The Best Pumpkin Patches in Indianapolis, Indiana

As the kids head back to school and the mornings turn dewy and maybe a little nippy, thoughts naturally turn toward the colder months and the particular joys that those climes can bring. Before getting too bogged down in worrying about winter misery (or bliss, depending on your outlook), though, there is the truly glorious autumn season in which to partake. And every year, one of the staples for families across Indiana is visiting family fun farms that offer a an array of fall activities, including pumpkin patches, corn mazes, hay rides, and the like. In that spirit , here is a list of some of the best family fun farms in the Indianapolis area.

Tuttle Orchards - Greenfield
Located east of Indianapolis in Greenfield, Tuttle's is a fully-functioning orchard that offers something for the family all year round, including apple blossoms in the spring, fresh tomatoes and corn in the summer, and poinsettias in the winter. The fall is the star of the show, though, as Tuttle's features apple picking, a pumpkin patch, a corn maze, and a kid's play area. The Fall Harvest schedule typically kicks off on or around October 1 each year.

Anderson Orchards - Mooresville
Situated in the southwest suburb of Mooresville, Anderson Orchards is also a full-blown produce farm, specializing in fun fall activities. The festivities kick off on the last weekend of September with the Apple Festival and Craft Fair and continue on with the u-pick pumpkin patch through the Halloween season.

Stonycreek Farm - Noblesville
Northeast of Indy, in Noblesville, is Stonycreek Farm, which functions as a nursery and landscaping center most of the year and then transforms into a pumpkin haven in the fall. Starting in the last week of September and running through Halloween, the Pumpkin Harvest Festival highlights Stonycreek's commitment to family fun with a huge pumpkin patch, hayrides, a straw maze, candle-making activities, and much more.

Beasley's Orchard and Gardens - Avon
Located west of Indy's outer belt (I-465), Beasley's draws Hoosiers from far and wide to partake in its country atmosphere and fresh farm produce. The specialty of the house is a wide selection of delicious apples, featuring more than 15 mouth-watering varieties. Naturally, autumn's bustle at Beasley's, as the fun farm offers up lots of family activities in addition to the goodies mentioned above, along with the requisite huge pumpkin patch. Beasley's really hits the festive mark with its "Corn MAiZE", which always features an innovative design and is challenging enough for the whole family.

Waterman's Farm Market - Indianapolis
One of the few fun farms with an actual urban address, Waterman's doesn't disappoint Indy's residents with its blend of fresh produce, country atmosphere, and special events. As expected, the highlight of the year for many is Fall Harvest Festival, which features hay rides, two corn mazes, fun games, and, yes, pumpkins. If you go, don't forget to try their all-you-can-carry-pumpkin challenge!

Regardless of your specific location in central Indiana or what constitutes fall fun for your family, these pumpkin patches can satisfy your every desire. Load up the kids, head to the farm(s), and get ready for some autumn festivities at Indianapolis' best family fun farms.