There is nothing quite like October in Mid-Missouri. Between the crisp air and the endless debate over who has the best cider donuts, it’s prime time to get outside with the family. If you’re mapping out your weekend plans, here are the local pumpkin patches near Columbia that are actually worth the drive. Be sure to add them to your fall bucket list!
Pumpkin Patches in Columbia, MO and Nearby
There is a lot of construction happening over the fall months, so sticking close helps to avoid some of that lengthy travel and stop and go traffic.
Four Oaks Farm – Columbia, MO
Address: 11805 E. Judy School Road, Columbia, MO 65202
Four Oaks Farm is a fourth-generation family farm offering pumpkin picking, outdoor activities, and hands-on farm fun. It’s a great option for families who want more than a quick stop to purchase pumpkins.
Fun activities at Four Oaks Farm include:
- Giant corn pit
- Farm animals and goat playground
- Zip line and slides
- Trike track
- Duck races
- Farm bowling and yard games
- U-pick sunflowers when available
- Seasonal hayrides and cow train rides
$10 admission per person, with sunflower picking and certain rides available for a separate cost. Because activities and hours may change throughout the season, check its Facebook page before visiting.
Best for: Families with younger children, outdoor play, fall pictures, and a variety of farm activities.
Phone: (573) 808-3310
More information: Four Oaks Farm on Facebook
Shryock’s Callaway Farms – Columbia, MO
Address: 2927 County Road 253, Columbia, MO 65202
Shryock’s Callaway Farms is one of the area’s best-known fall destinations, especially for families who love a good corn maze. Its large, themed maze has become a seasonal tradition for many Mid-Missouri residents.
Activities at Shryock’s include:
- Large themed corn maze
- Jumping pillow
- Fun Barn activities
- Barnyard activities
- Three-story gumball coaster
- Pumpkins for purchase
- Reserved campfires
- Seasonal concessions
2026 season: September 18–November 1
Hours: (always verify before heading because sometimes group bookings occur and can alter the times they’re open, etc.)
- Friday: Noon–9 p.m.
- Saturday: Noon–9 p.m.
- Sunday: Noon–6 p.m.
Admission: $13 for adults, $11 for children ages 5–12, and free for children 4 and younger. Pumpkins, concessions, and reserved campfires cost extra.
Best for: Corn maze lovers, families with school-age children, group outings, and fall evening activities.
Phone: (573) 592-0191
Website: callawayfarms.com
Lloyd’s Family Farm – Ashland, MO
Address: 7015 E. Route Y, Ashland, MO 65010
Located in nearby Ashland, this family farm turns pumpkin season into a full fall festival with outdoor attractions, games, and plenty of room to explore.
Fall activities at Lloyd’s Family Farm include:
- Pumpkin patch
- Corn maze
- Hayrides
- Jumping pillows
- Farm animals
- Giant slides
- Corn pits
- Pedal karts
- Seasonal photo opportunities
2026 season: September 26–October 25 on weekends, plus October 31.
Hours: Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. October 31 hours are 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Admission: $12 online or $14 at the farm for ages 3 and older. Children 2 and younger are free. Online processing fees may apply, and pumpkins are purchased separately.
Best for: Families with active kids, a full afternoon of fall fun, hayrides, and pumpkin patch pictures.
Phone: (573) 356-1809
Website: lloydsfamilyfarm.com
Strawberry Hill Farms – Columbia, MO
Address: 3770 E. Highway 163, Columbia, MO
Not every fall outing has to involve a corn maze or admission ticket. Sometimes you just want to find the perfect pumpkin, grab a few mums, and decorate the front porch.
What to look for:
- Pumpkins for carving and decorating
- Decorative gourds
- Fall mums
- Seasonal plants and flowers
Best for: Pumpkin shopping, fall porch decorations, and a quick seasonal outing without leaving Columbia.
Check current inventory and business hours before visiting.
More Pumpkin Patches Worth the Drive From Columbia, MO
If you don’t mind heading a little farther from Columbia, these Mid-Missouri farms offer even more pumpkin-picking, apple orchard visits, and family-friendly fall adventures.
The Peach Tree Farm – Boonville, MO
Address: 24863 Highway 98, Boonville, MO 65233
The Peach Tree Farm is a popular fall destination near Boonville, offering a family-friendly pumpkin patch experience with hayrides, farm animals, and seasonal photo opportunities.
Fall activities include:
- Pumpkin patch
- Hayrides
- Farm animals
- Animal feeding
- Seasonal photo opportunities
- Outdoor farm activities
2026 season: September 21–November 1
Hours:
- Monday–Saturday: 10 a.m.–6:30 p.m. or dark
- Sunday: 1–6 p.m.
Admission: $10 per person. Children under 2 are free. Admission includes a hayride, animal feed, and access to the farm’s activities.
Weekday group rates are available for groups of 12 or more with advance registration.
Best for: Families with younger kids, animal lovers, hayrides, and a relaxed fall day trip.
Phone: (660) 882-8009
Website: thepeachtreefarm.com
Fischer Farms Pumpkin Patch – Jefferson City, MO
Address: 1905 Mokane Road, Jefferson City, MO 65101
Fischer Farms Pumpkin Patch is another Mid-Missouri option for families planning a fall outing outside Columbia.
What to look for:
- Seasonal pumpkins
- Fall mums
- Pumpkin patch visits
- Seasonal farm activities, depending on the event schedule
Best for: Pumpkin shopping, fall decorations, and families exploring the Jefferson City area.
Phone: (573) 636-0450
Admission: $10
Seasonal hours, and specific 2026 activities should be confirmed directly with the farm before visiting.
