Agritainment at Tate Farms

I’ve been hearing about Tate Farms for years, but have never made my way there. I am happy to report that I finally experienced North Alabama’s oldest and largest retail pumpkin farm and agritainment operation. The Tate family first came to Madison County in 1867 and built the still occupied farm house in 1907.  Today’s operation produces corn, cotton, pumpkins, soybeans, and wheat. The pumpkin portion includes around 80+ acres of pick your own pumpkin fields and 20+ acres of retail play and entertainment space for school children, families and corporate events.

I went on my pumpkin adventure on a Thursday after 5 p.m., it was perfect weather and not too crowded. My first stop was the hay ride to the pumpkin patch. It’s a fun ride that will get you to where you can pick your own pumpkins off the vine. Your hay ride driver will also give you a short history of the farm and help you cut the pumpkins off the vine if you need. You can also purchase pumpkins and produce at a large stand- the stand has lots of different types of pumpkins to keep your pumpkin decorations varied.

After the hay ride, I brought my pumpkins back to the car, so I could enjoy the rest of the activities without carting pumpkins around. There are a lot of Instagram worthy places to take pictures, with pumpkin chairs, decorated hay bales, petting farm, Disney Princesses scarecrows (not creepy at all) and more.

There are lots of other activities that you can engage in, such as two 90-foot slides, jumping pillows, pedal kart track, playground and corn cribs. I personally enjoyed the 90-foot slides, which reminded me of my hometown fair, as well as the pedal kart tracks. The carts have removable seats, so a parent can drive a child around that is too young to drive the cart themselves.

If you are hungry or thirsty during your visit, there are a handful of shops and stands where you can purchase sustenance. I tried the pumpkin slushie, which was absolutely delicious! If you are like me, and not quite sure how a pumpkin flavor slushie might taste, they do allow you to have a sample. You can also purchase lots of cute country themed décor at two gift shops.

Some quick tips-wear closed toed shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty, along with pants to keep you from getting itchy on the hay ride. Also, bring your sense of fun and adventure and try all of the different activities they have to make the most of your visit!

Pumpkin season at Tate Farms is open on select days through Saturday, October 29. They suggest going to their Facebook page for the latest information. October 29 is the big finale of the season, called Pumpkin Destruction Day. The day includes monster trucks destroying pumpkins, pumpkin cannons, pumpkin explosions, fireworks and more.