Newton Citizen

Kamari Marshalls from Beverly Angel’s Learning Center in Lithonia explores the pumpkins at Colonel Cobs Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch in Oxford. 

With the nip of fall in the air, it's time for families to make the annual pumpkin trek. For those who want more pizzazz in the experience of choosing their big orange prize, pumpkin patch activities abound in the east metro area.

Whether it's whizzing down the giant slide on a burlap sack at Colonel Cobs Corn Maze, watching a pig race at Southern Belle Farms or riding a train through the pumpkin patch at Yule Forest, there are plenty of ways to spend a sunny, cool afternoon seeking the perfect pumpkin.

Below are some nearby farms that offer not only pumpkins, corn mazes and hayrides but also a plethora of other activities. Call the numbers below or visit the websites for hours and prices.

Southern Belle Farms

1658 Turner Church Road, McDonough

770-288-2582

www.southernbellefarm.com

A 200-acre working farm, Southern Belle Farms this year features a Bobby Cox-tribute corn maze. Other activities include petting zoo; pig and duck races; hayrides; corn cannon; pedal cars; jumping pillow; foods like corn dogs and funnel cakes; cow train; cotton patch; giant tunnel slide and kiddie corral.

Yule Forest

3565 North Georgia 155, Stockbridge

770-954-9356

www.aboutyule.com

A Christmas tree farm during the winter months, Yule Forest transforms into a pumpkin patch for the fall season. Visitors can take in an educational pumpkin movie before making their way to many activities available including hayrides, train rides, jumping pillow, petting zoo, inflatables, obstacle course, fun house, science center with live reptile and pumpkin shoot.

Corn Dawgs

1110 Leone Ave., Walnut Grove

770-786-9000

www.corndawgs.com

Corn Dawgs' new feature this year includes a Haunted Corn Maze, an interactive experience with ghosts, ghouls and other creatures of the night, recommended for guests age 10 and over. Also at Corn Dawgs, you'll find hay and corn mazes for adults and children, hay bale jump, rope swing, cow and corn trains, petting zoo, pedal cars, hayrides, playgrounds, inflatables, corn box with kernels for play, giant checker game, pedal cars, zip lines, jumping pillows, net climbing challenge, bungee jump, corn cannon and gem mining.

Colonel Cobs Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch

770 Macedonia Church Road, Oxford

770-855-1530

www.colcobscornmaze.com

Operated by the Mitchams on their family farm, Colonel Cobs Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch is entering its eighth season. The family adds a new feature each year. Today, Colonel Cobs is holding an Indian American pow-wow complete with drumming, dancing, arts and crafts, demonstrators, flutist, storyteller and food. Also at Colonel Cobs, you'll find a 7-acre corn field maze cut into the shape of a spider and featuring 21⁄2 miles of paths; a giant mountain slide; petting zoo; corn silo with kernels for kids to play in; playground; pedal carts; corn cannon; hayrides (with evening rides to a bonfire); cow train; jumpy; sand pile with hidden treasures and a haunted house.