Hickory Ridge Orchard – Mexico, MO
Address: 24688 Audrain Road 820, Mexico, MO 65265
This Mid-Missouri destination offers pumpkins, gourds, mums, and seasonal produce alongside a variety of outdoor attractions. It’s also a fun place to shop for fall treats, including apple cider donuts and caramel apples.
Fall activities include:
- Pumpkin patch
- Apple orchard
- Corn maze
- Hayrides
- Petting zoo
- Fish feeding
- Jumping pillow
- Children’s train ride
- Corn cannon
- Nature trail and playground
- Farm store and seasonal treats
2026 hours:
- Wednesday–Friday: Noon–6 p.m. (W/Th have limited attractions)
- Saturday–Sunday: 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
- Closed Monday and Tuesday
Admission: General farm entry and parking are free. Individual attractions require tickets, or visitors can purchase a $12 single-day activity wristband on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. The corn cannon costs extra.
U-pick pumpkins and apples are available when crop conditions allow. Pre-picked options are also sold.
Best for: Families who want both apple and pumpkin activities, fall treats, farm animals, and a variety of attractions.
Phone: (573) 975-1190
Website: hickoryridgeorchards.com
Which Columbia-Area Pumpkin Patch Should You Visit?
For the biggest corn maze experience: Shryock’s Callaway Farms is a strong choice, especially for older kids and adults who enjoy working their way through a larger maze.
For families with active younger children: Four Oaks Farm and Lloyd’s Family Farm offer a variety of outdoor attractions beyond pumpkin picking.
For hayrides and farm animals: Lloyd’s Family Farm and The Peach Tree Farm both offer traditional fall farm experiences.
For apples and pumpkins in one trip: Hickory Ridge Orchard combines an apple orchard with seasonal pumpkin shopping and family activities.
For a quick pumpkin-shopping trip in Columbia: Strawberry Hill Farms is a convenient option for pumpkins, mums, and fall decorations, but without any extra activities.
For an inexpensive visit: Hickory Ridge Orchard offers free general entry and parking, allowing visitors to choose which paid activities they want to enjoy. Keep in mind that pumpkin purchases and additional attractions cost extra.
Tips for Visiting Pumpkin Patches in Mid-Missouri
Pumpkin patch season is one of the best times to get outside in Columbia, but a little planning can make your visit easier.
Check the weather before leaving. Many attractions are outdoors, and rain can affect operating hours, field conditions, and available activities.
Wear comfortable shoes. Pumpkin fields, corn mazes, and farm playgrounds can be dusty, muddy, or uneven. Closed-toe shoes are usually a good choice.
Double-check admission prices. Some farms include most activities in one admission price, while others charge separately for rides, attractions, or pumpkins.
Bring extra money for pumpkins and treats. Even when admission includes several activities, pumpkins, snacks, and certain attractions may cost extra.
Plan around your children’s ages. Younger kids may enjoy farm animals, hayrides, and simple play areas, while older children may prefer large corn mazes and more active attractions.
Check each farm’s social media before visiting. Hours, special events, crop availability, and weather-related closures can change throughout the fall season.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pumpkin Patches Near Columbia, MO
Planning a fall outing in Mid-Missouri? If you’re looking for a free pumpkin patch, somewhere to take toddlers, or a fun fall date idea, these FAQs can help you choose the best place to visit.
Are There Any Free Pumpkin Patches Near Columbia, MO?
Hickory Ridge Orchard in Mexico, MO, is a good option for families looking to enjoy fall activities on a budget. General admission and parking are free, although attractions, pumpkins, and certain activities cost extra.
Strawberry Hill Farms in Columbia is another option if you’re mainly interested in looking at pumpkins, mums, and fall decorations rather than paying admission for a full afternoon of activities.
Keep in mind that most larger pumpkin patches charge admission because they offer corn mazes, hayrides, playgrounds, and other attractions.
Which Pumpkin Patches Near Columbia, MO Have Corn Mazes?
Shryock’s Callaway Farms, Lloyd’s Family Farm, and Hickory Ridge Orchard are great options if a corn maze is on your fall bucket list.
Shryock’s is especially popular for its large themed corn maze, making it a fun choice for families, teenagers, and adults. Lloyd’s offers a corn maze alongside several other farm attractions, while Hickory Ridge combines its maze with orchard activities and seasonal treats.
What Are the Best Pumpkin Patches for Toddlers Near Columbia, MO?
Four Oaks Farm and Lloyd’s Family Farm are two good options for families with toddlers and preschoolers. Both offer outdoor activities beyond simply choosing a pumpkin.
Younger children may especially enjoy seeing farm animals, playing in corn pits, taking hayrides, and exploring the farm with their families.
The Peach Tree Farm in Boonville is another option for younger kids who enjoy animal encounters and traditional farm activities.
What Are the Best Pumpkin Patches for Adults Near Columbia, MO?
Pumpkin patches aren’t just for kids! Several farms near Columbia offer activities that adults can enjoy, no matter if you’re planning a fall date, meeting up with friends, or looking for something different to do on the weekend.
Shryock’s Callaway Farms is a great option for adults who enjoy a little competition. Try navigating the large corn maze with friends or reserve a campfire for a cozy fall evening.
Hickory Ridge Orchard is another fun choice for adults, especially if you enjoy apple orchards, seasonal treats, and browsing fall produce. Pick out pumpkins, shop for autumn decorations, and grab something sweet from the farm store.
Four Oaks Farm is worth considering for a relaxed afternoon outdoors, particularly if you’re interested in seasonal sunflowers, pumpkins, and fall photo opportunities.
For a fun fall date idea, pair your pumpkin patch visit with coffee shop visit, dinner, or another nearby Mid-Missouri attraction.
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