Forget the petting zoo at the county fair. Houston just brought farmland right into the heart of downtown, and it’s unlike anything you’ve ever seen. The Houston Pumpkin Festival is back at Discovery Green through November 2nd, and they’re not messing around this year.
We’re talking about a bouncy pumpkin that’s over 2,000 square feet – big enough to fit about 40 cars inside. Your kids can literally bounce on top of the world’s largest inflatable pumpkin while you’re surrounded by Houston’s skyline. It’s the kind of thing that makes you realize why living in this city is pretty amazing.
A Corn Pit That Feels Like the Beach
Here’s something you never thought you’d read: Houston now has a massive corn pit that feels like sand at the beach, but without the mess that’ll have you finding grains in your car for the next six months. Kids can dive in, roll around, and experience that luxurious feeling of running their hands through thousands of corn kernels.
It’s farm life meets city convenience, and honestly, it’s genius.
Instagram Gold Everywhere You Look
With over 50 pumpkin varieties scattered throughout Discovery Green, you’re going to get those fall family photos that make your friends jealous. We’re talking about Cinderella’s carriage, massive yellow ducks, pumpkin houses, and a Pink Tree of Life that looks like it belongs in a fairy tale.
The Sunflower Walk alone will fill up your phone’s storage, and the Giant Pin Art installation lets kids create temporary masterpieces with their whole bodies. Every corner of this festival was designed to make memories – and yes, make your social media feed look incredible.
Crystal Kayaks That Glow
This might be the coolest part: clear kayaks with vibrant LED lights that make you feel like you’re paddling through liquid starlight. It’s the kind of unique experience that’ll have your kids talking about it for months, and probably asking when you can go back.
Everything Else That’ll Keep You There All Day
The festival isn’t just about the big attractions. There are bumper boats, a tree net climber, water activities, the mysterious “Doors of Wonder,” something called “Piggly Wiggles” that sounds delightfully weird, and a huge slide with butterfly chairs.
Basically, they’ve created a wonderland that combines farm festival vibes with the innovation Houston is known for.
The Real Deal on Tickets and Timing
When to Go:
- Monday-Thursday: 3pm-10pm ($18 per person)
- Friday-Sunday: 10am-10pm ($26 per person)
- Kids 3 and under: Free
Runs: September 20 through November 2
Pro tip: Get there early, especially on weekends. They may stop letting new visitors in up to an hour before closing to make sure everyone gets the full experience. With this much demand, walkups are unlikely – you want to buy tickets in advance.
Why This Matters for Houston Families
Discovery Green has always been Houston’s downtown backyard, but this festival transforms it into something magical. Instead of driving hours to find a pumpkin patch, you can park downtown, walk to the festival, and give your kids an experience that’s bigger and more creative than anything you’ll find in the suburbs.
It’s Houston doing what Houston does best – taking a traditional idea and making it bigger, better, and more innovative.
The Bottom Line
Your kids are going to remember bouncing on the world’s largest pumpkin in downtown Houston for the rest of their lives. They’re going to tell their friends about the corn pit, the glowing kayaks, and all those perfect photo moments you captured.
For $18-26 per person (with little ones free), you’re getting access to attractions that would cost way more if you had to pay for them separately. Plus, you’re supporting one of Houston’s best public spaces and creating the kind of family memories that make living in this city special.
The Houston Pumpkin Festival runs through November 2nd at Discovery Green. Get your tickets online before they sell out – because based on the crowds last year and the additions this year, walkups are going to be nearly impossible.
This is fall in Houston done right.
