It’s October in Southeastern Wisconsin, and that means it’s time to embark on your family’s search for the perfect pumpkin.
This fall season, head to one of these pumpkin patches or family farms in the greater Milwaukee area. Your whole family can pick your own pumpkins, get lost in corn mazes, bounce along on wagon rides, eat caramel apples, visit a petting farm, ride a pony, ride a barrel train, and more. Below, we’ve indicated what each location offers.
Pumpkin picking season usually starts in early October. Tag us in your pumpkin farm adventures and fun activities using #mkewithkids.
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1. Editor’s Pick: Basse’s Taste of Country Farm Market
3190 County Road Q, Colgate, WI 53017
(262) 628-2626
Website
Pumpkin Fest starts in late September each year at Basse’s Taste of Country Farm Market, one of the largest pumpkin farms in Wisconsin, with ALL the bells and whistles.
For an admission fee, you can explore Happy Jack’s Pumpkin Land, where you’ll find 65+ fall fun activities for the whole family, with more added every year. Activities include a Barncade with arcade games, a jumping pillow, train, photo opportunities, duck races, Farmer Skee Ball, barnyard basketball, a wacky tumbler, a ropes course with 17 obstacles, animal barn, giant swing, Giant Connect 4, straw bales, a twister mirror maze, tug of war, wagon rides, and more.
Enjoy a hay ride out to the pumpkin patch to pick your own perfect pumpkin, then challenge yourself in the trivia and murder mystery corn mazes. There’s a new theme every year!
Enjoy onsite food vendors, and purchase fall decorations like Indian corn, corn stalks, straw bales, small and giant pumpkins, squash, gourds, and more in the country store.
NOTE: Basse’s is cashless, so we highly recommend bringing a credit, debit or mobile form of payment, or purchase tickets in advance online. If you do bring cash, a cash-to-gift card option is available at any register.
2. Editor’s Pick: Swan’s Pumpkin Farm
5930 County Highway H, Franksville, WI 53126
(262) 835-4885
Website
Pumpkin season kicks off with Gourdy’s Pumpkin Run and the Raymond 4-H Pancake Breakfast. Don’t miss a tour of the Grand Avenue through Corn City, featuring uncanny likenesses of celebrities known near and far.
There’s also a petting zoo, tractor-drawn hayrides, pedal carts, a big green slide, and scarier fun like The Witch Hollow Maze and The Graveyard.
3. Apple Barn Orchard & Winery
W6384 Sugar Creek Rd., Elkhorn, WI 53121
(262) 728-3266
Website
Though known for its apples, the Apple Barn Orchard also has a pumpkin patch that opens for picking in late September or the first weekend in October. The orchard and pumpkin patch are open on Saturdays and Sundays only, and there are a selection of food trucks and live bands scheduled to be onsite every weekend. Don’t miss their country store with local products.
4. Apple Holler
5006 S Sylvania Ave., Sturtevant, WI 53177
(262) 884-7100
Website
Conveniently located right off I-94 south, Apple Holler is a popular place in autumn. Fall activities are in full swing, starting with apple picking in September, and continuing into October as the pumpkins ripen.
Head to Scarecrow Village to pick your own perfect pumpkin. Also on the 78-acre family farm is a park with plenty of fun kids’ activities, including a corn maze, a giant slide, a corn box and a straw mountain.
5. Appleland Farm Market
4177 State Road 57, Fredonia, WI 53021
(262) 692-2560
Website
This family-owned orchard offers both prepicked and U-Pick pumpkins in addition to 15 varieties of apples. Hop a wagon ride out to the patch to pick your perfect pumpkin! There’s also a corn maze, large playground area, caramel apples and other sweets, and expansive country views.
Pumpkins are $5 each, and you can also find pie pumpkins ($3) and mini pumpkins ($0.50) in the market. Open Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (weather permitting).
6. Barthel Fruit Farm
12246 N Farmdale Rd., Mequon, WI 53097
(262) 242-2737
Website
This farm is a well-oiled u-pick machine in a pretty country setting. Pick-your-own gourds are available at the end of September, and starting in early October they offer already-picked pumpkins and a pick-your-own pumpkin patch.
