Cooking Up A Field Trip: Austin's Pumpkin Patches and More

Come fall, Austin has a lot of choices when it comes to pumpkin patches and general Fall farm fun. Here's a list of some we've found over the two years we've lived here.

Barton Hill Farms

A newcomer to the Austin fall scene, this was our choice for pumpkin patchin' this year. It's a bit of a drive (about 35-40 minutes from where we are in far South Austin) but totally worth it, especially if you have preschool-age kids. Pack a lunch and make use of the picnic tables to really get your money's worth. The pumpkins are not grown onsite but they have an AMAZING corn maze that is kid-friendly. They're open each weekend from now through November 18, weather permitting. With a live music stage, kid-friendly activities like pumpkin painting, and even a little Texas history lesson (the farm was originally settled by Josiah Wilbarger's, a member of Stephen F. Austin's colony settlement in the early 1830s), it's worth the drive! Visit their website for more information on ticket prices and hours.

Sweetberry Farm's Harvest of Fall Fun
I'll admit - we haven't made it out to Sweetberry but it has long been on my list of things to do in Austin, especially come fall. During the spring, you can visit Sweetberry to pick strawberries but starting in late September each year, Sweetberry launches their annual fall harvest festival with hay rides, pumpkin patches, and hay mazes. Located in Marble Falls, it's another day tripping destination but from what I hear, it's worth it. Check their website for directions, event times, and ticket prices.

Boggy Creek Market Days
Though not really a pumpkin patch, it's worth a visit to this urban farm stand when fall rolls around. Since fall is traditionally the season of harvest, why not mark it with a trip to this local farm on Wednesday or Saturday morning to buy local produce and meet the farmers responsible.

Bethany Lutheran Church Pumpkin Patch

Located next to Bowie High School on Slaughter Lane in far South Austin, the Bethany Lutheran pumpkin patch raises money for the church's youth organization. It's also a favorite spot for families in the Shady Hollow and Circle C communities. Pumpkins are priced to sell and they have a great selection. Follow the link above to find information on hours and directions.

St. John's United Methodist Church Pumpkin Patch

Located in north Austin, St. John's is the first pumpkin patch we visited after moving to Austin. In addition to a great selection of pumpkins, they also have volunteers on hand offering story times each Saturday at 10:00 a.m. The pumpkin patch opens on October 9 this year and their hours will be:

Sunday - 12noon - 7pmMonday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday - 10am - 7pmTuesday and Thursday - 2:30pm - 7pm