Ask any Dutch parent where to take the kids in October, and pumpkin farms come up fast. Fields across the country turn orange from late August through November, and dozens of farms let you walk in, pick your own pumpkins, and take them home for next to nothing. Here’s where to go, province by province, plus what to actually expect when you get there.
Save this one for your herfstvakantie plans, it pairs well with our school holidays activity guide if you’re filling out the whole week, not just one afternoon.
North Holland
Pluktuin Amstelveen is one of the easiest pumpkin stops if you’re coming from Amsterdam. It’s open Wednesday to Saturday 10:00–17:00 and Sunday 11:00–17:00. You walk straight into the field, pick your own pumpkins and flowers, and there are drinks and treats on-site. Bring your own bag, and pack a spare pair of shoes for the kids, the ground gets soft fast.
Pompoenboerderij Bos in Opperdoes is a family-run farm with one of the biggest selections of pumpkins and gourds around, good if you want extras for decorating or cooking and not just carving. It’s open Tuesday to Friday 09:30–17:00 and Saturday 09:30–16:30, closed Sunday and Monday. There’s a small shop on-site for decorative gourds and autumn treats.
De Marlequi in Warmenhuizen sits between fields of flowers and vegetables, and it’s one of the more photogenic pumpkin stops in North Holland, worth it if you want decent photos out of the trip. It’s typically open daily 09:00–18:00 through mid-November, and usually holds an annual fair in late September.
Pompoenboerderij Bregman in Noordbeemster runs Monday to Saturday 10:00–17:00 and Sunday 12:00–17:00, from September through November. It turns into something close to a mini autumn festival each year, often with workshops and a cosy on-site shop.
Pompoenboerderij Onderdijk in Wervershoof is open from September to November, though hours vary through the season, so it’s worth checking before you drive out. Expect Halloween decorations, a big barn for carving, and the kind of atmosphere where kids lose track of time.
South Holland
Monique’s Pumpkin Factory in Lisse is open daily, self-service, right near the flower-growing region. It’s one of the most photogenic pumpkin spots in the country, with ready-to-carve pumpkins and a small shop selling seasonal decorations.
Utrecht
Puur van ‘t Land in Bunnik is a sustainable, organic farm open daily 09:00–21:00, and it usually runs pumpkin carving days in late October, 10:00–16:00. It’s more of a full farm day out than a quick pumpkin stop, they host family events and workshops through the season.
Gelderland
Pompoenboerderij Ederveen is open Monday 13:00–18:00 and Tuesday to Saturday 10:00–18:00, roughly August through November. It’s a quiet countryside spot with plenty of space to roam, a big selection of pumpkins, fresh produce, and a small shop, keep an eye out for kids’ activities on autumn weekends.
Groentehof Poelen in Groesbeek is open daily 08:30–18:30 and hosts “Pompoendagen”, pumpkin days with crafts, food stalls, and games, usually every Sunday in September, plus Halloween Sundays in October. Good pick if your kids want more than just picking a pumpkin and leaving.
Fruittuin Verbeek in Oldebroek is open Thursday to Saturday 09:00–17:00 and lets you combine pumpkin picking with apple and pear picking. Their café serves genuinely good homemade pies, so plan to stay a little longer than you meant to.
Limburg
Het Akkertje in Sint Odiliënberg is family-run and usually holds pumpkin days in mid-September, 10:00–17:00, with self-service picking continuing into early November. They also run pumpkin carving workshops on certain weekends, a good option if you want a slower-paced outing.
De Leropper Tuin in Lerop is open Tuesday to Friday 10:00–18:00, with weekend hours that vary. It’s a cosy local garden selling pumpkins, flowers, and homegrown produce, with colourful fields worth a wander even if you’re not picking much.
Flevoland
Het Pompoenenboertje in Almere is open daily 09:00–21:00 and is one of the biggest pumpkin farms in the province. It usually hosts a pumpkin festival in mid-October, 10:00–17:00.
Boerderij van Stee in Lelystad runs a simple self-service stand, open daily during harvest season, good for a quick stop if you’re already out that way.
Zeeland
Charlotte’s Pompoenen in IJzendijke typically runs from September through the end of October, with pick days usually held in early October, 10:00–17:00. It’s right by the coast, with walking trails, pluck days, and plenty of photo spots, worth the drive if you’re already in Zeeland.
De Pompoenwinkel in Geersdijk is open daily 09:00–18:00 into December. It’s part garden, part shop, with a warm, community feel, check their schedule for workshops and seasonal events.
North Brabant
Pompoenerie Best in Best is typically open from late August through early November, 10:00–17:00, with Halloween-themed days in mid-October. Expect an interactive farm experience with decorations, carving workshops, fairs, and a lively harvest atmosphere, this one leans into the season harder than most.
Drenthe
Pompoenen Drenthe in Erica is a family-run, relaxed farm known for a big variety of pumpkins, choose one and carve it on site. Season updates go out via their Facebook page, so it’s worth checking there before you visit.
Overijssel
Gerbens Pompoenenschuur in Bornerbroek is open daily 08:00–20:00, roughly August through October. It’s a traditional pumpkin barn with local charm and prices that won’t sting.
Tips for your visit
- Bring cash, or check the farm’s page first, several of these spots are self-service and don’t take cards.
- Wear boots. Fields get muddy fast once the season’s underway, especially after rain.
- If you’re bringing toddlers, a wagon or buggy makes it much easier to get around the fields, some of these farms cover a lot of ground.
- Many farms have small cafés or stalls selling homemade pie, soup, or coffee, factor in time to sit down.
- Closest to Amsterdam: Pluktuin Amstelveen, Pompoenboerderij Bregman (Noordbeemster), and De Marlequi (Warmenhuizen) all work as an easy half-day trip.
Pumpkin picking is an easy way to fill a free day during the herfstvakantie, or to round out a weekend in Amsterdam with kids. Turn it into a longer outing with our day trips from Amsterdam guide, or keep our rainy day guide handy in case the weather turns. Once the pumpkins are packed away, there’s plenty more on the calendar, see what’s on for kids from October through December, and what’s happening with kids in December. For more family-friendly spots year-round, browse our directory of places.
FAQ
When’s the best time to go pumpkin picking in the Netherlands?
Most farms open from late August or early September and run through late October or into November, though the fields look their best from mid-September onward. Weekends in October tend to be the busiest, especially around the herfstvakantie, so go on a weekday if your schedule allows it.
Do pumpkin farms accept card payment?
Not always. Several of the farms above are self-service or cash-only stands, so it’s worth bringing cash just in case, or checking a farm’s own page or social media before you leave the house.
Is pumpkin picking free?
Entry is usually free, you pay per pumpkin, often by weight or size. Some farms with festivals, carving workshops, or extra activities charge a small fee for those add-ons, but walking the fields and choosing pumpkins is typically free.
What should we bring?
Boots or old shoes, a bag or box for carrying pumpkins home, cash, and a change of clothes for muddy hands. If you’ve got toddlers, bring a wagon or buggy, it makes hauling pumpkins and tired kids around the field much easier.
