What’s better than putting on your favorite flannel and boots, sipping a steaming cup of cider and stomping through a fall pumpkin patch or corn maze? Doing it with a classic Colorado mountain view under crisp blue skies that turn to a golden glow in the late afternoon.
Denver makes an ideal headquarters for favorite fall activities, with urban and rural markets and gardens that have perfected rustic fall vibes and plenty of farms that go all out to welcome guests with u-pick pumpkin patches, corn mazes, hayrides and fall goodies to eat. There are even haunted cornfields and haunted houses for your seasonal dose of terror. Here are Denver’s fall harvest hot spots — ordered by their distance from downtown Denver.
13th Floor Haunted House
When the sun goes down, one of the nation’s top-rated haunted houses cranks up the terror. At 13th Floor Haunted House, movie-quality sets, special effects, animatronics and a cast of costumed actors combine to create a pulse-pounding walk-through experience that’s equal parts horror movie and haunted maze. Each year brings new themes and storylines, so even returning visitors will discover fresh scares lurking around every corner.
Things to Know: This attraction is designed for teens and adults and includes darkness, fog, strobe lights, loud sounds and intense scare actors. Timed tickets are highly recommended, especially on weekends leading up to Halloween.
Distance From Downtown Denver: 2 miles
Fall Farmers Markets
Spend a crisp Sunday morning where Denver locals do: strolling beneath colorful trees, shopping from Colorado farmers and artisans, and grabbing breakfast or coffee at local farmers' markets. One of the city's largest, City Park Farmers Market, brings together dozens of vendors selling Colorado-grown produce alongside artisan breads, cheeses, pastries and prepared foods. Live music and food trucks add to the festive atmosphere, making it an easy stop before visiting the nearby Denver Zoo or Denver Museum of Nature & Science. The South Pearl Street Farmers Market is one of Denver's most beloved neighborhood traditions, filling several blocks with everything from just-picked apples, pumpkins and squash to fresh flowers, local honey, baked goods and handcrafted products. Street musicians, local makers and the charming boutiques and cafes of South Pearl Street make it easy to turn a quick shopping trip into a leisurely autumn morning.
Highland Square Farmers Market has a lively Sunday social scene, pairing farm stands and ready-to-eat food with live music and a market bar. Its location along West 32nd Avenue puts you steps from neighborhood restaurants, patios and locally owned shops. And the Cherry Creek Fresh Market is a convenient Saturday stop for combining a market morning with a day in Cherry Creek. Browse a large mix of Colorado growers, specialty food producers, food trucks and pop-up boutiques, then explore the neighborhood’s extensive shopping and dining scene.
Things to Know: Arrive early for the best selection and easier parking — and bring a reusable bag along to hold your haul!
Distance From Downtown Denver: Varies
The Frightmare Compound
For more than 40 years, The Frightmare Compound has been terrifying those who dare to enter, making it one of Colorado's longest-running haunted attractions. This legendary Westminster haunt combines movie-quality sets, unsettling special effects and talented scare actors with an elaborate backstory involving secret government experiments, a deranged scientist and mysterious disappearances. Every dark hallway, hidden passage and shadowy corner is designed to keep you guessing — and jumping out of your skin — until you finally find the exit.
Things to Know: Recommended for teens and adults, The Frightmare Compound features darkness, fog, strobe lights, loud sounds and live actors. Purchase timed tickets online in advance, especially on weekends and as Halloween approaches.
Distance From Downtown Denver: 10 miles
Haunted Field of Screams
For a fright that’s equal parts haunted house and outdoor adventure, dare to enter the Haunted Field of Screams in Thornton. Set on more than 40 acres bordering the famously eerie Riverdale Road, this sprawling scream park combines haunted houses, a massive haunted corn maze and immersive outdoor scare zones (think abandoned farmyards with rusted machinery and apocalyptic backwoods encampments) for an after-dark experience that will give you chills even after your visit is over.
Things to Know: This attraction is best suited for teens and adults and features darkness, uneven outdoor terrain, loud noises, fog, strobe lights and live scare actors. Purchase timed tickets online in advance, especially for Friday and Saturday nights.
Distance From Downtown Denver: 14 miles
Maize in the City
Maize in the City is a relaxed, family-friendly fall destination where little ones can get their wiggles out. Admire giant, colorful piles of pumpkins and gourds, challenge yourselves to the 20-acre corn maze (or opt for the shorter mini maze), then bounce, climb, race ducks, launch corn across the field, pet friendly farm animals and ride the kid-sized barrel train. Colorful photo ops, giant Jenga, face painting and plenty of seasonal snacks round out an afternoon of classic autumn fun.
