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Autumn Days at Anderson Farms By Sanonna Al Taweel
F or many Colorado families, This family-run farm, about 25 miles north of Denver, has turned its wide-open fields and weathered barns into a fall playground, drawing visitors from all over the Front Range. What started as a modest pumpkin patch in the late ’90s has grown into one of the state’s most beloved autumn destinations. It’s a place where hay bales double as jungle gyms, wagon rides turn into adventures, and every corner offers something new to explore. From toddlers on their first barrel train ride to grandparents snapping photos of the grandkids among the pumpkins, Anderson Farms is the kind of place that the search for the perfect pumpkin patch ends at Anderson Farms in Erie. brings generations together. The charm isn’t just in the activities, it’s in the fresh air, the crunch of leaves underfoot, and the warm welcome that greets you the moment you step onto the farm. Anderson Farms has been planting pumpkins since 1997, and the pumpkin patch itself stretches across 35 acres. Visitors can hop aboard a tractor-pulled wagon for a ride out to the fields, where hundreds of pumpkins in all shapes and sizes are scattered across the ground. Kids can pull their own wagons, hunt for “the
one,” and climb over the vines while parents debate how many they can fit in the trunk. But pumpkins are just the start. Anderson Farms is also known for its massive corn maze. Each year brings a new design carved into 25 acres of corn, with multiple levels of difficulty for different ages and patience levels. There’s also a separate “mini maze” for little kids who aren’t ready for the full adventure. Beyond the pumpkins and the maze, the farm offers pedal karts, a barrel train ride, a pumpkin cannon, and farm animals to meet. Kids can burn off energy in the sprawling play area, complete with tire mountain, hay bale tunnels, and a giant combine slide that’s become a favorite photo spot. There’s also gem mining for aspiring treasure hunters, where kids can sift through sand and water to discover colorful stones and fossils. For those who lean spooky, Anderson Farms is also home to Terror in the Corn, a haunted attraction that opens at sundown and transforms part of the corn maze into a terrifying nighttime experience. With elaborate sets, live actors, and spine-chilling special effects, the haunted trail weaves through haunted shacks, eerie woods, and
pitch-black cornrows. It’s not recommended for young kids, but teens and adults show up in groups ready to scream, laugh, and test their courage. Brave participants can even make it a dare: Who can make it through without running? The farm can get busy on peak weekends, especially in October. Weekdays are quieter, and the farm offers discounted admission for school field trips and homeschool groups. Whether you go early to avoid the rush or closer to Halloween for the full atmosphere, the farm feels like an autumn ritual that keeps families coming back year after year. Whether you’re starting a new tradition or continuing an old one, Anderson Farms delivers that perfect blend of nostalgia and fun that defines autumn in Colorado. Anderson Farms is open for fall festivities through Oct. 26. Tickets can be purchased online, and certain attractions (like Terror in the Corn) require separate reservations. Anderson Farms 6728 County Road 3 1/4, Erie, CO
andersonfarms.com Open through Oct. 26 Tickets start at $17 online Parking is free
8 COLORADO PARENT OCTOBER 2025
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