There’s a large variety of pumpkins, including pink, white, multi-colored, warty, edible, and more. You’ll also find a corn maze and a bakery that serves up delicious apple cider donuts, apple streusel muffins, apple cinnamon scones, mini pumpkin cheesecakes, mini apple crisp, apple cider slush and more!
A beer garden serves up craft beer and Milwaukee Pretzel Company pretzels on September and October weekends (weather permitting). There’s also an Oktoberfest celebration every September.
7. Bear Den Petting Zoo
6831 Big Bend Rd. (Hwy 164), Waterford, WI 53185
(262) 895-6430
Website
Not only will you see a variety of animals on your visit to this local petting zoo, but you can also enjoy a hot apple cider or hot cocoa with extra whipped cream on top! Don’t forget to pick up a caramel apple with all your favorite toppings.
Admission (ages 12 and up $12; ages 2-11 $10; 1 and under FREE) includes entry to the zoo, all petting areas, play area and picnic area, plus a hayride through the woods (weather permitting) and to the pumpkin patch. Pumpkins start at $3 each for basketball size or smaller.
Bear Den is only open on Saturdays and Sundays (11 a.m.-4 p.m.) in the fall, and they accept payment in the form of cash or check (no credit, debit or mobile payments).
8. Buffalo Bill’s Pumpkin Farm
9612 W Oakwood Rd, Franklin, WI 53132
(414) 427-5155
Website
Located in southern Milwaukee County in Franklin, Buffalo Bill’s is best known for their Christmas trees. However, their pre-picked and pick-your-own pumpkin patch has been operating for a few years now and is a destination in its own right.
Admission is $4 per person and includes access to various activities, including play structures, a corn maze, pumpkin bowling, grain pit, pedal carts, bean bag toss, ladder golf, cowboy roping and more. Visit on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday to enjoy FREE admission!
For older kids, there’s even a haunted trail on Friday and Saturday nights.
NOTE: Cash or check is preferred. Credit transactions incur a processing fee.
9. Cedarburg Creek Farm
649 Hwy 60, Cedarburg, WI 53012
(414) 333-5600
Website
This family-owned and operated business offers a pumpkin patch, a barrel train, a kid’s straw bale, a corn maze, and more.
Choose from thousands of pumpkins, big or small, anxiously waiting to become Jack-o-lanterns this Halloween. There are usually giant pumpkins, too!
There is often live entertainment on Saturdays, with past performers including the likes of Downtown Harrison and Mr. Pickles.
There is no admission fee, and hay wagon rides are also free!
10. Cozy Nook Farm
S11 W30780 Summit Ave., Waukesha, WI 53188
(262) 968-2573
Website
Choose from over 40 different varieties of pumpkins, gourds, squash, Indian Corn (both large and mini) and Broom Corn. Their pumpkins grow in all shades of orange plus the white (Cotton candy and Luminas), the big whites called Full Moons (50 pounds and larger), green Jaharradles, the tan New England Cheese and the bright red Cinderellas.
Hayrides are available on weekends (11 a.m.-5 p.m.), or by reservation on weekdays. Cost to ride is $5 for adults, $3 for kids under 10. You can also schedule a tour of the farm, or rent a building onsite for birthday parties or special events.
11. Creekside Valley Farm
13101 N. Wauwatosa Road, Mequon, WI 53097
(414) 852-5752
Website
Creekside Valley Farm is family-owned and operated, specializing in hay and pumpkin sales. Spend your day exploring the farm or find your perfect pumpkin in the pick-your-own patch.
Get lost in the corn maze ($5 per person; 3 and under are FREE) or spend some quality time with the farm animals at the petting zoo. There’s also pedal carts and and pumpkin games to keep all ages busy and having fun!
12. Elegant Farmer
1545 Main St., Mukwonago, WI 53149
(262) 363-6770
Website
Your kids will love the smiley face barn that welcomes you to the popular Autumn Harvest Fest (Saturdays and Sundays in September and October 10 a.m.-5 p.m.). In addition to pick-your-own apples and pumpkins, there are wagon rides, pony rides, a corn maze and more.
