Pumpkin spice, pumpkin carving, pumpkin baked goods…everything we do this time of year revolves around the fall fruit. Luckily for those of us in the Syracuse area, we’re not only able to enjoy the pumpkin tastes and aromas around us, but we get to indulge in the ultimate pumpkin experience. Here in Central New York, there are several pumpkin patches to choose from, but our favorite is Tim’s in Marietta: a pick-your-own patch with various activities that will keep you occupied all day, as well as a bakery that serves up tasty pumpkin treats. It’s perfect for getting you in the Halloween spirit without the scares of a haunted house—think fun, not frightful!

Here are five things you have to check out when taking an afternoon trip to Tim’s Pumpkin Patch.

What’s a visit to a pumpkin patch without pumpkins? The owner of the patch, Tim Leubner, started farming pumpkins when he was just 15 years old. Now, Tim’s patch is 70 acres of pumpkins and squash. At the patch, you can pick your own pumpkins and squash for decorating, carving, and, of course, eating. Prices for pumpkins and squash range from $2 to $10 for specialty pumpkins.

Take on the corn maze for $3, or try the Hay Fort, a constructed maze of 700 pounds of hay bales (it’s free!). Make the corn maze a race or the Hay Fort a game of hide-and-seek!

After running around the corn maze, check out the Animal Farm at Tim’s Pumpkin Patch. You can feed and pet all of Tim’s animals: piglets, sheep, calves, kittens, rabbits, a miniature horse, and more. So cute!

Hop on Tim’s tractor ride around the pumpkin patch to end your afternoon of fall adventures. Tractor rides are $2 per person and take you on a traditional fall ride that will satisfy you and your Instagram’s need for fall scenery.

Be sure to stop at the bakery after your ride for literally all things pumpkin. The bakery whips up homemade treats like apple and pumpkin doughnuts, pumpkin pies, pumpkin whoopie pies, and—you thought I wouldn’t mention it—pumpkin spice lattes.

If you go:

Tim’s Pumpkin Patch
2901 Rose Hill Rd, Marietta, NY; (315) 673-9209
timspumpkinpatch.com
Hours: 9 a.m.-6 p.m, seven days a week