A Fall Trip Isn’t Complete Without a Visit to the Pumpkin Patch
Somewhere between the first cool morning and the last warm afternoon of fall, families come out of the woodwork to start looking for that true “autumn vibe.” For a lot of folks, that vibe is a place: an expansive, bright and beautiful pumpkin patch—and at Tanners Orchard, we have a whole field of them!
Out in the patch, it’s not about rushing in and out. It’s about wandering a bit, taking in the crisp fall air, and letting kids take the lead as they hunt for the perfect pumpkin to carve or paint. You might come for one and leave with three! That’s just how it goes in the pumpkin patch.
Set across a 20-acre field filled with thousands of pumpkins, there’s plenty of room to explore and plenty of chances to find something that stands out—whether it’s big enough to carve, small enough to carry, or just the one that makes everyone smile.
What Makes the Pumpkin Patch at Tanners So Special
During the fall season, you can grab a pumpkin just about anywhere. But there’s never much variety to what local stores offer. Not to mention, walking out into a field and choosing one straight from the vine? That’s something else entirely—and it’s what keeps people coming back to Tanners Orchard each fall.
- A 20-Acre Pumpkin Patch – With acres of open space and thousands of pumpkins, there’s plenty of room to explore and find just the right one.
- Nearly 20 Varieties of Pumpkins & Gourds – From classic carving pumpkins to unique shapes, colors, and decorative gourds, you’ll find a wide range to choose from.
- Wagon Rides on Festival Days – On busy fall weekends, hop on a covered wagon ride that takes you out to the pumpkin patch and adds a little extra to your farm experience.
- Weekday Walk-Out Access – Visiting during the week? You can walk right out to the patch and start pumpkin picking at your own pace.
- Perfect for Photos – The pumpkin patch is one of the most popular spots on the farm for family photos, fall outfits, and capturing memories.
- A True Fall Tradition – For many families, coming out to Tanners Orchard pumpkin patch to pick out a pumpkin together is a time-honored tradition year after year.
What to Expect When You Go Pick Your Own Pumpkins
Getting started is simple, and once you’re out in the field, the experience feels natural and easy. Make your way to our U-Pick shed and ask any of our farmhands for help.
Check In at the U-Pick ShedWhen you arrive, head to the red U-Pick shed located northeast of the Market. It’s easy to spot from the parking lot.
Choose How You Get to the PatchOn Festival Days, you can ride a covered wagon out to the pumpkin patch. During the week, you’ll walk out to the field.
Enjoy the Ride or the WalkWagon rides are covered and straw-free, so even guests with allergies can enjoy the trip.
Take Your Time in the FieldWalk through the patch, turn over pumpkins, and pick the one that’s just right for your family.
Head Back When You’re ReadyOnce you’ve found your pumpkins, head back and enjoy the rest of your time at the farm.
Pumpkin Patch Season at Tanners Orchard
Pumpkin picking at Tanners Orchard begins in late September during Festival Days and continues through October, depending on the harvest.
- U-Pick Hours – 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily during September and October
- Last Admission – 4:15 PM
- Open as Long as Pumpkins are Available – The patch stays open as long as there are pumpkins left to pick
Festival Days are a popular time to visit, especially if you want to experience the wagon rides out to the patch. Weekday visits offer a quieter, more relaxed experience.
Pumpkin Varieties You’ll Find in the Patch
Can you believe there are over 150 unique varieties of pumpkins? It’s true, and we have almost 20 of those varieties available at Tanners! One of the best parts of visiting the pumpkin patch is seeing all the different shapes, sizes, and colors available throughout the field.
Some of the varieties you may find include:
Atlantic Giant
Known for their massive size, these are fun to find and even more fun to show off.
Fairytale
A flatter, ribbed pumpkin with a unique look that’s perfect for decorating.
Casperita
Small, white pumpkins that stand out and are great for display.
Jill-Be-Little
Tiny pumpkins that are perfect for kids or tabletop decorations.
Blue Doll
A distinctive blue-gray pumpkin that adds something different to your fall setup.With up to 19 varieties and specialty gourds throughout the patch, there’s always something new to discover.
A Meaningful Tradition: The Purple Pumpkin Project
October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a cause that means a lot to the team at Tanners Orchard and to many of the families who visit each year.
To help raise awareness, we paint and sell hundreds of purple pumpkins throughout the month. Guests can purchase a pumpkin or donate more if they feel called to—all proceeds go directly to Freedom House, a domestic and sexual violence center serving communities around Tanners Orchard.
It’s a small way to give back, and a meaningful part of the fall season here on the farm.
Tips for a Great Day in the Pumpkin Patch
A little planning can go a long way in making your visit even better.
- Visit Early on Busy Days – Fall weekends can get hectic, so arriving early helps you enjoy a more relaxed experience.
- Dress for the Field – Comfortable shoes and clothes you don’t mind getting a little dusty will make your time in the patch more enjoyable.
- Plan Around Festival Days – If you want the full experience, including wagon rides and the like, be sure to plan your visit for weekend Festival Days.
- Think About Your Pumpkin – Whether you’re carving, decorating, or baking, having an idea of what you want can help you pick the perfect pumpkin.
- Take Your Time – Don’t rush through! The best part of the pumpkin patch is enjoying the experience, not who can get their pumpkin the fastest.
More Farm Fun to Explore at Tanners Orchard
The pumpkin picking is just one part of the experience. There’s plenty more to explore during your visit.
You can also explore all available activities on our main Farm Attractions & Activities page, check out our Farm Market & Bakery for fresh treats, or start planning your visit with details on hours, directions, and pricing and options for groups & parties.
Pumpkin Patch FAQs
The pumpkin patch opens in late September during Festival Days and continues through October.
On Festival Days, you can ride a covered wagon. During the week, you can walk out to the patch.
There are up to 19 varieties of pumpkins and gourds available, including large carving pumpkins, decorative pumpkins, and unique specialty varieties.
U-Pick hours are 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily, with last admission at 4:15 PM.
Wagon rides are available during Festival Days and are part of the experience.
Start Planning Your Pumpkin Patch Visit
Ready to head out into the pumpkin patch and find the perfect pumpkin? Whether it’s your first visit or part of a yearly tradition, the pumpkin patch at Tanners Orchard is a fall experience worth making time for.
Call 309-493-5442 to learn more or view hours, directions, and pricing. Or plan your visit to 740 IL-40, Speer, IL 61479 and enjoy a day on the farm with your family.
Make this the season you start a new tradition in the pumpkin patch.