The Best Fall Activities Around Austin and Hill Country

Fall in Austin and Central Texas

There is something special about fall in Central Texas: cooler evenings after a long summer, pumpkin-spice everything, and sunsets that stretch over hay fields and Hill Country oaks. Neighborhoods fill with seasonal decorations, school calendars make room for weekend adventures, and families start searching for the perfect pumpkin patch or fall festival.

If you are still exploring where to live, Austin offers a mix of neighborhoods that put you close to parks, trails, and seasonal events. You can get a broader sense of the city’s layout and vibe in our guide to the best neighborhoods to live in Austin.

Family-Friendly Farms Near Austin

These working farms mix classic fall fun—hayrides, animals, and open spaces—with room for kids to run and adults to relax.

Elgin Christmas Tree Farm

Elgin Christmas Tree Farm is a laid-back spot where families can spread out, let the kids play, and soak up the fresh country air. Shaded picnic areas make it easy to turn your visit into a half-day outing, and seasonal activities and photo backdrops among the trees create simple but memorable fall moments.

Note: Elgin Christmas Tree Farm is not currently operating a pumpkin patch every season. Check their website or social media for the most current fall schedule and events.

Quick facts

Season: Varies by year; check official site.
Location: Elgin, TX
Good for: Young kids, relaxed outings

Sweet Berry Farm (Marble Falls)

Known for its wide fields and relaxed vibe, Sweet Berry Farm usually offers hayrides, train rides, a maze, pony or horse rides, and hands-on activities like “Stuff-a-Scarecrow.” It is a popular choice for families who want plenty of space and a rustic farm backdrop for fall photos.

Quick facts

Season: Typically late September–early November.
Location: Marble Falls, TX
Good for: All ages, photo lovers

Sweet Eats Fruit Farm (Georgetown)

Sweet Eats Fruit Farm in Georgetown is packed with seasonal activities: pumpkins, petting zoos, face painting, live music, and play structures. It is the kind of place where you can easily spend most of the day moving between the patch, activities, and animals.

Quick facts

Season: Typically fall weekends; confirm each year.
Location: Georgetown, TX
Good for: Young kids, full-day visits

The Robinson Family Farm (Temple)

The Robinson Family Farm offers a full fall festival experience: pumpkins, hayrides, a large corn maze, and often local food trucks and craft vendors. It feels more like an event than a simple patch, which works well for families with older kids or groups looking for a bigger outing.

Quick facts

Season: Typically fall weekends; check official dates.
Location: Temple, TX
Good for: Older kids, groups, full-day trips

Pumpkin Patches in Central Texas Near Austin

These pumpkin patches focus on pumpkin picking first, with extras like hayrides, animals, games, and seasonal treats.

Braune Farm Pumpkin Patch (Seguin)

Braune Farm Pumpkin Patch showcases Seguin’s countryside charm with rows of pumpkins, classic hayrides, a petting zoo, and simple fall treats. It is a good fit if you want a relaxed afternoon away from the city with just enough activities to keep kids engaged.

Quick facts

Season: Usually weekends in October.
Location: Seguin, TX
Good for: Young kids, laid-back days

Uhland Fall Fest (Formerly Dripping Springs Pumpkin Festival)

Located in Uhland, this festival blends an art-fair feel with family fall fun. Expect seasonal games, live music, and thousands of pumpkins arranged in creative displays. It is a strong option for families who want more than just pumpkin picking and do not mind a short drive from Austin.

Quick facts

Season: Often late September–early November.
Location: Uhland, TX
Good for: All ages, festival atmosphere

Evergreen Farms Pumpkin Hunt (Elgin)

Just about 30 minutes from Austin, Evergreen Farms turns pumpkin finding into a scavenger hunt. Families ride a wagon out to the fields, explore mazes, and search for hidden pumpkin “treasures.” It is especially popular with school groups and younger kids who like structured activities.

Quick facts

Season: Typically weekends in October.
Location: Elgin, TX
Good for: Structured family activities

Indian Spring Ranch Pumpkin Patch (Manchaca)

Indian Spring Ranch offers pumpkin picking just minutes from Austin, plus friendly animals and rustic photo backdrops. Families often mention the laid-back feel and easy access as reasons they return year after year.

Quick facts

Season: Typically late September–early November.
Location: Manchaca, TX
Good for: South Austin families, quick trips

Mama Mary’s Farm Pumpkin Patch (Creedmoor)

Mama Mary’s Farm is a favorite for families with younger children. Tractor hayrides, farm animals, outdoor play areas, and pumpkin-themed activities give kids plenty of ways to explore at a gentle pace.

Quick facts

Season: Typically late September–early November.
Location: Creedmoor, TX
Good for: Toddlers, preschoolers, relaxed days

Pumpkin Nights at Pioneer Farms (Austin)

Pumpkin Nights at Pioneer Farms is an after-dark experience rather than a traditional daytime patch. Visitors walk through themed trails filled with glowing pumpkins and light displays, with live performances and photo ops along the way. It is especially fun for older kids, teens, and date nights.

Quick facts

Season: Often mid-September through October.
Location: Austin, TX
Good for: Teens, adults, evening outings

Best Pumpkin Patches Near Austin by Experience

Not every fall event fits every family. Here is a quick guide to help you match each patch to your budget, kids’ ages, and overall vibe.

