Going to a pumpkin patch is a classic fall activity for school trips and fun family adventures. They often have hay rides, corn mazes, petting zoo’s, and much more in addition to pumpkins.

This pumpkin patch family field trip guide contains information on how to find a pumpkin patch near you, how to choose a pumpkin, decorating and carving ideas, recipes, activities, books, and more!

Related: Apple Orchard Family Field Trip Ideas 

Pumpkin Patch Family Field Trip Ideas

Kids love going to the pumpkin patch to pick out pumpkins and enjoy the fun. This guide will help you get ready for your fun family adventure!

Related: Corn Maze Family Field Trip Ideas

Pumpkin Patch Family Field Trip Ideas: Types of Pumpkin Patches

There are several types of pumpkin patches. Some have other attractions such as hayrides, train rides, corn mazes, petting zoos, bounce houses, etc. While others are just for finding pumpkins.

You will find three main types of pumpkin patches; Pick your own, already harvested, and church lawns. No matter which you choose there are often other attractions to keep the little ones happily entertained.

Related: Signs of Autumn Fall Scavenger Hunt for Kids

 Country Pumpkins Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch in Orland, CA

How to Find a Pumpkin Patch:

To find a pumpkin patch near you check your local newspaper or family resource guide. You can also find one by going to Pumpkin Patches and More. This awesome website provides listings to pumpkin patches for every state in the U.S. and 6 other country pages!

Once you find a pumpkin patch call to find out if wagons are provided or if you can bring your own.

Another good question to ask is the type of pumpkins that they have available. You will find my tips for choosing the type of pumpkin you need below. You may also want to ask if there will be food available, or places to eat if you would like to bring your own family picnic.

Max’s Miracle Ranch in Biggs, CA

How to Choose A Pumpkin:

The type of pumpkin you need will depend on what you will be doing with it. Will you be carving, decorating, or baking? You may also want to grab an extra pumpkin or two for some of the fun activities listed below.

You will want to make sure the pumpkin patch that you visit has the type of pumpkins that you are looking for. There are three main types of pumpkins; carving, gourds, and baking or pie pumpkins.

If you will be making pumpkin puree, you will want to choose a small 8 to 10-inch sugar pumpkin. Sugar pumpkins are sweeter than other pumpkins and have been developed for eating. Look for one that is firm with no soft spots or signs of any rot. Recipe ideas are listed below.

If you will be carving your pumpkins or decorating them in some way look for a pumpkin that is visually appealing without any soft spots or signs of rot. Choose a pumpkin with a stem and make sure it sits the way you want it to when placed on a flat surface.

You will also want to choose a color and shape that will work for the design you have in mind.

Related: The Best Fall Art Projects for Kids

Ideas for Decorating and Carving Pumpkins:

To find links to fun tips, tricks and how to’s for pumpkin decorating and carving check out Top 10 nature Fall Crafts under “Pumpkins.”

Pumpkin Patch Family Field Trip Ideas: Pumpkin Recipes

If you are able to find some sugar pumpkins try some of these fun recipes!

• How to Make Homemade Pumpkin Puree – make your own pumpkin puree from scratch!
• Pumpkin Cranberry Bread Your Family Will Love!
• Gluten-Free Pumpkin Pie. The link will go live in October 2017.
• Pumpkin Fudge

Educational Pumpkin Activities for Kids

Bring home an extra pumpkin or two for some of these fun activities. They are a great way to extend learning and continue the fun!

• Pumpkin activity pack | Ship Shape First Grade
• Parts of a Pumpkin Montessori Cards | The Crafty Classroom
• Pumpkin Science Experiments | Little Bins for Little Hands

Pumpkin Crafts & Art Projects for Kids

• Harvest Pumpkin Watercolor Art Project
• Jack o’ Lantern Salt Painting 
• Glow in the Dark Halloween Pumpkin Sensory Bottle

Pumpkin Books for Kids

Reading books about pumpkins and pumpkin patches is a fun way to extend learning and make it even more fun for the kids. Put these on the library list or purchase using the affiliate links I have provided for your convenience. Click on the book images below to learn more about each book.

Related: Gratitude Books for Kids That Inspired Thankfulness

Going to a pumpkin patch is a classic fall activity for school trips and fun family adventures. Pumpkin patches are fun because they often have hay rides, corn mazes, and petting zoo’s in addition to pumpkins.

This post is a part of the Get Outside & Connect Series. To find out more about click on the link. For apple orchard family field trip ideas and corn maze family field trip ideas click on the links.

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