Joomla Sport Template

This is one of the specialty pumpkins available at Freeman Farms.

Looking for a fun family activity during these gorgeous fall weekends? How about a trip to the Pumpkin Festival? We're fortunate in the quad-city area, because there are not just one, but two farms you can go to enjoy this seasonal time of year. And both of them are in Chino Valley!

Freeman Farms

Days Open: Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday in October, and on Columbus Day (Monday, October 12), too
Time: 9 am - 4 pm
Address: 1096 E. Road 3 South, Chino Valley, AZ (MapQuest directions here)
Phone: 850-3990
Parking: Free
Admission: $3 per person (but if you look on their site, there is a "Phrase of the Day" which will get you discounted admission)
Website: http://www.azpumpkins.com

Freeman Farms is a real farm, and they grow their own pumpkins, as opposed to bringing them from other sources. You are welcome to wander through their pumpkin patch and choose the pumpkin that suits your fancy. Not only does Freeman Farms offer the typical variety of pumpkin, but many different kinds of specialty pumpkins, too. Ask about the variety that is supposed to be extra sweet, which they grew with molasses!

In addition to pumpkins, other locally grown produce and products is available for sale.

While at Freeman Farms, you can choose to go on a hay ride, meander through their Corn Maze, check out the Mammoth Donkeys and so much more. Of course there is plenty of food to purchase and enjoy. And, if you plan a bit in advance, you can call to arrange a half-hour horseback riding lesson - and, no, it's not just a pony ride!

Windmill Farms

Days Open: Every Saturday and Sunday in October
Time: 9 am - 5 pm
Address: 1460 West Road 4 North (MapQuest directions here)
Phone: 636.1700
Parking: Free
Admission: $2 per person includes Hayride, or $5 includes Hay Ride, Barrel Train, Petting Zoo and Jump House
Website: http://www.jcranchaz.com/windmillhouse_events.html

Windmill Farms provides a pile of pumpkins for visitors to choose from (starting at 50¢ a pound), a petting zoo, tractor-hayrides, and even a Jump House. The landscaping is gorgeous, just a perfect place for a family lunch. There are horseshoe pits and a volleyball net, too, in case you'd like to have a friendly challenge next to the lake. In addition, there is live music and several contests to enjoy, such as: Pie Eating, Pumpkin Painting, Hog Calling and a Volleyball Fishing Contest. (I did mention that the volleyball net is next to the lake, didn't I?)

It's a lovely place to visit, and during October, it's even more fun than ever.

Photo Gallery

Click on a thumbnail to see a larger photo.

TrackBack URI for this entry

Comments (0)

Subscribe to this comment's feed