Sure, the sentiment is trite, but there’s just something about fall that makes us want to pick a pumpkin. Each year, in the days leading up to Halloween—and often, Thanksgiving Day—nearly everything we touch reflects the jovial gourds, from our chosen frothy sips to cozy porch decor. And, almost as if on cue, a plethora of picturesque orchards, farms, and pumpkin patches (near and far) have begun to embrace the seasonal fun.
Below, you’ll find our master list of pumpkin-picking spots, which will help with everything from baking perfect pies to carving spooky jack-o-lanterns this season.
Weekends in October: Baugher’s Orchards and Farms
1015 Baugher Rd. Westminster
Hours: Weekends from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
How Far From Baltimore City? About 32 miles.
Harvest Highlights: Pick-your-own pumpkins with a hayride to the patch, plus play zones, scarecrows, a petting zoo, and more. As always, sweets—including Baugher’s famous apple cider donuts—are a must.
Sept. 28-Oct. 31: Brookfield Pumpkins
8302 Ramsburg Road. Thurmont
Hours: Mon.-Thurs.: 3-6 p.m.; Friday- Sunday: 10 a.m.-6:00 p.m.;
How Far From Baltimore City? About 44 miles.
Harvest Highlights: Pick your own pumpkins, gourds, and squash (priced from $1-20, based on size.)
Weekends in October: Buppert’s/ Doran’s Chance Farm
6914 Ridge Road, Marriotsville
Hours: Mon.-Fri.: 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m.; Weekends from 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
How Far From Baltimore City? About 18 miles.
Harvest Highlights: Hitch a hayride to the “U-Pick Patch,” select your perfect pumpkin, and enjoy unlimited rounds of family corn maze fun.
Sept. 21-Nov. 3: Butler’s Orchard
22222 Davis Mill Road. Germantown.
Hours: Wed.–Fri.: 1 p.m.– 6 p.m. (Last entry 4:30 p.m.)
Sat-Sun and Columbus Day: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. (Last entry 4:30 p.m.)
How Far From Baltimore City? About 33 miles.
Harvest Highlights: Enjoy pick-your-own pumpkins (priced at 75 cents per pound,) hilltop jump pads, pedal tractors, corn hole games, and straw maze mischief. Also available: pony rides, face paint, giant slides, and pumpkin cannons.
Weekends in October: Chapel Hills Farm and Nursery
4356 Chapel Road. Perry Hall.
Hours: Sat-Sun 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
How Far From Baltimore City? About 12 miles.
Harvest Highlights: Come for the pumpkins. Stay for the pony rides, kettle corn, fresh-baked goods, and frozen treats.
Sept. 12-Nov. 3: Clark’s Elioak Farm
10500 Clarksville Pike. Ellicott City.
Hours: Tues.-Fri.: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Weekends: 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
How Far From Baltimore City? About 15 miles.
Reservations? No
Harvest Highlights: Kiddos get a hayride to the pumpkin patch and one cute “kid-sized” pumpkin of their choice. They can also take a pony ride, climb aboard the cow train, and visit furry friends at the beloved petting zoo.
Aug. 30-Nov. 5: Gaver Farm
5501 Detrick Road. Mount Airy
Hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily
How Far From Baltimore City? About 34 miles.
Harvest Highlights: Gaver Farm visitors can pick their own sunflowers, apples, and pumpkins. Also worth mentioning are mini mazes, jumping pillows, pedal karts, animals, and farm fresh grub.
Sept. 28-Oct. 27: Knightongale Farm
3924 Solomons Island Road. Harwood.
Hours: Weekends from 10 a.m.-5p.m.
How Far From Baltimore City? About 27 miles.
Harvest Highlights: In addition to pumpkins (priced at 59 cents per pound,) be sure to take advantage of a moon bounce, pedal tractors, farm games, cow-milking, and petting zoo fun.
Sept. 14-Nov. 3: Montpelier Farms
1720 Crain Highway North. Upper Marlboro.
Hours: Saturdays, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. (last admission 7 p.m.); Sundays: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. (last admission 4 p.m.)
How Far From Baltimore City? About 30 miles.
Harvest Highlights: Traverse a pick-your-own pumpkin patch (selections five pounds and under priced $3; others 60 cents per pound) or purchase a Fall Festival ticket to enjoy hill slides, pumpkin bowling, barnyard basketball, and more.
Sept. 23-November 19: Rock Hill Orchard
28600 Ridge Road. Mount Airy
Hours: Weekends: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
How Far From Baltimore City? About 31 miles.
Harvest Highlights: Pick pumpkins from the vine, pluck apples for your pies, and saunter through the sunflowers. Before heading home, traverse the corn maze—and say hello to Rock Hill’s friendly calves.
Sept. 14-Oct. 31: Summers Farm
7503 Hollow Road.Middletown.
Hours: Mon, Weds, Thurs.: 1-7 p.m.; Fri.: 1-9:30 p.m. Sat.: 10 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Sun. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Closed Tuesdays and select days throughout the season.
How Far From Baltimore City? About 47 miles.
Harvest Highlights: Catch a wagon to the pick-your-own patch. Plus, get the kiddos riled up with everything from farmer mini golf and tug of war to an obstacle course and giant tunnel slides.
To Oct. 30: Valley View Farms
11035 York Rd. Cockeysville.
Hours: 8 a.m.-7p.m.
How Far From Baltimore City? About 14 miles.
Harvest Highlights: Marvel at the storefront’s Halloween Village display, pick pumpkins of all sizes, and guess how many seeds are in the biggest one. As always, WBAL’s Tom Tasselmyer makes the final count. Winners take home gift card prizes.
Sept. 13-Nov. 3: Weber’s Cider Mill Farm
2526 Proctor Lane. Parkville.
Hours: Weekends 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Weekdays 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Last entry at 4 p.m.
How Far From Baltimore City? About 9 miles.
Harvest Highlights: Pick pumpkins, sip on cider, and partake in a host of wholesome barnyard fun. (Think: play structures, face painting, mini mazes, gem mining, hillside slides, tire climbing and more.)
MORE FALL FUN
Oct. 27: Harbor Harvest Fall Children’s Fest
Rash Field. 300 Key Highway.
Hours: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Harvest Highlights: Experience the country in the Inner Harbor with a petting zoo, pumpkin patch, pony rides, and more. Plus, enjoy a trackless train ride, fall crafts, face painting, and cookie decorating.
Fact checking assistance by Aliza Li