Jucker Farm is a collection of four adventure farms in northeastern Switzerland. These family-friendly farms host seasonal events throughout the year, and our favorite is pumpkin season. From September through November, the farms showcase free pumpkin displays that our family looks forward to visiting every year. We traditionally visit Jucker Farm Bächlihof, located near Rapperswil, just 40 minutes south of Zurich by car. A visit usually takes about four hours—plenty of time to admire the pumpkin displays, let the kids enjoy the playground, and have a meal in the farm courtyard.
Pumpkin Displays
Every year the pumpkin displays follow a new theme, and they get more impressive each season. In 2024, the theme was “Big Cinema,” which featured remarkable sculptures including the mammoth and sloth from Ice Age. This year in 2025, the theme is “Let’s Play,” and our favorites have been Barbie and Lego. Visitors walk along a stroller-friendly wooden path to view the creations, with bilingual signs in English and German describing each display. The scale and creativity of the sculptures make it a great outing for both kids and adults.
Family-Friendly Amenities
The farm is designed with children in mind. There is a large playground with climbing structures and a sandpit filled with free sand toys like trucks, buckets, and shovels. My kids can spend hours here, so I usually pack rain pants or a change of clothes. Covered hay bales add another fun and active play area for jumping and climbing. Beyond the play spaces, families can also visit the farm animals, including pigs, goats, and bunnies.
Dining Options and Farm Store
Jucker Farm has a self-service restaurant and outdoor food stalls serving seasonal specialties such as pumpkin soup, bratwurst, and pinsa (a Roman-style flatbread similar to pizza). Picnic tables are set up outside so families can enjoy their meal in the courtyard atmosphere. For a treat, we like getting caramel corn and browsing the farm store. The store offers jams, honey, baked goods, and fresh produce, as well as seasonal selections like pumpkins, apples, and gourds. Guests can also watch fresh apple juice being pressed, sample the juice, and bring some bottles home. Every year, we make it a tradition to pick out pumpkins for Halloween carving, and payment is made easy with TWINT.
Parking
Parking is limited at Jucker Farm Bächlihof, especially on weekends. There is no direct parking at the farm entrance on busy days, so visitors are encouraged to use “Parkplatz Grünfeld Jona,” which is just a five-minute walk from the farm. Additional lots are available around the local sports park. To avoid the hassle, it is best to arrive early or consider traveling by public transportation.
Things to Explore Nearby
After enjoying the pumpkin displays, we often continue our day with a walk to Strandbad Stampf, a lakeside park where the kids love running in the open green space and playing on the pirate ship playground. Only a 5 minute walk from the farm, and it is usually less crowded here. Another great option is a visit to Rapperswil, which offers family-friendly activities such as exploring the castle, strolling through the rose garden, following the activity trail, or walking across the scenic wooden bridge. For more information on things to do in the area, click here.
Final Thoughts
A visit to Jucker Farm Bächlihof is one of our family’s favorite fall traditions. The free pumpkin displays are a highlight, and selecting our Halloween pumpkins is always a fun ritual. Between the playground, the hay bales, the animals, and the seasonal food, there is plenty to keep kids and adults entertained. For families near Zurich looking for a relaxing day outdoors in autumn, Bächlihof is the perfect choice.