Benton Farms is a multi-generation nonprofit teaching farm and 501(c)3 organization located in Walton, Boone County, Northern Kentucky—just north of Cincinnati. The farm has operated for over 60 years with a focus on agricultural education and school field trips.
This is fundamentally different from commercial pumpkin patches. Benton operates as an educational farm first; the October Pumpkin Days program opens the property to casual families on weekends. That means the atmosphere is quieter, more authentic, and mission-driven rather than entertainment-focused.
The Pumpkin Days program runs October weekends only (Saturdays and Sundays, 11:30 a.m.–6 p.m.). There’s no Monday–Friday access. Attractions include u-pick pumpkins, hayrides, a petting zoo (pigs, goats, llamas, alpacas), and horse rides. The activities are straightforward—no mazes, no slides, no paintball—just genuine farm experiences.
Weekend-only October operation means all demand concentrates Saturday and Sunday. The nonprofit mission and educational focus mean smaller crowds than commercial farms, but you’ll still see families doing Pumpkin Days.
Saturday midday (12 p.m.–2 p.m.): Busiest time; arrive early (11:30 a.m.) or late (3 p.m.–5 p.m.) to avoid the peak.
Sunday afternoon (2 p.m.–5 p.m.): Steady family traffic; end-of-weekend visits.
Specific pricing is not published in available sources. As a nonprofit farm, Benton may offer lower admission or a suggested-donation model compared to commercial patches. The farm’s educational mission and 60+ year history suggest reasonable pricing, but calling ahead is essential: call (859) 485-7000 to confirm current admission costs and whether hayrides and horse rides are included or separate charges.
Without published pricing, you cannot safely budget in advance. The honest approach is to call first and learn what the farm charges before you commit to a visit.
U-pick pumpkins: All ages; toddlers enjoy the hands-on experience.
Petting zoo (pigs, goats, llamas, alpacas): Great for hands-on kids; adults appreciate the variety beyond standard farm animals.
Hayrides: All ages.
Horse rides: Likely age or size restrictions; call to confirm minimum requirements.
Supporting a nonprofit educational farm means your admission helps fund the farm’s year-round educational work with schools. If that mission appeals to you, it’s a meaningful way to spend fall money. The farm’s 60+ year history and nonprofit status suggest a stable, values-driven operation.
Saturday morning (11:30 a.m.–1 p.m.): Early arrival beats the midday rush; weather is typically pleasant in early October.
Saturday late afternoon (4 p.m.–5:30 p.m.): Quieter than midday; families doing Pumpkin Days wind down.
Sunday morning or early afternoon: Alternative to Saturday; similar but slightly less crowded than Saturday midday.
Avoid Sunday late afternoon: End-of-weekend rush; families cap their weekend visits.
The farm operates October weekends only. If you want September pumpkins or November access, you need a different farm. The short, focused season makes this a specific-timing destination.
Benton is in Northern Kentucky, just north of Cincinnati. It pairs naturally with Cincinnati Zoo, Newport on the Levee shopping and dining, or downtown Cincinnati attractions if you’re making a larger fall day trip from northern Ohio or the Cincinnati metro.
Call (859) 485-7000 to confirm:
The farm’s 60+ year history and educational focus make it a unique fall option in the region.
October weekends only, Saturday or Sunday 11:30 a.m.–4 p.m. (farm is closed Mon–Fri)
1.5-2.5 hours
Weekend-only October operation concentrates all demand Sat–Sun. Saturday midday (12 p.m.–2 p.m.) will be busier than early morning or late afternoon. Arrive by 11:30 a.m. or after 3 p.m. if you want a quieter visit.
Farm parking, unpaved
You need access outside October, want a complex maze, or require weekday flexibility; Benton operates only Saturdays and Sundays in October, runs as an educational farm (not a festival), and offers no maze.
Benton Farms is in Walton, Boone County, Northern Kentucky, just north of Cincinnati. Easy pairing with Cincinnati-area attractions (Zoo, Newport on the Levee, downtown shopping).
Specific pricing is not published in available sources. The farm is a nonprofit teaching farm (501(c)3), which often means lower admission or suggested donations. Call (859) 485-7000 before you visit to confirm current pricing.
The petting zoo features pigs, goats, llamas, and alpacas. This is a nice variety and appealing to kids who want hands-on interaction beyond standard farm animals.
Benton Farms is a multi-generation nonprofit farm focusing on agricultural education and school field trips. The Pumpkin Days program (October weekends) opens the farm to casual visitors alongside its educational mission. If you want a low-key, authentic farm experience with an educational angle, this is a strong fit. If you want rides, mazes, and festival attractions, look elsewhere.
October 1 – October 31, 2026. Saturdays and Sundays. Hours: Saturday and Sunday 11:30am-6pm.
Admission pricing was not published when we last checked.
11946 Old Lexington Pike, Walton, KY 41094, in Boone County. It is one of 3 patches we track in Northern Kentucky.
We track 3 patches in Northern Kentucky. The farm has not published a gate price, so it cannot be compared on cost — call before you budget.
Its season runs about 31 days against a regional average of 39, so it is a shorter window than most of its neighbours — miss it and the nearest alternatives will still be open.
There are 2 other patches we track in Boone County. All Northern Kentucky patches →
bentonfarm.com
Checked August 2026.