After you’ve worked up an appetite, head to the Smilin’ Barn Cafe and market for pulled pork sandwiches, chicken pot pies, cider, chili and chips, caramel apples, and slices of their award-winning Apple Pie Baked in a Paper Bag. You can also find freshly made apple cider donuts in a small stand just outside the orchard.
To make your day extra special, ride the East Troy Electric Train from the historic depot directly to the Elegant Farmer.
13. Grappling Gardens
1800 County Road CC, Richfield, WI 53027
(262) 297-1338
Website
New in 2022, this small pick-your-own pumpkin patch has more than 45 varieties of pumpkins, including tiny, large, warty, pink, yellow, blue, white, orange, and flat.
Also on the farm: snacks and hot beverages, photo opportunities, small gifts, and more! On select weekends, a percentage of the proceeds will go back to local wrestling teams.
Grappling Gardens is located on the East side of the County Road CC, roughly a quarter-mile north of Holy Hill Road and 5 miles south of HWY 60. Follow the Grappling Gardens signs to help find your way to the pumpkins and fun fall activities!
14. Lammscapes
2708 Sherman Rd, Jackson, WI 53037
(262) 677-3010
Website
From late September through October, Lammscapes will be hosting Pumpkins in the Pines on Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The event’s theme for 2022 is “Wild Wild West.” Family-friendly activities will include hayrides to the pumpkin patch, pumpkin painting, scarecrow stuffing, model trains and more.
Visit the Garden Center for a variety of fall flowers, seasonal harvest displays and décor for your yard and home.
15. Land of the Giants Pumpkin Farm
11823 Durand Ave., Sturtevant, WI 53177
(262) 886-6690
Website
Bring the family out to Creuziger’s Land of the Giants pumpkin farm! This family-run farm has thousands of pumpkins at reasonable prices, free parking, and a play area with free admission. The pumpkins come in all sizes and colors, including larger-than-life giane
Try your hand the large corn maze for $4. On weekends, you can ride the barrel train or an Army truck through the pumpkin patch ($4/rider for each). There are also bounce houses ($3 per child) and a straw pyramid with tunnels. Plus, feed the goats, alpacas, and potbelly pig.
Getting hungry? Inside the barn there are caramel apples, apple cider, and loads of freshly made kettle corn for sale.
16. Lindner’s Pumpkin Farm and Corn Maze
19075 W. Cleveland Ave., New Berlin, WI 53146
(262) 549-5364
Website
From now through October 31, Lindner’s will be open daily, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. There is no admission fee and parking is free, but you’ll have to pay to gain entrance to the petting zoo, Big Backyard play area and corn maze ($6 per person Friday-Sunday; $5 per person Monday-Thursday). Save $1 per person with a non-perishable food donation for the New Berlin Food Pantry.
In the Big Backyard you’ll find a giant slide, a pedal tractor race track, a playground and more. Pumpkin bowling and the Pumpkin Express Barrel Train are $2 each.
Bonus: Tour the 1840s log cabin and vintage farm implements.
17. Meadowbrook Pumpkin Farm
2970 Mile View Rd., West Bend, WI 53095
(262) 338-3649
Website
Enjoy free wagon rides out to the pick-your-own pumpkin patch. Meadowbrook has both scary and non-scary fun for all ages, including an animal farm and petting zoo, a child-friendly “spooky” wagon ride, a daytime creepy field, nighttime haunted cornfield (with live monsters on Friday and Saturday nights), and more.
18. Schuett Farms
W299 S6370 State Road 83, Mukwonago, WI 53149
(262) 968-4348
Website
Schuett Farms is a family farm with a pick-your-own pumpkin patch, fresh sweet corn, vegetables, and more. On the weekends, you can go on a hayride around the farm, during which kids may even have a chance to feed corn “treats” to some of the farm’s Angus cattle.
Other activities include pumpkin launching, a giant slide atop a straw bale mountain, and a 12-acre corn maze that features more than 4 miles of path. Plus, don’t miss the mini donuts, caramel apples and giant pumpkins available for purchase.
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