No fall season is complete without pumpkin picking. Whether you like painting a face on your pumpkin(s), or spending the afternoon carving out a spooky or silly design, a pumpkin is the autumn staple of every household. Why buy one from the bin at the grocery when you can make a fun family day of it? We’ve rounded up the best farms around Charlotte to pick your own pumpkins this year:
Hunter Farm
13624 Providence Rd, Weddington, NC 28104
You don’t have to go far for the full farm experience. Hunter Farm in Weddington is perfect for those excited first time pumpkin pickers. Built in 1868 and run by the Hunter family for 5 generations, the farm is open to the public for you-pick pumpkins in 2016 from September 27th to November 16th. A small admission fee includes a hayride, visit to the petting barn and a small pumpkin from the patch.
Patterson Farm
10390 Caldwell Road Mount Ulla, NC 28125
Patterson Farm offers pumpkin patch tours Monday through Friday starting October 4th until November 4th. The rides are designed for preschool and 2nd grade and include: Pumpkin Patch Theatre, hands on seasonal activity, The Barnyard, a small pumpkin and more hands on activities.
Carrigan Farms
1261 Oak Ridge Farm Hwy, Mooresville, NC 28115
Looking for the authentic pumpkin patch experience? Look no farther than Carrigan Farms. Conducted every October since 1975, the tractor-drawn pumpkin patch hayrides might be old fashioned, but they’re the real deal.
Hodges Farm
3900 Rocky River Rd, Charlotte, NC 28215
Hodges Farm is another close by option for the full fall experience. Start off by challenging family members to a race through their hay maze, then wander through the barn area. On weekends, join in on a hay ride or pony ride before picking your own pumpkin. Pumpkin picking is from the September 24- October 31. Pick your own pumpkins start and $5, and may go up depending on size. Educational and guided tours are given a pumpkin patch information sheet, and families can participate in free self-guided tours through the farm.
Hall Family Farm
10713 Providence Rd W, Charlotte, NC 28277
Fall season on the farm features a 5 acre corn maze, pumpkin picking, musical hay ride, kids activities, school tours, group tours, birthday parties, and refreshments available in the sales tent. There is no admission charge
Riverbend Farm
12150 McManus Rd, Midland, NC 28107
As fall approaches, Riverbend Farm will begin its 24th year in the pumpkin business. Guests on the weekends will discover one major change and two new attractions: the location of the wagon ride to and from the pumpkin fields and Heritage turkeys and the 10 foot Holstein Cow has soome questions to ask you.
Wise Acres Organic FarmÂ
4701 Hartis Rd, Indian Trail, NC 28079
Wise Acres is a family owned u-pick organic strawberry and pumpkin farm in Indian Trail, NC  just outside of Charlotte.  They are a USDA Certified Organic farm and grow the very best berries using only natural methods to ensure the healthiest and most delicious produce for family, friends and the environment.
Red Wolf Farm
4137 Providence Mill Road, Maiden, NC 28650
Red Wolf Farm is located in the beautiful foothills of Maiden, North Carolina.  They are located on 54 historic acres of rolling hills and forest with a large creek winding through. They offer educational field trips and a fall Pumpkin Patch. Red Wolf Farm is open October 8, 9, 15, 16, 22 and the 23. Saturday hours are from 10am until 5pm, and Sunday hours are from 11am until 5pm. Premium activities on the farm include a horse back ride, slides and big red ball “wipeout” challenge.
