Animal encounters in Texas have been part of my life for as long as I can remember. I’ve fed a giraffe at the Houston Zoo, held a snake at a local carnival, and even touched an adorable penguin at Moody Gardens. That being said, few wildlife parks compare to TGR Exotics in Spring. Not only is it a zoo full of unique and endangered animals, but it also lets visitors get up close and personal with sloths, big cats, reptiles, and more.
You’re in for a wild ride when you visit TGR Wildlife Park in Spring, Texas! Over 100 exotic and endangered animals from 25+ species call this incredible place home, and you can get up close and personal with them like never before.
Guests can choose from a variety of experiences ranging from a guided tour of the whole zoo to specific animal encounters. There’s also a Toddler Tour geared towards the younger crowd.
Among the animals you’ll see are deer, aardvarks, hyenas, owls, bears, porcupines, water buffalo, and more. Being able to see these amazing creatures with your own two eyes instead of through a screen is an opportunity you’ll cherish forever.
If you’d like to go beyond the standard tour and meet the animals face to face, you have several options. From sloths and spider monkeys to reptiles and porcupines, the park offers a range of animal encounters where you can touch and feed creatures you may never have seen before.
TGR Exotics also has special events for holidays, plus a kid’s night out where parents can drop their kids off at the zoo for a fun evening of crafts, games, a twilight zoo tour, and pizza and dessert.
Visit the TGR Exotics website or the TGR Exotics Facebook page for more information about all of the different tours and animal encounters.
Have you ever done an animal encounter in Texas at TGR Exotics Wildlife Park? If so, we’d love to hear all about your experience in the comments! Check out our previous article to learn about a historic (and haunted!) saloon in Spring. If you need an all-purpose travel bag for your trip (and future adventures!), we love The Foldie.
If your sweet tooth is half as big as mine, you can’t pass up the chance to visit Cottage Farms in Sumner. One of the best farm bakeries in Texas, this family-run farm and cafe offers all sorts of delicious treats, including the most incredible homemade pies you’ll ever have. The setting is idyllic, the treats are mouthwatering, and the owners are sweet as can be.
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Located just outside of Paris in the tiny town of Sumner, Cottage Farms is a family farm with an on-site bakery and cafe. Johnny and Yolanda Harder and their three kids are always thrilled when folks stop by for lunch or a freshly-baked sweet treat.
The interior of the shop is equal parts cozy and stylish, giving modern farmhouse vibes. Plenty of tables allow guests to sit and mingle while enjoying their goodies, and the space is bright, open, and airy.
Speaking of goodies, just wait until you take a peek behind the counter! There’s always a huge assortment of mouthwatering baked goods, ranging from cupcakes and cannolis to cookies and cheesecakes. Savory breakfast options are also available, plus lunch selections like soup, salad, and sandwiches.
In my opinion, nothing beats a good slice of pie, and Cottage Farms comes through with all sorts of scrumptious flavors. Whether you like strawberry, banana cream, or chocolate peanut butter, rest assured you’ll find the perfect bite.
Of course, seasonal pies like pumpkin and pecan make their debut every fall. Order ahead for Thanksgiving to take some work off your plate (pun intended).
One of my favorite things about Cottage Farms is that you never know exactly what will be waiting for you behind the dessert case. The menu changes throughout the year, so there’s always reason for excitement.
Seasonal shifts also bring fun, new activities to the farm — like pumpkins in the fall! Bring the whole family for a full day of wholesome outdoor play.
Visit the Cottage Farms website or the Cottage Farms Facebook page for more information, including current hours of operation. You can also purchase some of their products online.
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Have you ever been to Cottage Farms? If so, do you think it’s one of the best farm bakeries in Texas? Tell us your thoughts in the comments! Check out our previous article to see Texas’ Eiffel Tower in our state’s very own Paris.
If you’re looking to improve your own baking skills, MasterClass has so many great sessions to choose from.
Fall in Texas is the time of year when we all search for “pumpkin patches near me” as our hearts swell with childlike excitement. Luckily for you, I’ve compiled eight of the very best pumpkin patches in Texas to visit this year, so all you have to do is get in the car, grab a pumpkin spice latte on the way, and set off to pick your perfect pumpkin. These family-friendly destinations are more than just pumpkin-picking farms, too; they’re full-blown autumn wonderlands complete with corn mazes, seasonal food and drinks, festive photo-ops, and more. We think they’re some of the best pumpkin patches in Texas, and chances are, you’ll agree, too.
