Going to a pumpkin patch is a classic fall activity for school trips and fun family adventures. This pumpkin patch family guide contains information on how to find a pumpkin patch near you, how to choose a pumpkin, pumpkin decorating and carving ideas, recipes, activities, books, and more!
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Related: Apple Orchard Family Field Trip Ideas
Ultimate Pumpkin Patch Family Guide
Kids love going to the pumpkin patch to pick out pumpkins and enjoy the fun. This pumpkin patch family guide will help you get ready for your fun family adventure!
Related: Corn Maze Family Field Trip Ideas
Pumpkin Patch Field Trip Ideas: Types of Pumpkin Patches
There are several types of pumpkin patches. Some have other fun attractions like a hayride, train ride, corn maze, petting zoo, bounce house, and more. Other pumpkin patches are simply 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.
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How to Find a Pumpkin Patch:
To find a pumpkin patch near you check your local newspaper or family resource guide. Another option is to google the name of your city or town followed by “pumpkin patch” to find one near you.
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.
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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.
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Ideas for Decorating and Carving Pumpkins
I like to think of carving pumpkins like rock painting or looking at clouds in the sky. What do you see in the pumpkin that you are looking at? Carve that!
To find links to lots of fun tips, tricks and how to’s for pumpkin carving and decorating 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 Recipe
- Stay tuned for our gluten-free pumpkin pie recipe!
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!
- Parts of a Pumpkin Montessori Cards | The Crafty Classroom
- Pumpkin Science Experiments | Little Bins for Little Hands
Pumpkin Crafts & Art Projects for Kids
- Jack o’ Lantern Salt Painting
- Glow in the Dark Halloween Pumpkin Sensory Bottle
- Harvest Pumpkin Watercolor Art Project (photo below)
Related: The Best Fall Art Projects for Kids
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.
- Pumpkin Patch Blessings
- Biscuit Visits the Pumpkin Patch
- Duck & Goose Find a Pumpkin
- Peter Rabbit and the Pumpkin Patch
- It’s the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown
- Apples and Pumpkins
Go on a Field Trip to a Pumpkin Patch
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.
For apple orchard family field trip ideas and corn maze family field trip ideas click on the links. You may also like this collection of outdoor learning ideas and nature activities for kids.
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Cool article for pumpkin patches. You mentioned you should try to find out if the pumpkin patch has pumpkins you are looking for. It sounds important to research different types of pumpkins before hand so you have a better idea of what you should look for.
Yes, it is Taylor.
I think most pumpkin patches that are open to the public have carving pumpkins available. But if you are looking for pumpkins to bake with it is important to make sure the pumpkin patch has sugar pie pumpkins!