Halloween is on its way, and that can only mean one thing. Time to plan a trip to a pumpkin patch Portland families love
Fall is finally here in the Pacific Northwest, and for Portland families that means doing all the things—we’re talking apple picking, corn mazing, and choosing that perfect pumpkin from a local pumpkin patch. Portland families can stay close to home or head out of town to find that just-right jack-o-lantern wannabe. But wherever you choose to go, you can count on plenty of patch perks to make it worth your weekend. Think hayrides, barnyard animals, corn mazes, and more. Of course no trip to the pumpkin patch would be complete without a hearty helping of apple cider and warm mini donuts for everyone. But don’t take our word for it. Now’s the perfect time to plan your pumpkin patch outing with the kids.
1. The Pumpkin Patch
Located on beautiful Sauvie Island, The Pumpkin Patch is Portland’s original spot to pick out your family's jack-o-lantern in the fall. It’s a third-generation family farm that is Good Agricultural Practices certified. The Pumpkin Patch has been around since 1967, and is located just 15 minutes Northwest of Portland on 800 acres with over 50 varieties of fruits and vegetables grown throughout the year. Each October they put on an incredible harvest festival with many attractions including their Big Red Animal Barn, hayrides, the one and only original Corn MAiZE, Patio Café, gift shop, Pumpkin Perk coffee cart, a bounteous farmers market of produce, and a couple food carts. Feel free hitch a ride on the wagon to pick your own pumpkin in the fields or simply pick one out in the market.
Insider Tip: When driving to the patch, make sure you go the full two miles after looping under the bridge (Watch for mile marker #2 on the right side of the road). It is the second farm on the left. And if you’re going on a weekend in October, make sure to leave early and beat the traffic going over the bridge.
Good to Know: The MAiZE at The Pumpkin Patch deserves some individual attention. Visitors have long loved the challenge of making their way through the eight-acre maze that's divided in two, based on difficulty. If you complete both sides, plan to spend about 45 minutes navigating the field and completing the 10 question passport. The MAiZE is open September 3 through Halloween.
Dates: Oct. 1-31, 2022
16511 N.W. Gillihan Rd.
Portland
Online: thepumpkinpatch.com
2. Plumper Pumpkin Patch & Tree Farm
Especially great for families with tots in tow is this pumpkin patch in the middle of the city. You don't have to travel far to find the pumpkin patch adventures your kids crave the same way you crave that first sip of pumpkin spice anything in the fall. Here they'll have their run of the fallow field that's full of mazes, slides, and an obstacle course that changes every year. The tube slides and play yard are sure to be a hit with your tots, as is the Hobbit House that's so much fun to explore. Add on wagon rides, cannons, and friendly animals who love to interact with kids, and you've got the ultimate fall odyssey planned.
Good to Know: If the kids want to include a pony run in their pumpkin picking run, this is the spot to do it. Pony rides are available on the weekends only.
Dates: Sep. 17-Oct. 30, 2022
11435 N.W. Old Cornelius Pass Rd.
Portland
Online: plumperpumpkins.com
3. Bushue Family Farms
Bushue’s is a third-generation family farm located in Boring, Oregon. In addition to picking your own gourd, you can also catch the last of the summer flowers and veggies at the produce market when you make your way to this pumpkin patch. Kids will love playing and exploring the farm (don't forget to visit with the animals) before finding the perfect pumpkin. And we're pretty sure a chance to ride the pig train will get them excited. But the thing that sets this farm apart from the others is the dirt babies. And yep, they're just what they sound like, but they're oh-so-fun for kids. Take home a kit when you visit.
Good to Know: Families can purchase a wristband that includes one of each of the farm activities, plus a dirt baby kit. Or you can pay a la carte.
Dates: Thu.-Sun., Oct. 1-30, 2022
9880 S.E. Revenue Rd.
Boring, OR
Online: bushuefarming.com
4. Roloff Farms
Roloff Farms started as a small fixer upper on 34 acres of possibility. The beat up old farmhouse, broken down barn and overgrown peach orchard has grown and transformed into an over 100 acre agri-tainment extravaganza. Roloff Farms is now an annual destination bringing fun and excitement to thousands of local and worldwide visitors. In fact, Roloff Farms has been the backdrop for many of the antics and adventures of the Roloff family, stars of the popular, long-running TLC reality series Little People, Big World.
When your family visits, they'll find plenty to do. Start with the self-guided Scenic Trail Walk where you'll find play areas and fun activities along the way. Then ride the famous group wagon tour, shoot the cannons, hop on the colorful train, explore a Spooky forest, and maybe even get your face painted while you're there. As usual, yummy food and a variety of pumpkins are part of this trip.
Good to Know: Advance reservations are required at this farm.
Dates: Fri.-Sun., Oct. 1-30, 2022
23985 N.W. Grossen Dr.
Hillsboro, OR
Online: rolofffarms.com
5. Packer Orchards
Located a bit further than some of the other pumpkin patches near Portland, Packer Orchard’s is well-worth the hour drive to the Hood River Valley. On your drive through the Columbia River Gorge, look for changing leaves, waterfalls, and misty mountains. Because once you arrive you little pumpkins will not want to stop. Whether they're drawn to the corn maze or can't wait to feed a treat to the farm animals, there's more than enough to keep the kids entertained (and tucker them out for the car ride home) all day long. The updated activity field includes a play area, trike track, and a giant hay slide the whole family can enjoy. And who can resist jumping into the corn bin? Not us, that's for sure. Our tip? Pick out your pumpkin first, otherwise it'll be hard to tear the kids away from everything else this farm has going on.
Good to Know: The flashlight corn maze is hit with big kids (and brave Littles). It gives off a not-too-scary vibe, and only runs on certain evenings. This year it's planned for September 30 and October 14 & 21, from 7-9 p.m. Get tickets before you go.
Insider Tip: On your way back to the city, stop by The Gorge White House for some cider and wine.
Dates: Thu.-Sun., Sep. 15-Oct. 30, 2022
3020 Thomsen Rd.
Hood River, OR
Online: packerorchards.com
Related: Best of the Fests! 7 Fall Festivals That Celebrate the Season
6. Lee Farms
Owned and operated for seven generations in Tualatin, Oregon, Lee Farms offers something for every fall-loving family. You can visit the animals that live on the farm on weekdays and weekends, navigate the cornmaze, or go on a hayride or play in the activity area when you visit. You'll need a ticket to access the pumpkin patch and the activities, and it's best to purchase online in advance, unless you're visiting on Oct. 8, 9, 14 or 16. Then, you'll need to purchase tickets on-site. Their farm market and bakery is where you'll find fresh and frozen delights to take home with you. It's open Wednesdays through Sundays, from 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Dates: Sep. 24-Oct. 30, 2022
21975 S.W. 65th Ave.
Tualatin, OR
Online: leefarmsoregon.com