The Fall Festival at Sweet Eats Fruit Farm truly has it all, and it's definitely one of the best pumpkin patches near Austin. Visitors can enjoy a 4.5-acre corn maze, a pumpkin patch with over 40 different kinds of pumpkins, fireworks, a petting zoo, and more than 30 other seasonal activities for all ages. You can even rent a campfire (with s'mores and hotdog kits available for purchase!). Visit the Sweet Eats Adventure Farm website or the Sweet Eats Adventure Farm Facebook page for more information.
Floydada is known as the "Pumpkin Capital of the USA," and Assiter Punkin (yes, it's "punkin" instead of "pumpkin") Ranch is where all the magic happens. Come pick the best pumpkins money can buy to display proudly on your front porch and enjoy other festivities such as food and farm animals. It's one of the best pumpkin patches near Lubbock and I can't wait for you to check it out. Visit the Assiter Punkin Ranch website or the Assiter Punkin Ranch Facebook page for more information.
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3. The Big Orange Pumpkin Farm at Preston Trail Farms, Gunter - Mid-Sept. thru late Nov. 2024
Located at Preston Trail Farms along the historic Shawnee Trail, The Big Orange Pumpkin Farm is a working farm where visitors of all ages can learn about farm life, interact with over 50 different animals, and - of course - pick the perfect pumpkin. Jack-O-Lanterns, mini pumpkins, and several other varieties are available, making it one of the best pumpkin patches near Dallas. Visit the Preston Trail Farms website or the Preston Trail Farms Facebook page to learn more.
Every fall, families from all over Texas flock to Marble Falls to experience the annual Harvest of Fall Fun festival at Sweet Berry Farm. One of the best pumpkin patches near Austin, the festival offers activities such as hayrides, mazes, u-pick flowers, and a huge pumpkin patch. Visit the Sweet Berry Farm website or the Sweet Berry Farm Facebook page for more information.
Froberg's Farm offers one of the best pumpkin patches near Houston. Enjoy a corn maze, unique photo-ops, a mining sluice, a jumping pillow, and a pumpkin patch with a wide variety of pumpkins. Visit the Froberg's Farm website or the Froberg's Farm Facebook page to learn more.
If you're looking for the best pumpkin patches near Dallas, your search can end with Hall's Pumpkin Farm. With a corn maze, hay rides, and pumpkins and gourds of all shapes, colors, and sizes, this family-friendly destination is begging to be added to your fall itinerary. Visit the Hall's Pumpkin Farm website or the Hall's Pumpkin Farm Facebook page for more information.
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7. Pipe Creek Christmas Tree Farm and Pumpkin Patch, Pipe Creek - Weekends in October 2024
Though best known for its Christmas trees, Pipe Creek Christmas Tree Farm is also home to one of the best pumpkin patches near San Antonio. Kid-friendly activities such as pumpkin painting, a hayride, and duck races offer tons of fun, and the pumpkin patch is always well-stocked. You can also stroll through 6,000 Christmas trees during your visit! Check out the Pipe Creek Pumpkin Patch website or the Pipe Creek Christmas Tree Farm and Pumpkin Patch Facebook page to learn more.
For our Panhandle folks, Maxwell's Pumpkin Farm is by far one of the best pumpkin patches near Amarillo. This small, family-owned farm is charming as can be and oh-so-festive, offering everything from pumpkin picking to photo-ops to delicious foods and beverages such as apple cider and donuts. You can also pick up pie pumpkins and several varieties of squash for cooking. Visit the Maxwell's Pumpkin Farm website or the Maxwell's Pumpkin Farm Facebook page for more information.
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Please remember to check the website and/or Facebook page for each pumpkin-picking farm to see specific dates and times.
Do you think these are some of the best pumpkin patches in Texas? Which one is your favorite? Tell us your thoughts in the comments! If you'll be road-tripping to any of the destinations listed above, be sure to check out our Ultimate Road Trip Packing List to help you decide what to bring.
