Fall has arrived in St. Louis, and there may be no more quintessential autumn activity than walking through a pumpkin patch and picking the perfect orange gourd. The St. Louis region boasts plenty of places to do so, including these local farms full of activities for families eager to embrace the season.
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Hours: 8 a.m.–6 p.m. Monday–Friday; 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Sunday
Cost: Pumpkin prices vary by size and weight.
Overview: You’ll pay for the pumpkins, but that’s about it. This Metro East farm offers free wagon rides to the field, where families can choose the pumpkin of their dreams starting the third weekend of September. While there, snag some apple cider, apple cider doughnuts, and cider slushies. 618-233-4059. 2795 Turkey Hill, Belleville, Illinois.
Hours: 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m.–6 p.m. Saturday & Sunday
Cost: The Fall Festival is open from 9 a.m.–3 p.m. on Fridays, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. on Saturdays, and 10 a.m.–5 p.m. on Sundays. Children 3 years and younger are admitted for free; pumpkins are priced individually.
Overview: If you’re looking for a relaxing day of fall activities, Brookdale Farms has you covered. There’s a pumpkin patch, a corn maze, and a petting zoo, among other activities for guests of all ages. The good vibes carry into the evenings with the inclusion of “Campfire Nights” into the fall festivities. Bring your camp chairs and all your favorite people to roast marshmallows, listen to live music, and look at the stars. 636-938-1005. 8004 Twin River, Eureka.
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3. Daniel’s Farm and Greenhouses
Hours: 9 a.m.–6 p.m. Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Sunday
Cost: $12 per person; rides are an additional charge; pumpkins are priced individually.
Overview: Beginning October 1, this plant and gardening center in St. Peters transforms into a celebration of autumn packed with individually priced pumpkins, plus a straw maze, pony rides, petting zoo, slides, swings, and more. Pumpkins, gourds, Amish jellies, fall bulbs, straw bales, corn stalks, pansies, asters, kale, and mums are available for purchase without admission. 636-441-5048. 352 Jungermann.
4. Eckert’s
Hours: Pick-your-own pumpkins are available Tuesday–Sunday at the Belleville location, Tuesday–Sunday at Grafton, and Wednesday–Sunday at Millstadt.
Cost: A field access pass varies by location. On weekends, Belleville costs $7, Grafton costs $7, and Millstadt costs $17. Pumpkins are 79 cents per pound at Belleville and Grafton, and 99 cents per pound at Millstadt.
Overview: For many families in the St. Louis region, it’s not officially fall without a visit to an Eckert’s farm. Belleville, Grafton, and Millstadt each have fields from which you can pick your own pumpkin. Beyond pumpkin picking, there’s more fun to be had at the Millstadt location. On weekends, enjoy the Jack-O-Lobber pumpkin cannon show and Billy Bob’s pig races. Millstadt also features a 12-acre corn maze, a petting farm, a 70-foot mine shaft underground slide, the Fort Eckert playground, and more.
Belleville: 618-233-0513, 951 S. Green Mt., Belleville, Illinois.
Grafton: 800-745-0513, 20995 Eckert Orchard, Grafton, Illinois.
Millstadt: 800-745-0513, 2719 Eckert Orchard, Millstadt, Illinois.
Read More: A guide to fall family fun in St. Louis
Hours: 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Wednesday–Sunday
Cost: 75 cents per pound
Overview: While pumpkin picking will cost you, the rest of the seasonal activities at this farm in Festus throughout October are on the house. Get in the festive fall spirit while taking a free wagon ride to the pumpkin patch or running around the (also free) maze. If you’re looking for more fall décor, Meert also sells gourds of varying sizes, decorative ears of corn ($2.25 for three), corn stalks ($4.50), and bales of straw ($6). 636-931-3901. 14560 Dry Fork, Festus.
Hours: 9 a.m.–6 p.m. daily, September 27–October 31
Cost: Free admission; pumpkins priced individually
Overview: With more than 50 acres of pumpkins, this Wright City destination lives up to its name. Don’t miss the “Punkin Chuckin,” an air cannon that launches mini pumpkins at targets. On weekends, enjoy horse-drawn wagon rides, pony rides, and tractor rides, among other attractions. 636-745-3927. 26415 South Stringtown, Wright City.
Hours: 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Saturday & Sunday
Cost: Pumpkin prices vary by size and weight. Activities require tickets, which can be purchased starting at $1 apiece.
Overview: Name the activity, and you can probably do it at this Illinois farm. Beyond pumpkin picking, which kicks off at the end of September, Relleke offers a long list of fall-themed games and attractions, including wagon rides through the patch, the “Pumpkin Chucker” pumpkin gun, pumpkin painting, a Spin-the-Pumpkin ride, and more. Admission is free, though activities and rides require tickets that can be purchased on-site. 618-797-6858. 519 Sand Prairie, Pontoon Beach, Illinois.
Hours: 9 a.m.–6 p.m. Monday–Friday; 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Sunday
Cost: Pumpkin prices vary by size and weight.
Overview: There’s no admission for Farm Fun Days, an annual event that runs every weekend starting September 27 through Halloween. Families can pick their own pumpkins in the patch, or select a pre-picked pumpkin to make the process a tad easier. Kids can enjoy a hayride or take a ride on the inflatable slide for an additional fee of $5. Snacks include kettle corn, caramel apples, and more. Kiddos can also don their favorite costumes while navigating Fort Spooky, a free play area that features its own small corn maze, a new rainbow play area, and tunnels. 636-349-1225. 249 Schneider, Fenton.
Hours: 10 a.m.–8 p.m. daily
Cost: Pumpkins are priced individually.
Overview: The pumpkins here have already been picked from the vine and priced for guests. It’s up to you to browse the farm and find the best ones. Admission is free, and there’s no cost for the farm’s straw maze or tractor rides. Additionally, this year, families can host birthday parties at their exclusive tent for $75 an hour, including tables and chairs. For $4 each, kids can burn some energy in the bounce house or take a short trip on the Thomas the Train ride. On weekends, the farm offers pony rides for $7. 314-570-6662. 16704 New Halls Ferry.
10. Thies Farm
Hours: 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Tuesday–Sunday
Cost: General admission to Pumpkinland is $10.25 for ages 3–15, $7 for ages 16 and up, and free for children under age 3. Pumpkins are priced by size.
Overview: Throughout October, Thies Farm in Maryland Heights turns into “Pumpkinland,” a family-friendly play area featuring a straw castle, corn maze, pirate ship, swing set, and more. Pumpkin pickers can walk through the field and snip their own gourds off the vine or select a pre-cut pumpkin in the market. 314-469-7559. 14101 Creve Coeur Airport Road.
