Fall in Central Texas doesn’t always bring cool weather—but the pumpkin patches make it feel like it did. From hayrides and corn mazes to goat feeding and farm games, these spots deliver the seasonal traditions everyone craves. And along the way, you’ll find small glimpses of farm life—how animals are cared for, how crops grow, and why these farms matter beyond the pumpkins.
Why This List is Different
At Delve, we love festive fun—but we’re also here to highlight how these places connect us to real farm life. That might mean watching goats eat hay, spotting the life stages of a pumpkin, or just hearing how a family built their patch from scratch. These aren’t just photo ops—they’re tiny windows into Texas agriculture.
Here are some of the most loved pumpkin patches around Austin—perfect for a family day outdoors.
Crowe’s Nest Farm – Manor
Admission: Varies by event; check website for public hours, fall events, and private tour info.
Crowe’s Nest is more than a pumpkin patch—it’s a working educational farm and animal rescue. Guests can explore gardens, take hayrides, meet dozens of rescued animals (from donkeys to emus), and watch live farm demos like milking during special events. Some fall weekends feature seasonal extras like homemade treats.
Farm Learning Moment: This farm blends fun with purpose. Learn how injured or unwanted animals are cared for, how farms support sustainability, and how food and fiber are produced in real life—not just the grocery aisle.
Indian Springs Ranch – Manchaca
Admission: $12–17 per person depending on day; children under 2 free. Prebooking ahead encouraged.
Tucked under the oaks just 20 minutes south of Austin, Indian Springs Ranch offers a scenic and experience-rich pumpkin patch experience. This family-run event blends classic fall fun with hands-on animal encounters and over 30 varieties of pumpkins. Expect shaded paths, curated photo ops, and a mix of exotic animals—including buffalo, zebras, and camels. Kids can also explore a Native American tipi, play in a corn pit, climb a spider web and more. New for 2025: a 32’ x 32’ low ropes course with climbing features designed for younger kids.
Farm Learning Moment: While there’s no formal tour, kids can observe exotic animals up close, feed them through the fence, and learn how Texas farms adapt to care for diverse livestock. A real opportunity to spark questions about animal behavior, habitat needs, and year-round farm life.
Pro Tips: Tickets go on sale Sept 1 and often sell out—plan ahead. Weekdays are quieter; weekends include balloon art, face painting, and food vendors (extra cost).
Mama Mary’s Farm – Creedmoor
Admission: Around $12 (check website for current pricing)
Just south of Austin, Mama Mary’s Farm offers low-key fall fun with a Texas twist. Kids can enjoy a barrel train, hay maze, and a zip line, while families spread out across shady picnic areas and open fields. A petting barn rounds out the experience with up-close animal encounters and a relaxed, come-as-you-are vibe.
Learning Moments: Meet chickens, goats, and other farm animals face-to-face—and learn what they eat, how they stay cool in Texas heat, and what goes into caring for animals year-round.
Pioneer Farms (Pumpkin Nights) – Austin
Admission: Varies by event (Pumpkin Nights requires separate ticket)
Pioneer Farms is a living history museum on the edge of northeast Austin that comes alive in fall with Pumpkin Nights—a seasonal trail of glowing pumpkin displays and themed installations. During the day, the farm’s historic village offers log cabin tours, blacksmithing demos, and glimpses of 1800s farm life.
Learning Moments: Costumed interpreters share how the early Texas settlers lived, farmed and prospered in the days before electricity, cars, cell phones and the internet. It’s a hands-on look at the lives and diverse cultures that built the modern Lone Star State — from language, music, food, architecture and more. Special historical programs for schools and community groups.
Sweet Berry Farm – Marble Falls
Admission: Free (pay per activity and pumpkins)
A Hill Country favorite an hour northwest of Austin, Sweet Berry Farm combines scenic charm with hands-on fun. Families can enjoy hayrides, barrel trains, scarecrow stuffing, flower picking, and more—plus goat feeding and pony rides for animal lovers. The relaxed layout makes it easy for toddlers and teens alike to explore, and families consistently praise the friendly staff and cleanliness. Seasonal produce and photo-worthy views round out the experience, with two corn mazes and plenty of fall crafts to keep kids engaged.
