One of my favorite photos of my daughter as a toddler shows her falling over pumpkins at a preschool fall festival on University Boulevard, hay bales and scarecrows in the background. As you can see from the glorious photo taken by The Post’s R.J. Sangosti, above, in 2010, it’s a great time of year to use fall in Colorado as a prop.
Here are a bunch of places around Colorado to take your kids (or kids-at-heart). No posing necessary; just let ’em have at it and snap away. — Barbara Ellis
A quick note: We did our best to include as many pumpkin patches, corn mazes and other fall happenings as we could, but we recognize that this list may not be complete. In addition, please check each venue’s website for the most up-to-date information.
BENNETT
Mile High Farms: Just 30 or so minutes from Denver, find 11 acres featuring two corn mazes, a petting zoo, antique tractor hayride, pumpkin patch, corn pits, playground, concessions and more. Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sat.-Sun. from Oct. 4-25. Cost: $14 for kids ages 5-12; $19 for adults ages 13-59; $16 for seniors, military, first responders and veterans; free for kids 4 and under. Pumpkins, corn stalks and straw bales available for purchase. 11 Cavanaugh Road, Bennett, 720-560-0730; milehighfarms.com
BROOMFIELD
Rock Creek Farm: Meet farm animals, pick the perfect pumpkin and venture into the hay bale maze or one of the three corn mazes on this working farm. Hours: Open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. from Sept. 27 to Oct. 31 Cost: Weekday general admission $10; weekend $12 and includes entry to the corn maze. Free admission on Wednesdays, but corn maze entry is $8 per person. Free for kids 3 and under every day. Pumpkins available for purchase. 2005 S. 112th St., Broomfield; 303-465-9565; rockcreekfarm.com
CAÑON CITY
Diana’s Pumpkin Patch: Activities include a maze, hay slide, duck races, climbing rope, hay ride, corn bine, horse bouncers, photo booth barn and pumpkin field. Hours: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Fri.-Sat., 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sun. from Sept. 20 through Oct. 31. Halloween hours 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cost: $15 per person; free for kids 5 and under; $13 on select military days and customer appreciation days; $38 season pass. Pumpkins, gourds and decor available for purchase. 1649 Poplar Ave., Cañon City, 719-821-9133; dianaspumpkinpatch.com
COLORADO SPRINGS
Long Neck Pumpkin Farm: Glide down the hay bale slide, climb into the sheep herder’s wagon, take a hayride and check out the farmers market. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fri.-Sun. from Sept. 20-Oct. 26 (no admission after 4 p.m.). Reservations are required. Cost: $18, free for kids 23 months and under. Pumpkins available for purchase. 7595 California Drive, Colorado Springs, 719-551-0525; longneckpumpkinfarm.com
Miners’ Pumpkin Patch: Support the nonprofit Western Museum of Mining and Industry while also celebrating autumn. Enjoy the vintage cider press, gold panning, machine demos, hayrides, food trucks, hay maze, sack races and more. Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. every Saturday in October. Cost: $13 in advance, $15 at the door, free for kids 3 and under. Pumpkins available for purchase. Western Museum of Mining and Industry, 225 North Gate Blvd., Colorado Springs, 719-488-0880; wmmi.org
DENVER
Glow at the Gardens: See the Denver Botanic Gardens on York Street come to life after dark with hand-carved pumpkins, live performers and lights. Hours: 6-9 p.m. Oct. 21-26. Cost: $28-$34 for nonmembers; $26-$32 for members; $32 for military and students; free for kids 2 and under. Timed tickets must be purchased in advance.
Glow Before Dark: Can’t make it to Glow at the Gardens? Visit the York Street location of the Denver Botanic Gardens during the day instead to see spooky scenes like a graveyard, a field of scarecrows and skeleton displays. Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 17-26. Cost: Included with daytime general admission, which is $16 for nonmember adults; $12.25 for military and seniors 65 and up; $11.75 for students and kids ages 3-15; and free for members and kids 2 and under. 1007 York St., Denver, 720-865-3500; botanicgardens.org/events
Pumpkin Harvest Festival at Four Mile Historic Park: Spend the day enjoying live music and performances, munching on apple cider donuts, panning for gold, watching blacksmithing demonstrations and more. Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 18-19. Cost: $15 for adults; $12 for kids ages 4-12; $40 for Pearl’s Lounge Pass; $25 to build your own scarecrow. After Oct. 7, prices increase to $25 for adults; $15 for kids 4-12; $45 for the adult Pearl’s Member Lounge pass and $35 for the kids pass (ages 4-12); and $30 to build your own scarecrow.
