TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) – Halloween doesn’t always need to be spooky and many here in the Tampa Bay area just enjoy the thought of autumn, even though temperatures may still be warm.
For Florida “transplants” from around the country, fall favorites like pumpkin patches, hayrides and corn mazes are a staple this time of year. Thankfully, our area is home to fall events throughout many counties, just be sure to check the opening dates and times of each location!
The list below is not in any particular order. Don’t see your favorite on this list? Let us know where to grab the perfect pumpkin or hop on a hayride by emailing online@wfla.com.
1. Raprager Family Farms
Location: 16907 Boy Scout Rd, Odessa
The 2021 fall pumpkin festival and haunted farm event has kicked off on Boy Scout Road in Odessa.
The farm’s website says that traditional pumpkins, specialty pumpkins and those good for baking are available.
“You’ll find jack-o-lanterns, warty goblins… mixed gourds, and much more. Ranging from $3 to $20,” it says.
The location also offers hayrides, a corn pit, a kids’ mini crop maze and much more.
A kids’ blow-up “haunted maze” will open in October.
Adults can wander through a haunted barn after 5 p.m.
“Come find out about Farmer Willoughby’s horrible exploits and murderous hobbies. The country is scary enough after dark… it’s terrifying during Halloween!” the website says.
2. 10th Annual Fox Squirrel Corn Maze
Location: 3002 Charlie Taylor Rd N, Plant City
This corn maze will be open on weekends Oct. 9 through Oct. 24 from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.
Admission is $11 for adults and $10 for ages 3-17 and includes unlimited access to the maze, a hayride, games and more, according to Futch Entertainment’s website.
Food, treats and wares from local vendors will be available for purchase as well.
3. Harvest Holler Corn Maze
Location: 950 Tavares Rd, Polk City
“The Holler” corn maze is an attraction in Polk County, and you can also find a cow trail barrel ride, “Hop on the Hay” wagon ride to see animals, corn tubs, a pumpkin patch and much more here. The season is open weekends now through Nov. 14.
“Harvest Holler is a place where you can explore nature, have adventures outside and unplugged. Relax and enjoy the slow-paced farm life: Sit on a hay bale, drink some true southern sweet tea or lemonade and relish the time with your family,” the Harvest Holler Corn Maze website says.
4. Sweetfields Farms
Location: 17250 Benes Roush Rd., Masaryktown
Sweetfield Farms, located in Hernando County, is hosting its fall maze, cut in the depiction of a rooster on a weather vane for guests to navigate through.
Vendors selling kettle corn, popsicles, pizza, wine, barbeque and more will be on hand, depending on the date. Face painting and fresh-pressed cider will be available on all dates.
The event will conclude the weekend of Nov. 6-7.
5. Gallagher’s Pumpkins & Christmas Trees
Location: 7401 4th St. North, St. Petersburg
This location in St. Petersburg is now open daily, every day of the week from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and is also dog friendly.
Those looking to use the location for photoshoots will need to request approval in advance.
6. Hunsader Farms
Location: 5500 C.R. 675 Bradenton
The 30th annual pumpkin festival at Hunsader Farms will open on Oct. 16. Every day of the festival consists of a craft show, live music and shows, pumpkin games for kids, hayrides and pony rides, a corn maze, scarecrow displays and much more.
7. Fruitville Grove Farm
Location: 7410 Fruitville Rd., Sarasota
The 2021 pumpkin fest will take place on weekends beginning Oct. 2. from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.
Admission, access to the petting zoo, playground, live music, a circus show, photo stops and costume contests are free. Rides and activities have set prices, ranging from $1 to $10.
Other festival activities include an “enchanted unicorn encounter,” a butterfly garden, horse-drawn carriage rides, a hug-a-goat experience, a petting zoo and more.
8. Dave’s Christmas Tree Lot
Location: 106 E. Lumsden Avenue, Brandon
The fall harvest fun event opens on Oct. 1 in Brandon.
“Fall fun is our specialty… [we] host fall fun with pumpkins of all sizes, gourds, highly stacked hay bales and more!” their website says.
9. Hyde Park Village Pumpkin Patch
Location: 742 South Village Circle, Tampa
Hyde Park Village’s pumpkin park will return through the end of the month to benefit the Humane Society of Tampa Bay.
For every photo taken tagging Hyde Park Village on Instagram at the pumpkin patch, $1 will be donated to the Humane Society, up to $1,000.
10. Seminole Heights Great Pumpkin Patch
Location: 6111 N Central Ave, Tampa
The Hampton Terrace Community Association and Seminole Heights UMC will open their pumpkin patch on Oct. 10 at 10 a.m. The patch will be open Wednesdays through Sundays.
11. Sheriff Chad Chronister’s Drive-Thru Pumpkin Patch
Location: 2008 E. 8th Ave, Tampa
Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister is hosting a drive-thru pumpkin patch event on Oct. 23 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., free of charge. Deputies will be handing out pumpkins and goodie bags to kids through vehicle windows.
12. South Tampa Fall Festival
Location: 5101 Bayshore Blvd, Tampa
Admission to this event on Oct. 30 includes a pumpkin patch, a bounce house, farm animals, a photo booth, live music and local artists and vendors.
Other activities for an added price include a dunk tank, other games, a daytime hayride for kids and a haunted hayride in the evening.
13. Family-Friendly Halloween Events in Hillsborough County
Location: Across Hillsborough County
Hillsborough County has released a list of family-friendly events hosted by Parks & Recreation throughout October.
“From family-friendly Halloween movies in the park and costume contests to Halloween skate jams and a Halloween dance for adults with disabilities, Parks & Recreation has something to offer everyone,” the event website says.
Events include a “Halloween Ball for All” at the Brandon Park & Recreation Center, Halloween skate jams where folks are encouraged to “grab their board” and compete in a best trick contest, “coffin race” and best costume contest and more.
14. May-Stringer Haunted House Tours & Ghost Fest
Location: 601 Museum Ct, Brooksville
The Hernando Historical Museum Association offers year-round tours of the supposedly haunted house.
May-String Ghost Tours offers guests the chance to “experience the spirits that still linger throughout the home.”
Ghost fest occurs on Oct. 22-23 and 29-30. Oct. 30 will be a day-long event with vendors, food, kids crafts and more.
15. Pumpkin Patch Express at the Florida Railroad Museum
Location: 12210 83rd St E, Parrish
The “Pumpkin Patch Express” departs the station for a trip to the museum’s pumpkin patch. With a ticket, hay rides, arts and crafts, Lincoln log building and more will be available. Kids are invited to pick a pumpkin to take home.
Food and drinks will be available for purchase on the train and while at the pumpkin patch.