Learning Moments: While not a formal education site, kids can observe real farm routines—like how hay is used or why goats are part of sustainable farm systems. Watching animals up close, exploring the fields, and participating in harvest-themed activities helps build curiosity through play.
Pro Tip: The farm is closed on Wednesdays and shuts down entirely during midsummer—check the website for current hours before you go.
Sweet Eats Fruit Farm – Georgetown
Admission: Free (pay per activity or pick-your-own produce)
Sitting about 30 minutes north of Austin, this adventure-style farm was recently devastated by flooding but has been rebuilding back stronger than ever with the support of the community. They plan to be back for the fall season with a full suite of activities including pony rides, pig races, apple slingshots, a giant sunflower patch, bounce hides, and a sweeping pumpkin patch keep visitors busy. A Texas-sized petting zoo fuels curiosity and sensory experiences for every age.
Farm Learning Moment: Kids can see firsthand the connection between agriculture and local communities. They also can explore how fruits and gourds grow, meet goats and pigs up close, and discover play-driven education about farms and harvest seasons.
Pro Tip: Visit before weekend evenings—if you stay for the flashlight maze, bring a flashlight for extended hours. It’s included in admission but runs late October only.
Texas Pumpkin Fest – Leander
Admission: $15 per person
Just north of Austin, this 10-acre fall festival offers a vibrant mix of pumpkins, play zones, and photo-worthy installations. You’ll find pumpkin themed backdrops, bounce houses, carnival games, slides, and live entertainment—plus food trucks and vendors for a full day of family fun. While not a traditional farm, the event brings seasonal agriculture into an accessible, high-energy setting.
Farm Learning Moment: The large variety of pumpkins and gourds and ADA-accessible pathways offer subtle but meaningful ways to spark conversation about how pumpkins grow—and how inclusive design supports all visitors.
Uhland Fall Fest (formerly Dripping Springs Pumpkin Festival)
Admission: ~$15 per person (discounts available for children under 3, seniors, military)
Located about 30 minutes south of Austin in Uhland, this festival runs weekends from September 27 to November 2, 2025. Spanning a shady 15‑acre ranch, Uhland Fall Fest offers over 50 attractions including themed zones, pumpkin patches, corn pits, live music, camel rides, and photo installations. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
Farm Learning Moment: Features heritage displays and crop signage that spark casual conversations about agritourism and local seasonal food sources.
Pro Tip: Advance online ticket purchase is recommended—weekends sell out quickly. Admission is free for children under 3 and some community groups; parking is free and easy.
Planning Tips for Your Austin-Area Pumpkin Patch Visit
- Go early in the season for the best selection and fewer crowds (late September or the first weekend in October).
- Plan your route, as Hill Country patches are spread out; cluster two or three for a day trip.
- Dress for Texas “fall”—think hats, sunscreen, and maybe a backup outfit for dusty kids.
- Bring cash and cards—some farms are old-school, others have gone digital.
- Check weather and policies—farms sometimes close after heavy rain.
Note: We do our best to ensure this information is accurate and up to date. We’ve reviewed publicly available sources and reach out to farms directly when possible—but details like hours, admission, and activities can change. Please check with each farm before you go to confirm the latest updates.
If you help run one of these farms and would like to update or expand your listing, feel free to contact us via chat. We’d love to hear from you.
Where to Go Beyond Pumpkins
If you loved seeing a slice of farm life, take the next step:
- Try a hive-to-table honey tasting or bring the kids to build a bee hotel
- Tour a local mushroom farm and harvest your own mushrooms to take home!
- Explore more hands-on farm experiences across Texas at Delve Experiences.
Want More Texas Fall Farm Fun?
Join our email list and get more seasonal event ideas, or check out our Texas Pumpkin Patch Guide for fall fun across the Lone Star State.
