Top Pumpkin Patches In The Austin Area For 2020

AUSTIN, TX — The coronavirus has altered virtually every aspect of life in 2020, changes that have touched even our most cherished fall activities such as the simple yet sublime act of visiting a pumpkin patch to secure the gourd of our autumnal dreams.

The scourge of respiratory illness has prompted pumpkin patch opeators in and near Austin to adjust their hours of operation while methodically tailoring activities in adherence to health experts' guidelines of physical distancing, the wearing of protective face coverings, the tactics of good hygiene via use of antibacterial gel and other protocols.

But all is not lost, and fall has not fallen off completely! Residents are still able to visit area pumpkin patches, provided all the necessary precautions are taken. So from our Patch to yours, we've compiled a list of area pumpkin patches to get in some of that seasonal, wholesome fun.

Related story: Fall Is Here, With Plenty Of Events In The Austin Area

If you go, Patch advises people double-check the hours and rules for each pumpkin patch, including whether reservations are required in advance.

Also: Don't forget to take your masks! The singular excitement of traveling to a pumpkin patch amid the crisp air of fall would be ruined upon arrival only to find one has forgotten one's mask — thus inhibiting entry or forcing one to drive all the way home to secure the face coverings. So put your mask(s) in the purse or glove compartment — heck, stuff your jeans pocket with masks ahead of travel if needed — to ensure you'll have them once you arrive. Ensure the stuffed pants are the ones you'll be wearing at the pumpkin patch, but this likely goes without saying.

Below is a list of some of our favorite pumpkin patches in and near Austin:

ANDERSON TERRACE PUMPKIN PATCH

Address: 10930 E. Crystal Falls Parkway, Leander, Texas.

Season opening/closing dates: Sept. 26 through Oct. 31.

Attractions: Trick-or-treating event; concessions; face painting; picnic area; refreshment stand; and more.

Hours: Open daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Pricing: $5 admission weekdays; $10 Sat & Sunday.

Phone: (512) 247-8978.

Website: Andersonterrace.com.

AUSTIN TEXAS FALL FESTIVAL PUMPKIN PATCH

Address: 14400 E. State Highway 29, Georgetown, Texas.

Season opening/closing dates: Sept. 19-Nov. 8

Attractions: Central Texas' biggest corn maze at 4.5 acres; live music; food trucks; petting zoo; apple slingshots; treasure mountain; jump pads; pipe races; pony rides; and much more. Click here to view all activities.

Hours: Monday through Friday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (weather permitting); Saturday & Sunday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (weather permitting).

Pricing: General Admission $16; Flashlight Maze (general admission included) $16. Buy tickets here. Note: Pumpkins are sold per pound at $0.79 / lb. You can decorate your pumpkin onsite with paint at no extra charge, or take it home for carving. The mini pumpkins are $1.25 each or 5 for $5.

Phone: (512) 766-3276.

Website: Sweeteats.com.

BARTON HILL FARMS

Address: 1115 FM 969 in Bastrop, Texas.

Season opening/closing dates: Oct. 3 through Nov. 14.

Attractions: In addition to classic pumpkin patches:

• 3.5-acre corn maze.
• Jumbo Jumping Pillows.
• Barnyard Ball Zone (basketball, football, baseball challenges).
• Fort Wilbarger (rock & rope climbing walls, slides, cable bridge, lookout tower).
• Many fun family photo ops.
• Texas Hayride Trail (Spanish & Boer goats, Dorper sheep, Angus/Wagyu Cattle, Red Wattle Pigs, and Willie the Guard Dog).
• Super slides.
• Charlie’s Chicken Coop.
• Miniature Ponies (Lady Gaga & Independence).
• Bee Train.
• The Lively Sandbox (a sunken maritime schooner sandbox from 1820s Tejas).
• Play area.
• 14-acre lounging lawn.
• Corn hole.
• Tug-o-War.
• Human foosball.
• Duck races.
• Barnyard bowling.
• Washers.
• Tether ball.
• Dummy steer roping.
• Farm Tic-Tac-Toe.
• Bean Bag Toss.

Hours: Fridays 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturdays 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sundays 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Columbus Day 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Pricing: Friday general admission is $16.95 plus tax with children under the age of 2 granted free entry. Saturday and Sunday pricing (and Columbus Day on Oct. 12) is $19.95 plus tax. Kids under 2 get in free. Preseason tickets also are on sale, offering a $3 savings by purchasing in advance (limited quantities available). Operators note they've gone cashless, and accept payment via credit, debit or mobile only. All ticket sales are by online reservation only, and no tickets are sold onsite. Buy tickets here.

Phone: (855) 969-1115

Website: Bartonhillfarms.com.

ELGIN CHRISTMAS TREE FARM

Address: 120 Natures Way, Elgin, Texas.

Season opening/closing dates: October 3 through Nov. 1.

Attractions: Crazy maze; corn maze; duck races; pumpkin photo ops; train ride; hayride; playscape; picnic area (visitors are welcome to bring their own food).

Hours: Monday-Thursday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Sunday noon to 5:30 p.m.

Pricing: $7 for everyone, from ages 2 to 99.

Phone: (512) 281-5016.

Website: Elginchristmastreefarm.com.

Note: There will be lots of pumpkins on the farm for the fall atmosphere and picture taking; however, due to COVID organizers will have limited pumpkins for sale during the 2020 season. Those with questions can email elginchristmas@sbcglobal.net.

ROBINSON FAMILY FARM

Address: 3780 White Owl Ln, Temple, Texas

Season opening/closing dates: Sept. 19 through Nov. 1.

Attractions: Corn maze; cow train/barrel train rides; corn cannon; pie pumpkins; tractor-pulled hayrides; gift shop; concessions/refreshment stand; jumping pillow; petting zoo; and more.

Hours: Saturdays and Sundays from 10 am. to 6 pm.; Columbus Day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Pricing: General admission online is $9.95 and at the gate $12.95.

Phone: (254) 931-9564.

Website: therobinsonfamilyfarm.com.

Editor's note: Have a pumpkin patch you'd like to be listed here? Let us know on the comments thread, or email antonio.cantu@patch.com to ensure inclusion.