Top 10 Reasons to go Pumpkin Picking this Halloween

A relatively new tradition in our family, but one we couldn’t go through October without now. Initially, I thought, “What’s all the hype. It’s just walking around a muddy field”. But once I’d taken Bertie to the pumpkin patch to choose his own pumpkins, I realised it was so much more than that! Read on to find out my top 10 reasons why I think the whole family should find their local patch this pumpkin picking season…

1. Fresh Air

We all know the benefits of getting out in the fresh air, and we all know that this gets more difficult to do as the dark nights close in and the cold weather approaches. A lot of pumpkin picking spots are out in the countryside where you really get to enjoy that crisp fall air (unless they’ve recently been muck spreading of course!). In addition, once you’ve explored a few pick-your-own sites, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to learn they often have other things on offer throughout the year such as an apple orchard where you can go apple picking for your own apples, or a sunflower field for sunflower picking. You might find you’re visiting again before the next pumpkin season is in full swing.

2. Tractors

Countryside. Farms. Tractors. I’m pretty sure all kids (and secretly adults!) love a tractor. There’s just something exciting about seeing one up close that’s extra appealing. Some pumpkin patches even have tractor rides as part of their package! And if tractors aren’t your bag, some now have a train ride too! There’s always more to see than just a lot of pumpkins!

3. Screen-Free

We’re often looking for ways to reduce screen time, and with a barage of Halloween films and spooky specials, it can be hard to drag young ones away from the TV. Getting them out pumpkin picking means they won’t be giving their screens a second thought – especially if yo choose a pumpkin patch with lots going on!

4. Photo opportunities

With pumpkin picking getting ever more popular, it seems that pumpkin patches are getting ever more creative with their displays! From decorated hay bales to full-blown pumpkin houses, and a petting zoo. It’s undeniable that these pumpkin patch photos get better every year! Some are even offering professional photography packages throughout the fall season.

4. Family Friendly Fun

There’s something for the young and the old when pumpkin picking. Most patches have accessible zones for those in prams, buggies, or wheelchairs so there’s no excuse to leave anyone at home! Do check ahead in cases of bad weather, though, as many pumpkin patches are a part of a working farm and therefore the parking lot can become waterlogged and difficult to access. 

5. Learning opportunity

If you’re anything like me, then you’re always on the lookout for an educational spin to an activity. Young children can practice colour matching, order by and comparing size, explore mass, and even practice directional vocabulary like left and right. Older children could learn about the pumpkin growing process, investigate which pumpkins are best for eating, make their own pumpkin patch map, or even work on money and problem-solving skills. The educational opportunities are endless, and you may find yourself spending your Friday mornings or Saturday nights learning more about pumpkins, farms, or even simply family traditions. 

6. Autumn/Halloween Spirit

There really is no better way to get into the spirit of the season than to surround yourself with Autumnal nature and like-minded individuals. I guarantee you’ll leave the pumpkin patch feeling much more ready for the festivities than when you entered. Even the grumpiest among us can’t help but smile a little at the joy on children’s faces when they discover another great pumpkin! There are even some pumpkin patches that offer evening sessions so you can spend a spooky Friday night watching the sun sets and selecting your favourite fresh pumpkin from the wide selection. 

7. Support Local

When you buy your pumpkin at the supermarket, do you really know where it came from? Do you know what they’re going to do with the excess pumpkins? You will if you visit a beautiful farm at your local Pumpkin patch! Family-run farms are disappearing and it’s more important than ever that we support them. Sometimes, you even get to meet the farmer who grew the wide selection of pumpkins which is always an exciting opportunity for kids. Alongside the obvious draw of the pumpkins, there are often food trucks and other local fresh produce sellers offering hot apple cider, local honey, pumpkin pie, and homemade ice cream. There’s nothing more heartwarming on a chilly day than knowing you’re supporting your local economy. 

8. Free Day Out

Now this depends entirely on where you go pumpkin picking, while some will demand an admission fee, there are plenty of free admission pumpkin patches where you only pay for the pumpkins you buy, and most at least offer free parking. In the case of the latter, if you don’t buy any pumpkins, you won’t have to pay a penny for a fun day out for the entire family! Lots of our local pumpkin patches have added bonuses and lots of activities like a corn maze, farm animals, wagon rides, petting zoos, and even pony rides! Nowadays, it’s not unheard of for some to even have special events including live music and a haunted house.

9. Find the Perfect Pumpkin

With so many varieties of pumpkins now being sold, you will be spoilt for choice amongst acres of pumpkins to find that perfect one. Try doing a little research into pumpkin carving ideas before you go so you can keep a look out for the perfect shape when picking your own pumpkin. Or, why not try an effortless display of different sizes and colours of pumpkin this year?

10. Establish a Tradition

This is one of the main reasons for us. We have photos of Bertie perched on the spider-themed hay bale for the past 2 years. I can’t wait to get him and Barnaby on it this year! We all have Christmas traditions, but it’s just as fun to set up other family traditions throughout the year to ensure every season has its own enjoyable experience. Why not make pumpkin picking one of yours? If you’re local to Hull, check out our lists of the best places for pumpkin picking.

So, there you have it. Visiting a pumpkin patch offers a myriad of enchanting experiences that make it an absolute must-do during the fall season. With an abundance of pumpkins to choose from, it’s the perfect way to kickstart your Halloween preparations. The whole family can revel in the excitement of picking the perfect pumpkins, creating cherished memories that will last a lifetime. So, if you’re searching for a family-friendly, fun-filled Autumn activity that embodies the spirit of the season, head to your local pumpkin patch. There, you’ll find not just lots of pumpkins but a whole lot of joy for your entire family to savour. Happy pumpkin picking! 

What’s your favourite part of pumpkin picking? Let me know below or tag me in your adventure s over on Instagram!