Budget-Friendly and Simple Outings

• Braune Farm Pumpkin Patch – Good for a relaxed, lower-key day with simple activities.
• Evergreen Farms – Structured pumpkin hunts and activities that do not require a full-day commitment.
• Indian Spring Ranch – Convenient for South Austin families who want a quick trip rather than a full weekend away.

Best Spots for Young Kids

• Sweet Eats Fruit Farm – Multiple activity areas, animals, and attractions that keep younger kids busy.
• Mama Mary’s Farm – Gentle hayrides, animals, and open play areas that work well for toddlers and preschoolers.
• Evergreen Farms – The pumpkin “hunt” format and wagon rides appeal to younger children.

Great Options for Older Kids and Teens

• The Robinson Family Farm – Corn mazes, music, and a larger festival feel suit older kids and groups.
• Sweet Berry Farm – Bigger mazes and open fields let older kids roam more freely.
• Pumpkin Nights at Pioneer Farms – After-dark trails and light displays are especially appealing to teens.

Best Places for Fall Photos and Date Nights

• Sweet Berry Farm – Scenic fields and rustic structures provide classic fall photo backdrops.
• Pumpkin Nights – Nighttime lighting and themed displays make for dramatic evening photos.
• Indian Spring Ranch – Rustic settings close to town are convenient for quick golden-hour shoots.

How to Plan Your Austin Pumpkin Patch Trip

A little planning goes a long way toward a smooth fall outing. Policies and pricing can change each season, so treat the information you see here as a starting point and always confirm with the venue before heading out.

• Check official sites first. Dates, hours, weather closures, ticketing policies, and parking rules can change quickly. Many farms now require advance online tickets for peak days.
• Watch the weather. Fall in Central Texas can still be warm in the afternoon, so plan for sun, dust, and uneven ground.
• Aim for weekdays or early hours. Weekends tend to be busier and sometimes more expensive. Weekday visits, when available, are often calmer.
• Bring simple essentials. Closed-toe shoes, sunscreen, water, and a small bag or wagon for pumpkins make the day easier on everyone.

If you are traveling from outside Austin, you can pair one of these pumpkin patches with a visit to downtown, Zilker Park, or a neighborhood you are curious about living in later on. When you are ready to explore options more deeply, our Austin cost of living guide can help you understand how seasonal fun fits into your long-term budget.

How to Save Money at Pumpkin Patches Around Austin

Fall festivals can add up quickly, especially for larger families. Without promising specific prices, here are practical ways to keep the experience enjoyable and more affordable:

• Visit on weekdays when available. Some venues offer lower prices or fewer crowds outside of peak weekend hours.
• Buy tickets online in advance. Many farms charge less for online tickets or require them to manage capacity.
• Prioritize a few key activities. Instead of doing everything, choose the attractions that matter most to your family and skip the rest.
• Bring snacks and water if allowed. Check farm rules first, but bringing a few basics can reduce impulse food purchases.
• Balance one “big” festival with a simpler patch. A larger, ticketed event plus a lower-key outing can spread the fun without doubling costs.

Staying Healthy at Fall Festivals and Petting Zoos

Staying safe around animals and farm activities
Fall festivals often involve close contact with farm animals, hay, dirt, and shared play areas. That is part of the fun, but simple precautions can help keep everyone healthy.

• Wash hands thoroughly after being around animals. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that farm animals can carry germs even when they look healthy. Soap and water are ideal; hand sanitizer can help when sinks are not available.
• Avoid eating or drinking in animal areas. CDC guidance suggests keeping food and drinks away from barns and pens to reduce the risk of illness.
• Watch young children closely. Children under five, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to get sick from germs carried by animals.
• Follow posted rules and staff instructions. Each venue may have its own guidelines based on layout, animals, and past experience.

For more detailed information, you can review farm animal safety guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and agritourism resources from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). This article is for general information only and is not medical advice.

Austin Pumpkin Patch Checklist

Use this quick checklist to plan your next trip. Many families keep a list like this on their phone and update it each year.

• Choose one or two farms that fit your family’s ages and budget.
• Check each venue’s website or social channels for dates, hours, and ticket rules.
• Confirm whether pets are allowed and whether you need reservations.
• Plan outfits and comfortable, closed-toe shoes that work for photos and uneven ground.
• Pack sunscreen, hats, water, wipes, and a change of clothes for younger kids if needed.
• Set a rough budget per person for tickets, activities, and snacks before you arrive.

Where to Live If You Love Fall Weekends on the Farm

If visiting these pumpkin patches becomes an annual tradition, it may be a sign that Austin is starting to feel like home. Where you live can make spontaneous fall outings much easier.

• South Austin and Manchaca. Convenient to Indian Spring Ranch, Mama Mary’s Farm, and other South Austin events, plus easy access to downtown. If you want a deeper look at the area, explore our guide to living in South Austin.
• Georgetown and North Austin. A good fit if you want shorter drives to Sweet Eats Fruit Farm and other northern Hill Country spots, while still enjoying access to many of the best neighborhoods to live in Austin.
• Temple and surrounding communities. Helpful for families who want to be closer to The Robinson Family Farm and Central Texas festivals while still within reach of Austin’s job market and amenities.

Spyglass Realty focuses on helping buyers and sellers match their lifestyle with the right Austin neighborhood—whether that means quick access to fall festivals, shorter commutes, or walkable local shops and parks.