Are you going to be exploring the pumpkin patch with kids soon? Make sure to read through to find some tips before you go! The best pumpkin patches offer a wide variety of fun activities for the whole family. Come prepared to have a great time with your whole family!
What time of day should we go to the pumpkin patch with kids?
When you are heading out to this favorite fall tradition with your crew, make sure to check online to see what time the pumpkin patch opens. My best advice is to get there at opening time with little ones. One of the main reasons is your kids will be fresh and enthusiastic, always a good idea with young children.
You will also have plenty of options for picking your own pumpkin in the u-pick pumpkins section. Lines will be shorter for fun activities like wagon rides, pony rides, the petting zoo, and the massive corn maze. You will have your pick in cooler weather too!
Check online for the admission fee and consider if they take credit cards or if you will need to grab some cash beforehand. Nothing is worse than getting your kids excited about the apple cider donuts or the kettle corn and then not being able to pay for it!
You may also want to consider checking the pumpkin patch’s Facebook page or giving them a call to check if any special events, live music, or a field trip is coming on the day you want to visit. If you want to avoid larger crowds, consider visiting on a day without larger crowds like these.
What activities will be at the pumpkin patch?
Are you thinking about exploring the pumpkin patch with kids? Check online to see what fun activities might be available for your family at the pumpkin patch. One of our favorite family traditions is our annual visit to Dull’s Pumpkin Harvest. This family farm is located less than an hour’s drive from downtown Indianapolis and has so many fun fall activities. If you are in the Midwest, consider making a short drive to our favorite pumpkin patch!
Our favorite activities include: picking our giant pumpkins, climbing on the hay bales, riding down the massive slides, and taking a train ride with our toddler. There are also zip lines, a playground, decorating pumpkins, a huge corn maze, pumpkin canon shooting…so many different options for our whole family! Check your favorite pumpkin patch to see if any activities may include a separate ticket price.
How should we dress for the pumpkin patch with kids?
Make sure to check the weather forecast before you head out to the pumpkin patch! Typically, the fall weather can be chilly in the mornings and warm up quickly. Thought it may be sweater weather, consider dressing in layers so you and your kids will be comfortable all day long.
Also, you will most likely be sitting on straw bales, petting farm animals, searching for those bright orange pumpkins, or wandering through a hay maze, so make sure kids wear washable clothing and comfortable shoes. I heard a few little people complaining about having rocks and hay in their sandals, so consider wearing close toed shoes on your visit.
Wearing Halloween costumes can be so much fun at local pumpkin patches. Again, consider the comfort of the costumes and if they can be deconstructed a bit to make your little ones more comfortable during this spooky season.
Should we eat before heading to the pumpkin patch?
Many local pumpkin patches will offer some yummy food options, along with the best pumpkins. Check online to see what your pumpkin farm may have available and consider a budget for your family. For our family of six to eat out, it can take a significant chunk of change! I usually run by the grocery store or farmers market before our trip and pack a simple picnic lunch to eat in the picnic area. (Check the pumpkin patch’s rules about bringing in outside food. You may need to return to your car, eat lunch and then reenter the patch.)
Other pumpkin patches may also feature food trucks which can be the perfect way to try a variety of yummy eats amongst all of the fun attractions. We definitely save some room for our favorite snacks at the pumpkin patch!
What are the best snacks at the pumpkin patch to try with kids?
There are so many delicious snacks at the pumpkin patch. A few of our favorites include:
- apple cider doughnuts
- caramel apples
- pumpkin pie
- apple cider or hard cider
- kettle corn
- pumpkin ice cream
Should we purchase pumpkins at the pumpkin patch?
It is always a great idea to support your local businesses by buying a wide variety of pumpkins at the pumpkin patch! The best part is finding unusual squashes, pumpkins, fresh fruits, and fresh produce while visiting. Also, make sure to visit the country store! We found some adorable children’s gifts, along with some delicious fudge samples on our last trip.
I hope this post encourages you to get out and explore the pumpkin patch with kids during my favorite season of fall! If you are looking for some fun pumpkin recipes, try this one for pumpkin spice mini muffins. You can also check here for some delicious apple cinnamon cookies. Sign up below for a free meal planner for your family!
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