Fall fun around Lakeland: Corn mazes, pumpkin patches + haunted houses

Ring in the season with a trip to one of these fall-exclusive spots for the whole family.

A decorative wooden frame covered with a variety of orange, white, and gray pumpkins, with a sign reading "FOX SQUIRREL CORN MAZE."

Pump up the pumpkin at these farms and trails.

Photo by @gilesboys_mama

It’s fall, y’all, and we’re ready to celebrate. Visit one of these farms, pumpkin patches, and haunted events to welcome the season with tricks, treats, and fall fun galore.

Fox Squirrel Corn Maze, Plant City | Saturday-Sunday, Sept. 27-Oct. 26 | $14
Start with a walk through the maze with caramel apples in hand, and end with a game of cornhole or a camel ride. You can also shop from local makers for a unique souvenir to bring home.

Pro tip: Some vendors at this farm are cash only, so keep some bills on hand.

Keel Farms Harvest Days, Plant City | Saturday-Sunday, Oct. 4-Oct. 26 | Free+
Venture through the corn maze, hop on a hayride, and pick a pumpkin from the patch, then reward yourself with a cup of Keel & Curley’s wine or cider.

Pro tip: Admission is free, but parking is $10.

A fluffy brown dog sits in a large pumpkin patch in front of the First United Methodist Church of Lakeland.

Even pooches can help pick a pumpkin at First UMC’s patch.

First United Methodist Church, Lakeland | Daily, Oct. 3-Oct. 31 | Free+
Snap a photo among the pumpkins with Lake Morton as your backdrop.

Pro tip: Pumpkins will be delivered on Oct. 2, so visit early in the month for your top pick of the patch.

Harvest Holler, Polk City | Friday-Sunday, Sept. 19-Nov. 16 | $14 for kids, $17 for adults
Ride down the Big Frank-n-Slide, jump in the corn tubs, or take a ride around the farm to feed animals. Then, grab a snack from Maw-Maw’s Country Store or Paw-Paw’s Vittles.

Pro tip: Stop by earlier in the season for the best corn maze experience — and whatever you do, don’t skip the cobbler.

Presbyterian Church in the Highlands, Lakeland | Daily, Oct. 4-31 | Free+
Take a photo in the pumpkin patch, and pick out the perfect one to take home.

Pro tip: Pumpkin drops are scheduled for Oct. 1 and 18.

Bell Family Farm, Polk City | Wednesday-Sunday, year-round | $12.50 for kids, $15.50 for adults
Pet farm animals and unique critters like mini zebu and kunekune pigs, or add on a cow cuddling experience. Mini cows, maximum cuteness.

Pro tip: Your ticket includes pumpkin carving and a trick-or-treat trail on Fridays + Sundays, Oct. 11-19.

A large tree covered in jack-o-lanterns and lit with red lighting.

Look for this scene on Sir Henry’s haunted hayride.

Photo by @hauntscene

Sir Henry’s Haunted Trail, Plant City | Friday-Sunday, Sept. 27-Nov. 1 | $27+
Buy tickets in advance to brave three haunted houses and a haunted hayride that are sure to make you shriek. Read our guide for more of what to expect.

Pro tip: Visit the Family Fright Nite on Thursday, Oct. 30 to enjoy the sets and trails without any scare actors.

Dinosaur World Jurassic Haunt, Plant City | Friday-Sunday, Sept. 27-Nov. 1 | $19.95
Join the “Mammoth Mayhem” to explore this prehistoric park after dark through glowing paths and scare zones. You can also add on tickets for a train ride or an excavation in the dark.

Pro tip: Your ticket includes daytime admission to the park.

Don’t see your favorite spot? Tell us where you’ll be celebrating this season.

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