In Florida, the arrival of fall is marked not by cool temperatures but by pumpkin spice drinks popping up at cafes and Halloween decorations lining store aisles. If Central Floridians are lucky, the overnight low may dip below 70 degrees.
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In addition, Central Florida farms and venues also step up to usher in autumn, bringing pumpkin patches, corn mazes and fall-themed fun to the Sunshine State. Friends and family can go for hayrides, try apple cider doughnuts and find petting zoos at many Orlando-area fall festivals.
Here are some festivals, mazes and events celebrating autumn in Central Florida.
Southern Hill Farms
This Clermont U-pick farm is celebrating its 11th year of pumpkins, apple cider donuts, craft beer, handmade goods, children’s activities, a corn maze, food trucks and big-screen TVs to catch sports. Enjoy the wide array of activities for a full day of family fun.
HOURS: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. select Thursdays, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Fridays, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturdays and 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Sundays, plus 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 12; Sept. 26-Nov. 22
ADDRESS: 16651 Schofield Road in Clermont
PRICE: $29.94 per person (before fees). Tickets must be purchased in advance. Children ages 2 and younger enter for free.
MORE INFO: southernhillfarms.com
Amber Brooke Farms
This Florida family farm in Eustis hosts visitors for live music, food, a petting zoo, a pumpkin barn, a farm tour, tractor rides, photo ops, a sunn hemp maze and more. Visitors can snack, have lunch or play cornhole while exploring all the offerings.
HOURS: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday-Sunday and select dates Sept. 19-Nov. 22
ADDRESS: 36111 County Road 44A in Eustis
PRICE: Starting at $19.95 online (before fees). Children who are 2 and younger enter for free.
MORE INFO: amberbrookefarms.com
Showcase of Citrus Pumpkin Ponderosa
At Clermont’s Showcase of Citrus, join in for fall fun with a pumpkin patch, autumn-themed festivities and a haunted monster truck ride. Visitors can also indulge in seasonal treats and beverages.
HOURS: 9 a.m.-7 p.m. daily Sept. 18-Oct. 31; Haunted monster truck rides every Thursday, Friday and Saturday starting at 7:30 p.m.
ADDRESS: 5010 U.S. Highway 27 in Clermont
PRICE: Free parking and admission; $29.75 per adult ages 13+ or $19.40 per child ages 4-12 for monster truck rides
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MORE INFO: showcaseofcitrus.com
Santa’s Fall Fun Farm
In Eustis, Santa’s Christmas Tree Forest transforms into a destination for fall fun, now celebrating 19 years of the “A Lot of Pumpkins” pumpkin patch. The farm features a bounce pillow, a maze, a hayride and other activities for children. Families can also opt to visit the petting zoo or explore food and drink options.
HOURS: Open select dates Oct. 12-Nov. 1 (check website for hours)
ADDRESS: 35317 Huff Road in Eustis
PRICE: Admission prices start at $6 and vary by date
MORE INFO: santaschristmastreeforest.com/pumpkins
Great Scott Farms
This 1,200-acre family farm in Mount Dora is bringing back its annual corn maze tradition for visitors. Guests can also find a pumpkin patch, country market, a jumping pillow, a zip line, family activities and hayrides.
HOURS: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays; Sept. 26-Nov. 15
ADDRESS: 26216 County Road 448A in Mount Dora
PRICE: General admission is $16.99 online. Children who are 2 and younger get in for free.
MORE INFO: visitgreatscott.com
Harvest Holler Corn Maze
This “down-home farm” near Lakeland features a corn maze, pumpkin patch, farm animals, hayride, a “hay mountain,” miniature golfing, a store with Maw-Maw’s homemade goods and Paw Paw’s Vittles for some “country fixins.”
HOURS: 4-8 p.m. Fridays, noon-8 p.m. Saturdays and 1-5 p.m. Sundays; Sept. 18-Nov. 15
ADDRESS: 950 Tavares Road in Polk City
PRICE: Kids ages 2-12, those 65 and older and military members are $14. Adults 13 and older are $17. Attractions are included in the price.
MORE INFO: harvestholler.com
Partin Ranch Corn Maze
About 13 miles south of St. Cloud, visit this family farm and fall attraction to find a pumpkin patch, corn mazes, hayrides, pony rides, a kids zip line, food, vendors and a petting zoo.
HOURS: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Oct. 10-Nov. 1
ADDRESS: 5601 N. Canoe Creek Road in Kenansville
PRICE: $15 for ages 3 and older; Children ages 2 and younger enter for free
MORE INFO: partinranchcornmaze.com
Did I miss any fall festivals or pumpkin patches? Find me @PConnPie on Instagram or send me an email: [email protected]. Stay up to date with our latest travel, arts and events coverage by subscribing to our newsletters at orlandosentinel.com/newsletters.
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