Some families mark autumn on a calendar, and others mark it with a wheelbarrow full of pumpkins. In the high country of Dewey, Arizona, one working farm has turned that second habit into a yearly tradition for thousands of people.
Kids pick pumpkins straight off the vine, parents grab fresh pressed apple cider, and everyone seems to end up lost in a corn maze at least once. The weather often runs about 20 degrees cooler than Phoenix, which makes the drive feel like a reward.
Keep reading to learn what the admission covers, which seasons bring the biggest crowds, and why some families have kept coming back for around 20 years. There is a lot more here than a pumpkin patch.
A Working Farm Off Highway 169
Mortimer Farms sits at 12907 AZ-169, Dewey, AZ 86327, in the rolling country of central Arizona. It is a real working farm, not a theme park dressed up in overalls.
Admission can be purchased so guests can explore the sprawling grounds. That means fields, greenhouses, a market, play areas, and animal pens all share the same property.
Families come for the crops and stay for the activities. The farm grows produce that guests can pick themselves, and it also stocks a store with jarred goods, pies, and handmade items.
Seasonal festivals give the calendar its rhythm. Spring and summer lean toward strawberries and blackberries, while fall belongs to pumpkins, cider, and the corn maze.
Many people make the trip from the Phoenix area as a full day outing. The cooler temperatures are a big part of the appeal, and the open space gives kids plenty of room to roam.
Two Decades of Growing Traditions
Around 20 years. That is how long some families have been returning to this Dewey farm, and they say it keeps evolving and getting better.
Plenty of households treat it as an annual ritual. Some started with the pumpkin patch and later added strawberry picking to their yearly list.
Grandparents bring grandkids here too. Little ones sometimes call the place their own version of Old MacDonald’s Farm, which tells you plenty about the vibe.
New additions keep the experience fresh. Flowers, for instance, have shown up as a newer offering for longtime guests who thought they had seen it all.
The farm staff earns steady praise for being friendly and welcoming across the years. That consistency matters when a place becomes part of a family story.
Traditions tend to stick when everyone in the car agrees on the destination. At this farm, that rarely seems to be a hard sell.
Pumpkins Straight Off the Vine
Pumpkins are the headline act here, and they get talked about more than anything else on the property. The fall pumpkin festival is often described as the coveted event of the year.
Kids get a rare thrill at this patch. For many, it is the first time they have ever picked a pumpkin right off the vine instead of from a grocery bin.
Wheelbarrows make the haul easier. One family filled an entire wheelbarrow to the brim for about $56, which they considered a bargain for the sheer number of gourds.
Pumpkins are paid for separately from admission, so budget a little extra. Still, the price per pumpkin can work out kindly if you plan on a porch full.
Fall weekends tend to bring the biggest crowds. Arriving right at opening helps, since things can get busy before lunch.
Choosing the perfect pumpkin is serious business, so give the kids time to deliberate.
Fresh Pressed Cider and Fall Treats
Apple cider is practically the official beverage of the fall season at this farm. Fresh pressed cider wins over adults and kids alike.
Families often pair it with apple cider donuts, a seasonal favorite that shows up again and again in fall plans. Together, they make a natural break between the corn maze and the pumpkin patch.
During autumn, many food vendors and food trucks join the lineup. That gives groups more choices for lunch beyond the usual farm grill.
The on-site grill has its own fans. Burgers and BBQ mac and cheese have both earned enthusiastic praise from hungry guests.
Holiday shoppers can also grab apple butter at the market to take a bit of fall home. Pies are another popular pick.
A cup of cider in hand makes every wagon wait shorter. Plan for at least one refill, because the little ones rarely share.
Corn Maze, Hay Rides, and Tractor Trips
Getting lost on purpose is half the fun in the fall. The corn maze ranks among the most loved attractions at the farm.
Routes change from year to year. Returning families have noted that one season’s path was a big improvement over the last, which keeps repeat trips interesting.
Hay rides and tractor rides loop around the property during autumn. Kids especially love the tractor-trailer, and it is included in the ticket.
