The Best Pumpkin Patches Near Mississauga to Visit with Kids

Looking for ideas on the best pumpkin patches near Mississauga? You have definitely come to the right place!

I don’t know about you, but as soon as fall arrives, I immediately go into pumpkin mode. This means decorating the house and planning my fall meals and treats.

Yup, I am one of those pumpkin-spice-everything kinda people!

And because the kids are still young enough to enjoy pumpkin picking, a visit to one of the best pumpkin patches near Mississauga is inevitably scheduled for the family.

Now that October has arrived in Southern Ontario, sweater weather is here and the apple-picking season is coming to an end. It is now time to start planning a myriad of fall activities for the family.

For us, this means picking our own pumpkins, going for wagon rides, and maybe trying out the odd corn maze. It’s a little bittersweet that the kids are outgrowing the fall farm outings that once involved hay-bale jumping, petting zoos and costume days.

But the best part about living in the GTA, is that we have always had access to some of the best places to go pumpkin picking, as well as the best pumpkin patches to spend the day with the kids.

Fall Activities - Pumpkin Patch - Kid in wagon

Can You go Pumpkin Picking in Mississauga?

No, you can’t actually go pumpkin picking in Mississauga. This actually makes me sad, because I have some great memories of taking our oldest two kids to pumpkin patches that were mere blocks from our home!

Unfortunately, nowadays, the city of Mississauga is mostly urban, so there are very few areas of farmland still found within its borders. This means that you need to head just outside of the city to find the best pumpkin patches.

Where Can You go Pumpkin Picking Near Mississauga?

Fortunately, there are a ton of amazing pumpkin farms near Mississauga. Some of the pumpkin patches are even located just minutes outside of our city limits! We have decided to break down the best places to go pumpkin picking by city.

The Best Pumpkin Patches and Pumpkin Picking in the Caledon, Brampton and Orangeville Areas

One of the best places to go pumpkin picking near Mississauga is in Brampton. Brampton is home to several really nice farms that not only have pick-your-own pumpkins, but many offer other family-friendly activities as well.

🎃 Albion Orchards

Considered one of the top four orchards in Canada, Albion offers pick-your-own pumpkins on weekends and holidays only from 10 am until 4 pm.

Unfortunately, no dogs are allowed in the orchards.

Be sure to drop by the Albion Orchards Country Market for freshly baked pies, honey (harvested on-site), meat pies, jams and more, as well as a variety of handmade gift items and baskets. The market is open from Tuesday to Sunday.

Address: 14800 Innis Lake Road, Caledon, ON
Admission: Free
Website

🎃 Downey’s Farm

Located North of Brampton, Downey’s Farm has been welcoming visitors for over 25 years. And with a ton of family-friendly activities, you could plan to spend a whole day enjoying what this farm has to offer.

Downey’s has a large variety of specialty pumpkins, gourds, mini pumpkins, ornamental corn, straw bales, and corn stalks.

And although they do not offer a pick-your-own pumpkin patch, they do have their famous ‘Sea of Orange’ where you are sure to find the perfect pumpkin.

From September 23 to October 31, you will find PumpkinFest at Downey’s. This incredible festival includes a variety of fun fall activities like wagon rides, farm animals, live entertainment, an 8-acre corn maze and so much more!

In addition to the Farmyard Play Area, be sure to visit the farm store. From fresh baked goods (including pumpkin donuts!!!), Ontario Fruits & Vegetables, a large variety of jams and jellies, honey, maple syrup and preserves, giftware, fall decor and locally sourced products, you are sure to find something tempting.

The farm store is also home to Downey’s Estate Winery, which offers 20 different Fruit Wines and Hard Ciders.

Tickets for PumpkinFest must be purchased online ahead of time, as there will be NO tickets sold in person at the gate.

Downey’s Farm is open daily from 9:30 am until 5:00 pm. There are no dogs allowed on the farm.

