When asking yourself about something to do near me in Portland with a group of friends or family, consider
The Maize at The Pumpkin Patch
Why The Maize at The Pumpkin Patch is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
The Maize at The Pumpkin Patch, located on Sauvie Island just 15 minutes from downtown Portland, offers an exceptional destination for friends and families seeking fun, adventure, and a taste of Oregon farm life. This beloved family farm, operational since 1967, features a sprawling corn maze that invites visitors to get lost in its twists and turns throughout September and October, with extended evening hours on Fridays and Saturdays in October. Beyond the corn maze, guests can explore a variety of seasonal activities including free hayrides, u-pick fields for strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and pumpkins, and visits to the Big Red Animal Barn where one can see Brahman cows and antique tractors. The Maize also boasts The Pumpkin Cottage Gift Shop and a delightful Patio Cafe offering locally inspired refreshments and coffee. Open daily during peak fall months, with convenient hours tailored to seasonal crowds, it is an ideal spot to gather with friends for outdoor fun, good food, and memorable events. Visitors appreciate the farm's friendly atmosphere and the opportunity to engage with authentic farming traditions in a picturesque rural setting, making The Maize at The Pumpkin Patch a highlight of Portland-area fall activities.
Here's what people think of The Maize at The Pumpkin Patch
As of recent, The Maize at The Pumpkin Patch holds a 4.5-star rating based on 431 reviews.
Reviews for The Maize at The Pumpkin Patch consistently highlight the farm as a fantastic place for family outings and group visits, earning an impressive 4.5-star average from over 400 reviews. Positive feedback frequently praises the labyrinthine corn maze design, which is both challenging and enjoyable for a wide range of ages, as well as the well-maintained grounds that create a welcoming and festive atmosphere. Visitors also commend the friendly staff and the variety of activities available in October, including hayrides, the animal barn, and specialty food booths. Many enjoy the opportunity to pick fresh fruits and vegetables and appreciate the convenient amenities like the Patio Cafe and gift shop, which enhance the overall farm experience. On the other hand, some less favorable reviews mention occasional issues with crowds and parking during peak times, as well as the temporary nature of mud and rain making some outdoor areas less accessible. Some users have also noted that the late seasonal hours can lead to long lines or shorter times to navigate the maze on busier days. Despite these minor drawbacks, the majority of visitors consider The Maize at The Pumpkin Patch to be a fun, well-run attraction that offers a unique blend of outdoor activity, family tradition, and local harvest celebration. Overall, the positive experiences overwhelmingly outweigh the negatives, confirming its status as a must-visit seasonal destination near Portland.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Navi Cassiopeia
Loved the corn maze, especially after dark with no lighting its so fun. The staff are super nice. Loved the food and the store was really nice. The only bad time we had was a group in the maze that blocked the way with a boom-box that were trying to have a miniature rave in the middle of the maze. Honestly think they shouldn't have been let in blasting music from a boom box. The maze includes quizzes to help find your way through which is a fun addition and there's a challenge to find all of these secrets which can get you entered into a raffle (but you kinda have to check every book and cranny of the maze to find them all!) Which is a good incentive to slow down and explore even the dead ends.
Cristie P
This is one of the best places to go if you want to do a corn maze at Halloween. They also have some games, the cow train, a hay pyramid for the kids to climb on, animals they can pet and lots of food and fun. Best prices on pumpkins and don't forget the hayride out to the pumpkin patch if you want to pick out your pumpkins that way, or you can just do it at the front without carrying them all the way back in. Definitely the best priced of all the places, the neighboring places are quite expensive for their corn maze for some reason, but this place is the bomb!
Luna Beam
Lots of fun, The maze was great. A light challenge for someone on the sedentary side (took us an hour for the whole maze, including stopping for pictures). There's a small variety of hot foods, a store with massive produces and other goodies. Pumpkins, farm animals, hay rides. I can see why this place is popular. Good parking, too (with disabled parking somewhere in the parking lot). 10/10 would recommend.
Kitti Morales
Had a blast here! The staff are all friendly and help you stay informed. The Maize was our big to-do item and we had a blast completing it using the clues along the way!! The animals were well cared for and the produce is unmatched. We're looking forward to our next visit!
Rachel Cumley
After 24 years of visits, this most likely will be our last. It was incredibly busy at 10am on a Sunday morning, busier than we've ever seen it. You now have to pay to ride their tractor out to where the pumpkins are growing or be prepared for a long walk. Their food menu at their patio cafe has changed, and not for the better. Food was tasteless and half of it ended up in the trash. There was a long line to get into their gift shop.
