Best Bethesda-Area Pumpkin Patches 2020

BETHESDA, MD — Along with crisp air and turning leaves, a fall tradition for many families is a visit to a local pumpkin patch.

And while the coronavirus pandemic has caused some of the region's pumpkin patches to modify how they operate, a few will be open this fall. We have hours, attractions, and activities as the pumpkin-picking season ramps up.

In many cases, coronavirus precautions have merely changed — not shut down — area pumpkin patches and their entertainment options. There are no pumpkin patches in Bethesda, but there is a farmers' market that sells pumpkins in Chevy Chase (included in the list below).

To get to a pumpkin patch, you'll have to drive a little farther. Here's a list of some of our favorite pumpkin patches in the region:

Norman's Farm Market

Address/Phone
East West Highway at Jones Mill Road, Chevy Chase
301-919-2607

Attractions
Pumpkin stand

Season opening/closing dates
October - November

Hours
Open daily, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Pricing
Varies (check with Norman's Farm Market)

Butler's Orchard

Address/Phone
22222 Davis Mill Rd., Germantown

301-428-0444

Attractions
Pumpkin Harvest Days; Pick Your Own Pumpkin Patch

Season opening/closing dates
Pumpkin Harvest Days: Sept. 26 - Nov. 1 (plus Columbus Day, Oct. 12); reservation required

Pick Your Own Pumpkin Patch: Sept. 22 - Nov. 1; reservation required

Hours
Pumpkin Harvest Days: reservations are Wednesdays through Sundays 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., farm park closes at 6 p.m.

Pick Your Own Pumpkin Patch: reservations are Tuesdays through Sundays 9:15 a.m. - 4:45 p.m.

Pricing
Pumpkin Harvest Days: weekdays are $10 per person plus fees; weekends are $15 per person plus fees; children under 24 months are free

Pick Your Own Pumpkin Patch: admission is $3 per person plus fees; children under 24 months are free; pumpkins are $0.69 per lb.

Homestead Farm

Address/Phone
15604 Sugarland Rd., Poolesville

301-977-3761

Attractions
Pick-your-own pumpkins

Hours
Mondays through Sundays, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Pricing
Admission is $2 per person, pumpkins are $0.65 per lb.

Sharp's at Waterford Farm

Address/Phone
4003 Jennings Chapel Rd., Brookeville

410-489-2572

Attractions
Pick-your-own pumpkins

Hours
From Oct. 6 to 30, the country store and farm will be open on weekdays between from 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

10 a.m. - 5 p.m., weekends through Nov. 1

Pricing
Pumpkins are $0.69 per lb.

Summers Farm

Address/Phone
5620 Butterfly Lane, Frederick

301-620-9316

Attractions
Pick-your-own pumpkins

Fall Festival

Hours
Pumpkin Patch: opens 2 p.m. on weekdays; 10 a.m. on weekends

Fall Festival: Sept. 19 - Nov. 8 (hours vary, check with Summers Farm)

Pricing
Fall Festival: Monday – Thursday, from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. ($10.50 per person; 2 and under get in free)

Friday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. ($10.50; 2 and under get in free)

Friday from 4 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. ($15.50; 2 and under get in free)

Saturday and Sunday, all day ($15.50; 2 and under get in free)

Seniors (age 60 and up): $10.50

Pumpkin Patch: pumpkins are sold by the pound (check with Summers Farm)

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

MORE FALL FUN:

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