Address: 13707 Heart Lake Road, Caledon, ON
Admission: Weekends $23.99 + H.S.T. and Weekdays $17.99 + H.S.T.
Website

🎃 Dixie Orchards

One of the best pumpkin patch farms near me is Dixie Orchards. Located in Caledon, the farm offers much more than apple picking. From a corn maze to straw jump, animals, a pumpkin patch and wagon rides, this popular farm is definitely worth visiting.

Dixie Orchards has a variety of pumpkins available including jack-o-lanterns, pie, and white, plus an assortment of gourds and squash. They even provide guests with wagons to help transport the pumpkins from the field to your vehicle.

Fall Activities - Pumpkin Patch - Pumpkins and wagon

Reservations are recommended especially if you are visiting on a weekend. Walk-ins will only be permitted if there is space.

Book your spot online before you go using the online reservation system. Payment for admission is made at the farm gate via debit or cash and cannot be pre-paid online.

Items that you pick are an additional fee beyond the admission fee. Dogs are not allowed in the apple orchards.

Be sure to stop by the porch market. There you will find ready-picked apples, hazelnuts, pumpkins for Halloween and seasonal produce.

You will also find baked goods and a wide variety of specialty items including jam, honey, maple syrup, candy apples, popcorn, pies, cookies, gelato and other seasonal snacks.

Gift items, candles, and other décor can also be found at the porch market. And just a last note, Dixie Orchards has some great props scattered around the farm that are perfect for photo opportunities!

Address: 14309 Dixie Road, Caledon, ON
Admission: Age 2 and older – $5.58 + tax
Website

🎃 Sweet Peas PumpkinFest

From September 23 to October 29 you can enjoy Pumpkinfest at Sweet Peas farm. From a 65′ Long Jumping Pumpkin Pillow, Barnyard Basketball, and tetherball to old favourites such as wagon rides, corn maze, kiddie zone, tree slide, petting zoo and much more, there is a ton of fun to be had at Sweet Peas.

Head to the farm on the weekends and you can even go for a Monster Truck Ride (additional cost). Pumpkins, corn stalks, and straw bales are available for purchase at the farm.

PumpkinFest is open on Saturday, Sunday and Thanksgiving Monday from 9:30 am to 5 pm. All weekend tickets must be purchased online. Weekday tickets can only be purchased at the gate (cash only).

Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed at Sweet Peas Farm.

Address: 333329 7 Line, Amaranth, ON
Admission: Age 2 and older – $10.00
Website

The Best Pumpkin Patches in Milton

Milton, Ontario is located just a few minutes west of Mississauga. This makes it quite easy for those living in or visiting the Streetsville or Meadowvale area to make the trip over.

🎃 Springridge Farm

Although Springridge Farm does not have a pick-your-own pumpkin patch, they do carry a huge selection of pumpkins in every size, shape and colour. They also have so much more to offer than just pumpkins!

Visit Springridge Farms for their Fun Farmyard. From antique tractors to climbers, play areas, tractor-drawn wagon rides, straw play, farm animals, and a 5-Acre Corn Trail, there are so many things for kids to do here.

Fall Activities - Farm - Corn Maze Entrance

Harvest Weekends run from September 12 – October 29 and include Thanksgiving Monday. The farm is open from 9 am to 5 pm daily.

There is no charge to visit the farm market, bakery and gift shop. Be sure to check out all their homemade pies, treats, and other take-home goodies in the market, as well as their soups and sandwiches, offered at the Front Porch Servery.

Address: 7256 Bell School Line, Milton, ON
Admission: Age 2 and older – $15.00 for Harvest Weekends, $9 on Weekdays
Website

The Best Pumpkin Patches in the Burlington, Hamilton and Waterdown Areas

Located approximately 30 minutes south of Mississauga, Burlington, Hamilton and Waterdown are just an easy drive away. And with some of the nicest farms located in these areas, it will definitely be worth the trip.

🎃 Lindley’s Farm and Market

Lindley’s Farm and Market is one of the best pumpkin patches near Mississauga where you can actually pick your own pumpkin. With over 50,000 pumpkins to choose from in their fields and at the market, you are guaranteed to find the perfect one (or three!) for your family.

