Baltimore's Best Pumpkin Patches

With Halloween and Thanksgiving approaching, a great family event to get you into the holiday spirit is pumpkin picking. From finding the perfect pumpkin to making Jack O'Lanterns, this time-honored tradition offers an affordable way to spend time with your loved ones outdoors before the winter weather blows in. In Baltimore, pumpkin patches are not only plentiful, but in full swing by the beginning of October. Here is a list of must-see harvest time spots.

Weber's Cider Mill Farm

2526 Proctor Lane
Parkville, Md., 21234
410-668-4488
info@webersfarm.com
Hours: Weekdays 9 a.m.-7 p.m.
www.weberscidermillfarm.com

Weber's Cider Mill Farm has been making cider for more than 100 years. Started in 1908, it's the oldest cider mill farm in Maryland. Since it's inception, the farm has grown to include a variety of fall activities. One of their premier events includes Weber's annual Fall Festival, which starts in October. Every weekend, your family can do a heck of a lot more than pick pumpkins – they offer hayrides, straw mazes for all ages (even the youngest members of the family) and duck races. Your children will get a kick out of the Halloween Boo Barn and Giant Hillside slide.

Adults will have a chance to shop the store for locally produced apple cider and baked goods. Don't forget to take your children to see the animals. The horses are some of the most popular attractions.

Cost to get into the park is free, but be prepared to pay for individual activities.

North Run/Rodgers' Farms

Historic Greenspring Valley, Maryland
1818 Greenspring Valley Road
410-241-3392
Hours: Fridays from noon until 6 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.
Cost: Maze, Farm and Hayride: Adults: $8, Children: $6 (4-12) 4 and Under: Free
rodgersfarms@rodgersfarms.com
www.northrunfarm.com

This year the North Run/Rodgers' Farm will be celebrating 10 years of pumpkin picking. Located in Stevensville, Md., visitors can actually go into the pumpkin patch to pick their pumpkins. In addition to hayrides and wagon rides, the farm prides itself for outlandish corn mazes, which have included themes like the T-Rex and Lady Liberty. For 2011, the farm urges you to go to the web site to find this year's theme.

Applewood Farms

4435 Prospect Road
Whiteford, Md. 21160
410-417-6329
Hours: Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.
Admission: $3, Children under 3, Free
applewoodfarm@earthlink.net
www.applewoodfarm.org

Applewood Farms is a 100 - acre farm located in Harford County, just a 40 - minute drive from Baltimore City. Starting on Oct. 1, the farm will celebrate its annual Fall Festival. Admission includes a variety of other fall activities like hayrides, corn maze, lawn bowling, reindeer antler toss and use of the farm's model trains. The Applewood Express Train Ride is $3 extra per person.   

CBS Baltimore Insider Tip: The farm accepts cash for admission. You can, however, pay with Visa/MC once inside the gate though.

Sharp's at Waterford Farm

4003 Jennings Chapel Road
Brookeville, Md. 20833
Phone: (410) 489-2572 
Hours: Weekdays: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Weekends: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. until mid-November
Maze Cost: $7.50 Adults, $5.50 Children (6-16), $3 (2-6)
www.sharpfarm.com/

This 530-acre waterfront farm is just 40 minutes south of Baltimore. With free admission and ample parking, the facility starts its pumpkin picking season on Oct 1 and continues until mid-November. Every weekend families are invited to pack a lunch and come to the farm to find their perfect pumpkin.

Visitors can participate in the "Short Pumpkin Tour" where you'll go on a hayride, pick a pumpkin in the field and then run around in the farm's mini corn maze.  The educational maze is the main attraction, where daring participants must answer questions correctly to get directions to the correct path! It's fun and educational all in one.

CBS Baltimore Insider Tip: The corn maze is open on Saturday and Sundays only.