Fall fun in Midland and beyond

Summer has come and gone and it’s now that beautiful time of year when the air becomes crisp, and the leaves turn color. People are gearing up for the holiday season and kicking it off with Halloween by planning costumes and buying candy. Children look forward to classroom parties and enjoying sugary treats and families are headed to cider mills and pumpkin patches to create memories and carry on traditions. Though this list is not inclusive of everything the Midland area has to offer, it does give a snapshot of some favorites of our readers.

Carly LillardGrandma’s Pumpkin PatchGrandma’s Pumpkin Patch – Midland, MI
Grandma’s Pumpkin Patch, located at 4277 N Eastman Rd, offers a wide variety of Fall activities for people of all ages. Grandma’s Pumpkin Patch is open seasonally until Halloween and is ready for children to enjoy the Kidland Play Yard, hayrides and a corn maze. Patrons will find pumpkins and donuts galore! Watch their calendar for Fall-themed events such as Big Truck Day and the Penny War Car Show. 

Schomaker Farms – Saginaw, MI
How many pumpkins do you think you can carry? Schomaker Farms, located on 1103 Leddy Road near Shields in Saginaw, challenges guests to carry all the pumpkins they can out of their field for only $15. Keep what you carry! Their vegetable stand is stocked, the goats and mini cows are ready for snacks and snuggles and the wagon is ready to take visitors on a hayride around the farm. With games for kids of all ages and frequent food trucks, there is something for everyone at the farm.

The Wild Pumpkin – Beaverton, MI
A clear favorite of many, The Wild Pumpkin of Beaverton helps families create new traditions and memories by providing little ones with a kernel box and visits with farm animals. Hot donuts are ready to be eaten before running through the corn maze and cooling off with an apple cider float. Mums are ready to be purchased, and the wagon is ready to take guests for a ride. Check out their Facebook for upcoming events.The farm is located at 5799 Beaverton Rd.

Bayne’s Apple Valley – Freeland, MI
Bayne’s offers a full-service restaurant with a rotating menu and tap house. Located at 5395 Midland Rd in Freeland, visitors will often enjoy live music on an outdoor stage and shopping Michigan made products in their store. Grab a gallon of fresh-pressed cider to wash down a delicious sugar covered donut during your time at Bayne’s. 

Maxwell’s Pumpkin Farm – Beaverton, MI
Open seven days per week, Maxwell’s provides plenty of options to pick the perfect pumpkin. There are several opportunities for guests to take their fall photos and for children to explore the farm in a relaxed setting. Though there is not a petting zoo at the farm, Maxwell’s at 4676 M-18, Beaverton is home to a few critters. While enjoying family fun, be sure to pick up some fresh popped popcorn, cotton candy, cider and donuts.

Katie GuyerJohnson’s Pumpkin FarmJohnson’s Pumpkin Farm – Saginaw, MI
Calling at Bluey fans! Johnson’s Pumpkin Farm has Bluey decorated hay bales on display, creating a great photo op for fans of all ages. Their giant 13-acre farm offers loads of pumpkins and loads of fun for families looking for corn mazes, pony rides and kiddie train rides. Johnson’s offers full concessions including hot food and several flavors of donuts, a petting zoo and corn maze. Come fuel up and run through the maze. Watch their Facebook page for upcoming special events. Every weekend is action packed! Johnson’s is located at 4715 N Portsmouth Rd.

Leaman’s Green Apple Barn – Freeland, MI
At 7475 N River Rd. in Freeland, Leaman’s Green Apple Barn is stocked with donuts, apple cider slushies and several hot food options such as loaded nachos, barbecue chicken and hot dogs. Take a ride around the farm in a tractor-pulled wagon and run through the corn maze before picking out a big ‘ole pumpkin for carving. Enjoy the farm animals, take photos and play in the corn kernel pit. Kids can ride the little train or run around the playground and burn off some energy at Leaman’s, a fun fall destination for young and old.