Visiting Pumpkin Patches turned from a fun activity into a full research experience. After seeing so many options around Tampa Bay I was determined to visit as many as possible and find my favorite. I have learned that pumpkin patches/fall festivals are about so much more than just pumpkins. If you are anything like Angelica and want to skip the exploring (she felt like one was more than enough), I hope this feedback is useful.
Sweetfield Farms, Brooksville
This is the first pumpkin patch I ever visited and one of my favorites. It is very family friendly and feels like an open safe space. It has never been crowded and the food, while limited, is very tasty.
What I loved about it:
-It’s very affordable at only $10.00 per person, and free parking
-Has a nice treehouse with slides
-Lots of kid friendly activities completely free
-A big sitting area next to the tree house
-Big open area for kids to run and have fun
-Big selection of pumpkins
-Nice house/farm for pictures
Hyde Park Village Pumpkin Patch, Tampa
When we visited in 2019, this small pumpkin patch was the perfect place to get a couple of pictures, buy some pumpkins, and walk around. My experience this year, however, was completely different. It was mostly set up for posing and taking pictures as opposed to a space dedicated to the full fall experience. You had to wait in line to go into the area and take your pictures. I don’t know about any other toddler moms but I am not standing in line with two toddlers for any reason other than a medical emergency. So, I am not sure we will be coming back next year.
Raprager Family Farms, Odessa
This farm had more of a festival vibe with live music and vendors. While they had some activities that did not require extra payment, many did. The kids really enjoyed the animal encounters and the bouncing mat. The corn maze looked challenging for smaller kids and some of the play areas looked as if they were designed for older kids. We did purchase some pumpkins from their selection and had some tasty snacks.
What I liked about it:
-A lot of animals for the kids to meet and pet
-A nice selection of food
-A couple of nice areas for the kids to play
-Unique pumpkins
Gallagher’ Pumpkins & Christmas Trees, St. Petersburg
This location had a great selection of pumpkins and some beautiful places for pictures. However, it missed the entire country experience with no attractions other than a bounce house and some food. The boys enjoyed playing with the guinea pigs and goats but missed running around and jumping. While free, it felt more like a place for pictures and not a pumpkin patch. With two toddlers, I am always looking for the experience that will help them burn the most energy.
What I liked about it:
-Nicely decorated for pictures
-Easy parking
-A big selection of pumpkins
-A small petting zoo
Hunsader Farm, Bradenton
One of my favorites, this farm had everything and then some more. It felt like a carnival with an incredible amount of food, rides, activities, and even live music. I can imagine spending a full day there and not getting to all the things they offer. While you do have to pay for each activity separately, they have free performances at different times. The food was amazing and so was the music. Lots of areas to sit at and a very big space to walk around. From ponies and butterflies to a bike performance, it was a non stop experience.
What I loved about it:
-A lot of entertainment options for the kids
-Live music and other performances
-Amazing food
-Nice area to sit and rest
-Big carnival atmosphere
It has been a fun season exploring pumpkin patches and fall activities. I know which I will be visiting again next year, along with hopefully some new options. Now, on to Christmas festivals and activities. I can’t wait for the most wonderful time of the year.
