This post is sponsored by CTSI, which established the Child Advancement Network (CAN) as a broad-based, comprehensive, and innovative approach to child health via partnerships, advocacy and collaborations aimed at advancing the wellbeing of children across domains of health.
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, there are more than a dozen pumpkin patches and family farms to choose from 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, take pony rides, hay rides, barrel train rides, 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.VROOM TIP OF THE WEEK
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1. Apple Barn Orchard & Winery
W6384 Sugar Creek Rd., Elkhorn, WI 53121 (262) 728-3266 Website
2. 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 they continue 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.3. Barthel Fruit Farm
12246 N Farmdale Rd., Mequon, WI 53097 (262) 242-2737 Website
4. Basse’s Taste of Country
3190 County Road Q, Colgate, WI 53017 (262) 628-2626 Website
5. 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 ($10 per person; under 2 are 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. Cash or check only.6. Cedarburg Creek Farm
649 Hwy 60, Cedarburg, WI 53012 (414) 333-5600 Website
7. Cozy Nook Farm
S11 W30780 Summit Ave., Waukesha, WI 53188 (262) 968-2573 Website
VROOM TIP OF THE WEEK
Download the Vroom App to add learning to mealtime, bathtime, bedtime, or anytime with 1,000+ fun, free activities.
8. Creekside Valley Farm
13101 N. Wauwatosa Road, Mequon, WI 53097 (414) 852-5752 Website
9. 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. To make your day extra special, ride the East Troy Electric Train from the historic depot directly to the Elegant Farmer. Masks and social distancing are strongly encouraged in the orchard, and masks are required in the indoor market.10. Lammscapes
2708 Sherman Rd, Jackson, WI 53037 (262) 677-3010 Website Starting September 26 and continuing through October, Lammscapes will be hosting Pumpkins in the Pines on Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. There will be fun fall activities for families at Lamm Gardens, including hayrides to the pumpkin patch, pumpkin painting, scarecrow stuffing, enchanted garden walks and fall workshops.11. Land of the Giants Pumpkin Farm
11823 Durand Ave., Sturtevant, WI 53177 (262) 886-6690 Website
12. Lindners Pumpkin Farm and Corn Maze
19075 W. Cleveland Ave., New Berlin, WI 53146 (262) 549-5364 WebsiteFrom now through October 31, Lindners 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 playground (back open after being closed in 2020) and corn maze ($6 per person on Friday – Sunday; $5 per person Monday – Thursday). Pumpkin bowling and the Pumkin Express Barrel Train are $2 each. Bonus: Tour the 1840s log cabin and vintage farm implements.
13. 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.14. Schuett Farms
W299 S6370 State Road 83, Mukwonago, WI 53149 (262) 968-4348 Website
15. Swan’s Pumpkin Farm
5930 County Highway H, Franksville, WI 53126 (262) 835-4885 Website
16. Buffalo Bill’s Pumpkin Farm
9612 W Oakwood Rd, Franklin, WI 53132 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.Did you like this article?
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