6 pumpkin patches near Kansas City that are fun for the whole family: When you can go
It’s time to pull out those jack-o’-lantern carving tools from the bottom of the utensil drawer.
Pumpkin patches all across the Kansas City area are getting ready to open for fall, and most will stay open until the end of October.
In addition to pumpkins, most farms have other attractions like photo opportunities, mazes and apple cider for visitors to enjoy.
Here is a selection of some of the pumpkin patches around the metro where you can find that perfect pumpkin for your Halloween decorations or pumpkin-infused treats.
Carolyn’s Pumpkin Patch
Where: 17607 N.E. 52nd St., Liberty
When: Saturday, Sept. 21, until Thursday, Oct. 31
Whether you’re looking for a big pumpkin to carve for decorations or a small one for your pumpkin pie, Carolyn’s Pumpkin Patch has you covered. Before you head to the patch, take a trip on one of the wagon rides, race your friends in family in pedal karts or watch The Pumpkinator, a device that launches pumpkins through the sky.
Daily tickets for the pumpkin patch cost $18.95 for Mondays and Thursdays and $21.95 for weekend dates online before fees. Tickets bought at the gate cost $3 more.
The season pass costs $42.95 online and $46.95 in-person. It gets you one ticket, train ride and carousel ride per visit.
The patch is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday and Monday. It’s closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Faulkner’s Ranch
Where: 10600 Raytown Road, Kansas City
When: Thursday, Oct. 3, to Sunday, Oct. 27
Faulkner’s Ranch in Kansas City will open for its 26th pumpkin season this year. The ranch has pre-picked pumpkins available for different prices, depending on your intended use. Carving pumpkins start at 60 cents per pound, pumpkins grown for use in pies cost $4 and miniature pumpkins cost $1.50.
Guests can pick their pumpkins and enjoy more than 30 activities on the ranch, including a megaslide and pony rides.
The ranch is open from 3 to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday through Sunday. Faulkner’s Ranch is closed Mondays.
Tickets cost $20.95 for Saturday and Sunday and $15.95 for Tuesday through Friday online. At the gate, tickets cost $5 more than the online prices.
Johnson Farms Plants and Pumpkins
Where: 17701 Holmes Road, Belton
When: Now to Thursday, Oct. 31
A 10-acre cornfield at Johnson Farms Plants and Pumpkins features a tribute to Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, but the farm also has a you-pick pumpkin patch that’s included with your admission ticket. Other attractions inside the kid-friendly farm include a new bounce barn, playground, giant jumping pillows and pumpkin cannons.
The you-pick farm is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Tickets cost $13.99 on weekdays and $16.99 on weekends, and online ticket purchases have an additional $1.50 fee.
KC Pumpkin Patch
Where: 13875 S. Gardner Road, Olathe
When: Every Friday-Sunday from Saturday, Sept. 28, to Sunday, Oct. 27
Over 40 acres in Olathe are dedicated to the KC Pumpkin Patch right next to KC Wine Co. (which is also offering an adults-only popup bar for the first time this year). Its Fall Festival is set to begin soon, and visitors can wander through the open space all day long with plenty of activities for all ages, including pumpkin picking, pumpkin slides, a rock climbing wall, cornhole and pumpkin bowling.
Tickets cost $18.45 per person online. A 3% credit card fee will be applied to online orders. Children ages 2 and older require a ticket for entry.
The KC Pumpkin Patch is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays.
Louisburg Cider Mill Family Farm
Where: 14730 Kansas 68, Louisburg
When: Now to Nov. 3
In addition to making its signature apple cider and doughnuts on-site, the Louisburg Cider Mill has over 50 acres of activities on its family farm, including its pumpkin patch and a 10-acre corn maze. Pumpkin prices range from $3 to $25, depending on the pumpkin’s size.
Monday through Thursday, tickets are $12.99, and Friday through Sunday tickets cost $15.99. It’s open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. every Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. every Friday and Saturday and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. every Sunday.
Weston Red Barn Farm
Where: 16300 Wilkerson Road, Weston
When: Now to Thursday, Oct. 31
The Weston Red Barn Farm is open for the fall season, and it brings the cozy atmosphere that the autumn season is associated with.
Hayrides, mazes, ponies, caramel apples, barbecue and apple cider are available during their fall festival weekends, and farm tours are available during the week. People can also visit the barnyard and country store when the farm is open.
The farm is free to attend, and pumpkin prices vary on the size. You can hop on a tractor and take the scenic route to the pumpkin patch for $4.25 for adults and $3.25 for children. Children ages 2 and under are free.
The farm is open every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
What should I look for in a pumpkin?
Before you hit the patches, here are a few tips on how to pick the perfect pumpkin, according to Kansas State University Extension.
Avoid pumpkins with soft spots. If it’s soft, it could mean the pumpkin is rotting on the inside. Try to find a mature pumpkin by using your fingernail to make a scratch. If it’s hard to scratch the pumpkin, it’s mature; if it’s easy, it’s not ready for picking.
Carry the pumpkin from its base instead of the stem. You could drop and bruise the pumpkin on accident.
Higher-quality pumpkins will have more color, so look for pumpkins with a rich orange color
If you know of any other pumpkin patches near Kansas City that would be great for this list, email us at kcq@kcstar.com.
