For lots of families, October is synonymous with pumpkin patch time! This can be the perfect place for making fall family memories but can also be a source of spooky stress. Follow these handy tips to keep everybody grinning like jack-o-lanterns.
Rise and Shine
Time your visit so you arrive early! This way, you can beat the crowds, avoid the afternoon sun, and get the best pick of pumpkins. Bonus – you’ll be able to snap those sweet photos without strangers in the background!
Dress for the Farm
Mud and dust and hay – oh my! Pumpkin patches can be dirty places, so be sure to wear comfy, protective footwear and clothing you don’t mind getting a bit grungy. Be mindful of the weather; that cute, cozy sweater might be unbearable on an unseasonably hot day!
Avoid Draggin’, Bring a Wagon
Pumpkin picking can be hard work! Bring a wagon to pull young children, your gear, and your pumpkins to save your arms and your patience.
Cash is King
Many small farms and pumpkin patches don’t have the ability to process credit card payments. Be prepared for your purchases with cash on hand. Generally, pumpkins are grouped and priced according to size, making it easy to estimate how much money you should bring. Don’t forget a few extra dollars for some yummy kettle corn!
Haunting Hunger and Hydration
Be sure to bring plenty of water for everybody to avoid dehydration while you’re searching for the perfect pumpkins. Don’t forget snacks, either – they can quell complaints about long lines for hayrides and checking out and fuel adults pulling loaded-up wagons!
Picture Perfect
Want some darling photos to share with friends and family? Try some of these fun snapshot ideas (that your kids will actually smile for!):
- Try to lift a giant pumpkin
- Make your best scary face (bonus – ask for a loud roar instead of saying cheese!)
- Peek through the stalks of a corn maze
- Jump off a hay bale
- High-five a scarecrow
- Wave from a tractor or hayride
- Have each child help make a stack ofpumpkins as tall as they are and stand next to it – repeat each year for a sweet seasonal growth chart!