Best Bradenton-Area Pumpkin Patches 2020

BRADENTON, FL— While you may not find too many genuine Florida pumpkins for Halloween, fall tradition for many families includes a visit to a local pumpkin patch. The coronavirus pandemic of 2020 has caused some of the region’s pumpkin patches to modify how they operate, but quite a few will be open this fall. We'll have more hours, attractions and activities as the pumpkin-picking season ramps up.

Chris Winkler of the Pumpkin Patch Florida said most of the pumpkins sold in Florida around Halloween are grown in other states.

Illinois, California and Indiana grew more pumpkins than any of the 16 states that reported statistics to the U.S. Department of Agricultural Statistics Service last year. Illinois alone produced
420 million pounds of the Halloween staple.

Florida does have 73 Farms with 91 acres of pumpkins, but Florida accounts for less than 1 percent of the U.S. total production of pumpkins.

"They'll grow (here) but they need the cooler nights," Winkler told Patch. "It's 120 days from seed to harvest. My father years ago tried. We did 40 acres and we could put all the pumpkins in a pickup truck."

In many cases, coronavirus precautions have merely changed — not shut down — area pumpkin patches and their entertainment options. Below is a list of some of our favorite pumpkin patches near Bradenton.

Fruitville Grove
Address: 7410 Fruitville Road, Sarasota, FL. 34240
Season opening/closing dates: Every weekend in October: 3rd and 4th, 10th and 11th, 17th and 18th, 24th and 25th and 31st.
Attractions: Costume contest every Saturday 2 p.m., local vendor craft show, pony rides, hay rides, enchanted unicorn encounter, butterfly garden experience, horse drawn carriage rides, kids fun zone, mini train ride, playground, pumpkin painting, hug-a-goat, animal petting zoo, zip line, Torres Extreme Riders in the Globe of Death, Torres One-Ring Family Circus.
Hours: Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission: Free admission for petting zoo, playground, live music, Torres Family Circus, decorated photo spots, costume contests. Individual rides and activities, including pony rides, rock wall, bounce houses, zip line and pumpkin painting, may be purchased separately ranging from $1 to $10 per person.
Phone: 941-377-0896
Website

Hunsader Farms
Address: 5500 C.R. 675 Bradenton, FL 34211
Season opening/closing dates: Oct. 10-11, 17-18, 24-25.
Attractions: Craft show, live music, live shows, pioneer trades village, hay rides, chainsaw, sculptor, petting zoo, barnyard playground, juggler, Tricky Dogs Show.
Admission: $10. Parking $5. Children 10 and under free.
Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on days listed above.
Phone: 941-322-2168
Website

Pumpkin Patch Express
Address: 12210 83rd St East Parrish, FL 34219
Season opening/closing dates: Oct. 17-18, Oct. 24-25.
Attractions: This popular trip takes you to a patch of pumpkins. Children are invited to pick their own pumpkin to take home. Everyone is also invited to participate in the hay ride. Lincoln log building, crafts and other activities offered at no additional charge.
Hours: Depart Parrish, FL: 10 a.m., 1 p.m., 4 p.m.; Return to Parrish: 12:15 p.m., 3:15 p.m., 6:15 p.m.
Admission: Adults $18.50 for coach class; $24.50 for excursion class; $28.50 for excursion plus and $32.50 for first class. Children under 12 $14.50 for coach class; $20.50 for excursion class; $24.50 for excursion plus and $28.50 for first class. Children under 1 are free. A ticketing fee applies to online and telephone purchases. The fee helps pay for our ticketing system and ranges from $2 to $3 per ticket. Parking is free.
Phone: 941-776-0906
Website

More Fall Fun:

• 2020 Fall Foliage Peak Map: When Leaves Are Best In Georgia
• 2020 Fall Foliage Peak Map: When Leaves Are Best In Virginia
• 2020 Fall Foliage Peak Map: When Leaves Are Best In Maryland

If we missed your favorite pumpkin patch, be sure to share it with readers in the comments section.