Fun-Filled Fall Events Near Lawrence, Kansas

Autumn has gotten underway in the Midwest, and with it, we get a cornucopia of awesome things to celebrate the season, including date-worthy pumpkin patches, family-friendly corn mazes, spooky Halloween events, and more.

Dig out your favorite flannel jacket and grab the pumpkin spice, folks!

The Best Pumpkin Patches Near Lawrence

Sure, you could just grab a few squashes from Wal-Mart, but where’s the fun in that?

Pendleton’s Country Market

Perhaps one of the best-known farmer’s markets near Lawrence, Pendleton’s has an incredibly diverse range of seasonal crops to pick, including lettuce, green beans, asparagus, and pumpkins. Other seasonal crop offerings include over 100 tomato varieties, as well as flowers and herbs for special occasions.

If you’re looking for something more than just pumpkin picking near Lawrence, Pendleton’s also hosts a number of fall and pumpkin picking festivals, including their Kaw Valley Farm Tour, as well as multiple Holiday Open House events.

Schaake’s Pumpkin Patch

Situated right near the south bank of the Kansas River just minutes from downtown Lawrence, this quaint family farm has been serving its local community with fresh produce for nearly half a century.

This farm grows an eclectic selection of squash species, including red warty thing, fireball, and Yuxi Jiang Bing Gua. This is a great activity for families on a budget looking for a place that won’t break the bank.

Meuschke Farms

This Lawrence staple is a great destination if you want to find one of the best pumpkin patches for the family without tracking a ton of mud into the car. They have a solid selection of shapes, sizes, and colors. When you’re done picking your perfect pumpkin, make sure to check out the free corn maze, or hang out at one of the fire pits if you’re feeling chilly.

The Best Halloween Activities Near Lawrence

If you’re ready to celebrate spooky season, check out these scarifying haunted events.

Garrett’s Haunted Farm

If you’re seeking out the perfect mix of Halloween thrills and family-friendly pumpkin farms near you, you’re in the right place.

Garrett’s provides the perfect mix of classic pumpkin patch activities with some truly unique extra things to do, including an after-dark zombie paintball hunt. Trust us, it’s exactly as fun as it sounds. There’s also a haunted hayride-themed bus, plus bounce houses and snacks galore. FYI—be sure to buy those zombie hunt tickets in advance.

McFinnigan Manor

This Halloween attraction is a little different from the usual pop-up haunted house. It’s billed as a “home haunt attraction,” and therefore isn’t your typical ghost tour. Still, be warned, because it may be a bit too intense for younger children.

If you have a hankering for an out-of-the-box attraction, this exclusive event may be right up your alley. It’s free of charge, but tours are only held a few times a year, so be sure to book ASAP.

Enchanted Forest Trail-or-Treat

Who says you have to wait until the 31st to celebrate? If you and the kiddos are getting impatient, consider popping by the Prairie Park Nature Center on the Sunday afternoon before the holiday. The City of Lawrence will have a trick-or-treat-style event, complete with candy, refreshments, and fantasy characters. It’s also a great opportunity to grab some brunch with the family in Lawrence.

Tickets are only 8 bucks, if you register in advance, and children 2 and under get in for free.

Other Fun Fall Activities Near Lawrence

Looking for something a little different? Have a gander at these festivals and opportunities for family fun!

KC Pumpkin Patch

A hop, skip, and a jump up the road from Lawrence, this gem is located just west of Olathe, and it’s a great spot if you’re looking for something to do near Kansas City.

KC Pumpkin Patch’s annual fall festival is loaded with activities for kids and adults alike, including a ninja course, paintball shooting gallery, farm skee ball, and, of course, pumpkins.

If you can’t make it to the fall festival, fret not, because KC’s very own pumpkin farm offers plenty of other opportunities for fall fun, including a cider fest and the KC Sunflower Fest.

Gary’s Fall Festival

Located about halfway between Lawrence and Topeka, you’ll find Gary’s Berries, Corn Maze, and Pumpkin Patch, which just so happens to be one of the best fall festivals near Central Kansas.

Gary’s is pretty much a one-stop ultimate fall destination. You’ll find plenty of classic activities like tire swings, cornhole, pig races, a petting zoo, and a giant hay bale maze. They also have some trademark Kansas specialties including a sunflower field.

Bountiful fall food will be available too—burgers, turkey legs, funnel cakes, refreshments, and of course plenty of treats at Grandma Julie’s Sweet Shop.

Hiking and Camping in Clinton State Park

Okay, so this isn’t technically an official event. Still, Clinton Lake and its surrounding parks are beautiful this time of the year, and it’s a great chance to get one last weekend out in nature before the snow starts flying.

Clinton State Park is located just minutes from Lawrence, and at almost 1,500 acres, there’s tons of room to spread out. What really makes this a special time of year in Kansas is the fall foliage, which tends to reach peak color change between late October and mid-November.

Other awesome campground activities include fishing, mountain biking, disc golf, and more. The park boasts everything from primitive campsites to electric and water hookups for some light boondocking.

How Are You Spending Fall with Your Family?

Did we miss any essential pumpkin patches, haunted houses, or other things to do near Lawrence? Hit us up on our Facebook page and let us know, so we can add it to the list for next year!

At McCarthy, we have all kinds of family vehicles in stock all the time, including Subaru Ascent for sale, and we’re always running pre-owned vehicle specials. If you want to find out more, give us a call at (785) 856-7127.