Picking the Perfect Pumpkin

Picking the Perfect Pumpkin

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Your guide for finding all the farmyard fun this fall.

When the golden colors and crisp temperatures of autumn envelop the Reno-Tahoe area, nothing says fall fun more than a trip to a pumpkin patch. As you stroll through bountiful fields dotted with vibrant orange hues, the hunt is on to find your perfect pumpkin pal. Whether you make a friendly jack-o-lantern or a delicious dessert, the joy found in the field lasts all season long.

Local farms offer more than just pumpkins, though. Wind your way through puzzling corn mazes, take a scenic hayride, shop for arts and crafts, pick up fresh produce for the week, and say hello to your favorite barnyard animals. And if you feel inspired, dive into the Halloween spirit as you take on spooky haunted mazes or even zombie paintball.

Our pumpkin patch guide, below, highlights fabulous farms and autumnal excitement for all ages.

Andelin Family Farm
Find daytime fun and nighttime thrills at Andelin Family Farm in Spanish Springs. By day, explore the u-pick pumpkin patch and market, as well as a corn maze, a zip line, the Andelin Express Train, pony rides, and barnyard animal fun that includes (rubber) duck races! On Saturday nights, get in the true Halloween spirit with zombie paintball and the spooky corn creepers path. Pro tip: Purchase tickets online for a discounted price, and plan to spend two to four hours at the farm to take in all the activities.

8100 Pyramid Hwy., Sparks
Andelinfamilyfarm.com
Wed. – Sat., Sept. 25 – Nov. 2
Pumpkin patch: Wed. – Thurs. 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Fri. – Sat. 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Corn maze with game inside: Wed. – Sat. 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Zombie paintball and corn creepers: Thurs. – Sat. 7 – 10 p.m.

Pumpkin patch, corn maze, zombie paintball, hayrides, a zipline, train rides, farm animals, horse and pony rides, basketball hoop shoot, play garden

Corley Ranch
The year 2024 marks the 20th anniversary of the Corley Ranch Pumpkin Patch and Harvest Festival in Gardnerville. Grab a wagon and head to the patch to find pumpkins, gourds, and squash in all sizes, shapes, and colors. Every day is Harvest Festival Day at Corley Ranch, with its corn maze, farm animals, mini golf, and more. Food and craft vendors are available on weekends, as well as fun activities such as pig races, train rides, and a giant slingshot.

859 Hwy. 395, Gardnerville
Corleyranch.com/pumpkin-patch
Daily, Oct. 1 – 31
10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Pumpkins, corn and hay mazes, farm animals, mini golf, giant slide, pig races, roping area, hay wagon rides, food and craft vendors, train rides, and giant slingshot for extra fee

Ferrari Farms
Ferrari Farms offers a taste of the country in The Biggest Little City. Take a pumpkin patch stroll to find your perfect match before indulging in treats from food vendors, hayrides, farm animals, corn mazes, and corn walks. At night, dare to partake in the haunted corn maze. The country store offers everything from apparel to homemade candles and soaps. Stay tuned for details on special events such as the Down Syndrome Network fundraiser and the Pups in the Patch doggy costume contest.

4701 Mill St., Reno
Ferrarifarms.org
Daily, Sept. 28 – Nov. 3
Sun. – Thurs. 10 a.m. – 8 p.m., Fri. – Sat. 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Pumpkins, corn maze, hayrides, corn walk, haunted maze, fire pits, food and beverage vendors, special events, dogs allowed

Lattin Farms
Celebrate the autumn season at Lattin Farms in Fallon. Each Saturday, the Fall Festival offers a picturesque hayride to its abundant pumpkin patch; for an easier pumpkin hunt, visit the market to find your favorite orange ornament. Additionally, spend the day enjoying a corn maze, craft vendors, farm animals, and the growers’ market featuring fresh produce, baked goods, and canned favorites. The Country Kitchen also offers smoked pork, gourmet hot dogs, and salads to fuel all your fall fun.

1955 McLean Road, Fallon
Lattinfarms.com
Saturdays, Sept. 28 – Oct. 26
Pumpkin Patch: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Maze: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Pumpkin patch, corn maze, craft vendors, farm animals, growers’ market, lunch menu

Lil’ Meg’s Pumpkin Patch (Whittemore Family Farm)
Looking for a day of fun and an opportunity to explore some of the best local produce around? Lil’ Meg’s Pumpkin Patch at Whittemore Family Farm in Sierra Valley offers plenty for all ages. Harvested pumpkins await in the pumpkin patch area, ready to become the perfect jack-o-lanterns, while sweet baked goods and farm-fresh produce are ready to elevate your dinner. Top it off with savory barbecue offerings and activities such as pumpkin tic-tac-toe, face painting, a pumpkin wagon, and more.

4118 Segundo Road, Beckwourth
Whittemorefamilyfarm.com
Sat. – Sun., Sept. 28 – Oct. 27
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Specialty pumpkins, winter squash, gourds, bake sale, farm-fresh produce, barbecue, climbing gymnasium, games, face painting, pumpkin wagon, giant scarecrow, bounce house

Renner Farm
Discover the rustic charm of Renner Farm in Smith Valley this season. Explore more than 15 varieties of pumpkins in the sprawling patch, ensuring the perfect pick for every family member. Afterward, create lasting memories with a corn maze adventure, a scenic hayride, or a bounce house session. Seasonal produce will be available, including cantaloupe, watermelon, winter squash, and hopefully even summer crops such as tomatoes and peppers. Best of all, admission is free.

2493 State Route 208, Smith Valley
Rennerfarms.co
Tues. – Sun., Sept. 28 – Nov. 3
Tues. – Thurs. 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., Fri. – Sat. 9 a.m. – 9 p.m., Sun. noon – 7 p.m.

Pumpkin patch, corn maze, seasonal produce, picnic tent, hayrides, bounce house

Verdi PFA Pumpkin Patch
Fill your autumn with a burst of fun and excitement at the Verdi Parent Faculty Association Pumpkin Patch. For one day only, gather the whole family for adventures that excite all ages. After you hunt for your pumpkin, explore arts and crafts by talented local vendors, thrilling live entertainment, and an adorable petting zoo for the little ones. Plus, try your luck at the raffle and silent auction. Funds raised go directly toward school improvements, student enrichment, and support for teachers.

250 Bridge St., Verdi
Verdipfa.com
Sun., Oct. 20
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Free admission

Pumpkins, craft vendors, food trucks, live entertainment, games, petting zoo, raffle, silent auction

BONUS PUMPKIN PATCH, ART EDITION: Artsy Fartsy Art Gallery Pumpkin Patch Exhibit
If you prefer a pumpkin that won’t spoil, check out this event at the Artsy Fartsy Art Gallery in Carson City. You’ll find a show-stopping collection of glass, metal, pottery, and jewelry pumpkins crafted by local artists. Admission is free.

405 N. Nevada St., Carson City
Artsyfartsyartgallery.com
Sat., Sept. 21
10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

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