In Florida, the fall presence is marked not by cool temperatures but by the pumpkin spice drinks that appear in cafes and Halloween decorations that line the store’s aisles. If the central Floridian is lucky, it could be low overnight but below 70 degrees.
Additionally, several Central Florida farms and venues will also step up to announce the arrival of autumn, bringing pumpkin patches, corn mazes and autumn-themed fun to the Sunshine State. Friends and family can go to Hayride, try out apple cider donuts, and find petting zoos at many Orlando area fall festivals.
Here are a few festivals, mazes and events celebrating autumn in central Florida.
Southern Hill Farms
This Clermont U-Pick Farm celebrates the 10th year of pumpkins, apple cider donuts, craft beer, handmade goods, kids’ activities, corn mazes, food trucks, and big screen TVs, and catches sports. Enjoy a wide range of activities for a family fun day.
Opening hours: 11am to 7pm, Thursdays from 11am to 8pm to 8pm. 10am to 8pm Saturdays and 10am to 7pm. September 27th, November. twenty three
Address: 16651 Schofield Road, Clermont
Price: $28.92 per person (before the price). Tickets must be purchased in advance. Children under 2 years old can enter for free.
More information: Sountherhillfarms.com
Amberbrook Farms
This Florida Family Farm hosts visitors including live music, food trucks, petting zoo, pumpkin patches, farm tours, sunflower fields and more. Visitors can eat snacks, eat lunches, and drill corn holes while exploring all the products.
Opening hours: 10am to 5pm. Every Saturday to Sunday and selected date September 20th. 2
Address: 36111 County Road 44a, Eustis
Price: $15.95 online (before the price). Children under 2 years old can enter for free.
More information: amberbrookefarms.com
Citrus Pumpkin Ponderosa Showcase
At Clermont’s Citrus Showcase, join in on a pumpkin patch, autumn themed festival, and ghost monster truck rides to fall fun. Visitors can also indulge in seasonal treats and drinks.
Opening hours: Starting September 19th, daily from 9am to 7pm. Get on a Haunted Monster Truck every Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7:30pm
Address: 5010 US Highway 27, Clermont
Price: Free parking and admission. $25 per person on a monster truck ride
More information: showcaseofcitrus.com
Katherine Lake Farm
In Groveland, this U-Pick Blueberry Farm hosts two ghost trails for those who dare to enter, in addition to the family-friendly scavenger hunt maze. Brave souls can attempt “Katherine’s Nightmare Before the Christmas Maze” or the terrifying trail of Dark Forest Trero on Friday and Saturday nights. The experience can be concluded with food and alcoholic beverages available on the farm.
Opening hours: 6pm to 10pm, Fridays, 11am to 10pm Saturdays, 11am to 5pm. September 26th – Octo. 31
Address: 5849 Groveland Lake Catherine Road
Price: $6 per person (Autumn Maze and Scavenger Hunt), $17 per person (Ghost Maze, Prepaid Ticket), $24 (Dark Forest, Advanced Ticket)
More information: lakecatherineblueberries.com
Sunscreen Farm
This Umatira Farm brings family fun to visitors, including pumpkin patches, carnival games, bounce houses, ice cream, face painting, food trucks and more. A Haunted Trail pops up on a select night for visitors looking for fear when Dr. Grimmley’s ghosts.
Opening Hours: Fall Festival: Saturdays from 11am to 3pm. October 4th – oct. 18. Haunted Trail: 7pm to 11pm Friday and Saturday, October 3rd and 11th. 1
Address: Roger Giles Road 40541, Umatilla
Price: Free parking and admission. Activity ticket prices vary
More information: Facebook.com
Santa’s Fun Farm in Autumn
In Eustis, Santa’s Christmas Tree Forest transforms into a fall fun destination, and now celebrates a “many pumpkin” pumpkin patch. The farm has bounce pillows, mazes, hay and other kids’ activities. Families can also visit the petting zoo and explore food and drink options.
Opening Hours: Opening date nov from September 27th. 1 (Please check the website for hours)
Address: Huff Road, Eustis, 35317
Price: Admission starts at $10 and varies depending on the date
More information: santaschristmastreeforest.com/pumpkins
Great Scott Farms
This 1,200-acre family farm on Mount Dora is regaining the annual Corns Maze tradition for visitors. Guests can also find pumpkin patches, country markets, jump pillows, zip lines, family activities and hay rides.
Opening hours: Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to 5pm. September 27th, November. 16
Address: 26216 County Road 448A in Dorayama
Price: General admission is $16 online. Children under 2 years old can enter for free.
More information: visitgreatscott.com
Harvest the horror corn maze
Located near Lakeland, this “down home farm” features foot-foot vittles for corn mazes, pumpkin patches, farm animals, Hayride, “Hey Mountain”, miniature golf, homemade merchandise from Mohmau, and “country fixin”.
Opening hours: 4pm-8pm on Fridays, 8pm on Saturdays, and 1pm-5pm on Sundays. September 19th and November. 16
Address: 950 Tavares Road, Polk City
Price: $14 for children aged 2-12, over 65, military personnel, and $17 for adults aged 13 and over. Attractions are included in the price.
More information: harvestholler.com
Have you missed the fall festival or the pumpkin patch? Find @pconnpie on Instagram or send an email at pconnolly@orlandosentinel.com. Stay up to date with coverage of your latest travel, arts and events by subscribing to our newsletter at orlandosentinel.com/newsletters.
