EDITOR’S NOTE: While this article has timely information on restrictions and hours due to COVID-19, protocols can change quickly. Before you start planning a visit, please keep in mind the hours and operations of these destinations may be abbreviated or amended, so confirm the information presented here and that they are open before you go.
October is a busy month full of fall celebrations, haunted houses and everything in between. This guide to all things fall, featuring Memphis pumpkin patches, fall festivals and family-friendly events, is meant to make your life easier. Get out there, enjoy the festive feel and embrace that cool weather … in costume if you dare!
There are lots of pumpkins to be picked at Priddy Farms! Image: Priddy Farms
MEMPHIS PUMPKIN PATCHES AND FALL FESTIVALS
Priddy Farms
4595 North Germantown Road, Arlington, TN 38002 • (901) 359-0800
Hours: Monday through Thursday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Admission: Varies based on activity
Priddy Farms has 24 acres of fields with pumpkins, crops and fall activities, including hayrides and pumpkin picking. Families can experience fall scents and sights that are perfect for picture taking! Younger children can take a ride on the mini train and play on the swing sets and slides. You can even build your own scarecrow (bring old children’s clothes for this activity). Bring your flashlights at night to catch a glimpse of deer, foxes and maybe even a farm owl or two. For parties, group events and campfires, call and schedule ahead of your arrival. And this year, the farm offers a feeding and petting zoo for the entire family to enjoy!
Jones Orchard Fall Fun
7170 Highway 51 North, Millington, TN 38053 • (901) 873-3150
Hours: Open every Friday through Sunday in October (including) Halloween; Friday, 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Saturday, noon to 11 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 10 p.m.; Halloween, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Admission: $8 per person (childer under 5 are free with a paying adult)
Jones Orchard has 600 acres, and each fall, they host Fall Fun. The month-long event offers hayrides, haunted corn mazes, pumpkin picking and general fall merriment. The family farm is located roughly 10 miles north of Memphis. With their affiliated Jones Market & Cafe, Jones U-Pick Orchard and Jones Market nearby, it’s definitely worth the drive!
Rows and rows of pumpkins perfect for picking at Jones Orchard! Say that five times fast. Image: Jones Orchard
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Second Baptist Church Pumpkin Patch
4680 Walnut Grove, Memphis, TN 38117 • (901) 682-3395
Hours (October 3 – 31): Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to dark; Sunday, noon to dark
Admission: Varies based on item
Second Baptist Church carries pumpkins of all shapes, sizes and colors along with hay bales, flowers and fall decorations. Be sure to sample some homemade pumpkin bread and take a picture in the photo area! Prices vary, but 100% of the proceeds support Second Baptist’s student ministry, so this is a must-add to your Memphis pumpkin patch list.
Falcon Ridge Farm’s Fall Festival
22630 TN-18, Toone, TN 38381 • (731) 658-5200
Hours (September 26 through November 1): Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 6 p.m.
Admission: Weekdays, $10.95 (plus tax); Weekends, $12.95 (plus tax)
Falcon Ridge’s biggest event is its fall festival. Take a tractor-drawn hayride, pick your perfect pumpkin right off the vine, or even visit the petting zoo and enjoy pony rides. The country store also offers food, drinks and gifts. Hay bales, corn stalks and mums for all of your fall decorating needs are available as well. And Falcon Ridge’s Tennessee-themed corn maze is unique and sure to please. There is also trivia questions at each intersection about Tennessee history and current events. If answered correctly, they help you navigate your way out. Make fun family memories here this fall!
Think you can make it through this maze? Image: Falcon Ridge Farm
HALLOWEEN EVENTS
October 16 – 18, 23 – 25 & 29 – 31, 2020: Zoo Boo
2000 Prentiss Place, Memphis, TN 38112 • (901) 333-6500
Time: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Admission: Non-member, $15; Member, $13
Memphis Zoo Boo is a family affair that everyone can enjoy. With candy stations, straw mazes, magic shows, hayrides and other activities, the kiddos are sure to have the time of their lives! Tickets are $13 for zoo members and $15 for non-members, and proceeds benefit Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital. Note that tickets for each night are limited and not sold at the gate, so be sure to purchase yours in advance.
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October 16 – 19, 2020: Le Bonheur Virtual Pumpkin Run
Time: Any time between October 16 and 19
Cost: $25
Get active for the children of Le Bonheur with the Pumpkin Run Virtual 5K and 10K! Although the race looks a tad bit different this year, you’re still supporting a great cause while getting those steps in. Registration is $25 for both the 5K and 10K.
Make the Le Bonheur Pumpkin Run a family affair — all while raising money for a great cause. Image: Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital
Happy fall, Memphis!
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