Leaves are falling from the trees, the wind is starting to chill, and the kids are already restless for candy. What does that mean? It’s October, and fall is in full effect. Need to keep the kids (or adults) from beating at your apartment door for candy before the 31st? Check out these pumpkin patches near Birmingham for a spooky, wholesome time!
Text by Jonathon Page
The Great Pumpkin Patch, Hayden, AL
About 30 minutes from Birmingham, the Great Pumpkin Patch offers a slew of activities without the price of admission. Take your kids on the Pumpkin Patch Train for a perfect photo op. Be sure to tire them out in their brand new inflatable park before the drive back to the ‘Ham. And for adults, they even have live music and costume events to enjoy throughout the month of October.
Old Baker Farms, Harpersville, AL
A fourth generation farm that’s been around since the Civil War, Old Bakers Farm is a classic pumpkin patch. Admission costs $10 per head for adults, but it’s free for kids under two years old. It also has events throughout the month. In the past, those events included Western Cowboy Day as well as the Cotton Pickin’ Celebration. Not to mention arts and crafts vendors and tours through a fort. And who could pass up a corn maze? Not us!
Bennet Farms, Heflin, AL
Another fourth generation farm about an hour away from Birmingham, Bennet Farms isn’t just a pick-your-own-pumpkin patch. They also serve up delicious farm foodstuffs on wooden stovetops and wash pots. Try their teacakes, corn dogs, and pork skins while enjoying their live, weekend music events.
Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum, Calera, AL
A different kind of pumpkin patch experience, the Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum has the Pumpkin Patch Express every Saturday and Sunday in October. Take a picturesque train ride through the countryside and pick the perfect pumpkin. Or enjoy a ride on their wagon carts then take your kids to the inflatable bounce house. Looking for a break from the usual fall fare? The museum itself houses two restored train depots and a collection of train cars, locomotives, and cabooses.