Now that you have your apple picking out of the way, it is time for some pumpkin picking. After all, Oct. 26 is National Pumpkin day. Finding the perfect patch with that perfect pumpkin might seem like a challenge, but doesn’t have to be. With the help of “The Travel Channel”, here is a list of the best pumpkin patches in America. Go out and find the best pumpkin for all your Halloween decorating needs.
The Great Pumpkin Farm, Clarence, N.Y.
There is so much more than pumpkin picking here. Sure, you can find your perfect pumpkin in this farm, but other activities include scarecrow-making, pumpkin slingshots and mummy wrapping. Many of the activities follow a Halloween or pumpkin theme. Every weekend in the fall, there is something new. Pumpkin eating contests or music and barbecue at Oinktoberfest are just a few. Don’t forget to try some hot pumpkin and apple cider donuts!
Siegel’s Cottonwood Farm, Lockport, Ill.
A visit to this farm just an hour outside of Chicago requires an entire day. A hayride will bring you out to find your perfect pumpkin right off the vine in the pumpkin field. After, you can explore the 15-acre corn maze, climb the tire mountain, ring the bell at the top of the climbing wall and finally take a selfie while sitting on the eight-foot wooden rocking chair. There is even a petting zoo and chick nursery for the younger kids.
Tom Thumb Pumpkin Patch, Dallas
This pumpkin patch is more like a pumpkin village. More than 90,000 pumpkins, gourds and squash make up this marvelous weekend adventure for the family. The hay bale maze ad scavenger hunt is perfect for kids who love to run into adventure. For all those princess lovers out there, you can even see Cinderella’s Pumpkin Carriage. Finally, end your day learning a little more about different varieties of pumpkins as part of the Great Pumpkin Search.
Vala’s Pumpkin Patch, Gretna, Neb.
Vala’s offers so much more than just pumpkin picking. The 50 plus attractions will turn your fun-filled day into a fun-filled weekend. Graveyard Golf and Stalk Cars, many live shows and Pigtucky Derby Pig Races are just some of the few attractions for everyone to choose from. There’s no need to bring your own picnic because there is various food to choose from, including hand-dipped corn dogs, caramel apples and s’mores over a campfire.
Pumpkin Hollow, Piggott, Ark.
You are sure to find the perfect pumpkin at Pumpkin Hollow, a family-owned farm which is one of the leading growers of pumpkins. Like many of the other patches and farms, you will find more than just pumpkin picking. Arkansas’s first cornfield maze is located here, along with a double zip line, pedal tractor’s and a kid’s barn for a great learning experience. Samples of pumpkin pie or a pumpkin role is essential before leaving Pumpkin Hollow.
Craven Farm, Snohomish, Wash.
This 20-acre pumpkin patch provides more than 30 varieties of pumpkins making it impossible not to find the perfect one. Once you’ve found the pumpkin of your dreams, explore the 15-acre corn maze, then check out the 3-D experience for the Pumpkin Adventure. Weekend trips also have hay rides, pumpkin target practice and storybook scenes re-created through painted pumpkins.
Cool Patch Pumpkins, Dixon, Calif.
Home of the Guinness World Records largest corn maze, Cool Patch Pumpkins offers a 60-acre maze. It is suggested that you pick up a snack before entering the maze. Many made-to-order sandwiches and pumpkin pies, as well as lemonade and pumpkin spice lattes are offered to quench any thirst and fill any hungry stomachs. Once you’ve experience the maze and found your pumpkins, don’t forget to try the pedal cars and take a corn bath.
Papa’s Pumpkin Patch, Bismarck, N.D.
There are so many activities to choose from here at Papa’s. While some are free, others charge a small fee. If you are content to simply pick your pumpkin and go, that’s quite alright. However, if you are up for a little more adventure try and of the various activities. Climbing a pile of tires and a hay bale maze are just some of the free activities, while the ones that charge include horse-drawn hayrides, zip lines and corn bob sling shots. Take your pick, and don’t forget a selfie with the 15-foot Great Pumpkin’s Chair.
Half Moon Bay Pumpkin Festival, Half Moon Bay, Calif.
Boasting various pick-your-own pumpkin patches as well as the annual Half Moon Bay Pumpkin festival, Half Moon Bay is known as the “World Pumpkin Capital”. The festival takes place in mid-October with pumpkin sculptures, a parade, a pie eating contest and a pumpkin fun ride along the Coast Side Trail. Have a little fun while finding your perfect pumpkin.
Jumbo’s Pumpkin Patch, Middletown, Md.
This patch offers a 30-acre pick-your-own pumpkin patch where you are sure to find your very own perfect pumpkin. However, pumpkin picking isn’t the only activity offered. A 15-acre corn maze, hayrides, a petting zoo and a huge playground offer many opportunities for fall fun. On weekends, more kid-friendly activities are offered, including pony rides and face painting. The working family farm requires at least a half-day to explore everything it has to offer.
Get out there and find your pumpkin before National Pumpkin Day. Happy pickings!
