You know it's October in Arizona when the leaves begin to change in the northern part of the state and the summer temperatures begin to drop.
It's also the time when local farms host their fall festivals with pumpkin patches, corn mazes, petting zoos and hayrides.
If you're looking for a festive way to spend the weekend, we've rounded up where you can buy a pumpkin and take a hayride.
Mother Nature's Farm (Oct. 1-31)
A family-owned farm and pumpkin patch in Gilbert, Arizona. They have a hayride, petting zoo and picnic area. Child admission includes an ounce-sized pumpkin and decorating materials, plus access to the hayride and petting zoo.
Where: 1663 E. Baseline Road, Gilbert AZ 85233
Time: Daily, 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. (9 a.m. - 6 p.m. on Oct. 31)
Admission: $10 - children, $5 - adults
More information.
MacDonald's Ranch (Oct. 1-31)
The Scottsdale stable has once again opened its gates for a pumpkin patch, hayrides and train rides. Kids will also be able to pan for gold and play western-themed games. Admission is $10 per person on weekdays and $12 per person on weekends. Children 23 months and younger are free. New this year is a mechanical bull ($5 per ride).
Where: 26540 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale AZ 85255
Time: Daily, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Closed on Tuesday. (9 a.m. to noon on Oct. 31)
Admission: $10-$12 (children 23 months and younger are free)
More information.
Tolmachoff Farms (now through Nov. 5)
Tolmachoff Farms is a locally-owned farm in Glendale Arizona. It has a six-acre corn maze, a smaller one for children, a petting zoo and kids activities. It also has pumpkins for sale. Admission is $12 per person and includes kids activities.
Where: 5726 N. 75th Avenue, Glendale AZ 85303
Time: Tues. - Sunday. Closed on Mondays. Hours vary.
Admission: $12 (children two and younger are free)
More information.
Vertuccio Farms' Fall Festival (Oct. - Nov. 5)
Vertuccio is a family-owned farm in Mesa, Arizona. It has a seven-acre corn maze, miniature golf, a mini zip line and a mini hay maze. Admission is $9 per person during the week (Monday - Thursday) and $10 on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Where: 4011 S. Power Road, Mesa AZ 85212
Time: Open daily. Hours vary each day.
Admission: $9 - $10 per person (children two and younger are free)
More information.
Schnepf Farms (Oct. 5-29)
The Queen Creek farm's annual Pumpkin and Chili Festival returns in 2017. Admission is $15 at Fry's and $20 per person at the entrance. The festival includes a hayride, entertainment acts, petting zoo, coaster rides and corn maze, among other activities.
Where: 24610 S. Rittenhouse Road, Queen Creek AZ 85142
Time: Thursday - Sunday.
Admission: $15 at Fry's, $20 at the gate (children two and younger are free)
More information.
Rocker 7 Farm Fall Festival (weekends, Oct. 7-29)
Rocker 7 is a local farm in Buckeye, Arizona. For their fall festival, they have a four-acre corn maze, a sunflower garden, hayrides, barrel train and wagon ride. They also have pumpkins for sale and a picnic area.
Where: 19601 W. Broadway Road, Buckeye AZ 85326
Time: Friday, Saturday and Sundays. Hours vary by day.
Admission: $9-$10 (children in diapers are free)
More information.
OUT-OUT-TOWN FARMS:
- Apple Annies Orchard, 6405 W. Williams Road, Wilcox AZ 85643
- Marana Pumpkin Patch & Farm Festival, 14901 N. Wentz Road, Marana AZ 85653
- Buckelew Farm, 17000 W. Ajo Way, Tucson AZ 85735
- Mortimer Farms, 12907 State Route 169, Dewey AZ 86327
