Best pumpkin patches near Seattle to visit now

SEATTLE - As fall approaches in western Washington, pumpkin patches and corn mazes are gearing up for the season.

From pumpkin patches with hayrides and petting zoos to farms with family-friendly activities and apple picking options, keep reading for a list of our favorite pumpkin patches to visit in the region this fall.

Pumpkin patches in Snohomish County

Bob's Corn & Pumpkin Farm

Bob’s Corn & Pumpkin Farm offers a 40-acre pumpkin patch with over 60 varieties of pumpkins, ranging from mini pumpkins to massive 200-pound pumpkins. Families can enjoy hayrides out to the patch, making it an ideal spot for finding the perfect jack-o'-lantern. The farm is also home to a 12-acre corn maze, a trike track, pony rides and more. Weekends bring hot food concessions and face painting, along with the farm's famous homemade hot donuts, which are a must-try before they sell out. (Get in line when you arrive at the farm.) Bob’s also offers 18 fire pits inside its corn maze for private bonfires, available for rent.

Dates: Sept. 14–Oct. 31
Hours: View hours online
Location: 10917 Elliott Rd., Snohomish, WA, 98296
Online: bobscorn.com

Craven Farm

Craven Farm covers all the fall essentials with a 20-acre pumpkin patch and a 15-acre Alice-in-Pumpkinland-themed corn maze. For the younger crowd, there’s an I Spy Barn and a Kids Adventure Maze featuring Story Book Lane and an obstacle course. Additional activities include a hay wagon ride, cow train, mini golf and apple cannon.

Dates: Sept. 14–Oct. 30
Hours: Fri.-Sun, 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m.
Location: 13817 Short School Rd., Snohomish, WA 98290
Online: cravenfarm.com

Swans Trail Farms

Known for its 50-acre pumpkin patch and iconic Washington state-shaped 12-acre corn maze, Swans Trail Farms is a fall favorite. Attractions include a children's play area with rubber duck races, a hay pyramid, a petting farm and barnyard activities. Families can also enjoy wagon rides, ziplines and the famous Farmer Ben's Four Little Pigs show. This farm focuses on family-friendly fun without spooky decorations, making it perfect for little ones.

Dates: Sept. 14–Oct. 31
Hours: Daily, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Location: 7301 Rivershore Rd., Snohomish, WA, 98290
Online: swanstrailfarms.com

pumpkin carving and decorating station at pumpkin farm

A pumpkin carving and decorating station at a pumpkin patch. (Amy Sussman/Getty Images)

Stocker Farms

With over 30 attractions, including a 10-acre pumpkin patch and a seven-acre corn maze, Stocker Farms is a fall hot spot for families. Kids will love the climbing wall, hayrides, duck races, cow train and farm animals, while adults can relax in the beer garden.

Dates: Sept 21-22, 28-30 & Oct 1-31
Hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Location: 8705 Marsh Rd., Snohomish, WA, 98296
Online: stockerfarms.com

Fairbank Animal Farm & Pumpkin Patch

Located in Edmonds, Fairbank Animal Farm offers pumpkins along with family-friendly activities like corn mazes, duck races and straw treasure hunts. The farm's baby animal barn, featuring baby chicks and ducks, is a highlight for children.

Dates: Weekends in Oct.
Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Location: 15308 52nd Ave. W., Edmonds, WA, 98026
Online: fairbankfarm.com

Carleton Farms

Carleton Farms offers a no-frills pumpkin patch with a variety of activities, including a 5-acre corn maze, apple cannons and farm animals. No entry fee is required to visit the farm's south end pumpkin patch, petting zoo, farm market or food area.

Dates: Weekends starting Sept. 28
Location: 630 Sunnyside Blvd. S.E., Lake Stevens, WA, 98258
Online: carletonfarm.com

Eastside pumpkin patches

These Eastside pumpkin patches are also perfect for fall fun with a wide range of activities to enjoy.

Remlinger Farms

Remlinger Farms hosts a Fall Harvest Pumpkin Festival that includes a steam train ride, apple cannons, a 4-H barnyard, hay maze, pony rides and a toddler play area. Kids can take a spin on the famous Flying Pumpkins ride or zip down the giant slide. The farm also features a mini roller coaster, U-pick pumpkin patch and a variety of food. For an extra treat, there's a brewery for parents.

Dates: Saturdays and Sundays until Halloween
Hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Location: 32610 N.E. 32nd St., Carnation, WA, 98014
Online: remlingerfarms.com

Two Brothers Pumpkin Patch

This family-owned farm offers a variety of pumpkins and gourds, along with seasonal vegetables, mini hay bales and ornamental corn for decorations. The farm also has animals for visitors to meet and offers both U-pick and pre-picked options.

Dates: Oct. 5-31
Hours: 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m.
Location: 7110 310th Ave. N.E., Carnation, WA, 98014
Online: facebook.com/twobrotherspumpkins

South Sound pumpkin patches

Families in the South Sound have a host of great pumpkin patch options to pick from, with most opening at the end of September.

Maris Farms

Maris Farms features more than eight acres of pumpkins, along with farm animals, pig races, a corn maze and wagon rides. With more than 40 activities, including a cow train, jumping pillow and fishing pond, families can easily spend a full day here. For older kids, the Haunted Woods maze offers spooky thrills.

Dates: Sept. 27-Oct. 28
Hours: 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
Location: 25001 Sumner-Buckley Hwy., Buckley, WA, 98321
Online: marisfarms.com

boy pushing a wheel barrow at a pumpkin patch

With over 20 acres of pumpkins, you will have no problem finding the perfect jack-o'-lantern at the Carpinito Brothers U-Pick pumpkin patch. (Kristina Moy)

Carpinito Brothers

This expansive farm offers a large U-pick pumpkin patch, corn maze and a Family Fun Yard with activities like a hay maze, hay slides and farm animals. Tractor-pulled hayrides, fresh produce and concessions are also available.

Dates: Sept. 27–Oct. 31
Hours: 9 a.m.-dusk
Location: U-Pick Pumpkin Patch: 27508 West Valley Hwy. N., Kent, WA, 98032
Family Fun Yard: 6720 S. 277th St., Kent, WA, 98032
Online: carpinito.com

Picha Farms

Picha Farms offers a 5-acre corn maze, U-pick pumpkins, a slingshot and hayrides. Live bluegrass music on weekends adds to the festive atmosphere. The farm also sells seasonal produce and fresh cider.

Dates: Sept. 28-Oct. 31
Hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m., weekends; 3 p.m.-6 p.m. weekdays
Location: 6502 52nd St. E., Puyallup, WA, 98371
Online: pichafarms.com

Thomasson Family Farm

Perfect for younger kids, Thomasson Family Farm features a pumpkin patch, corn maze and a plethora of activities like bubble tables, duck races, cow train rides and farm animal encounters. There are also hayrides, a trike track, apple slingshot and laser tag on weekends (weather permitting).

Dates: Sept. 28-Oct. 30
Hours: 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Location: 38223 236th Ave. S.E., Enumclaw, WA, 98022
Online: thomassonfarm.com

Be sure to check online for tickets and additional information before heading out to enjoy the season.

Experts: Compost your old pumpkins

Now that Halloween is over, rethink throwing your pumpkins in the trash. Environmentalists recommend composting them, donating them to community gardens or farms.