“WHERE, oh Where, oh Where are the pumpkins? … Way down yonder in the pumpkin patch.” Besides just taking a drive around town, it is sometimes hard to locate information about WHERE the pumpkin patches are ! But I have my resources, and my determination to FIND Pumpkin Patches in Lakeland, Auburndale, Winter Haven, and close to Polk County, Florida… without being in an adventure park or a grocery store.
I have to… I LOVE Pumpkins! And I LOVE setting up a delightful little pumpkin patch in my own Kindermusik room for all my families to enjoy hands on play !!! Families can come visit a Kindermusik class in session or register for one of our Pumpkin Party Playdates with the family, or let the “big” kids join our KIDZ NIGHT OUTfor some pumpkin art fun and glow dance party.
You may get some awesome ideas for pumpkin play by watching this slide show of some of the Pumpkin fun we have had in past years: Hands on Play with Pumpkins.
Each year, I like to explore different places to get my pumpkins, so check out these options. There are listings here for favorite simple pumpkin patches, as well as local Corn Maze locations, and more. Some are recommended by my Kindermusik families. If you know of other local fun pumpkin spots, please share in the comments and/or on my Music Connections Facebook Page.
Pumpkin Patches just to Pick a Perfect Pumpkin & Take some great Family Photos
Lakeland – First United Methodist Church at Lake Morton
Pumpkins got delivered Saturday, Oct. 4 ! It says so on the Children’s Ministries Facebook Page. My son went to preschool here, so this is a favorite stop for our first go around, especially since they are one of the first to get pumpkins ! The “mini-pumpkins” (actually gourds) are just 50 cents each. The tiny pumpkins are 75 cents, and there is a great array of sizes (up to $45). This is a fundraiser for their school, and I like to continue to support the wonderful people there.
Lakeland – United Methodist Temple across S. Florida Ave from Southgate Plaza
“We just unloaded them last weekend and we have some amazing pumpkins! It is decorated really cute for kids too. Great photo op along with buying great pumpkins.” Thanks, Audrey O’Donnell, for sharing !!!
Lakeland – Pumpkin Patch at the TBA Church on 540 A,
Check it out by watching their fun video commercial they made and posted on the Soteria Youth Facebook Page.
Many of my friends on the south side of Lakeland highly recommend it, and say it is a great place to take pictures.
Auburndale – United Methodist Church on Lake Ariana
The pumpkin patch gets starting on the 13th. They also set up an area where you can take your own pictures. I haven’t been so far, but with all the times I’ve heard, “It’s the best!”, I’m going to have to check it out ! Follow the news on the FUMC Auburndale Facebook Page.
Favored Pumpkin Patches with more Extravagant options !
Each title is a link to their website if they have one.
Cornfusion – on Moore Road in North Lakeland
Opening Day is Friday, Oct. 10th, and is only open on the weekends. I took my daughter to this several years and we have always had a great time. It is very family friendly, for little ones AND for the big kids, and has a down home relaxed atmosphere. We got some GREAT pictures with the hay bales and pumpkins! If you go, don’t plan to rush, just relax and enjoy. Play for an extended time in the cool Corn Box… and plan to get on the bounce bubble and have fun with your kids!!!
hahaha – I just saw the picture of “Big Allis” the monster tractor for rides around the ranch… awesome! This is NOT your average hay ride. I’ll bet they got it for their paintball Zombie hunt…. um… you’d have to see the website. Their website is very informative and colorful… they are working hard to make it good for you!
Harvest Holler – off Hwy 33 in Polk City
Corn Maze, Pumpkin Patch, live Farm Animals, Hay Ride… and so much more. You can bring your own picnic or grab a bit at their “Watering Hole”.
Fox Squirrel Corn Maze – Pumpkin Patch – Plant City
On this page, it indicates the many fun things to do that are included in the price of admission… As well as… several activities available for an additional fee.
Green Meadows Farm – near Poinciana – Events Link
This farm near Poinciana was a traditional favorite for our family for YEARS when my kids were younger. I highly recommend going anytime because of the animals, but especially October, when the kids can pick a free pumpkin (smallish) from the pumpkin patch and take a tour of the kid-friendly haunted house. We loved the picnic area, where we could enjoy our own foods (or food purchased there), and let the children play freely on the playground nearby.
Recently, they have added an “Ooky Spooky Haunted House” (kid-friendly) and a Children’s Halloween Fun Day !
Hunsader Farms (Bradenton)
This was recommended by one of my Kindermusik families. WOW, the website lists an amazing array of adventures ! Talk about taking it to the next level !!! It looks like many things cost extra though.
Pumpkin Patch Express
All Aboard! The express trains to the Pumpkin Patch will be departing this October. Enjoy a two hour excursion including a stop at our Pumpkin Patch! Lots of activities will be available (lincoln log building, hay ride, crafts…) and each child will be able to pick out one pumpkin to take home – all included with your ticket price! This was recommended HIGHLY by one of my Kindermusik families, and she suggested to book your tickets quickly if you want to get in on this opportunity. We enjoyed the North Pole Express last year, and it is really worth it, esp. for children who love trains… it was the best Santa and photo op – hands down. Those tickets go fast. Be aware that Coach class may put you on a train car with bench seats and no windows – OK, but not the best. It is worth the money to go Excursion class or First class. The first trip we took was with my son, we had First Class tickets and were early, so we got cushy benches around a table and were able to play games on the train ride (that was on the Easter Express).
Again, please share if you have any comments about these locations, or other places where Polk County folks can have some fun with pumpkins !