Lindley’s pumpkin patch operates every weekend in October, as does their famous pumpkin barn. Pumpkin hayrides will begin on Sunday, October 1st.

Hayrides are available only on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. The cost is $13 per person and includes one field pumpkin of your choice.

Lindley’s Farm and Market also offer two unique experiences: a zip line and a super-fun slingshot. Please call the farm for details regarding these two activities.

The farm market is open from 9 am to 6 pm daily. There, you will find plenty of fresh and local produce.

Dogs on a leash are welcome at Lindley’s Farm and Market.

Address: 900 Fiddlers Green Rd, Ancaster, ON
Admission: Free
Website

🎃 Hutchinson Farm

Family-owned and operated, Hutchinson Farm is located in Burlington. Nestled between Mount Nemo and Rattlesnake Point, the farm is just a short scenic drive south of Mississauga.

Head over to the farm to grab your pumpkin, as well as a myriad of other fresh-from-the-farm fruits and vegetables.

Fall Activities - Pumpkin Patch - Pre-picked

This year, the farm is actually offering “off-peak” pumpkin pricing, in an effort to reduce the crowds during busy October weekend afternoons. Come to the farm on weekend mornings, or anytime during the week to save 15%.

Hutchinson Farm is open Tuesday to Friday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm and on weekends from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Address: 6202 Walkers Line, Burlington, ON
Admission: Free
Website

🎃 Dyment’s Glen Drummond Farm

Starting Sunday, October 1, 2023, the Pumpkin Patch at Dyment’s Glen Drummond Farm will be open for the season.

Whether you are just looking for that perfect pumpkin, or are wanting to spend a wonderful day in the country, they offer spectacular scenery, yummy foods and ‘farmtastic’ fun for the whole family.

Dyment’s Glen Drummond Farm not only offers the pumpkin patch for PYO, but you can also take a scenic wagon ride, visit the petting zoo, try your hand at the 9-hole mini putt, ride the trike track, or just enjoy a variety of fun photo ops scattered around the farm play areas.

Take a scenic wagon ride along the edge of the Niagara Escarpment to the pumpkin patch to pick the perfect pumpkin. We also offer a wide selection of unique farm-themed activities that the whole family will enjoy!

Before you leave, be sure to visit the bakery for a variety of homemade pies and treats, or the dairy bar for some Hewitt’s creations ice cream.

You can also pick up some of their meals to go. Choose from housemade lasagna, chicken pot pie, cabbage rolls, shepherd’s pie, cannelloni, mac ‘n cheese, chicken corn chowder soup, cauliflower and cheese soup, chilli, and so much more!

There are no pets or outside food permitted at the farm.

Address: 416 Fallsview Rd E, Dundas, ON
Admission: Age 2 and older – $16.00
Website

🎃 Hanes Pumpkin Patch

Hanes Pumpkin Patch offers families looking to pick their own pumpkin a pretty great deal. Starting in late September, you can grab one of their wagons and hit the pumpkin patch to pick your perfect Halloween Pumpkin. Regardless of size or shape, all pumpkins are just $5!

And once you are done finding the perfect pumpkin, be sure to hit the Hanes Corn Maze. Carved into 20 acres of 12′ tall walls of cornstalks, this human-size puzzle is a ton of fun.

Find checkpoints, solve the puzzle and spin the wheel to win a prize. The Maze is appropriate for all ages, but bring the kids to help!

Have a little farmer who can’t quite handle two hours in a maze? Or maybe you are in a bit of a time crunch? Check out the Farmland and Mini Mazes that are perfect for the younger crowd.

Reservations need to be made ahead of time online for the corn maze. Maze admission also includes admission into the Farmland and Mini Mazes.

And lastly, be sure to check out the Tiny Shop Bakery which has been baking Fresh Fruit Pies and Tarts on the Farm since 1985. These handmade, made-from-scratch pies have no additives or preservatives and use real fruit and a specialty flakey pastry.

Freshly baked or frozen to bake at home, these pies are absolutely delicious!

