Top Pumpkin Patches to Visit in Greater Fort Lauderdale This Fall

Located on Flamingo Road in Davie, 10-acre, 29-year-old Flamingo Road Nursery started out as an 8-acre hydroponic herb farm. Today, the nursery is a full-blown garden center known by locals for its homegrown basil, fresh smoothies and juices, and farm-to-table breakfast and lunch options. 

From the end of September through the first week of November, the Nursery invites all to its annual Fall Festival, where the garden center is transformed into an autumnal paradise giving New England vibes, with all the bells and whistles. Expect scarecrows, cornstalks, seasonal mums, and of course, pumpkins. Flamingo Road Nursery says it has the biggest and best pumpkin patch around, all complemented by Grandma’s Garden, which provides a fitting backdrop for fall family photos. 

To give it a unique twist, each week of the festival sports a secondary theme (think: Tropical Fruit Celebration, Tomato Fest, and Pepper Palooza). Plus, don’t skip the daily antique tractor hayrides to The Davie Moonshine and Fish Camp with plenty of hearty eats and arts and crafts for the little ones. 

A popular stop for local and organic produce, 10-acre Marando Farms & Ranch in Davie also offers a petting zoo and pony rides for the kiddos. There are also free-range chickens that produce U-pick eggs and horseback riding lessons for those who want to try out trotting. If you’re in need of a calm moment, the Zen Bar pulses fresh organic smoothies and juices to enjoy in the bonsai garden. 

Upping the anti for fall, Marando has added a fully-stocked pumpkin patch and kid-friendly music class. On Thursday, Oct. 30, join sensory-friendly Musica With Sarah for the Halloween Pumpkin Patch rendition. The class includes life-like puppets, instrument exploration, imaginative play with props, and a magical parachute activity, along with teaching children how to practice kindness toward one another and the farm animals.

Indulge in loads of fall flavor at Pumpkins & Palm Trees sponsored by Free Ride, a one-day-only event at The LOOP (Las Olas Oceanside Park) Fort Lauderdale Beach. Steeped in all things fall, the festival kicks off at 9 a.m. Start by checking out the 5th Annual Student Baking Competition presented by FRLA Broward to see the praiseworthy pies, then join the Trick or Treat Trail with Broward Center Spotlights at 10 a.m. 

For the kids, there’s carnival games, arts and crafts, balloon artistry, a toddler play maze, a balloon blaster race, prizes, giveaways, and fall photo ops. While the festival wraps at 2 p.m., you’ll still have plenty of time to stroll The MKT to support local food, art, and fashion vendors, open until 5 p.m. 

Launching into its ninth year, Riverwalk Fall Festival in Esplanade Park is a family-friendly fall bash that goes all out. On Saturday, Oct. 18, from noon to 4 p.m., kids can get busy with pumpkin decorating stations, sand art, and pumpkin bowling, while the adults indulge in fall-flavored cocktails. Get your grub on thanks to the lineup of local food trucks.

Opening on Saturday, Oct. 18, Parkland Pumpkin Patch will pop up at the Equestrian Center at Temple Park with a petting zoo, face painting, photo ops, bounce house fun, and seasonal treats (save room for fresh kettle corn and cider donuts). Fall-themed photo zones will help you capture special moments, and you can get into the creative flow by entering the Scarecrow Decorating Contest starting Oct. 1. 

Plus, there will be plenty of pumpkins to pick from and purchase, while supplies last, with proceeds benefiting the Parkland 17 Memorial Foundation. Parkland Pumpkin Patch will be open daily until Thursday, Oct. 23.