After months of Georgia’s scorching summer heat, we’re more than ready to trade in the humidity for crisp air, colorful leaves, and all things pumpkin spice, even if the weather doesn’t always cooperate and fall sometimes feels more like a second round of summer. Still, there’s something about this season that makes us crave the traditions that come with it, and at the top of the list is visiting a pumpkin patch. From hayrides and corn mazes to photo-worthy backdrops and rows of pumpkins just waiting to be picked, South Atlanta has no shortage of festive spots where families and friends can soak in the charm of autumn. Here are some local favorites you won’t want to miss.
Wargo’s Pumpkin Patch – Grantville
📍 Location: 2041 Lone Oak Rd, Grantville
📞 Phone: (770) 377-8635
🗓️ Pumpkin Season: Open from September 20th to November 2nd on Saturdays from 9am-6pm and Sundays from 1pm – 6pm.
Wargo’s Pumpkin Patch tops the list as a true local favorite. This family-owned gem, right here in our backyard, has been delighting families for years with its charming, small-town feel. Open every Saturday and Sunday in October, Wargo’s offers hayrides, a corn maze, face painting, arts and crafts, and fall treats like boiled peanuts and fried apple pies. Admission is free (with donations supporting Camp Rockridge in Franklin), making it not only festive but also community-focused, a tradition South Atlanta families look forward to all season long.
Coming Up at Wargo’s
October 4th: The Taco Truck
October 5th: The Grumpy Pig
October 11th & 12th: Kettleworks
October 18th: The Taco Truck
October 19th: The Grumpy Pig
October 25th: The Taco Truck
October 26th: The Grumpy Pig
Southern Belle Farm – McDonough
📍 Location: 1658 Turner Church Road, McDonough
📞 Phone: (770) 288-2582
🗓️ Pumpkin Season: Open from September 20th to November 2nd
No roundup of pumpkin patches in South Atlanta would be complete without mentioning Southern Belle Farm. Just a short drive from the city, this beloved 330-acre farm has become a fall tradition for countless families. From its 4-acre corn maze and pumpkin patch to pig races, a cow train, and even a corn cannon, Southern Belle offers an action-packed day of fun for all ages. And when you’re ready for a break, their country market is the perfect stop for fresh produce, baked goods, and seasonal treats that taste like autumn itself.
Pricing, Hours, and Activities
Pricing:
Weekend admission price ranges from $18.95 to $24.95.
- Get your tickets for September and November weekend dates here.
- Get your tickets for October 4th and 5th here.
- Get your tickets for October 11th, 12th, 18th, 19th, 25th, and 26th here.
- Get your tickets for Columbus Day – October 13th here.
Hours:
- Saturdays from 10am to 7pm
- Sundays from 1pm to 7pm
- *Also open on Monday, October 13th (Columbus Day), from 10am to 5pm
Weekend admission price includes the following activities:
- Ballzone
- Belle’s Bubble Farm
- Belle’s Barnstormer
- Corn Maze
- Cow Train Ride
- Corn Cannon – 3 shots
- Jumping Pillow
- Hay Rides
- Racing Pedal Carts
- Giant Tunnel Slide
- Kids’ Play Area
- Rubber Duck Races
- Meeting the Barnyard Animals
- Seesaws
- Spookley the Square Pumpkin
- Pig Races
Ole McDermitt’s Farm – Carrollton
📍 Location: 102 Baxter Road, Carrollton
📞 Phone: (678) 850-8948
🗓️ Pumpkin Season: Open from September 29th to November 7th
Tucked away in Carrollton, Ole McDermitt’s Farm is a fall favorite for families looking to pack the day with fun. Beyond the pumpkin patch, this lively farm offers everything from hayrides and a corn maze to gem mining, flower picking, rubber duck races, and a petting zoo, making it a perfect spot for kids and adults alike. With plenty of activities and seasonal charm, Ole McDermitt’s is the kind of place where you can spend hours making memories together.
Pricing, Hours, and Activities
Pricing has not been released as of yet for the 2025 season.
Hours:
September:
- 27th and 28th from 10am to 5pm
- 29th (Homeschool Day) from 10am to 2pm
- 30th (Exceptional Adult’s Day) from 10am to 2pm
October:
- Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 2pm to 6pm
- Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to 6pm
November:
- 1st from 10am to 6pm
- 2nd from 10am to 5pm
- 8th from 10am to 4pm
- 9th from 1pm to 5pm
Activities Include:
- Petting Zoo
- Pumpkin Patch
- Slides
- Corn Maze
- Rubber Duck Races
- Gem Mining
- Hayride
Callaway Gardens – Pine Mountain
📍 Location: 17617 Highway 27, Pine Mountain
📞 Phone: (800) 225-5292
🗓️ Pumpkin Season: September 13th to November 1st
For a fall experience that blends natural beauty with seasonal magic, visiting Callaway Gardens for their Pumpkins at Callaway is a must!. Just a short drive from us in Fayette and Coweta, this enchanting getaway features a pumpkin forest that feels straight out of a storybook, walk-through fall experiences, and mini golf for visitors of all ages. Adults can unwind in the beer and wine garden while kids explore the grounds, making it a perfect spot for families, friends, or anyone looking to embrace the spirit of autumn in a picturesque setting. Open Thursdays through Sundays, Callaway Gardens delivers a memorable and unique way to celebrate the season.
