park Village sets up a charming pumpkin display each October, perfect for families who want pumpkins without driving to a farm.
Activities:
- Pumpkin sales
- Photo opportunity displays
- Fall decorations
- Shopping and dining nearby
Why families love it: Convenient Tampa location, free to visit, great for photos, and you can combine with lunch or shopping at Hyde Park Village.
Perfect for: Busy families, toddler photo shoots, last-minute pumpkin needs, or rainy day alternatives.
8. Armature Works Seasonal Events (Tampa)
Location: 1910 N Ola Ave, Tampa, FL 33602
Distance: In Tampa (Heights District)
Season: Check seasonal calendar
Hours: Varies by event
Pricing: Free to attend, food and activities priced separately
Best For: Combining fall fun with dining
Armature Works occasionally hosts fall-themed events and pumpkin displays. Check their event calendar for seasonal activities.
Why families love it: Great food hall with options for everyone, riverside location, free to attend, and kid-friendly atmosphere.
What to Expect at Tampa Pumpkin Patches
Typical Activities
Most Tampa area pumpkin patches offer a combination of:
Pumpkin Selection:
- Pre-picked pumpkins in various sizes
- U-pick pumpkins in the field (at farm locations)
- Specialty pumpkins and gourds
- Decorative items
Farm Activities:
- Corn mazes (varying difficulty levels)
- Hayrides
- Petting zoos or farm animals
- Play areas and games
- Photo opportunities
Food & Shopping:
- Food trucks or concession stands
- Fall produce and plants
- Seasonal decorations
- Baked goods and treats
Pricing Structure
Entry Fees:
- Urban locations: Usually free entry
- Farm locations: $10-20 per person
- Some farms include activities in admission
- Children under 2 often free
Pumpkins:
- Small pumpkins: $3-8
- Medium pumpkins: $8-15
- Large pumpkins: $15-30
- Specialty varieties: Varies
Activities:
- Some included in admission
- Others pay-per-activity ($3-5 each)
- All-inclusive wristbands available at some farms
Age Appropriateness
Toddlers (1-3 years):
- Best: Kerby's Nursery, Parkesdale, Hyde Park Village
- Look for: Easy walking, small petting zoos, simple photo ops
Preschool (3-5 years):
- Best: Sweetfields Farm, Raprager Family Farm
- Look for: Gentle hayrides, small corn mazes, play areas
Elementary (6-12 years):
- Best: Harvest Holler, Raprager, Sweetfields
- Look for: Challenging corn mazes, more adventurous activities
Teens & Tweens:
- Best: Harvest Holler, Hunsader Farms
- Look for: Complex mazes, festival atmosphere
Planning Your Pumpkin Patch Visit
Best Times to Visit
Time of Day:
- Morning (9-11 AM): Cooler temperatures, smaller crowds, fresh energy
- Late Afternoon (4-6 PM): Cooler but more crowded, beautiful lighting for photos
- Avoid: Midday (11 AM-3 PM) when it's hottest
Day of Week:
- Weekdays: Less crowded, easier parking, more relaxed experience
- Weekends: Full activities, festival atmosphere, but expect crowds
- Best: Friday mornings or Sunday afternoons
Time of Season:
- Late September: Patches just opening, less crowded, full pumpkin selection
- Early-Mid October: Peak season, all activities running, moderate crowds
- Late October: Very crowded, picked-over pumpkins, but festive atmosphere
- Best: First two weekends of October
What to Bring
Essential Items:
- Sunscreen (SPF 30+) - Florida sun is strong even in fall!
