By: Mae Cox, Calera, AL
When the breeze starts to carry a little chill, you can hear the distant cheers from football games, and the trees put on a stunning show with their fiery colors. It’s a beautiful reminder that change can be truly enchanting. Plus, even though we have to say goodbye to beach days and the sound of the school bell ringing, the fun doesn’t have to stop! In Shelby County, there’s a wealth of exciting fall activities waiting for you. And right at the top of that must-visit list are our incredibly welcoming pumpkin patches – they’re an absolute must for families! Dive into what Shelby County has in store, as we uncover the patchy-perfect wonders and the enriching experiences waiting for the community.
Pumpkin Patches In Shelby County
You’ll discover a variety of pumpkin patches, each offering much more than your typical pick-a-pumpkin experience. While many might think of pumpkin patches as primarily for kids, here, you’ll find something for everyone, making our pumpkin playgrounds truly exceptional and enjoyable for all ages.
Old Baker Farm
The Pumpkin Patch at Old Baker Farm opens on September 30th and continues through October 31st. It is open weekdays and weekends, which provides more opportunities to get out there and pick your own pumpkin! Check out the special events online — some weekends will have square dancers, live-action shootouts, bluegrass bands, and more. Each weekend is a different theme to celebrate. The 4th full weekend is Festival Weekend and will have a vendors market, 1800s-inspired carnival, and live music.
Helena Hollow Farm
The Patch at Helena Hollow Farm is hosting its grand reopening on October 1st. The Patch is a 40-acre farm open Friday through Sunday, and tickets can be purchased in advance online. The hayride and picking a pumpkin are an additional charge and can be purchased on-site. Helena Hollow offers over 20 fun attractions including the corn barn, giant pipe slides, a hay bale run, and more. Whether you buy a pumpkin or not, families will still enjoy the free tractor ride out to the patch.
Heart Of Dixie Railroad Pumpkin Junction
Pumpkin Junction is hailed as an “old-fashioned family fun” event. Plan a visit during the first three weekends in October. Train departure times and tickets vary, so check out their website for specific details. We recommend purchasing tickets for the date and time you want in advance through their website. This is more than just a train ride, though. Enjoy free family-friendly activities, games, and seasonal crafts at the station. Find your way through the pallet maze, and finish the day off with a treat from available food trucks. Pumpkin Junction is also a good pumpkin patch alternative for those with sensory needs. You can expect to spend at least 75 minutes, so plan accordingly.
Fall Activities in Shelby County
Besides all the pumpkin patch fun, there’s a whole bunch of awesome stuff to do right here in Shelby County this fall. We’ve put together a list of our absolute fall favorites, including where to find the most delicious seasonal treats that’ll tickle your taste buds!
And hey, when you’re wandering through those pumpkin patches, make sure to pack your camera! Those patches make for the perfect backdrop for those Instagram-worthy snapshots. So, grab your favorite pumpkin, strike a pose, and let those memories stick around for a lifetime!
More Fun In Shelby County
This season is about so much more than just pumpkins – it’s about fall festivals, the thrill of trick-or-treating, heartwarming community potlucks, the excitement of Friday night lights, and a whole lot more. Whether you’re a proud Alabamian or a wanderer with a pumpkin passion, Shelby County is ready to welcome you with open arms and fields bursting with the beauty of autumn. Ready to squash your fall bucket list? Discover more fun things for you and your family to do with Discover Shelby!