Pricing, Hours, and Activities
Pricing:
- Kids pricing ranges from $20 to $25, depending on the night
- Adult pricing ranges from $25 to $30, depending on the night
Hours:
September:
- Fridays and Saturdays from 5pm to 10pm
- Sundays from 5pm to 9pm
October:
- Thursdays from 5pm to 9pm
- Fridays and Saturdays from 5pm to 10pm
- Sundays from 5pm to 9pm
November:
- Saturday, November 1st from 5pm to 9pm
Ticket Info
Step into the spellbinding world of Pumpkins at Callaway, where autumn magic fills every path and pumpkin patch. By day, marvel at Georgia’s giant pumpkins in the Garden of Giants, twist and turn through Cason’s Corn Maze, and savor seasonal treats in the Beer & Wine Garden. As night falls, the gardens light up with hundreds of glowing jack-o-lanterns, creating a whimsical scene perfect for photos and family adventures. From wandering hiking trails to spotting butterflies and birds of prey, your ticket unlocks a full day, and evening, of festive fall fun, making Callaway Gardens a must-visit destination for anyone ready to embrace the season.
Get your tickets here!
Sleepy Hollow Farm – Powder Springs
📍 Location: 628 Sleepy Hollow Road, Powder Springs, GA
📞 Phone: (770) 880-8846
🗓️ Pumpkin Season: September 20th to November 1st
A charming gem, Sleepy Hollow Farm brings the rustic joys of fall to life just outside Atlanta. Visitors can wander through the pumpkin patch and corn maze, snap the perfect seasonal photos, and meet friendly farm animals like goats, pigs, and chickens. The country store is stocked with homemade jams, jellies, and fresh apple cider, adding a sweet touch to your visit. Open from September 20 through early November, Sleepy Hollow Farm is a warm, family-friendly destination where outdoor fun and classic fall traditions come together.
Pricing, Hours, and Activities
Pricing:
$12.65 to $15.81, depending on the day
- Includes wagon rides, corn maze, farm animals, kid zone, and pumpkin patch
- *pumpkins sold separately
- Weekday discount: $12 per person
- Two and under are free with purchase of an adult ticket
- One two year old per adult
Hours:
- Wednesdays through Fridays from 10am to 6pm
- Saturdays from 10am to 7pm
- Sundays from 10am to 6pm
Activities Include:
- Corn maze
- Pumpkin patch
- Kids games in our farm playground
- Farm animals
- Country store
- Escape Woods escape game adventures (additional reservation required at here!)
Tips for Visiting Pumpkin Patches
Check hours before you go, as many pumpkin patches have specific hours of operation, especially on weekends. It’s a good idea to check their websites or call ahead to confirm hours before visiting.
Wear appropriate clothing, as farms can be muddy, especially after rain. Wearing boots or old shoes is recommended.
Bring cash. While many places accept cards, some smaller farms may prefer cash for purchases.
Arrive Early. Popular spots can get crowded, especially on weekends. Arriving early ensures a more relaxed experience.
Plan for the Weather. Fall weather can be unpredictable. Dressing in layers and bringing sunscreen or rain gear can help you stay comfortable.
Pumpkin Tips & FAQs
When’s the best time to carve?
Because pumpkins are mostly water, they begin to break down quickly after being carved, often within 3–7 days. For a Jack-O’-Lantern that looks great on Halloween night, wait until just a few days before to carve. Keep it in a cool, dry place when not on display.
Carved too early? Here’s what to try.
If you got a little too excited and carved your pumpkin ahead of time, you can help slow down the rotting process. Lightly coat the carved edges with petroleum jelly to lock in moisture (but never use a real candle with it, since it’s flammable). Wiping the inside with a vinegar-and-water mix can kill bacteria and mold, and spritzing it daily with the same solution may help. A silica gel packet inside can also absorb extra moisture. If your pumpkin still starts to sag, you can give it a quick soak in an ice bath for a temporary refresh.
How to pick the perfect pumpkin.
Look for a pumpkin with a strong, sturdy stem and firm skin without soft spots. Don’t forget to check the bottom, as damage or soft areas there are a sign it won’t last long. Whenever possible, buy from a local farm or patch to get the freshest pumpkins. And remember: never lift by the stem—it can snap off, and it’s key to keeping your pumpkin healthy longer.
What about the bleach method?
Some people swear by a diluted bleach solution (about 1 tablespoon bleach to 1 quart water). Spray the inside and all cut edges to kill bacteria and mold before rinsing with cool water. Be sure to wear gloves when handling bleach. If you’d rather avoid chemicals, the vinegar method above is a natural alternative.
Extra Pumpkin Hacks
Make uncarved pumpkins last longer.
If you’re decorating with whole pumpkins, skip washing them with plain water, as moisture can speed up decay. Instead, wipe them down with a vinegar-water solution to kill bacteria and store them in a shaded, cool spot outside. Uncarved pumpkins can last a month or more when treated well.
Extend life with a spray.
Give your pumpkin a daily mist with a mixture of water and a few drops of essential oils like tea tree or clove oil. These oils are naturally antifungal and can help slow down mold.
Try LED lights instead of candles.
Heat from candles makes pumpkins break down faster. Battery-powered tea lights, glow sticks, or fairy lights not only last longer but are also safer, especially if kids are helping decorate.
Use cookie cutters for carving shapes.
Instead of freehand cutting, press a metal cookie cutter into your pumpkin with a rubber mallet for perfectly shaped stars, hearts, or bats. It’s faster, easier, and kid-friendly.
Repel critters with a sprinkle.
If squirrels or chipmunks like to snack on your pumpkins, lightly spray them with a mixture of water and peppermint oil. The scent usually keeps pests away without harming your pumpkin.
No matter which patch you choose, fall is about more than just picking pumpkins. It’s about slowing down, making memories, and soaking in all the little traditions that make this season so special. Whether it’s the thrill of finding the perfect pumpkin, wandering through a corn maze, or sipping cider with friends, these moments are what truly mark the magic of autumn.
Happy pumpkin picking,
The Gals at Good to Be Home 🐝
