Heading to a pumpkin patch in October is a tradition in our family. We look forward to picking our pumpkins, navigating a corn maze and taking a hayride.
Thing is, pumpkin patches have come a long way since I was a kid. Even the smallest pumpkin patch these days is likely to offer more than just pumpkins. Many farms create elaborate harvest festivals that could occupy families for an entire day.
After having our share of pumpkin patch meltdowns and mishaps, we’ve learned a thing or two. Here’s how we keep our visits a success these days.
Plan ahead.
Will you be picking pumpkins off the vine? Or choosing among those already picked? Aside from pumpkins, what other activities (if any) are available? Common pumpkin patch activities may include food, live entertainment, petting zoos, corn mazes, face painting, hayrides and more.
Before you go, check out the website of the patch you plan to visit. Most have complete details, hours, pricing and maps so you know what to expect.
Seek out special discounts & coupons.
Once you’ve discovered what’s included with your admission price and what’s not, you can seek out discounts or special offers. Many pumpkin patches offer reduced fees, special free days or even online coupons.
Know when to go.
Pumpkin patches around here get pretty crazy – worse as Halloween gets closer. We’ve discovered that weekend crowds are almost unbearable (think amusement park-type lines for almost every activity).
If heading to the patch on a weekday is an option, go for it – especially if you have little ones. FYI: Some activities are only open on weekends. If weekends are a must, plan to arrive right when the patch opens.
Bring the basics.
Many pumpkin patches and farms operate on a cash-only basis, so make sure you bring enough.
October in L.A. is often still unbearably hot; in other parts of the country it’s already breezy and quite cool. In either case, dress for the weather and be prepared for the kids to get dirty.
Don’t try to do it all.
Take your time and enjoy the experience. How? The Explorers and I talk about what activities are available before we go. Then we pick a few favorites and don’t stress when we arrive about trying to do it all.
Leave time for play.
Amidst all the array of pumpkin patch “extras,” it might be hard to remember that most kids prefer to keep it simple. The fun is in the playing, so make sure you allow time for it. Most pumpkin patches have play areas designed just for it!
Eat something special.
If you’re picking pumpkins at a farm, try something fresh and yummy, like corn on the cob or fresh cider.
Don’t forget the pumpkins!
Hands down, picking pumpkins is what my kids most enjoy about going to the pumpkin patch. They love seeing all the shapes, colors and sizes of pumpkins (and gourds, oh my!).
Bring a camera.
There will undoubtedly be plenty of moments you’ll want to capture. Just don’t forget to put the camera down and enjoy your adventure, too.
Have fun!
If you’re like me, the pumpkin patch can be a little overwhelming – especially if you have small kids. Remember why you came (to celebrate fall!), take your time and enjoy it!
Thanks for heading over, Bayda! Sounds like you know how to make the most of your time at a pumpkin patch. Happy Halloween!
Here's wishing you & yours a wonderful Halloween, Jennifer!
Thanks for stopping by, Debra!
Cool to have found the zombie for Sunday, and of course to read your post!<br /><br />Thanks for the tips. My only tip is that we like the ones that have mini carnival rides. We can spend hours there between the rides (including pony rides), looking at all the interesting Halloween decorations and of course looking at all the different sized pumpkins, especially the gigantic ones she can sit on.
Great blog entry! You've really thought this through and your advise will be well used.
I would have loved to have stumbled upon this Pumpkin Patch! So many wonderful ones to choose from. I especially liked the "flat" pumpkins. We love finding out of the way pumpkin patches…sometimes the best memories! Thanks for the tips!
Couldn't agree more, Ellen. Thanks for stopping by!
What a funny story! If and when you do get some pumpkins, you don't have to carve them. It's fun to decorate in other ways – with paint, stickers or the like. 🙂
We were in Canada for Halloween, but did not see a pumpkin patch as such. We saw a group of pumpkins on some bales of hay (for sale??) and like mad tourists, I took a lot of photos of these pumpkins!! But nothing as impressive as this! <br /><br />We want to carve a pumpkin for Halloween, but it all seems to complicated and tricky! Maybe next year……
These are all great tips. Typically pumpkin picking at the farm can turn into an all day affair so it's best to plan ahead. Usually there are other attractions to keep the kids entertained like hay rides or petting zoos.
What – no pumpkin patches? I'm hoping you something just as fun to help celebrate fall. 🙂
Wow – I didn't even stop to think that pumpkin patches might be unique to North America. Hope you get the chance to visit one someday.
Wow….brilliant pumpkin piccies. You are lucky to have the pumpkin patches to visit, we don't have them here in the U.K….What a wonderful idea for a day out.! XXX
Never seen so many pumpkins in one spot! That's an amazing sight – have no idea what goes on at a pumpkin patch outing, but its obviously an event worth trying at least once!!<br /><br />