The 5 Best Pumpkin Patches Around Denver for Fall 2026

There are plenty of places around the Denver metro area to pick up a pumpkin, but not all pumpkin patches are created equal. Some are basically a farm where you can wander through the field and find your perfect pumpkin. Others are full-on fall festivals with corn mazes, wagon rides, food, games and enough activities to keep the kids busy for hours.

So, if you're trying to decide where to spend a Saturday or even a weeknight this fall, here are five of the best-known pumpkin patches around the Denver metro, along with what people love about them and a few things visitors aren't so crazy about.

1. Anderson Farms | Erie **My Family's Go-To!

Anderson Farms is probably the biggest "event" on this list. This is the place to go if picking a pumpkin is only one part of what you want to do.

The Fall Festival runs September 23 through October 31, 2026, and admission includes a wagon ride to the pumpkin patch, a huge corn maze, farm animals, slides, games, a barrel train, live entertainment and plenty of other activities. The pumpkin patch itself covers 30 acres and has more than 70 varieties of pumpkins, squash and gourds.  It's so fun and theres TONS to do!

2026 admission ranges from $13.50 on some early-season weekdays to $50 for peak-season weekend tickets purchased at the door. Kids 3 and under are free. Pumpkins and several other activities cost extra.

What people like: There is a LOT to do. Families with younger kids especially seem to love the variety because you can easily turn pumpkin picking into a several-hour outing. The pumpkin selection is huge, and the farm has a real fall-festival atmosphere. For adults, Terror in the Corn is also a popular nighttime option.

What people don't like: The biggest complaint is the price. Admission can get expensive, and once you're inside, there are still plenty of things that cost extra. Crowds and lines can also be an issue on peak weekends. In other words, this is probably not the place to go if your goal is simply to grab a pumpkin and head home.

Visit Anderson Farms

2. Chatfield Farms Pumpkin Festival | Littleton

If you want beautiful Colorado scenery with your pumpkin picking, Denver Botanic Gardens Chatfield Farms is hard to beat.

The Pumpkin Festival takes place October 9–11, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission includes the 10-acre pumpkin patch, corn maze and a long list of family activities including wagon rides, live entertainment, carnival games, bounce houses, face painting and more. Pumpkins are priced separately, with the average pumpkin running about $8.

Admission is $22 for adults, $20 for seniors and $14 for children ages 3–15. Kids 2 and under are free. Tickets must be purchased online for a specific date and time, and tickets aren't sold at the gate.

What people like: The setting is a big part of the appeal. Chatfield feels more scenic and natural than some of the larger commercial fall festivals, and there is plenty to see and do once you're there. Families also like that the pumpkin patch, corn maze and kids' activities are all included in admission.

What people don't like: Crowds. This is a very popular event, and because the Pumpkin Festival only happens for one weekend, it can get busy. Parking and navigating the event with little kids can also take some patience. If you're looking for a quiet afternoon wandering through a pumpkin field, this probably isn't your best bet.

Visit Chatfield Farms Pumpkin Festival

3. Rock Creek Farm | Broomfield

Rock Creek Farm is a good choice if the actual pumpkin-patch experience matters more to you than having a giant amusement-park-style fall festival.

The farm opens September 26 through October 31, 2026, and has three corn mazes, a hay bale maze, farm animals and a large U-pick pumpkin operation. Admission is $10 per person Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, and $12 on Saturdays and Sundays. Wednesdays have free farm admission. Pumpkins are sold separately.

What people like: Visitors frequently mention the more relaxed atmosphere, reasonable pricing and the fact that the corn maze is included with admission. Families also like the farm animals, hay bale maze and the sheer amount of space. Local visitors often describe it as a good option when they want a traditional pumpkin-patch experience without spending a fortune.

What people don't like: The experience is definitely more rustic. Some visitors have complained about the condition or selection of pumpkins in the fields, and the food selection is much more limited than at some of the bigger fall festivals. There can also be quite a bit of walking, so this isn't necessarily the easiest option for anyone who wants everything close together.

My take: If your kids want a pumpkin, a corn maze and some farm animals, and you don't need 47 other attractions, this is one I'd put high on the list.

Visit Rock Creek Farm

4. Maize in the City | Thornton

Maize in the City is one of the better choices for families who don't want to pay a big admission price just to walk through the front gate.

The 2026 season opens September 19. Admission to the site is free, and attractions are priced individually. Depending on the activity, attractions range from free up to about $20 per person. The 20-acre corn maze, petting zoo, pumpkin patch and other fall attractions give families plenty of options.

Pumpkins are priced separately based on size and variety.

What people like: The biggest win is the flexibility. You can walk in for free, look around, buy a pumpkin and leave without feeling like you just spent $100 before doing anything. Or you can choose a few activities your kids actually care about and skip the rest. Local Denver families have specifically mentioned liking the à-la-carte setup and shorter food lines compared with some of the larger festivals.

What people don't like: If your family wants to do everything, the à-la-carte pricing can add up. There can also be lines for popular attractions, and the experience is more activity-focused than a peaceful farm outing. Attractions are weather- and field-condition dependent, too.

My take: This is a particularly good option if you have kids who all want to do different things because you aren't paying for a giant package of activities you may not use.

Visit Maize in the City

5. Cottonwood Farms | Lafayette

If the idea of a giant fall festival makes you tired just thinking about it, take a look at Cottonwood Farms in Lafayette.

Cottonwood Farms is much more of a traditional family farm experience. The pumpkin patch is open every day from September 23 through October 31, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is $10.50 for ages 6–64, with an anytime ticket available for $12.50. Kids 5 and under and seniors 65 and older are free. Wagon rides are $5 on Saturdays and Sundays.

There are corn and kids' mazes, farm animals, pumpkins and plenty of old-fashioned farm equipment to look at.

What people like: This is the choice for people who want a simpler, more laid-back fall outing. The farm has a genuine agricultural feel rather than feeling like a giant entertainment complex. It's also considerably less expensive than some of the bigger pumpkin festivals.

What people don't like: There simply isn't as much to do here. If your kids are looking for rides, games, huge corn mazes and nonstop entertainment, they may get bored sooner. Weekend wagon rides can also get busy, and the farm recommends purchasing admission ahead of time, especially on weekends.

My take: This might actually be my pick for families with younger kids who don't need an entire day of activities. Sometimes you just want to pick a pumpkin, take a few pictures and go home.

Visit Cottonwood Farms

So, which pumpkin patch is right for you?

If you want the biggest overall fall experience, go to Anderson Farms.

If you want beautiful scenery and a full family festival, choose Chatfield Farms.

If you want a traditional pumpkin patch and corn maze without spending a fortune, try Rock Creek Farm.

If you want free admission and the ability to pick and choose your activities, Maize in the City is a great option.

And if you want something simple, affordable and more farm-focused, Cottonwood Farms is probably your best bet.

The good news is that you really can't go wrong. Fall around Denver is short, so grab a sweater, find some apple cider and go pick a pumpkin before we're all complaining about snow again.

Happy Fall Y'all!