As soon as the leaves along the canals turn golden yellow, it’s time for the ultimate fall outing: pumpkin picking. Just a stone’s throw from the city center, you’ll find the region’s most charming pumpkin farms and pick-your-own gardens.
Whether you’re looking for the most beautiful ornamental pumpkins, one to carve, or a delicious bowl of fresh pumpkin soup: these are the best pumpkin fields in and around Amsterdam for a perfect fall day.
Onderdijk Pumpkin Farm is an absolute favorite for a charming fall outing. In the fall, the farmyard transforms into a colorful paradise filled with pumpkins, gourds, and Halloween decorations. During fall break, kids can join pumpkin-carving workshops in the barn, while parents browse the well-stocked stalls and bargain pumpkin baskets. With photo-op spots for a family photo and a play area for the little ones, you’ll experience the ultimate fall vibe here.
Helpful tip: Be sure to reserve a spot for the pumpkin carving workshop well in advance during fall break, as spots sell out quickly.
Amstelveen Pick-Your-Own Garden is an idyllic spot along the Amstel River that you can easily reach by bike straight from the city. In the fall, the grounds are filled with colorful pumpkins, organic ornamental pumpkins, and bottle gourd pumpkins. It’s the perfect stop during an autumn walk or bike ride: kids can pick out their favorite pumpkin themselves, enjoy fresh pumpkin soup on the covered terrace, or participate in creative children’s workshops. Thanks to the combination of a flower-picking garden, a farm atmosphere, and its location by the water, you can experience the real outdoors right near Amsterdam.
Helpful tip: Combine your visit with a bike ride along the Amstel River for a complete fall outing just outside the ring road.
What began twenty years ago as a hobby for the Bos family is now one of the largest pumpkin farms in North Holland. With no fewer than 100 different varieties of pumpkins and gourds, the selection here is enormous. Whether you’re looking for edible pumpkins, decorative ones, or large specimens to hollow out for Halloween: you’ll find it all here. Don’t forget to stop by the farm shop for generously filled fall baskets and fresh local products.
Helpful tip: Feel free to ask the Bos family for cooking advice—they know the flavor of each of their hundred varieties inside and out.
De Marlequi is one of the largest nurseries in the region, where unsprayed pumpkins and gourds are grown in the clay soil of North Holland. Starting in September , the farmyard is filled with edible pumpkins, decorative pumpkins, and Halloween pumpkins. In the charming “Pompoenenboet,” you’ll find ready-made fall baskets, and for the little ones, there are pumpkin-carving workshops that include a treat. It’s the perfect way to combine a visit with a walk in the nearby Schoorl Dunes.
Helpful tip: Register your children in advance for the structured carving workshops during fall break to avoid waiting times on the farm grounds.
In the heart of the iconic, UNESCO-protected cultural landscape of the Beemster, you’ll find Bregman Pumpkin Farm. Open daily throughout the fall, this family-run business offers a colorful collection of pumpkins and gourds in every imaginable variety, size, and pastel shade. During fall break, the farmyard is a bustling gathering spot for families: children join their parents here to carve Halloween pumpkins to display on their front doors.
Helpful tip: Make it a full-day trip by combining a visit to Bregman with a bike ride through the historic polders of the Beemster.
Although Landgoed De Olmenhorst is primarily known for its organic fruit orchards, in the fall the estate transforms into one of the most enjoyable fall events near Amsterdam. During the Harvest Festivals (every weekend in September and October through October 25), you can pick organic apples and pears with the whole family, stroll through the farmers’ market, and enjoy live music. In the Fruit Shed, fun pumpkin-carving workshops are organized especially for children. It’s a complete day out for families, featuring pony rides, a merry-go-round, and fresh organic treats on the terrace.
Helpful tip: Admission to the estate is free, but parking costs €6 per car (be sure to reserve a parking spot in advance for the weekend). If you’re coming by bike, you can ride right onto the grounds for free.
In the Bollenstreek region, Pumpkin Factory is one of the most photogenic pumpkin spots. With no fewer than 50 different varieties of homegrown pumpkins, you can choose your favorites here in a friendly atmosphere—whether for fall decorations or for use in the kitchen. The grounds are open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and on weekends you can often sample artisanal pumpkin dishes.
Helpful tip: Payment is easy via Tikkie or cash. But be sure to get there early, because when it comes to all their unique pumpkins, once they’re gone, they’re gone!
