Every autumn, there comes a weekend when I look out at our front porch and realize it is officially time. We need pumpkins. Actually, we need several, and the hunt is easily one of my favorite fall traditions.

For me, it is all about the weird ones. I love those gnarly, heavily textured heirloom pumpkins that have a little personality. Meanwhile, my husband and son can spend an hour wandering through a patch, determined to find the biggest, heaviest carving pumpkin they can possibly carry.

Add a cool breeze, a hayride, and the smell of fresh apple cider donuts, and we are all in.

Whether you want to start a pumpkin hunting tradition of your own or simply need some great local porch decor, the Binghamton area has plenty of options. Because Upstate New York weather can change quickly and activities may vary by day, always check a farm’s website or social media before heading out.

Iron Kettle Farm in Candor

Iron Kettle Farm has long been a Southern Tier fall tradition. The farm market is open daily during the fall season, while many of its extra activities are offered on select dates.

Along with pumpkins, Iron Kettle has hayrides, fresh donuts, a corn maze, and other seasonal activities. It is a great choice when you want to make pumpkin shopping part of a full family outing.

Stoughton Farm in Newark Valley

Stoughton Farm in Newark Valley is a popular fall destination, especially for families looking to take on its sprawling corn maze. The farm’s 2026 maze season is scheduled to run through November 1.

Beyond the maze, visitors can find pumpkins, harvest decor, photo opportunities, and fall activities. Select days may include hayrides, a pumpkin blaster, and other attractions, while flashlight maze hours are offered on some Friday and Saturday nights in October. Check the farm’s schedule before you go because activities and hours can vary.

Russell Farms in Brackney

Just across the Pennsylvania border in Brackney, Russell Farms is a favorite fall stop for Binghamton area families.

The farm offers pick-your-own apples and pumpkins, hayrides, train rides, a corn maze, a jumping pillow, and play areas for kids. The Donut Hut is also a must-stop for warm apple cider donuts and cider slushies. Their farm store is open daily, while many fall activities are offered on weekends through the end of October.

Apple Hills in Binghamton

Apple Hills is an easy local option on Brooks Road, about 16 minutes from downtown Binghamton.

Known for its orchard and fresh local apples, Apple Hills is a nice place to add to a fall day. Before you go, check its current schedule for picking availability, seasonal activities, and farm attractions.

Jackson’s Pumpkin Farm in Endicott

Jackson’s Pumpkin Farm on Route 17C in Endicott has been a local fall staple since 1958.

The family-owned farm offers pumpkins, a gift shop, and outdoor seasonal activities. It is a close-to-home choice for Binghamton area families who want to find the right pumpkins and spend a crisp fall afternoon outside.

Binghamton NY Pumpkin Farm on Pierce Creek Road

For a traditional farm stand stop right in Binghamton, Binghamton NY Pumpkin Farm at 381 Pierce Creek Road offers pumpkins, seasonal produce, and locally grown goods.

It is a good option if you want to skip the larger crowds, support local growers, and pick up pumpkins or porch decor without making a full day of it.

Red Wagon Farm in Owego

If you are not looking for a big outing and simply want a beautiful variety of pumpkins, Red Wagon Farm in Owego is an easy stop.

The farm grows thousands of pumpkins in a range of sizes, colors, and varieties, along with winter squash, gourds, mums, and cornstalks. Its self-serve farm stand is open from sunrise to sunset, making it easy to pull in, choose your favorites, and load up the trunk with fall decor.

Binghamton Jellystone Park in Endicott

For a different kind of kid-focused fall outing, Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Binghamton in Endicott has themed weekends scheduled through November 1.

Its Magic Pumpkin Patch activities include a wagon ride, a story about the patch, pumpkin picking, and pumpkin painting for a jack-o’-lantern contest. It is a fun choice if you want to make pumpkin picking part of a larger family day or weekend camping trip.

Choosing the Right Fall Farm Near Binghamton

Iron Kettle Farm, Stoughton Farm, Russell Farms, Jackson’s Pumpkin Farm, and Jellystone Park are great choices when you want hayrides, activities, and a full afternoon of family fun.

Red Wagon Farm and the Pierce Creek Road farm stand are better for a quick stop when you want pumpkins, gourds, mums, or local produce without the crowds. Apple Hills is an easy stop in Binghamton.

No matter where you go, throw on your boots, grab some cider, and enjoy the hunt. And do not be afraid to bring home one of those wonderfully bumpy pumpkins. They have the best personality.

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