Your Favorite Pumpkin Patch Near Lawrence, KS

Looking for a pumpkin patch near Lawrence, KS that's worth the short drive? Shively Farms is a family-owned farm just south of Topeka in Berryton — about 25 minutes from downtown Lawrence — offering a 3-acre corn maze, 40+ fall activities, and acres of pumpkins ready for picking. Every September through November, Lawrence and KU families head west on K-10 and I-70 for an easy afternoon of farm-fresh fall fun.

Why Lawrence Families Choose Shively Farms

Lawrence has its own fall festivities, but Shively Farms offers something a college town doesn't: wide-open farmland, a real working corn maze, and a slower pace built for kids. Pick your own pumpkin straight from the field, take on the 3-acre corn maze, and explore farm-themed activities you won't find closer to campus — including a human hamster wheel, a hay bale play area, and horse rides. With Berryton just a short hop down the highway, it's become a go-to fall weekend outing for Lawrence families, KU students looking for a study break, and anyone wanting real pumpkin-patch photos without a long road trip.

Getting to Shively Farms from Kansas City

 

Shively Farms is located at 5840 SE Croco Rd, Berryton, KS — about 3 miles south of Lake Shawnee in Topeka. From downtown Lawrence, it's roughly a 25-mile drive west via K-10 and I-70, taking about 25-30 minutes depending on traffic. That makes it one of the closest full pumpkin-patch experiences to Lawrence — an easy trip for an afternoon, no full day required.

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What to Do When You Visit

  • Pick your own pumpkin — white, jack-o'-lantern, small, big, and flat stacker varieties, priced at $0.50/lb (specialty pumpkins $0.75/lb)

  • Explore the 3-acre corn maze

  • Take on 40+ farm-themed activities, including the human hamster wheel, hay bale area, horse rides, and photo-worthy fall backdrops

  • Bring the whole family — admission is $10 per person.

Plan Your Trip from Lawrence

Shively Farms is open September 19 through November 8, with special events like Pumpkin Smash Day on November 7. Since Lawrence is so close, it's an easy repeat visit — come once for the pumpkins and corn maze, then come back later in the season for Pumpkin Smash Day. Weekends are the busiest time to visit, so Lawrence visitors planning a Saturday or Sunday trip should get tickets in advance to skip the line at the gate.

Planning a KU club outing, church group, or school field trip from Lawrence? Shively Farms welcomes field trips and group events — contact us to set up a group visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Shively Farms is about 25 miles from downtown Lawrence, roughly a 25-30 minute drive via K-10 and I-70 W.

  • Yes — at about 25-30 minutes away, Shively Farms is one of the closest full-scale pumpkin patches to Lawrence, making it easy to fit into an evening or weekend without planning a whole day around it.

  •  We recommend booking tickets online ahead of time, especially for weekend visits during peak season in October, since the patch can reach capacity on our busiest days.

  • Definitely — it's a quick drive from campus and makes for an easy fall study-break outing, group hangout, or date-day trip.