When the mornings turn crisp and the maples start showing off, there’s nothing I love more than a day at a local farm—pumpkin in one hand, cider donut in the other. If you’re planning some fall fun this season, here are my go-to spots north of Boston for pumpkin picking, corn mazes, hayrides, and cozy treats—updated with 2025 dates and details.
A classic for maze lovers. Marini’s 7-acre corn maze runs weekends with extended hours in October, plus themed happenings like beer/wine tastings and trick-or-treat hayrides. Flashlight Nights are every Saturday in October from 6–10pm (last ticket at 9pm; admission listed at $19.99 for ages 3+)—bring your own flashlight! September maze hours are Saturday–Sunday 10am–6pm; in October, Saturdays 10am–10pm and Sundays 10am–6pm (open 10am–6pm on Columbus Day). Their farm stand accepts SNAP & HIP. (Marini Farm)
This family-run favorite brings back its Pumpkin Festival on select fall weekends: Sept 20–21 & 27–28; Oct 4–5, 11–13 (Columbus Day Monday), 18–19, and 25–26, 10am–5pm. Expect pay-as-you-go fun: horse-drawn hayrides, pony rides, a farm-style corn maze, and a friendly Safe Trick-or-Treat hayride on Oct 18–19 & 25–26. Free parking; no admission fee to enter the farm. Address: 31 Jennie’s Way, Tewksbury. (krochmalfarms.com)
Pumpkins, apples, animals, donuts—the full fall package. The Pumpkin Patch typically runs mid-September through late October with current hours posted daily. As of this week, the patch is open Tue–Thu 12–4:15pm and Fri–Sun 10–4:15pm (last entry 4:15; field closes 4:30). Apple pickers get free hayrides on Fridays and $2 rides on weekends. Check “Today’s Farm News” before you go for live music, specials, and what’s picking. (Parlee Farms)
Low-key, pretty, and perfect for a calm afternoon. Drew Farm is open daily 10am–5pm through November for pick-your-own apples, mums, and pumpkins. It’s an easy stop for families who want that classic New England orchard feel without the lines. (DREW FARM)
Plan a full day here. The 2025 “Bee Happy” corn maze runs Aug 30–Nov 2, with general admission (many activities included) offered weekdays and weekends; online pricing currently lists $14.99 weekdays and $19.99 weekends ($19.99/$24.99 at gate). Nighttime brings the Flashlight Maze and Hysteria at Connors Farm haunted fields on select evenings from Oct 3–Nov 1 (also open Oct 12 & Halloween). Check the farm’s site for exact hours and tickets before heading out. (Connors Farm)
Smolak’s Fall Festival Weekends are back every weekend in September and October—free to enter—with rotating themes (Disney, Pirates, Halloween Spooktacular, and more), live music, and pay-as-you-go extras like hayrides, cow train rides, and the famous cider donuts (and yes, cider-donut ice cream). PYO apples and pumpkins run daily while fields last; check their events page the morning of your visit. (Smolak Farms)
Before you Go
- Check day-of updates: New England weather can shift plans—hours and offerings are posted daily on farm websites and socials. (Parlee Farms)
- Tickets & timing: Some activities are online-ticketed with last entry times (especially mazes at night). (Marini Farm)
- What to pack: Layers, boots you can hose off, hand wipes, and a reusable tote for farm-stand goodies.
- Pets: Most farms only allow service animals—leave pups at home. (Parlee Farms)
If you hit any of these, tag me—I love seeing your photos! And if you want a curated list of local events every week, pop your info in the signup on my site and I’ll send it right to your inbox.
