The DFW Pumpkin Patch Guide: Free Patches, Big Farms, and Photo Spots

Every October the same question fills my inbox: which pumpkin patch is worth it? The answer depends on whether you want photos, activities, or a whole farm day. Here is our field-tested list. Patches change dates yearly, so always check before you drive.

The full farm experiences

Pitchfork Pumpkin Patch in Royse City is the one with activities you will not find elsewhere: pumpkin smashing (the smashed pumpkins go to local farmers), mini cows, bounce houses, pumpkin painting, and paintball. Free admission, activities individually priced. Season typically runs late September through early November.

📍 7126 S FM 548, Royse City, TX 75189

Huddin Homestead Fun Farm in Rockwall is my personal favorite: so much to do, genuinely unique animals, and the friendliest staff anywhere.

📍 1666 FM1141, Rockwall, TX 75087

The free patches (perfect for pictures)

Churches put on lovely little patches every October where you can shoot family photos free:

• Arapaho United Methodist Church, 1400 W Arapaho Rd, Richardson: opens in early October
• Christ United Methodist Church, 3101 Coit Rd, Plano: usually late September through October 31
• The free Dallas photo patch at 9845 McCree Rd, Dallas: a beautiful patch and it is free
• Garland patch at 1212 W Buckingham Rd: open through Halloween, easy in-and-out

Buy your pumpkins here

Bruce Miller Nursery at 1000 E Belt Line Rd in Richardson is a great spot to actually buy your pumpkins once the photos are done.

The big spectacle

Autumn at the Arboretum at the Dallas Arboretum (8525 Garland Rd) builds a Pumpkin Village from around 100,000 pumpkins, gourds, and squash every fall; the 2026 edition runs September 19 through November 1. It is paid admission, and it is the single most impressive pumpkin display in Texas. Buy timed tickets online.

Mom tips for patch season

• Go on a weekday morning if you can; weekend afternoons are shoulder to shoulder
• Golden hour photos mean late afternoon light, but earlier means happier toddlers. Pick your battle.
• Cash for the activity-priced farms
• And get in the picture yourself, mama. It is a sweet memory for us too.