October gets people thinking about fall decorating, pumpkin carving and about the best ways to get into the Halloween spirit. And in true Spectrum News fashion — we put together a list of the top spots in the greater Central New York area to get in some hay rides, pumpkin picking — even those sweet fall treats!

Tim's Pumpkin Patch

Some say Tim's is the best part of the fall season. They offer far more than just pumpkins, gourds and cornstalks. Their location in Marietta offers wagon rides, a corn maze, animals, and even a fresh bakery — where you'll find more than just a pumpkin donut or two. 

2901 Rose Hill Road
Marietta, N.Y.
Open daily 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
315 673-9209

Behling Orchards

Another harvest favorite is Behling Orchards in Mexico — and don't let the name fool you. They might offer a variety of apples, but they also have U-pick pumpkins. The 160-acre farm in Oswego County has rides through it's Pumpkin Village, which is filled with carved pumpkins! They have a candy room, hay rides, pony rides, mazes, and even offer zombie paint ball and a zip line. 
 
114 Potter Road
Mexico, N.Y.
Open daily until 5 p.m.
315-963-7068
 
 
The next farm is nestled in Pompey and goes above and beyond when it comes to mazes. Springside Farm has a willow maze on site, along with a corn maze and Christmas tree hedge maze. They also boast a zip line, animal barn, wagon rides rope swings, and a farm store. 
 
1850 Route 91
Pompey, N.Y.
315-683-5860
 
 
 
Not interested in a traditional haunted hay ride? Well, how about a 30 minute haunted wagon ride at Wagner Farms in Rome? The $10 admission offers witches, zombies, UFO, a toxic waste dump, and more. They even require parental supervision for those under the age of 16, which means it must be pretty scary. They even have a food truck coming in every weekend in October. 

5841 Old Oneida Road
Rome, N.Y.
315-339-5182

 

 

 
If you are looking for family-fun, Trinity Valley might be the place for you. Right in the heart of Cortland, the dairy farm offering the traditional fall fun like a massive corn maze, baked goods but they also are known for their cheese spread — made right on site. 
 
2847 State Route 13
Cortland, N.Y.
607-345-6772
 
 
 
If you are looking for a homey, backyard-type of feel for U-pick pumpkins this season, North Star is the place for you. The small town vibe you get at the orchard located in Westmoreland helps you get into the spirit of fall. They offer weekend wagon rides, a variety of fresh produce and the baked goods are out of this world — the homemade apple and pumpkin pies are like no other in the area. 
 
4741 State Route 233
Westmoreland, N.Y.
Open daily from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
315-853-1024
 
 
 
Who wouldn't want to get their face painted while snacking on some apple fritters? Well, good thing Pumpkin Hollow, right in Syracuse, can offer you and your family both things! They have hay rides, activities like a corn barn, treats and even an animal area for the kids to enjoy (adults too, of course). 

3735 West Seneca Turnpike
Syracuse, N.Y.
Open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
315-200-4888

Critz Farms

And what's not to like about beautiful views, pumpkin picking and beer? Critz Farms in Cazenovia boasts the fall fun for the family, while also offering up something different than most standard pumpkin patches. They have a tasting room where visitors can sample their craft beer and hard cider. 
 
3232 Rippleton Road
Cazenovia, N.Y.
315-662-3355

Fright Night at the Fair

For those of you looking for something a little spookier — Fright Nights at the Fair — is sure to get you in the Halloween spirit. It is essentially a super-sized haunted house with 5 different attractions along with a miniture carnival. It's open every weekend in October at the New York State Fairgrounds. They also have food trucks to come for those ghouls and goblins with weak stomachs.