Fall Family Fun at MacDonald’s Ranch Pumpkin Patch Near Cave Creek

Fall has officially arrived in the desert, and that means one thing for families around Cave Creek and North Scottsdale: it’s pumpkin patch season. One of the best local spots to soak in the season is the MacDonald’s Ranch Pumpkin Patch in north Scottsdale. Just a quick drive from Cave Creek, this fall favorite combines wide-open desert views with all the classic autumn fun families love.

A Pumpkin Patch with a Western Twist

MacDonald’s Ranch is set on a real working ranch, which gives the pumpkin patch a fun Western feel. When you arrive, you’ll meander your way to the pumpkin patch, surrounded by cacti and desert mountains. Once there, you can wander rows of pumpkins in every size, snap photos in front of old wagons and western storefronts, and pick the perfect pumpkin to take home.

The experience feels like a mix of small-town charm and classic fall fun. Kids love the hay-bale maze, petting zoo, and games like duck races, cornhole, and pedal cars. You can even try your luck panning for gold or posing for photos in the Old West town. Between the crisp air, the smell of kettle corn, and the sound of laughter everywhere, it’s the kind of family outing that makes fall in Arizona feel special.

What to Know Before You Go

Location: 26540 N. Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ (just south of Jomax Rd.)
Dates: October 4 through October 31, 2025
Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Wednesday through Monday (closed Tuesdays)
Admission: $15 per person. Kids 1 and under are free. Admission includes most activities like the hay maze, petting zoo, and games.
Parking: Free on-site parking in a large dirt lot. Arrive early for the best spots.

Pumpkins are priced separately based on size, usually between $2 and $60. Food vendors and snack stands are open daily, serving burgers, barbecue, and classic fall treats.

Tips for Your Visit

• Go early in the day to beat the crowds and enjoy cooler weather.
• Wear closed-toe shoes and bring sunscreen. Most of the ranch is open under the sun.
• Bring a stroller or wagon if you have little ones or plan to carry pumpkins.
• Check their website before heading out for any weather updates or schedule changes.

Why It’s Worth the Trip

The MacDonald’s Ranch Pumpkin Patch has been named one of Arizona’s best for a reason. It’s the perfect blend of fall charm, outdoor adventure, and family fun. Whether you’re snapping photos among the pumpkins or watching your kids laugh their way through the maze, it’s one of those easygoing traditions that makes life in the Cave Creek and North Scottsdale area feel extra special this time of year.

So grab your boots, load up the family, and make a day of it. Fall memories are waiting at MacDonald’s Ranch.