There’s still time to make it to a pumpkin patch. Here’s what’s open in Pierce County
Soon enough, some trees in the Pacific Northwest will not be covered with red, orange or yellow leaves. Drinks like pumpkin spice lattes will be placed on the shelf for another year. Pumpkin patches, corn mazes and other fall festivities will come to an end.
But don’t fret — you still have time to enjoy the fall season at farms in East Pierce County before October 2021 ends. Here’s a list of some farms you can visit and where you can find them.
Sidhu Farms
Sidhu Farms is known for its berries, owner Kamal Sidhu said. They have been doing pumpkin patches for about seven years now, and every year they decorate the farm with a different theme. This year, the farm’s theme is Atlantis.
As people enter the pumpkin patch, they will first go through a tunnel with fish hanging from the ceiling, which gives an effect similar to aquariums that have an underwater tunnel, Sidhu said. The corn maze is also Atlantis-themed.
There is a play area for children, which includes bouncy houses and tricycle racing tracks. Sidhu said there are a lot of photo opportunities for attendees as well. Serving Indian food such as chicken tikka masala is what the farm prides itself on, he said.
Sidhu Farms is at 14734-14926 96th St. E. in Puyallup and is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. all week. They offer free admission. The corn maze costs $9 for adults and $8 for children. People can reach the farm at 253-651-3755.
Maris Farms
Maris Farms is more than just a pumpkin patch, owner Joanne Templeman said. They offer several activities for families like corn mazes, wagon rides and tug of war. Families can spend about three to four hours at the farm, she said.
The farm also hosts pigs and duck races on the weekends, Templeman said. Attendees have the opportunity to bet on pigs or ducks that they think will win. Proceeds go to a nonprofit that helps facilitate the races.
The scenery at the farm is “top-notch,” Templeman said. There are a lot of photo opportunities for attendees. On a clear day, Mount Rainier can be easily seen, she said.
Maris Farms is at 25001 Sumner Buckley Highway in Buckley and is open Thursday through Sunday. They are open from 1 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, 1 to 10 p.m. on Friday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets, which cover admission and all activities, must be purchased online. They range from $14 to $55. People can reach the farm at 253-862-2848.
Spooner Farms
Spooner Farms has always offered something that everybody enjoys, owner Andrea Spooner said. Corn maze and pumpkin slingshots are a long-standing tradition and — without a doubt — can be found at the farm this year.
The pumpkin slingshots are one of the farm’s most popular activities, Spooner said. The activity involves trying to hit targets with giant pumpkins. The farm is family-friendly as it does not have any scary or gory features, she said.
Farm animals such as cows are available for families to greet, Spooner said. There are also designated areas for children to play in. The farm has been hosting pumpkin patches for over 30 years, she said.
Spooner Farms is at 9710 state Route 162 E. in Puyallup and is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. all week. They offer free admission. The corn maze costs $9 for all Monday to Friday. It’s $11 for adults and $9 for children on Saturday and Sunday. People can reach the farm at 253-840-2059.
McMillin Farm
McMillin Farm is one of the newest farms on the block as this year marks their first time hosting a pumpkin patch. Owner Clinton Bridges said what prompted him to start the farm was when his neighbor, the owner of Scholz Farms, was looking for a successor.
Bridges said the owner of Scholz Farms has been farming for about 40 years and has been looking to retire. About three years ago, he and the owner started working together to transfer Scholz Farms’ tradition to McMillin Farm, he said.
The farm offers a lot of photo opportunities for families, and people can pick their pumpkin, Bridges said. The farm does not have a corn maze at the moment, but it may be an ideal spot for those who are not a fan of big crowds or gatherings.
McMillin Farm is at 12517 state Route 162 E. in Puyallup and is open noon to dusk Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to dusk Saturday and Sunday. They offer free admission, and people can reach the farm at 253-785-0396.
This story was originally published October 15, 2021 at 5:00 AM.