Things to Know: Many attractions are designed specifically for children, making this a great choice for families with elementary-age kids. Corn maze admission is less expensive when purchased in advance.
Distance From Downtown Denver: 14 miles
Chatfield Farms By Denver Botanic Gardens
Every year, Chatfield Farms, a working farm run by Denver Botanic Gardens, amazes (and stumps) guests with an intricate corn maze featuring an original design against a backdrop of colorful cottonwood trees and foothills. Plan to spend the whole day getting delightfully lost, riding the barrel train, challenging the family to giant Jenga, saying hello to farm animals and refueling with sweet-and-salty kettle corn, corn dogs and fresh-squeezed lemonade.
Things to Know: Tickets must be purchased in advance, as there are no on-site ticket sales. A mini maze is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday until 5 p.m. for children 10 and younger. And if you’re visiting in October, check to see if the Pumpkin Festival is happening. Pets are not permitted.
Distance From Downtown Denver: 17 miles
Rock Creek Farm
Broomfield’s Rock Creek Farm puts you further west and therefore closer to the foothills and mountains, with sweeping views to admire. It’s just a simple turn off the highway to acres of farmland where you can pick your own pumpkins; navigate three corn mazes; meet pigs, sheep, chickens and cows; and enjoy inflatable jumpy castles and games.
Things to Know: Leashed and friendly dogs are allowed except near the farm animals.
Distance From Downtown Denver: 19 miles
Anderson Farms
The heavenly scent of cider donuts, the rumble of tractor-pulled wagon rides and acres of golden corn set the scene at Anderson Farms, an annual fall destination for many Mile High City families. Lose yourself in the massive corn maze, pick pumpkins straight from the field, meet barnyard animals and discover enough games and attractions to keep the whole family entertained from morning until sunset. You can also get separate tickets to pick your own sunflowers (with over 20 varieties!), rent your own campfire ring (BYO s’mores), or brave the Terror in the Corn (for teens and adults only), a cinematic haunted attraction winding through acres of corn and ramshackle buildings.
Things to Know: Admission includes the wagon ride to the pumpkin patch, but you purchase pumpkins at an additional cost. Wear comfortable shoes and buy your tickets online in advance.
Distance From Downtown Denver: 29 miles
Rocky Mountain Pumpkin Ranch
Good old-fashioned, kid-friendly fun is as bountiful at Rocky Mountain Pumpkin Patch as the certified organic pumpkins grown on site. Located on the outskirts of Longmont, with views of Longs Peak along the drive, the ranch is packed with activities. Navigate a straw-bale maze, take a picture with the giant pumpkin, dig in wheat sensory bins, climb around on Tire Town, jump for joy on mini bounce houses and enjoy classic games like tic-tac-toe and pumpkin bowling — plus additional activities like pumpkin painting, sand art, pony rides and a petting zoo.
Things to Know: Visit on a weekday for fewer crowds and unlimited kids’ activity wristbands, or come on the weekend for a lively carnival with pay-as-you-go rides and games. Ooey-gooey caramel apples are available in small batches on weekends.
Distance From Downtown Denver: 30 miles
Ya Ya Farm & Orchard
This pretty little orchard overflows with fresh-picked apples, apple cider donuts, farm-baked apple pies, bottles of warm-spiced apple cider, jars of apple butter and more in its charming farm store. There are also tables for picnicking, horses to feed and pick-your-own flowers priced by the stem. It’s a scenic spot where the low branches of the apple trees flutter in the breeze above a carpet of green grass.
Things to Know: Apple-picking in the orchard requires signing up months before the harvest season, so check the website if that’s something you’re interested in.
Distance From Downtown Denver: 35 miles
Miller Farms
For a sun-soaked experience on a family-owned farm, visit Miller Farms in Platteville, where you can hop on a hayride and fill a bag with your own hand-picked produce. You’ll get your hands a little dirty and pluck fresh goodies right from the fields where they grow. The farm keeps the fragrant chile roaster going all season, with picnic tables, a corn maze, play areas, a hay pyramid and more to enjoy. Antique tractors, old vehicles, a faux Western town and whimsical roadside displays give the farm a quirky personality.
Things to Know: Dress for the farm (with shoes that can get a bit of dirt on them) and leave room in the car — most folks are surprised by just how many veggies they bring home.
Distance From Downtown Denver: 38 miles