How to reach The Maize at The Pumpkin Patch
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Why The Maize at The Pumpkin Patch may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at The Maize at The Pumpkin Patch with your friends? Because it serves as the perfect blend of outdoor adventure, seasonal fun, and nostalgic farm activities that invite bonding and memorable moments. Nestled on Sauvie Island, just a short drive from Portland, this family-owned Oregon farm offers an immersive autumn experience that appeals to groups of friends and families alike. Whether you're seeking a lively day out filled with exploration and challenge or a relaxed gathering surrounded by nature’s beauty and farm charm, The Maize delivers. The fresh air, rustic scenery, and a variety of engaging activities encourage camaraderie, teamwork, and laughter. Plus, with a stellar 4.5-star rating from over 400 reviews, it’s clear that visitors consistently enjoy their time here, making it a trusted destination for group outings. Rallying here turns typical meetups into delightful events steeped in tradition, farm life, and communal joy, fostering stronger connections through shared adventures and the simple pleasures of the harvest season.
What activities are available at The Maize at The Pumpkin Patch? The centerpiece of the experience is the giant cornmaze, skillfully carved into the expansive maize fields. This maze offers groups a challenging yet fun way to work together, strategize, and navigate paths surrounded by towering corn stalks. Open daily from September through October, the maze provides an appropriate mix of challenge and adventure that’s great for all ages and group sizes. Beyond the maze, the farm boasts numerous attractions that appeal to varied interests. Visitors can explore the Big Red Animal Barn, where friends can enjoy close encounters with farm animals, learn about antique tractors, or watch Brahman cows grazing peacefully. The farm’s market sells fresh, locally grown produce with over 55 crops available at different times of the year—an excellent spot to pick up homemade jams, pumpkins, or fresh vegetables as souvenirs or for group picnics. The adjacent Patio Cafe and Pumpkin Perk Coffee serve up seasonal treats and warm beverages, making it easy to relax and recharge as a group during your visit.
Why is The Maize at The Pumpkin Patch perfect for a group meetup? The environment encourages interactive and shared experiences, ideal for strengthening friendships or family bonds. The hayrides, for instance, operate daily in October and cost just $2 per person, creating a fun and scenic way to explore the pumpkin fields together. These rides, along with the weekend Cow Train rides, offer unique, laid-back activities that can accommodate everyone in your group while allowing for plenty of conversation and enjoying the farm’s natural surroundings. The grounds also host specialty food booths on weekends, which add a festive atmosphere with diverse local flavors—perfect for communal snacking or discovering new tastes as a group. The well-maintained festival vibes, coupled with picturesque views and ample open space, make it easy to organize group photos and enjoy shared moments in a beautiful setting. Practical amenities like the gift shop, accessible rest areas, and friendly staff enhance convenience and make the meetup stress-free.
What should you expect during a visit in October? October is the peak time at The Maize at The Pumpkin Patch, with daily operation from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and extended hours on Fridays and Saturdays until 10 p.m., perfect for groups who prefer evening festivities. The farm carefully curates seasonal offerings like the pumpkin fields that remain open through October 30, where groups can pick their ideal pumpkins together. A lively yet family-friendly ambiance characterizes weekends when specialty food booths and extra activities such as hayrides and Cow Train rides are available. The fall colors, crisp air, and Halloween spirit make every visit distinctly festive. For those who love a little adventure, navigating the illuminated maze during extended evening hours adds a thrilling twist. This period also offers practical tips: it’s wise to wear raincoats and mud boots if it’s been wet, given the outdoor nature of the activities and occasional damp terrain.
How does The Maize support convenience and accessibility for group visitors? Located conveniently at 16511 NW Gillihan Road on Sauvie Island, just outside Portland, The Maize is easy to reach by car, with ample parking available. The farm operates on a schedule tailored to accommodate weekend and weekday visitors alike, specifically open Friday through Monday during September and daily in October—a strategic setup that fits various schedules. Tickets can be purchased in advance online, allowing groups to save money and avoid long waits at the entrance. The last tickets are sold one hour before closing time, ensuring groups can plan their stay efficiently. With family-friendly hours and a welcoming environment, the farm also caters to groups ranging from small friend circles to large families. The friendly staff can assist with special requests or information, enhancing the personalized feel of the visit. The presence of well-maintained restrooms, shaded rest areas, and a gift shop rounds out the convenience, promoting a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
What makes the overall experience at The Maize memorable for groups? Beyond the well-designed activities and convenient amenities, the atmosphere at The Maize captures a sense of community and seasonal tradition that resonates deeply. It’s more than just a recreational spot—it’s an opportunity for groups to disconnect from everyday hustle and reconnect with nature and each other. The shared challenges of the maze, the slow-paced enjoyment of hayrides, and the communal experience of harvesting pumpkins or sampling farm-made treats create lasting memories. The farm’s commitment to sustainable practices and local agriculture adds educational value, making visits enriching on multiple levels. Seasonal decorations and well-curated events keep the ambiance fresh year after year, encouraging repeat visits. Above all, the positive reviews speak volumes—visitors praise the warm hospitality, engaging activities, and the peaceful yet vibrant farm setting, underscoring why it is considered one of the best destinations for group meetups during the fall season. For anyone looking to rally friends or family around a wholesome, fun, and authentic farm experience, The Maize at The Pumpkin Patch offers an unparalleled setting.