An easy day drive from Phoenix, Mortimer Farms near Dewey, AZ has one of the most popular pumpkin patches in the state. And now we know firsthand why! We visited with the grandparents earlier this month and Mortimer Farms has everything you dreamed a pumpkin patch would have. With old fashioned rides, fresh fruits and vegetables, animals to feed, and U-pick pumpkins right out of the field, this is the ultimate fall experience you won’t want to miss.
For 2020, use code PhoenixWithKids to get $1/off per online admission!
Watch our YouTube video summary here:
The Country Store was the starting point for our day. We purchased admissions, and browsed they amazing selection of canned goods, honey, fresh produce and more. The small cafe had sweets and a few basic food items like sandwiches and coffee for purchase. (We bought coffee later in the afternoon for the trip home, and it was average. We also went off property for lunch at nearby Lucky’s BBQ and Burgers – highly recommend this place!)
We spent the first two hours wandering the farm and basically following the kids to what they were interested in! They loved the redneck swings and giant tube slides! The slides are super slow, mom even went down with the baby. Our daughter wanted to love the zip line, but it was almost impossible for her to get on by herself. And the end slammed so hard it hurt her neck. The giant inflatable bouncy pillow probably got the most attention, as well as the giant tire swings.
We also loved feeding the animals. Feed was 25 cents per small handful, so not cheap. But the smiles and excitement was worth it. We fed the chickens and the donkey and goats numerous times. We tried to entice a sheep but it was a little stand off-ish. There was also an adorable coop of chicks! For our city children, these animal interactions were definitely a highlight.
The hayride around the property was next on our adventure. The guide gave us some fun background of the farm, as well as information about what’s currently growing. We also stopped by the pond to feed the ducks. It was about a 20 minute ride round trip, including two stops.
After lunch we returned to do all the rides again, and then decided to roam the strawberry fields to fill our buckets. This was another tip favorite activity! The kids had never picked and immediately tasted produce before and they loved it. (Watch our YouTube video to see our son’s reaction to a fresh strawberry – it’s the best!) We easily filled two pints of strawberries, and spent some time in the shade of the tree to admire the view. The pumpkin fields also had a nice variety and we each found a treasure to take home.
We rode the rides yet again (the kids seriously couldn’t get enough of the redneck swing!), we said goodbye to the animals and browsed the shop. We may have come home with with jelly and honey, along with our strawberries and pumpkins.
Visiting Mortimer Farms was definitely one of our top favorite activities we’ve done this year. The pumpkin patch is already on our list to visit next year, as well as in the spring to browse the U-pick fields! Young and old will love this farm for its unique, home grown atmosphere.
Our top tips for visiting Mortimer Farms:
- Visit Monday-Thursday if possible, as weekends are far busier. That said, there are activities only available Friday-Sunday, like the Barn Dance, shows and food trucks.
- If you do visit during the week, be aware that the country store is the only place to purchase food. Bring a picnic lunch to eat in the car, or visit nearby restaurants for other options.
- Double check the weather the day before, or before purchasing tickets. It can be sunny in Phoenix, but raining in Prescott!
- Bring a hat and sunscreen! And lots of water.
- It’s dusty at the farm. Which is to be expected, but as an FYI, there is no hand sanitizer or hand washing stations available. Bring your own. And maybe an extra water bottle to rinse off hands and feet before heading home.
- Expect to spend the majority of the day at the farm. There’s so much to do! We spent almost 5 hours. And it’s lovely to just sit and rest and take in the scenery while the kids play.
Mortimer Farms is located about 1.5 hours north of Phoenix, an hour south of Flagstaff, and 20 minutes east of Prescott. They are open year round, 7am-7pm! Produce and U-pick availability varies depending on the season. Check their website or follow them on social media for updates on what’s ready. Pick n Play is $7/person (2 and under are free), and gives access the fields and rides. Produce is sold by the pound and an additional cost.
Their popular pumpkin patch runs from end of September to early November each year. Monday-Thursday is $11/person, and Friday-Sunday is $15.85/person (2 and under are free). Gem Mining is an additional $8/person. Save and purchase tickets online in advance! (But note, that they are only for the day purchased and non-refundable.) Kid packages are also available during weekends, that include a kid meal.
Mortimer Farms also has a Friday night barn dance, Easter and Christmas events, campfire bundles and so much fun! Restrooms are port-a-potties scattered around the property, and are well maintained. No outside food or drink allowed, except water bottles. The country store offers a small selection of food and drink, and there are food trucks on the weekends. You are welcome to leave for lunch and then return to enjoy the farm in the afternoon!
Mortimer Farms
12907 East, AZ-169
Dewey, AZ 86327
(928) 830-1116
More great pumpkin patches, in Phoenix and around the state, can be found here!
