The Best Places to Go Pumpkin Picking near Boston

The carving is up to you, though.


pumpkin patch

Photo by Stan Dzugan/Getty Images

Autumn in New England is a special time. With temperatures dropping after a long, hot summer, it’s time for some wholesome fall activities and eats, from apple picking and corn mazes to pumpkin spice lattes and cider donuts. And we’ve got another activity to add onto your fall bucket list: pumpkin picking. Check out these five pumpkin picking spots, all located within an hour from Boston. You’ll be surprised by how many places near the city offer stunning views and exceptional pumpkin picking experiences.

Hanson’s Farm

For a “pick your own” pumpkin experience, check out this historic farm that has been in the Hanson family for generations. The farm offers hayrides every weekend during the month of October to get you in the Halloween spirit. In addition, from now until November, the farm opens its corn maze to visitors.

Open Monday through Saturday 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m., 20 Nixon Road, Framingham, hansonsfarm.50webs.com.

Dowse Orchards

In addition to pumpkins, Dowse Orchards supplies hay bales, garden mums, and corn stalks for visitors to use for their own fall decorations. The views from the orchard itself are picturesque (be ready to take photos) and will surely immerse you in cozy New England fall feelings. A food stand located further out from the farm offers cider, made from an in-house cider mill, along with other local produce.

Open Monday through Friday 9 a.m.-6 p.m., pick your own 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, 98 North Main St., Sherborn, dowseorchards.com.

Boston Hill Farm

Guests are given a red wagon to stack their selected pumpkins in on this small farm. Check out their small petting zoo and make it a true fall day by indulging in some delicious apple cider doughnuts. Plus, it’s dog-friendly, meaning your dog can enjoy a seasonal day out, too.

Open daily from 9 a.m.-6 p.m., 1370 Turnpike St., North Andover, bostonhillfarm.com.

Tougas Family Farm

Head out to Tougas Family Farm for a day of fun for the whole family. To keep the little ones entertained, the farm has a playground and barnyard. And after a long day of pumpkin picking and play, grab a meal at the farm’s kitchen. The kitchen staff uses the farm’s own fruit to make desserts like the apple and peach cobblers. Heartier lunch items including hot dogs and turkey sandwiches are also on the menu.

Open daily from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., 234 Ball St., Northborough, tougasfamilyfarm.com.

Shelburne Farm

The pumpkin patch is open for business at Shelburne Farm. This farm boasts several children’s activities, including hayrides, weekend concerts, and a retired John Deere tractor that forms the centerpiece of the playground. You can count on this farm to be open rain or shine—no reservations are needed. Make sure to also pick up some cider donuts during your visit.

Open daily from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., 106 W Acton Road, Stow, shelburnefarm.com.