Billing itself as “the most family-friendly free pumpkin patch in the Twin Cities,” Barten Pumpkins talks a big game. Wagons are available at no cost, making it easy to haul pumpkins or tired kids across the grounds. Wander among the vast field of pumpkins, photograph a few picturesque fall moments and enjoy a leisurely afternoon on the farm.

Since opening in 2003, Dehn's Pumpkins has attracted families who adhere to the belief that you can’t have too much of a good thing. Although Dehn's is a true family farm, it still manages to feature practically every fall activity you can imagine, from tried-and-true staples like pick-your-own-pumpkins, hay rides and a 5-acre corn maze to more off-the-beaten-patch activities like a gourd slinger, giant slide and Saturday wine tastings.

Sprawling across 155 rolling acres of land — including 10 acres of pumpkins, an 80-acre wetland and nearly 10,000 apple trees — LuceLine Orchard is practically a small town unto itself. Kids will love unique activities like Hay Mountain, the Children of the Corn Tent and the apple launcher. Meanwhile, kids-at-heart will love walking or running through the lush wetland trails or enjoying a beverage at The Dog House Pub. Leashed dogs are welcome, so bring Rover along to help sniff out the perfect pumpkin.

During the fall season, Nelson Farm can guarantee two things will always drop from the sky: leaves and — thanks to the Pumpkin Chucker Flinger Thinger — pumpkins. A full-scale, working trebuchet, the Pumpkin Chucker’s 20-foot arm and 1,000-pound counterweight easily flings pumpkins through the air and into the Nelson Farm lake, drawing cheers and shrieks of glee from kids and adults alike. Other experiences at the massive Nelson Farm pumpkin patch include the daily Agricultural Olympics, disc golf, mega corn maze, Pumpkin 500 tricycle race and scarecrow-making contests.

Peaceful Pines is a family focused pumpkin patch located just a few miles from downtown Pine City, offering pick-your-own pumpkins, complimentary bounce houses, a corn pit and even a kid-sized corn maze! Plan your trip during the Fall Fun Festival for special activities like free face painting, apple and honey tasting, and kid-friendly games.

Named for its original 1868 homesteaders, Randolph and Catherine Probstfield, this farm is both a historical site honoring their legacies and a shining modern example of sustainable agriculture and community gardening. Celebrate the fall harvest on Probstfield Farm with pick-your-own pumpkins, wagon rides, farm activities, live music and even some Civil War reenactors.

As you explore Waldoch Farm, don’t be alarmed if you hear a faint BOOM in the distance. That’s just the corn cannon. Found among the many wonders of Waldoch’s massive maze area, the corn cannon is just one of many fun activities, including pedal-powered go-karts (for kids and adults), Grandpa’s Grain Train, face painting, an obstacle course, playhouses, tug-o-war and, of course, the corn maze. If you manage to tear yourself away from the maze, Waldoch offers pick-your-own and pre-picked pumpkins, too.