Who doesn’t like Fall? Crisp, cool, winds blowing dry leaves along the street. Pumpkins on porches. Yards shrouded in shadow. Well, you can get all of that, and more, at Callaway Gardens. Well, maybe not—probably not—crisp cool breezes, but two out of three ain’t bad!
The gardens are aglow each Fall during Pumpkins at Callaway. By day, explore 2,500 acres packed with family fun in the form of pumpkins, topiaries, sunflowers, and a massive corn maze, to name just a few of the many attractions. At night, everything glows for nighttime explorations and fun. Grab your camera and head on over, this is one event not to be missed.
Callaway Gardens is located south of Atlanta and to the north of Columbus and Ft. Moore, GA and easily accessible from I185. It is easy to spend an entire day, or even a weekend, at the gardens any time of the year, but it really comes alive in the Fall. Not only does it have all the normal fun and activities at Callaway Gardens (think butterfly house, hiking and biking trails, a birds of prey show, golf courses, museums, lakes and so much more!), but during Pumpkins at Callaway the gardens are layered with all things Fall.
From the parking lot, your eye is drawn to the enormous pumpkin “tree” built from a massive stack of jack-o’-lanterns which seems to come alive after dark.
If florals are your thing, head over to Sunflower Lane to see pumpkins carved into sunflowers and floral jack-o-lanterns. For more fun, hop on the trolly to be transported to the corn maze and pumpkin patch a short ride away. The maze is a lot of fun during the day, but don’t worry if you miss it; it is also open at night, and just as fun. Since you are by the maze, test your aim at the corn hole field. There are enough sets you shouldn’t have to wait…too long. You’ll also find plenty of photo opportunities.
As the sun goes down, head over to play a round of mini golf glow but grab tickets early as mini golf requires timed tickets. If you have any energy left, shake it out at the outdoor Dance Party, where all the songs are family friendly. Once the sun is fully set, take the opportunity to walk through the garden’s main event—the Enchanted Pumpkin Forest where you will see a variety of hundreds of carved pumpkins and see hanging lights dancing to the beat of the music. The forest is a glowing spectacle after sunset and not to be missed.
If you are hungry, don’t miss the outdoor food court featuring the best of foods; corn dogs, fried Oreos, burgers, etc. Before you finish your visit, head to the activity tent a few steps away to see what they have going on – there are always activities and shopping at minimum, but also great kids’ shows on a timeline.
The Details
Pumpkins at Callaway is open mid-September to late October. Ticket prices vary depending on if you are going on a “value night” or “prime night”. Tickets can be purchased on their website or upon entrance to the gardens. If you sign up for Callaway Gardens email list, you will be notified when they have a sale on tickets. You will not need an entire day to see Pumpkins at Callaway, but if you do have a full day available, there will be plenty to see and do outside of these special fall activities. Parking is onsite and plentiful. Many of the paths are paved or fairly smooth, making the venue manageable for our friends with limited mobility. Although this is a family friendly activity, it is also plenty of fun for adults. Service animals are allowed.