Also at Four Mile Historic Park: Spirits & Spirits, a one-night, 21+ event featuring cocktails, drag bingo, performances, crafts and more. Hours: 6-10 p.m. on Oct. 25. Cost: $20 General Haunt; $65 VIP package; prices go up to $30 and $85 after Oct. 20. 715 S. Forest St., Denver; 720-865-0800. fourmilepark.org/pumpkin-harvest-festival
ELLICOTT
Fall Fest Pumpkin Patch at Wishing Star Farm: Enjoy the hay slide, tire swings, corn bins, horseshoes, petting zoo, barrel train rides and more. Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays for general public; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for groups, field trips by reservations and special events on most weekdays Sept. 27-Nov. 1. Cost: $14 for 4 and up; $12 for seniors 62 and up; free for kids 3 and under. Discounts available for groups and families. Season passes available. Pumpkins and add-on activities available for purchase. 24024 Highway 94, Ellicott, 719-244-7252; wishingstarfarm.com
ERIE
Fall Festival at Anderson Farms: Check out the 25-acre corn maze, barrel train, jump pad, pedal carts and trikes, hay bale pull, combine slide, farm animals and more. Hop on a wagon for a ride to the 25-acre pumpkin patch. Pumpkins available for purchase. Hours: Vary depending on the day from Oct. 4-Oct. 26; closed on Tuesdays. Online costs: $18 for weekday timed entry, ages 4 and up ($23 at the door); $31 for timed weekend entry (Friday-Sunday, not available at the door); and $41 for anytime weekend entry (Friday-Sunday, $50 at the door). Pumpkin Finale Oct. 27-Nov. 1, $18 per person on weekdays; $31 per person timed entry on Halloween; $41 anytime entry on Halloween; $31 timed entry on Nov. 1; and $41 anytime entry on Nov. 1. Free for kids 3 and under. Hours: Saturdays 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Sundays 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Mondays and Wednesdays 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursdays 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Fridays 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Closed Tuesdays.
Terror in the Corn at Anderson Farms: See if you’ve got what it takes to make it through this spooky, mile-long attraction, which kicks off after the sun goes down. Hours: 7-10 p.m. Thursdays and Sundays, 7-11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays from Sept. 26-Nov. 1. Cost: $43-$48 for timed entry; $58-$63 for quick passes; $140 for platinum pass; admission to Fall Festival is included. 6728 County Road 3¼, Erie, 303-828-5210; andersonfarms.com and terrorinthecorn.com
ESTES PARK
Pumpkins & Pilsners Festival: Support the nonprofit Estes Park Education Foundation while having fun at this one-day bash, which includes food trucks, live music, pony rides, a bounce house, air tattoos, local craft beer and more. Hours: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Oct. 4. Cost: Free admission. Pumpkins available for purchase. Bond Park, 170 MacGregor Ave., Estes Park; epeducationfoundation.org/pumkins-and-pilsners
FRUITA
Moon Farm Pumpkin Patch: Meet cute animals at the petting zoo, wind your way through the straw maze, relax on a hay ride and pick out the perfect pumpkin to take home and carve. Hours: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily from Sept. 28-Oct. 31. Cost: $7 suggested donation per person 4 and up. Pumpkins available for purchase. 1360 18½ Road, Fruita, 970-261-1113; moonfarm.net
GRAND JUNCTION
Studt Farms Pumpkin Patch & Corn Maze: Explore the corn mazes, climb to the top of Hay Mountain, ride the barrel train, race around in a pedal cart and so much more. Hours: Varies depending on the day from Sept. 27-Oct. 30 (check website); closed Mondays. Cost: $22-$32.96 for weekends; $15.45 weekdays; $76-$100 season passes; free for kids 2 and under; group rates available. Additional fees for some activities. Pumpkins available for purchase. 21½ and 1½ Road, Grand Junction, 970-305-9006; studtspumpkinpatchandcornmaze.com
HUDSON
Mazzotti Farms Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze: Take the family through the 10-acre, scare-free corn maze, pick out a pumpkin, meet animals at the petting zoo and play games. Hours 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every weekend in October. Cost: $20 per person, which includes one pumpkin; free for kids under 2; $50 to make a scarecrow. Wagon rides on Saturdays and Sundays $5 per person. Additional pumpkins available for purchase. 24120 Weld County Road 8, Hudson, 303-536-4089; mazzottifarms.cm
LAFAYETTE
Cottonwood Farms: Get in the fall spirit at Cottonwood Farms, which has a corn maze, a straw maze, vintage farm equipment, farm animals and more. Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily Sept. 24-Oct.31. Cost: $8 admission for adults, plus $5 wagon rides; admission and wagon rides free for seniors 65 and up and kids 5 and under. Pumpkins, winter squash and decor available for purchase. 10600 Isabelle Road, Lafayette, 720-890-4766; cottonwoodfarms.com
LASALLE
Fall Festival at Fritzler Farm Park: This popular Weld County spot has corn mazes, pedal go-carts, a beer garden, a slide mountain, tons of photo opps and more. Hours: Select dates Sept. 14-Oct. 26, timed entry tickets. Cost: $24.95-$41.95 online, $34.95-$51.95 at the gate. Additional fees for some activities.
