Rochester’s pumpkin-picking season begins in mid-September and coincides with the beginning of fall. And while the quest begins to find the perfect jack-o’-lantern for Halloween, activities offered at local farms go well beyond pumpkins.
Several Rochester-area farms offer a full day’s worth of outdoor activities, food, and entertainment. From bumpy wagon rides and challenging corn mazes to savoring the sweetness of fresh apple cider and donuts, there’s no end to the farm-themed fun awaiting you.
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Pumpkin-Themed Activities in Monroe County
Powers Farm Market
Pittsford
September 1-October 31, 2023
open daily, and Thursday–Saturday nights
From their website:
If you’ve never experienced Powers Farm in the Fall, you’re in for a real treat! Autumn is our most popular season and the time when we feature our most popular selection of seasonal pies, fresh-baked breads and pastries, fried cakes, hand-dipped candied apples, and all things pumpkin! There’s fresh-cut firewood for the home and mums in bloom, corn stalks, straw bales, fall wreaths, and other decorative arrangements. Treat yourself to New York State apples and winter squash, or participate in our Halloween Hayrides and spooky teepee tours.
Powers Famous Teepees
Visit the spooky darkness filled with jack-o’-lanterns, giggling ghosts, clever bats, and mystical Halloween surprises—fun for all ages! Available mid-September—October 31.
Halloween Hayrides
Our Halloween-themed hayrides are a seasonal favorite, with special effects and spooky surprises. You’ll encounter ghosts, witches, skeletons, graveyards, and more. Although we consider these rides family-friendly, discretion is advised for children.
Stokoe Farms
Scottsville
September 16–October 22, 2023
weekends only
From their website:
Since 1812, the Stokoe family has been cultivating a sustainable and regenerative farming heritage. We are dedicated to sharing our traditions with you. Stokoe Farms Pumpkin Patch & Harvest Fest strives to offer unique and wholesome family entertainment.
With 35+ Activities, Hayrides, Pumpkins, the area’s Largest Petting Zoo, The Canine Spectacular, and Special Events, a day at the farm is a matchless experience! Check our Calendar of Events for times, dates, and pricing.
Whether you bring your family, friends, or large groups, your day will be unlike any other. Be sure to check out our made-on-the-farm apple cider donuts, kettle corn, and homemade fudge with real, local butter.
Stop by ‘The Old Barn Grill’ or our Lemonade Wagon for a snack! Plan on spending the day, and be sure to stay for our Candy Cannon Candy Launch at 4:30 p.m. Head out to the pumpkin patch and pick your perfect pumpkin.
Wickham Farms
Penfield
August 10–October 31, 2023
open daily except Wednesdays
From their website:
Farm fresh fun & food is endless here! Enjoy 30+ attractions and delicious food to keep families and friends of any age smiling all day! From our Famous Shake-Ups and homemade donuts to fresh items off the grill, we’ve got all your favorite eats when you visit the farm.
Pumpkin-Themed Activities in Greater Rochester
Long Acre Farms
Macedon
September 16–October 29, 2023
From their website:
The farm is open seven days a week during the fall season. However, activities vary on weekdays vs. weekends. The corn maze is NOT open during the week.
It is always free to visit our farm! The Farm Market & Sweet Cone Shop are open daily. We have many activities directly located behind the Market that are free of charge. An Amish-made pirate ship, train, and monster truck provide an excellent setting for children to climb, slide, explore, and play with imagination. There are two red tractors, a kids’ play house, and giant tires among additional attractions, all perfect for exploring. There is an assortment of chairs, tables, picnic tables, and shade to relax and enjoy an ice-cream treat.
The Amazing Maize Maze at Long Acre Farms is New York’s longest-running corn maze. Our maze is more than just a walk through a cornfield. The 5-acre logic maze will get you lost, test your map reading skills, and provide full entertainment. Not haunted! We have a number of staff available for clues and to help you get out when needed. The average time is 60 minutes.
Pumpkin Farm Markets
Monroe County
- Bauman’s Farm Market Webster
- Blodgett Family Farm Hilton
- Cobble Creek Farm Spencerport
- Ford Farm Chili
- McCracken Farms Brockport
- Powers Farm Market Pittsford
- Stokoe Farms Scottsville
- Whittier Fruit Farm North Chili
- Wickham Penfield
- Wood Acres Penfield
Greater Rochester Area
- Burnap’s Farm Market Sodus
- G & S Orchards Walworth
- Long Acre Farms Macedon
- Morgan’s Farm Market Marion
- Shortsville Reindeer Farm Shortsville
More Halloween Events and Displays
Halloween at the Rochester Public Market
Rochester Public Market
October 29, 2023 from 4:30-7:00 pm
From their website:
The City of Rochester Public Market is pleased to offer Halloween at the Market on the Sunday before Halloween each year for children and families. Visitors to Halloween at the Market will find vendor sheds filled with community organizations with trick-or-treating opportunities (wear your costume!), interactive activities, performances, live entertainment, spooky arts and crafts, and much more!
Halloween on Ambush
15 Ambush Lane, Churchville
Avast, me hearties! Look for the 2023 showtime schedule to be nailed down closer to early October. For now, mark your calendar for the two weekends before Halloween when this year’s grand event sets sail with a mighty pirate ship docked at 15 Ambush Lane in Churchville. There’ll be a fine tune of music, dazzling lights, and mystical special effects to bewitch ye.
Halloween on Ambush needs your help to support The Dream Factory of Rochester. This local volunteer organization makes dreams come true for children diagnosed with critical or chronic illnesses. To donate or become an event sponsor for Halloween on Ambush 2023, please visit halloweenonambush.com this very day, ye savvy?
The Skeleton Army
4017 County Road 4, Canandaigua
Head out to Hopewell near Canandaigua for this amazing Halloween display. Over 200 skeletons (humans, horses, dinosaurs, and dogs) are marching on the home, which is heavily defended by trees—think of the Ents from Lord of the Rings.
Haunted House on CR-4 on Facebook
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What are your favorite pumpkin-themed activities?
Your insights and experiences are valuable. Please share them in the comments.
People often ask me if I get free access to places while exploring. The answer is no unless I’m invited to previews or granted behind-the-scenes access as part of my media role. Generally, I don’t mention my project, Day Trips Around Rochester, NY, because I want the same experience you would have. I create and share content simply because it brings me joy. I would appreciate your support—a cup of coffee or two to help fuel future field trips—if you have found valuable information here that has helped you explore the Rochester area.
What about specifically listing places that do haunted hay rides and another list for corn mazes?
Corn mazes are offered at Wickham, Stokes, and and Long Acre. You may also enjoy our guide to paranormal activities, which is where I opted to include haunted hayrides: https://daytrippingroc.com/paranormal-activities/
Are there any non commercialized side of the road pumpkin patches anyone can recommend?
I have a yard display that everyone can see now and we are also doing a haunted house on Halloween with LOTS of candy open to the public 225 ridgecrest rd 14626
Fun, Erin! Thanks for sharing!