The Plateau is the place to be during the fall, with its numerous family-friendly and hairy-scary events and attractions.
But this year, one attraction is getting a little more attention, as Thomasson Family Farm was recently voted Washington’s Favorite Pumpkin Patch by Family Destinations Guide.
According to a press release, more than 3,000 state residents were asked to rate their favorite pumpkin patches in the Evergreen State, and Thomasson came out on top, followed by Bob’s Corn and Pumpkin Farm and Craven Farm Fall Festival, both in Snohomish.
“We are truly honored to be voted No. 1 pumpkin patch in the state,” said owner Mandy Mavin, who added that this is the farm’s 17th year. “We are beyond excited to open this season and invite the community to our farm. We have been hard at work in the off-season and you may notice a couple new things on the property.”
Thomasson Family Farm kicked off its season last Saturday, and the farm will stay open through Halloween. The farm is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (and 9:30 a.m. to noon on Oct. 31).
For those who haven’t visited the farm, admittance during the weekdays include myriad activities for kids and families, from the expansive corn maze, an ice cream parlor (new this year), tractor train and wagon rides and the trike track, feedbox basketball and lifesized foosball, giant Jenga and Connect 4, various farm-inspired playground features, pumpkin picking, and more.
For those looking to travel through the corn maze, it typically takes about 45 minutes to navigate. Last entry into the maze is 4:30 p.m.
There are even additional activities on the weekend, like the Mega Slide (new this year), the junior zip line, the apple sling shot, and laser tag (weather permitting).
New this year is a pumpkin picking food drive on Oct. 7, where each item turned into the ticket booth (five maximum) will give you a $1 discount on a pumpkin purchase. All donations will go to the Enumclaw Food Bank/Plateau Outreach Ministries.
General admission is cheaper online than in person; weekday online tickets are $14.50 for everyone 3 years old and over, and $19.50 on the weekends. Tickets can be bought at thomassonfarm.com.
MARIS FARMS
Thomasson’s counterpart in Buckley is also open for business, bringing back their daytime delights and nighttime scares on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays until October 29. This is the farm’s 40th year in operation, and the 20th of operating the Haunted Woods.
Daylight
During the day (1 to 10 p.m. Fridays, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturdays, and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sundays) Maris offers a smorgasbord of activities nearly year ‘round, from its ziplines, ropes course, mega slide, the candy cannon, and jumping pillow.
However, fall brings numerous exclusive activities as well: light shows, duck and pig races, apple blasters, the corn room, the pumpkin patch, the corn make, and catch-and-release trout fishing.
Each activity begins at specific times depending on the day, with the exception of trout fishing, which is open until 5:30 p.m. Go to marisfarms.com to see a full schedule.
Additionally, 253 Glassblowing will be giving demonstrations from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays and Sundays.
Tickets for daytime farm play are $31, plus a $2.50 fee, and can only be bought online at marisfarms.com.
But beware — if you find yourself on the farm after sunset, you might start to see it’s scary side.
Nightlife
Maris Farms begins to transform around 7 p.m., as spooky characters climb out of the shadows and the Haunted Woods opens for those who dare enter. The woods close 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 9 p.m. Sundays. Note that most of the woods are outside.
Repeat visitors might notice some “notable changes” to the Woods this year, one volunteer said.
The Haunted Woods are separate from daytime farm activities, so simply being on the farm when it opens will not grant you access, and vice versa.
General admission tickets for the woods is $40, plus a $3.80 fee; fast pass tickets are $60, with a $5 fee. Tickets can only be bought online at, you guess it, marisfarms.com.
Please note that you will have to select a time and date on the website when the Haunted Woods are open in order to be able to buy a ticket.
Haunt and Play
If you want to have access to all Maris Farms has to offer, you can buy Haunt and Play tickets for an additional $20 (plus a $1 fee).
Haunt and Play tickets are only available on Sundays, and you must select a 7 or 7:30 time slot to be able to purchase the add-on.
Parents who want to only chaperone their children and not access the Woods can purchase a $15 add-on (with a $2 fee), and still be able to access unstaffed activities and grab a drink at the BARn.
FRIGHT FACTORY
Buckley’s famous Fright Factory, is all scares, all night.
Voted once again as Washington’s “Top Haunt” by Fright Find, the factory is churning out screams Fridays starting at 7 p.m., Saturdays starting at 6 p.m., and a smattering of other days of the week. Head to frightfactory.net for a full schedule.
“The Fright Factory is no ordinary attraction; it’s a masterclass in terror. Imagine walking through dimly lit hallways, where the line between reality and your wildest nightmares blurs. Every corner promises a new fright – you may encounter creepy dolls with unblinking stares, or perhaps a ghostly figure lurking in the dark,” Fright Find review reads. “In short, The Fright Factory is a must-visit for all horror enthusiasts. Just remember, as you navigate the maze of terror, take a deep breath and remind yourself: it’s all in good fun … or is it?”
Unlike Maris Farms, the Fright Factory is a cash-only operation and almost totally indoors.
General admission tickets are $20, though you can get a $1 discount if you bring a food bank donation; fast pass tickets are $35, and you cannot get a discount.
