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Florida does not do crunchy fall leaves, but the Tampa Bay area still knows how to throw a real pumpkin party. Within an easy drive of the city, working farms open their gates each autumn with corn mazes, hayrides, goats to pet, and fields full of pumpkins waiting to be picked.
Some spots are big weekend festivals, while others are simple roadside lots you can hit after school. This list covers seven patches in Polk, Manatee, Hernando, Hillsborough, Pasco, and Pinellas counties, with the practical details you need before you load up the car.
Many of these farms run on limited days or short seasons, so planning ahead matters. Pick one close to home or turn a few into a fall road trip.
Either way, October is the time to go, and Halloween will be here faster than you think.
1. Harvest Holler Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch, Polk City, FL
Sweet tea on a hay bale might be the most Southern way to celebrate fall. That is the whole mood at Harvest Holler, a real working farm in Polk City about 45 miles east of downtown Tampa.
The farm keeps things simple and outdoorsy. There is a good-sized corn maze, a pumpkin patch, hayrides out to see farm animals, and tire swings for anyone who wants to kick their feet up.
Hungry visitors can grab food from Paw-Paw’s Vittles, then stop by Maw Maw’s Country Store for one of its cobblers. Southern sweet tea and lemonade round out the menu.
Timing matters here. The 2026 fall season runs September 18 through November 8, and the farm opens Fridays from 4 to 8 p.m., Saturdays from noon to 8 p.m., and Sundays from 1 to 5 p.m. only.
Parking is free on site. I would save this one for a Friday evening when you want a slower pace to end the week.
2. Hunsader Farms, Bradenton, FL
Since 1967, the Hunsader family has been growing food in Manatee County. That kind of history gives this Bradenton farm, about 45 miles south of Tampa, a lot of staying power.
In fall, the pumpkin fields are wide and well stocked, so finding a good one is rarely a problem. Hayrides and a corn maze add a little adventure, and sunflower fields bring extra color to your photos.
The farm is much more than a seasonal stop. Hunsader runs U-pick experiences, a petting zoo, a coffee truck, ice cream, antique shops, events, and even campgrounds.
Regular hours are Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with free on-site parking. Morning visits are a smart move if you want to beat the afternoon heat.
3. HarvestMoon Fun Farm, Masaryktown, FL
Goats are the backbone of this farm, and not just any goats. HarvestMoon raises and breeds registered Nigerian Dwarf dairy goats on its working farm in Masaryktown, about 40 miles north of downtown Tampa.
Come fall, the place turns into a full playground. A 70-foot jumping pillow, a hayride, a cow train, a corn maze, and a fast slide keep kids moving.
The pumpkin patch is covered, which is a real perk on a hot Florida afternoon. Carnival-style ball tosses, a bubble area, a petting farm, and plenty of photo spots fill out the day.
Hours are Monday and Wednesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and weekends from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed Tuesdays. Check parking options before you go, since both free street spots and paid lots are available.
4. Fox Squirrel Corn Maze, Plant City, FL
Twelve dollars covers a lot of fun at Fox Squirrel. Admission includes the corn maze, the hayride, and the games, which makes it one of the easier fall outings on the wallet.
The farm sits in Plant City, roughly 25 miles east of Tampa, making it the closest big corn maze on this list for many Hillsborough families. The maze is tall and challenging, so give yourself some time.
Beyond the corn, there is a pumpkin patch, pumpkin painting, face painting, petting goats, and a pumpkin slingshot. Food trucks and vendors sell treats like hot donuts, caramel apples, and frozen cider.
The festival runs on weekends only, Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Parking is paid, so plan for that when you budget.
5. Gallagher’s Pumpkin and Christmas Tree’s patch, St. Petersburg, FL
Not every pumpkin run needs a full day. Gallagher’s, on 4th Street North in St. Petersburg, is the kind of stop you can squeeze in after work.
Rows of pumpkins in all shapes and sizes line the lot, so it is easy to find one for carving and a few small ones for the porch. Kids can visit the petting zoo or burn energy in the bounce house.
The hours are generous, running daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Dogs are allowed, which is a nice bonus for families who bring the pup along.
Once the pumpkins clear out, the lot switches to Christmas trees. That makes it a handy spot to remember for both holidays, about 20 miles from downtown Tampa across the bay.
6. Raprager Farms, Odessa, FL
Late arrivals still get plenty of pumpkins here. Raprager Farms in Odessa tends to keep the patch well stocked, even into the afternoon.
This regenerative organic farm sits about 20 miles northwest of downtown Tampa. During the fall festival, the grounds are decorated with pumpkins from the entrance on.
The activity list is long. Hayrides, hay chute slides, pony rides, a bounce house, craft tables, face painting, and cornhole are all part of the mix.
Animal fans can pet goats and pigs, and tortoises are known to wander the grounds. Food trucks, a sweet shop, vegetables, and a beef jerky table cover snacks.
Hours run late on weekends, with Friday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
7. Sweetfields Farm, Brooksville, FL
Sweetfields only opens to the public during its harvest seasons, which makes the fall event feel a little more special. The Fall Fun event runs from late September through October, weather permitting.
The farm is in Brooksville, about 45 miles north of Tampa in Hernando County. Tickets are required to enter during events, and admission has been around $14 per person.
The pumpkin patch is nicely decorated, with lots of good photo backdrops. Friendly farm animals and a range of activities keep families busy between pictures.
Event hours are Monday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and weekends from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pair it with HarvestMoon nearby for a Hernando County double header.
If you miss fall, the farm reopens in May for its sunflower event and maze.
