The Birmingham area plays host to all kinds of pumpkin patches, hayrides, corn mazes, and much more.

By Stephanie Gibson Lepore

From Homewood to Hoover, Cullman to Calera, and many points in between, there’s likely a pumpkin patch within a half-hour road trip from your driveway.

Most spots offer activities to entertain toddlers all the way up to the older kiddos (corn maze confusion, anyone?), so don’t get tricked into thinking these destinations are just for the littles. Pumpkin patches are basically a one-day mini theme park visit, with all the food, fun, and family memories you can make!

Bonus: Your kids won’t have any trouble falling asleep after a day at the farm.

4D Farm

Where: 7182 County Rd. 703 in Cullman

What: Barnyard coaster, duck races, hayrides, corn maze, farm animals, pumpkin patch, and more

When: Thursdays-Sundays through October

How Much: Day passes start at $15.95; purchase online to save on gate prices

Don’t Miss: The all-new Goblin Glow beginning at dusk on Friday and Saturday nights

Bennett Farms

Where: 1073 County Rd. 13 in Heflin

What: The annual Pumpkin Patch with farm animals, a hay maze, a wildflower field, pipe slides, concessions, and a wagon train; the Country Store sells handmade soaps, pottery, and more

When: Wednesdays and Fridays-Sundays through October

How Much: $12 admission plus extra for pumpkins and activities

Don’t Miss: The two-mile corn maze

Camp Winnataska

Where: 260 Winnataska Dr. in Pell City

What: Annual Pumpkin Patch with games and hayrides

When: October 14-15

How Much: $15 includes a pumpkin, wagon ride, and inflatables; bring money for extras

Don’t Miss: Roasting marshmallows with chocolate and graham crackers…need we say s’more?

Grace House Pumpkin Festival

Where: Homewood Central Park

What: 10th Annual Pumpkin Festival benefitting Grace House Ministries

When: October 14, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

How Much: $10 for children (includes a pumpkin and goodie bag), adults are free

Don’t Miss: The inflatable spider climb

Griffin Farm of West Blocton

Where: 826 Griffin Rd. in West Blocton

What: Corn maze, hayride, hamster wheel, bouncy barn, pumpkin patch, and tractor trikes

When: Saturdays-Sundays in October

How Much: $10 admission for ages 2 and up

Don’t Miss: King-size corn bed and food trucks for a family picnic

Halloween Fairyland

Where: Tannehill State Park in McCalla

What: 200 campsites with trick-or-treating, moonwalks, face painting, and a bungee jump

When: October 28; festival (11 a.m.-4 p.m.) and trick-or-treating (5-9 p.m.)

How Much: Gate admission is $3 for kids 6-11, $5 for ages 12-adult (some attractions cost extra); bring money for a festival T-shirt

Don’t Miss: Extensive campsite decorations and lights

Pugs & Pumpkins

Where: Oak Mountain State Park Fishing Center

What: A fundraiser for Alabama Pug Rescue and Adoption Inc., all well-behaved dogs of any breed and owners are welcome for a silent auction, lunch, games, and pie-eating and costume contests

When: October 28, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

How Much: Oak Mountain entrance fee and money for the bake sale

Don’t Miss: Pug pictures with Santa!

Pumpkin Junction

Where: Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum in Calera

What: A short train ride through the woods to the patch for pumpkins, hayrides, and pallet maze

When: Saturdays-Sundays October 7-22

How Much: Tickets start at $18 for children and adults

Don’t Miss: The train whistle! Listen out for the boarding signal about 45 minutes after you arrive

The Patch at Helena Hollow

Where: 6027 Hwy. 17 in Helena

What: More than 25 activities on 10 acres, including a hay run, tire climb, and pipe slides

When: Fridays-Sundays through October 31

How Much: $10.95 (Fridays); $12.95 (Saturdays and Sundays); some activities are extra

Don’t Miss: Any of it! Helena Hollow was named the best patch in the state; also try your luck on the mechanical bull

Hay Hoover

Where: Veterans Park on Valleydale Rd. in Hoover

What: Hayrides, pony rides, petting zoo, and more (costumes encouraged!)

When: October 14, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

How Much: Free

Don’t Miss: Shuttle service from Spain Park High School!

Miss Sims’ Garden

Where: 913 Irving Rd. in Homewood

What: Pumpkin and mum sale at the only Over-the-Mountain pumpkin patch, family photo ops, scavenger hunt, and arts and crafts

When: Daily through October

How Much: Free admission plus the cost of pumpkins and mums

Don’t Miss: The scarecrow contest! Email simsgarden@homewoodal.org

Old Baker Farm

Where: 184 Furrow Ln. in Harpersville

What: U-pick pumpkin farm, corn maze, petting farm, and train rides

When: Daily through October

How Much: $13 (includes a pumpkin); $1 cash discount

Don’t Miss: Cowboy Day October 14-15, with live-action shootouts and a bluegrass band; Festival Weekend October 27-28, featuring vendors, live music, and an 1800s-style carnival

Penton Farms

Where: 3595 County Rd. 59 in Verbena

What: Patch, corn pit, corn maze, hay mountain, slides, and wagon rides

When: Daily except Sundays through October 31

How Much: $12 (includes most activities and a pumpkin)

Don’t Miss: The cow train ($3 per person); bring cash for the Snack Shack

The Great Pumpkin Patch

Where: 288 Hwy. 45 in Hayden

What: The renovated patch includes a new inflatable park and slides, The Great Pumpkin Patch Train, wagons, and a petting zoo. Also enjoy costume contests, live entertainment, and goodies from the Pie House.

When: Daily through November 5 How Much: $10 adults; $13 kids (weekdays) and $20 (weekends)

Don’t Miss: Bungee jumping ($10) on weekends and $5 pony rides