- Hats and sunglasses
- Water bottles for everyone
- Hand sanitizer and wipes
- Cash (many farms prefer cash, ATMs may not be available)
- Comfortable closed-toe shoes
- Light layers (mornings can be cool, afternoons warm)
Helpful Items:
- Wagon or stroller for little ones
- Camera or phone for photos
- Snacks (though most farms have food)
- Bug spray (for farm locations)
- Small first aid kit
- Reusable bags for carrying pumpkins
For the Car:
- Towels or blankets (to protect car from dirty pumpkins)
- Extra clothes for kids
- Cooler with cold drinks
Pumpkin Selection Tips
Choosing a Good Pumpkin:
- Look for firm, unblemished skin
- Check the stem - should be intact and sturdy
- Avoid soft spots or cuts
- Bottom should be flat for stability
- Color should be uniform
Size Considerations:
- Small (3-5 lbs): Perfect for toddlers to carry, decorating
- Medium (8-12 lbs): Good for kids to carve, manageable
- Large (15-25 lbs): Impressive displays, adult carving projects
- Extra Large (30+ lbs): Wow factor, very heavy
Carving vs. Decorating:
- Carving: Choose pumpkins with smooth, even surfaces
- Decorating: Any pumpkin works, unique shapes add character
- Painting: Smaller pumpkins easier for kids
Florida Heat Considerations:
- Pumpkins don't last as long in Florida heat
- Buy closer to when you'll use them
- Keep in air conditioning when possible
- Carved pumpkins may only last 3-5 days
- Consider painting instead of carving for longer life
Additional Fall Activities in Tampa
Fall Festivals & Events
Guavaween (Ybor City)
- Late October (Saturday before Halloween)
- Family-friendly afternoon hours
- Costume parade, trick-or-treating, entertainment
- Free to attend
Busch Gardens Halloween Events
- September through October
- Sesame Street Halloween Parade (daytime, kid-friendly)
- Howl-O-Scream (nighttime, teens and adults)
- Special fall shows and activities
ZooTampa Fall Events
- October weekends
- Trick-or-treating around the zoo
- Animal encounters
- Halloween-themed activities
Corn Mazes Beyond Pumpkin Patches
Fox Squirrel Corn Maze (Plant City)
- Large corn maze
- Hayrides and games
- Easy access from I-4
- Family-friendly atmosphere
Dade City Farms Fall Festival
- Multiple weekends in fall
- Corn maze, pumpkins, activities
- Working farm experience
Fall Nature Activities
Perfect Fall Weather Activities:
- Tampa Parks and Playgrounds - ideal fall weather
- Tampa Outdoor Adventures - hiking and biking
- Tampa Family Beaches - less crowded in fall
- Nature walks and bird watching
- Outdoor picnics
Tampa Fall Events Calendar
September
- Late September: Early pumpkin patches begin opening weekends
- Fall festivals start
- Perfect weather for outdoor activities
- Less crowded than October
October
- Early October: All pumpkin patches open, often daily
- Peak pumpkin season
- Fall festivals every weekend
- Mid-October: Busiest time, plan ahead
- Late October: Halloween events peak
- Guavaween in Ybor City
- Theme park Halloween celebrations
Planning Ahead
- Book popular farms early (Sweetfields, Raprager)
- Check individual websites for exact dates
- Follow farms on social media for updates
- Sign up for our weekend events newsletter for weekly fall activity updates
Safety & Practical Tips
Sun Protection
Even in fall, Florida sun is strong:
- Apply sunscreen before leaving home
- Reapply every 2 hours
- Seek shade during peak sun (11 AM-3 PM)
- Hats and sunglasses for everyone
- UV-protective clothing for sensitive skin
Hydration
- Bring more water than you think you'll need
- Offer water frequently to kids
- Watch for signs of dehydration
- Take breaks in shade
Corn Maze Safety
- Stay together as a family
- Establish a meeting point if separated
- Bring a phone for emergencies
- Teach kids to stay on paths
- Don't let young children run ahead
- Most mazes have emergency exits
Allergy Considerations
- Hay and straw can trigger allergies
- Farm animals may affect some children
- Bring antihistamines if needed
- Wash hands frequently
- Consider masks for severe allergies
General Farm Safety
- Supervise children around animals
- Follow all posted rules
- Stay on designated paths
- Watch for uneven ground
- Keep kids away from farm equipment
- Wash hands after petting animals
Lost Child Protocols
- Take a photo of your child before entering
- Dress kids in bright colors
- Teach them to find a farm employee if lost
- Establish a meeting point
- Keep phone charged
Make the Most of Tampa's Fall Season
Tampa Bay offers wonderful pumpkin patch experiences for families, from quick urban photo ops to full-day farm adventures. Whether you choose the convenience of Kerby's Nursery, the corn maze challenge at Harvest Holler, or the comprehensive experience at Sweetfields Farm, your family will create lasting fall memories.
Tips for success:
- Visit in early October for the best experience
- Go early in the day to beat the heat
- Bring plenty of water and sun protection
- Check farm websites before visiting
- Consider weekday visits for smaller crowds
- Make it a tradition your kids will remember
Ready to plan more Tampa family adventures? Check out our Tampa Weekend Events for current activities, explore Free Things to Do in Tampa, or discover Tampa Outdoor Adventures perfect for fall weather.
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