Full Fall Fantasy
Discovering the perfect pumpkin patches that provide the fall fantasy of hay rides, pumpkin patches, and more.
As the sweltering summer gives way to the crisp coolness of fall, pumpkin fever takes over us all. Across the region, pumpkin patches sprout up, offering a bounty of shapes and sizes for carving jack-o'-lanterns, baking pies, or simply decorating your porch.
However, simply buying a pumpkin doesn't capture the full essence of the fall fantasy, leaving us wistfully longing for the Gilmore Girls-esque autumn. The true fall experience involves immersing yourself in a range of seasonal activities that evoke the warmth and joy of autumn: navigating corn mazes, enjoying hayrides, and participating in festive games. Finding that quintessential fall fantasy can seem elusive in a city surrounded by beautiful evergreens and the occasional still-hot day in October.
Worry not. We've found seven pumpkin patches that offer more than just pumpkins. These patches provide unique fall experiences and all are located within 100 miles of New Orleans, making it easy for an autumn day trip.
LSU Botanic Gardens Corn Maze at Burden
4560 Essen Ln., Baton Rouge
At the LSU Botanic Gardens Corn Maze at Burden, visitors can enjoy a fun and challenging autumn adventure. This annual event features a large corn maze designed with intricate pathways that cater to all ages. Beyond navigating the maze, guests can partake in a range of family-friendly activities including hayrides, a pumpkin patch, and themed games. The event also offers educational opportunities about local agriculture and the environment. The picturesque setting within the LSU Botanic Gardens adds a scenic backdrop to the festivities. Open from late September through early November, it's a great way to embrace the fall season with outdoor fun.
Critter Crossing Farm
42361 Panther Dr., Amite
Nestled in the heart of Amite, Critter Crossing Farm is a charming destination that combines the magic of a pumpkin patch with the wonders of a farm. Visitors can pick their own pumpkins, explore a corn maze, and interact with friendly farm animals. The farm's inviting atmosphere and picturesque setting make it a favorite for families looking to capture the essence of fall.
Newsong on Old Perkins Road Pumpkin Patch
18465 Perkins Rd., Prairieville
Located in Prairieville, Newsong's pumpkin patch is a community-centered spot perfect for creating autumn memories. Beyond the selection of pumpkins, the patch offers hayrides, photo ops, and various children's activities. It's an ideal place to enjoy a leisurely day, basking in the seasonal spirit with family and friends.
Mrs. Heather's Pumpkin Patch
11215 Lees Ln., Hammond
Mrs. Heather's Pumpkin Patch in Hammond offers a fun-filled fall experience for all ages. Begin by picking a pumpkin from the field, then enjoy attractions including the Jumping Pillow, Tunnel Slide, and Hay Maze. Kids will love face painting, duck racing, and the pony hop. Explore the corn maze, climb the Spider Web, and experience interactive nursery rhymes. Activities include the Bean Bag Game, seesaws, hopscotch, and rolling down the hill. Learn about bees, milk a cow, and meet cartoon characters. The patch also features a nature trail and a Native American teepee. Capture memories with plenty of photo spots, weigh and measure your pumpkin, and bring a picnic lunch. On weekends, paint a pumpkin and take a picture with Spookley the Square Pumpkin. Mrs. Heather's ensures a memorable and engaging fall outing for the entire family.
Barn Hill Preserve
11342 LA-955, Ethel
Barn Hill Preserve in Ethel offers a unique blend of wildlife and pumpkins. Visitors can enjoy the thrill of picking their pumpkins while also experiencing exotic animal encounters. Imagine the delight of picking pumpkins amidst the sounds of parrots, kangaroos, and camels. This patch is ideal for those looking to combine a classic pumpkin adventure with an educational twist. The unique combination of farm and exotic animals ensures that there is something new to discover with every visit. Barn Hill Preserve also hosts several fun fall events throughout the season, including Prehistoric Patch (a dinosaur and pumpkin-themed day), Boo at the Barn (costume contest), and Slothtoberfest (an exciting evening full of delicious beers, live music, fall festivities, food, visits from animal ambassadors, and more).
Williams Family Farms
98 Barney Williams Rd., Wiggins, MS
A short drive from New Orleans, Williams Family Farms in Wiggins is a haven of fall activities. The farm boasts over 25 varieties of pumpkins, a crop maze, kids' maze, hayrides, a cow train, animal barnyard, farm playground, and a jump pad. The diverse attractions ensure a fun-filled day for all ages, set against the backdrop of a picturesque farm landscape.
Southern Promiseland Farm Corn Maze & Pumpkins
1212 Raygan Ln., Kiln, MS
Southern Promiseland Farm in Kiln offers a quintessential fall experience with its expansive corn maze and pumpkin patch. Visitors can get lost in the maze, enjoy hayrides, and pick their favorite pumpkins. The farm's rustic charm and extensive activities make it a perfect destination for a fall day trip. The corn maze is a major draw, challenging visitors to navigate through its intricate paths while enjoying the crisp fall air. The maze's design changes annually, adding a new element of surprise each year. After conquering the maze, families can hop on a hayride that winds through the picturesque fields, offering a relaxing conclusion to a day of adventure.
Embrace the Fall Fantasy
As autumn descends upon New Orleans, it brings with it a magical transformation. Pumpkin patches become the backdrop for a quintessential fall experience, offering much more than just a place to buy pumpkins. From charming rural retreats to engaging fall activities, each destination invites you to dive into a full-fledged fall fantasy. Whether you're drawn to the thrill of a challenging corn maze, the charm of a scenic hayride, or the warmth of community-centered festivities, these pumpkin patches deliver the rich, nostalgic autumn experience we all crave. So gather your loved ones, break out that plaid shirt, and embrace the enchanting fall adventure waiting for you at these delightful locations.