A train ride adds another way to roll through the grounds. Little ones often treat it as a highlight equal to the pumpkins themselves.
These rides offer a relaxed way to see the acreage without tiring small legs. Parents appreciate the built-in rest break.
Children over three need to pay the entrance fee, so count heads before you go. After the maze, nobody will complain about sitting down for a slow tractor lap around the fields.
Goats, Chickens, and a Bounce Pad
Feeding a goat is a big deal when you are five. The petting zoo lets kids feed both goats and chickens, and it is included with admission.
The play area is packed with options. Swings, an obstacle course, a jump area, and a bounce pad keep energy levels in check.
Older kids can try the zip line and assorted farm games. These simple setups are known to make children forget it is time to head home.
Fall adds extra entertainment. Live performances and face painting often appear during festival weekends, with sunflowers being a popular arm design.
Parents can relax a bit here since everything sits within one fenced farm setting. It is easy to rotate between animals, rides, and snacks.
Bring patience for the exit, though. Prying a child away from the bounce pad may require a pumpkin-sized bribe.
Berry Seasons Beyond Autumn
Pumpkins may rule fall, but berries take over the warmer months. Strawberry picking and blackberries both draw big followings.
The Blackberry Festival runs in summer and brings its own special menu items. Blackberry burgers and blackberry ice cream have appeared during festival weekends.
Monsoon season can bring mild weather, with temperatures in the mid 70s on some festival days. Smaller crowds at times make summer events surprisingly relaxed.
Vegetable picking fills the gaps between fruit seasons. Greenhouses hold flowers and veggies ready for guests to gather.
Picked produce is paid for separately, and some families find it very affordable. Others feel small bags can run pricey, so set expectations based on what is in season.
Sunflowers add a cheerful backdrop, and the giant ones get plenty of attention. A spring or summer trip offers a fresh angle on a farm most people only know for pumpkins.
The Market Shelves Worth Browsing
Shoppers rarely leave empty handed. The farm market is a favorite stop, stocked with pies, produce, jarred goods, and handmade items.
Spice lovers have a mission here. The roasted reaper salsa and ghost chili salsa rank as fan favorites for those who like serious heat.
Candied jalapeños and apple butter appeal to folks with milder tastes. Chicken pot pies are another popular grab for dinner later.
Opinions on value vary. Some find prices normal for farm fresh goods, while others feel certain jars and pot pies, around $15, run high.
Guests can also skip picking and simply buy produce in the store. That is handy for anyone short on time or energy.
A quick lap through the aisles before leaving makes sense. Stocking up at the end means nothing gets carried around the fields all day.
Barn Dances and Farm Celebrations
When the sun goes down, the farm finds a second personality. Friday Night Barn Dances bring live country music and dancing to the venue.
Bands such as Hillbilly Deluxe have taken the stage. Guests often recommend making an evening of it by having dinner on site too.
Weddings also take place on the property. The grounds stay well lit into the evening, and the photo opportunities are plentiful.
Expect some walking over uneven dirt to reach certain venue spots. A golf cart has helped shuttle guests, which is a thoughtful touch.
Holiday events extend the season further. Santa visits have become another reason families plan a return trip after fall.
Comfortable shoes are a smart move for any evening event here. Two-stepping across a farm is fun, but not in fancy heels.
Hours, Tickets, and a Fair Verdict
Planning ahead pays off. The farm opens at 8 AM daily, closing at 6 PM Monday through Saturday and at 4 PM on Sunday.
Admission has been around $15 per person, covering activities like the petting zoo, play area, and seasonal rides. Produce, pumpkins, and food cost extra.
Most families call the entry fee reasonable for a full day. A few feel the total adds up quickly, especially for anyone stopping only for a meal.
Arrive early on fall weekends, since crowds build before lunch. The farm holds a 4.3 star average across more than 2,200 opinions.
For those driving up from the Valley, the cooler air is a bonus all its own. Go with realistic expectations and a flexible budget.
Leave with a cider cup, a dusty pair of shoes, and a trunk full of pumpkins, and the season feels properly started.
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