I don’t remember who started it, but when I was a girl, we turned pumpkin patch into a verb: as in,
“we’re going pumpkin patching today.”
We’d load up on the rickety wagon at the local farm for a hayride to the pumpkin patch, find the perfect bright orange one to cut off those darn prickly vines, and head back for some caramel apples and pumpkin carving.
These days, I’m going “pumpkin patching” with my own little crew here in Denver. The Front Range has a great number of pumpkin patches for your fall decorating and carving needs. Here’s a sampling of some of the best places to get pumpkins.
Rock Creek Farms 
This pumpkin patch in Broomfield isn’t messing around. Their pumpkin patch is a well oiled machine: When you arrive, you get a map of their giant pumpkin picking area, complete with a pumpkin carving saw (they thought of everything!). When you’re done finding that perfect pumpkin for everyone, head over to their carnival area or corn maze.
Details:
2005 South 112th Street, Broomfield, Co
Open for Season September 26th, 9 Am- 6:30
Admission is FREE, Field pumpkins: $6, and other activities a la carte
Anderson Farms
Anderson Farms in Erie has a Fall Festival every day, starting September 23rd. Included with admission is a quaint wagon ride to get pumpkins, a corn maze, pedal karts, pumpkin launching, farm lights, and more! The Far
m boasts over 70 varieties of pumpkins.
Details:
6728 County Road 3-1/4 Erie, Colorado
Open for Season September 23rd, hours vary by day (check on website)
Monday-Thursday: admission is $10, Friday-Sunday: $13 (under 3 is free)
Pumpkin prices range from $2-$12
Denver Botanic Gardens-Chatfield
South Denver Metro folks, rejoice! There is pumpkin picking to be had at the Denver Botanic Gardens Chatfield site. You can get your pumpkins during their annual Pumpkin Festival, held on October 9-11 this year. Take your little pumpkins to their “pumpkin daycare” and enjoy a corn maze, bull rides, and food & drink.
Details:
8500 W Deer Creek Canyon Road
October 9-11, 9am-5pm
Admission is $7 adults/$5 child/under 2 free (members to the Botanic gardens receive $1 off admission)
Average pumpkin price is $8
Rocky Mountain Pumpkin Ranch
The Rocky Mountain Pumpkin Ranch is a scenic place to pick pumpkins: they have a great view of Long’s Peak. Come pick pumpkins and enjoy many fun fall activities on weekends in October. Activities include: pony rides, petting zoo, pumpkin painting, and slides.
Details:
9059 Ute Highway, CO 66, Longmont, Co
Admission is FREE, activities a la carte- call 303-684-0087 for more details.
After all that fall fun at any of these area farms, you’re probably ready to crash for awhile. No doubt you’re dealing with one kid screaming, caramel from the caramel apple all over his face, while scraping horse poo off of your other kids shoe (not like I know from experience or anything). But eventually, you’re going to need to carve those pumpkins. If you’re a little artistically inept (like me), here are some ideas:
- PBS Kids has a some templates for your little Rocky Mountain PBS lover, ensuring that you can never escape Daniel Tiger-he’s even on your front porch!
- Wanting something a little different? Here are some other fun ideas for kids of all ages.
