When it comes to family fun, nothing says autumn like pumpkin patches and corn mazes. Fortunately, there are plenty to choose from in the South Sound. Here is a list of our recommendations.
In Tumwater, the Rutledge Corn Maze with all of its attractions and events has become a family tradition for many. Going into their 22nd season, this special place has something for everyone for the Halloween season. Children and their parents can get lost in the giant corn maze or hunt through the pumpkin patch for the perfect pumpkin.
Daytime activities at Rutledge includes Story Time with Spookley the Square Pumpkin, corn hole, swings and much more. There's also Punchin Pumpkins (yes please!), a calf roping station, a cow train, a corn cannon and scavenger hunts (some activities are weekends only). Nighttime brings on the Haunted Corn Maze, a Zombie Paintball adventure and the Night Corn Maze.
There is also a produce stand featuring fresh corn picked daily. Topping all this off, families can rent fire pits. Each pit area is set up for 50 guests and is equipped with access to electricity, four picnic tables, a covered tent and wood for burning.
RUTLEDGE CORN MAZE, open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday-Thursday; 10 a.m. to midnight, Friday-Saturday; 302 93rd Ave. SE, Tumwater, www.rutledgecornmaze.com.
Double R Farms between Tacoma and Puyallup - just off River Road next to Duris Cucumber Farm - is a third-generation family-run farm that has a five-acre corn maze open throughout October. Family activities include three pumpkin slingshots, with one just for kids. Mom and Pop and all the kids can take a free tractor-pulled hayride on the weekends, weather permitting. Concessions are offered in the 80-year-old pumpkin barn where visitors can find decorative gourds, cornstalks, mini pumpkins, and edible squash. They also have live animals for the kids to see.
DOUBLE R FARMS, open 3 to 6 p.m., Monday-Friday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday-Sunday; through Oct. 31, 820 44th St. E, Puyallup, 253.227.5385, www.double-r-farms.net.
Spooner Farm in Puyallup is a fifth-generation family farm featuring a corn maze and a huge pumpkin patch. Much more than a pumpkin patch, Spooner Farm is a year-round working farm growing winter squash, triple crown blackberries, strawberries, raspberries, obsidian berries and more.
During Spooner's 26th annual Harvest Festival running the entire month of October they will be harvesting 50 varieties of pumpkins, gourds, squash and ornamental corn. Activities include Pumpkin Pete's Playtown, duck races, pony rides, pumpkin slingshots and more. Be sure to check out their gift shop and concessions and satisfy your hunger with roasted or caramel corn. Most activities are open weekends only.
SPOONER FARM HARVEST FESTIVAL, open daily 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., through Oct. 31, 9710 State Route 162, Puyallup 253.840.2059, www.spoonerberries.com.
Picha's Farms in the Puyallup valley and Puyallup's McMillin Farms also feature corn mazes and pumpkin patches open during October. Picha's Farms also offers hayrides, a Kiddie Train and pumpkin slingshot. McMillin Farms includes a fruit and vegetable stand.
PICHA'S FARMS, open 3 to 6 p.m., Monday-Friday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday-Sunday; 6502 52nd St. E, Puyallup, 253.841.4443, http://www.pichafarms.com.
MCMILLIN FARMS, open noon to dusk, Monday-Friday; 10 a.m. to dusk, Saturday-Sunday; 12517 SR 162 E, Puyallup, www.pichafarms.com.
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