New England in the fall is such a special time and experience. After a long, hot summer, it is the perfect time for chilly autumn activities and festive food. Whether it's apple picking, corn mazes, pumpkin spice lattes, apple cider donuts, and especially pumpkin picking, you are bound to have an amazing time with family and friends! We have compiled a list of 5 of the best pumpkin patches within an hour of the city.
Hanson’s Farm - Nixon Road, Framingham
For a “pick your own” pumpkin experience, check out the historic Hanson’s Farm. This farm is a family farm and has been in the Hanson family for generations. To get their visitors in the fall festive spirit, the farm offers hay rides every weekend throughout the month of October. Also from now until November, the corn maze is open to all of the farm’s visitors.
Dowse Orchards - 98 North Main Street, Sherborn
Not only does the Dowse Farms offer pumpkins, it also supplies hay bales, garden mums, and corn stalks for visitors to use for their own fall decorations. Be ready to take loads of photos, the views from the orchards themselves are very picturesque! They also have a food stand a little outside of the farm that serves cider, made from an in-house cider mill, and other local and in-season produce.
Boston Hill Farm - 1370 Turnpike Street, North Andover
When visiting this farm, guests are given a red wagon to transport their picked pumpkins throughout the farm. Not only do they have pumpkin patches, but also a small petting zoo for children. To make your fall day even more perfect, indulge in one of their delicious apple cider donuts. The farm is also dog-friendly, so you can enjoy your fall afternoon with your furry friend!
Tougas Family Farm - 234 Ball Street, Northborough
For a fall day of family fun, be sure to head over to Tougas Family Farm! Younger children will definitely not grow bored, they will be entertained by the farm’s playground and barnyard. After a long day of pumpkin picking, grab a bite to eat at the farm’s kitchen. The chefs use the farm’s own fruit to make desserts like delicious apple and peach cobblers. They also offer heartier lunch items including hot dogs and turkey sandwiches.
Shelburne Farm - 106 W Acton Road, Stow
This farm offers many kid-friendly activities, including hayrides, weekend concerts, and a retired John Deere tractor that forms the centerpiece of the playground. Rain or shine, you can count on this farm to provide an amazing fall day. You won’t even need a reservation! When visiting, be sure to grab an apple cider donut!