Sarasota-Area Pumpkin Patch Guide, Weekend Weather Forecast

SARASOTA, FL — Pumpkins are showing up at grocery stores and roadside stands as Halloween creeps closer. If your family has a visit planned to a local pumpkin patch in Sarasota, we have a list of stands open in the area. And here’s a look at the weekend weather forecast to help you plan your trip.

Friday will be sunny with a high temperature of 90 degrees, according to the National Weather Service. After 2 p.m., there’s a 30 percent chance of scattered showers. On Saturday, there’s a 40 percent chance of scattered showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. with a high of 89 degrees. There’s also a 40 percent chance of scattered showers and thunderstorms Sunday, which will see a high of 88 degrees.

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 Sarasota, with an address, hours and website to check for more details.

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 hayride. 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