Scream Acres at Fritzler Farm Park: Do you dare? Test your mettle at this spooky, immersive experience (which is not recommended for kids under 13). Open: Fridays (5 to 10 p.m.), Saturdays (11 a.m. to 10 p.m.) and Sundays (11 a.m. to 9 p.m.) Sept. 20-Oct. 26. Cost: $39.95 general admission, $59.95 VIP admission. Ticket includes access to some Fall Festival attractions. Additional fees for some activities. 20861 County Road 33, LaSalle, 970-737-2129; fritzlermaze.com and fritzlerscreamacres.com
LITTLETON
Pumpkin Festival at Chatfield Farms: This three-day bash at the Chatfield Farms location of the Denver Botanic Gardens includes a 10-acre pumpkin patch, a corn maze, artisan booths, live music, food trucks, an antique tractor exhibit, photo booths and more. Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 10-12. Timed entry tickets, must purchase online in advance. Cost: $12-$20 for nonmembers; $10-$18 for members, military and students; free for kids 2 and under. Additional fees for some activities. Pumpkins available for purchase.
Corn Maze at Chatfield Farms: Also at the Chatfield Farms location of the Denver Botanic Gardens, this year’s 7-acre pumpkin patch has a birds of prey theme, featuring eagles, falcons and vultures. View it from the 15-foot-tall bridge, or explore it on foot. There’s a corn mini-maze for kids under the age of 10. Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fri.-Sun., Sept. 19-Nov. 2. Cost: $12-$20 for nonmembers; $10-$18 for members, military and students; free for kids 2 and under. Timed entry tickets, must purchase online in advance. Denver Botanic Gardens Chatfield Farms, 8500 W. Deer Creek Canyon Road, Littleton, 720-865-3501; botanicgardens.org/events
Magic of the Jack O’Lanterns at Hudson Gardens: Marvel at thousands of illuminated, hand-carved pumpkins, enjoy a sweet treat at the s’mores stations and take lots of family photos. Hours: Select nights through Nov. 2. Group rates available; ticket pricing is variable and will increase closer to selected date (see website). 6115 S. Santa Fe Drive, Littleton. 720-802-0006 or denverhelp@magicofthejackolanterns.com; magicofthejackolanterns.com
LONGMONT
Rocky Mountain Pumpkin Ranch: Take a leisurely stroll through the pumpkin patch, shop the produce market and enjoy a picnic lunch. On the weekends, you can do all those things, plus ride the dragon roller coaster, glide down the fire truck slide, take a pony ride and so much more. Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week. Carnival only on Saturdays and Sundays through Oct. 30. Limited activities Monday through Friday, including petting zoo. Cost: Free admission; fees for à la carte activities. 9059 Ute Highway/CO 66, Longmont; rockymtnpumpkinranch.com
MONUMENT
Colorado Pumpkin Patch at Colorado Kids Ranch: Spend a festive day on this 40-acre farm, which has jumping pillows, large-scale games, slides, an animal petting area and more. Hours: Various dates, times and pricing through Nov. 1; check the website for calendar. Cost: $17-$20 per person; $15-$18 for seniors 65 and up, active/retired military and first responders; $50 for a season pass. Additional fees for some activities. Pumpkins available for purchase. 2205 E. Highway 105, Monument, 719-799-6708; coloradopumpkinpatch.net
PLATTEVILLE
Fall Harvest Festival at Miller Farms: Learn what life is like on a real working farm with a visit to Miller Farms, where you can meander through a corn maze, enjoy a picnic lunch and check out antique tractors, among other activities. Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily from Labor Day through mid-November. Cost: Free admission, $18-$28 per person for hayride into the 180-acre field; free for kids 4 and under. Group rates and homeschool days available. Veggies and pumpkins available for purchase. 13912 CR 19, Platteville, 970-785-6133; millerfarms.net
THORNTON
Maize in the City: Built into a 40-acre corn field, this outdoor attraction has been attracting Colorado families since 2001. Activities include a 20-acre corn maze, a mini maze, sand art, bouncers, face painting, a barrel train and more. Hours: Various dates and times from Sept. 20-Oct. 31; check the website for calendar. Cost: Free admission; fees for à la carte activities. 10451 McKay Road, Thornton; maizeinthecity.com