Address: 1001 Highway #5 West, Dundas, ON
Corn Maze Admission: Adults – $17, Youth – $14, Kids – $11
Website

When is the Best Time to go Pumpkin Picking in Ontario?

For the most part, late September to early October is prime pumpkin picking season. This is when most people begin to decorate their homes for the fall season and for Canadian Thanksgiving.

And the same pumpkins that are used to decorate for fall, usually end up as Jack-o’-lanterns for Halloween later in the month.

How Long is Pumpkin Picking Season in Ontario?

Pumpkin picking season in Ontario usually runs from early September until the end of October. You can expect to find a variety of shapes, sizes and even colours to choose from.

Fall Activities - Pumpkin Patch - Pumpkins

Pumpkin Picking FAQs

From what to wear to what to look for in the perfect pumpkin, find the answers to the most common pumpkin-picking questions.

What should I wear to go pumpkin picking?

The best thing to wear when going pumpkin picking with kids is comfortable clothes that can get dirty. Dress in layers, as fall weather can often be tricky with fluctuating temperatures.

Wearing long pants or jeans is recommended, as well as cozy shirts or sweaters, and closed shoes (no sandals). Boots might also be a good idea if you think the fields are going to be muddy.

Of course, if you plan to do some family photography while you are in the pumpkin patch, you may want to skip wearing orange. You don’t want to blend in with a pumpkin backdrop, after all!

What should I look for when picking a pumpkin?

A fresh pumpkin should be firm to the touch. Don’t choose pumpkins with soft spots or sunken areas, particularly where they have been sitting on the ground, as this means that they are already starting to decay.

The perfect pumpkins will have a firm, hard rind and are generally a rich orange in colour. And just like watermelons, the best pumpkins will have a deep, hollow sound when you tap them.

If you are unsure, hold the pumpkin with one hand and tap on its side with your other hand. If you hear an echoing, hollow sound, it means the pumpkin is good.

Fall Activities - Farm Market - Pumpkins

What kind of pumpkin is best for carving?

A field pumpkin is the best type of pumpkin for carving those awesome Halloween Jack-o’-lanterns. Field pumpkins have a very hard, dark green hooked stem, which you can use as a handle, and are often the types people grow at home.

Fun Fact: The stem of a pumpkin is called a Peduncle. I learned that from a 4-year-old Mr. Bump, who became upset when he noticed that his pumpkin was missing its stem! Ha!

Technically speaking, any type of pumpkin, gourd or squash can be carved. But whether you’re picking them out at a farm or at the grocery store, make sure that your pumpkin is firm and free of decay.

Of course, you also want to select pumpkins that are easy for you and your kids to handle. Our family would choose the larger pumpkins for us parents, and each kid would then be allowed to choose their own smaller pumpkin.

How long does an uncarved pumpkin last?

Uncarved pumpkins can last two to three months if kept out of the hot sun or freezing temperatures. This is great news for people who use the pumpkins first as fall home decor and then transition them to Halloween displays.

Just keep in mind, carved pumpkins may last only a few days. This means you need to time your pumpkin carving carefully if you want to display them on Halloween.

How long does an uncarved pumpkin last if kept indoors?

With the proper care, pumpkins which have not been carved or cut can last two to three months indoors. Just keep in mind, that pumpkins kept indoors will fare the best in dry, cool places.

What is a ghost pumpkin?

More and more, white pumpkins, or ‘ghost pumpkins,’ are becoming all the rage. Officially known as a Crown Prince pumpkin, this variety does not have the bright orange colour we are used to seeing, but you can carve them just the same.

Final Thoughts on the Best Pumpkin Patches Near Mississauga to Visit with Kids

With so many incredible pumpkin patches near Mississauga to visit with kids, you definitely have plenty of options. Whether you are looking to pick-your-own pumpkins, grab some freshly baked treats, or just spend a lovely fall day at the farm with family, you are sure to find the perfect place.

Which are your favourite pumpkin patches near Mississauga? Have we missed a hidden gem that you love to visit?