Did you know that it is possible to combine choosing a pumpkin with lots of fun activities that the kids will enjoy? Pumpkin picking has been a tradition for many years, and one that will continue to happen for many more. Pumpkin farms make this possible, with many adventure playgrounds and experiences to keep your little ones occupied. More importantly, the whole day becomes way more than scavenging for the best pumpkin but prepares you for the whole Halloween experience. With so many pumpkin patch activities available, why would you say no to going this year?
*This is a sponsored post, however, all opinions are honest and my own
Pumpkin Patch Activities
Did you know how popular attending a pumpkin patch really is? According to the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service, nearly 66,200 acres of pumpkins were harvested in the U.S. in 2020, producing more than 1.5 billion pounds of usable pumpkins with more than 2 billion produced overall.
Before you go to any pumpkin patch – find out the attractions and activities they have on offer, You may find that some patches have either Pick Your Own (PYO Pumpkins) or pre harvested – and food stalls, petting zoos, corn mazes, tractor tour, and rides may also be available. Aim to find out also whether you need to provide your own wheelbarrow/cart, or if they are provided. Have a look at the cost of the outing, and see whether you can get more for your money, and where your family can make the most of Halloween.
Types of Pumpkin
You can do so much with a pumpkin! But did you know that there are different types of pumpkin? Do your research and find out what you are using your pumpkins for. If you are eating them, then go for the “squash” looking variants, and use the smaller, unripe pumpkins for decoration.
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Jack-Be-Little:
These are perfectly palm-sized, mini pumpkins, perfect for decorating with.
Field Trip F1- Hybrid:
Big, sturdy and a long stalk, these are ideal for picking.
Rouge Vif D’Etampes:
Although rarer, these pink-tinted pumpkins are gorgeous! Great for soup stocks too!
Jarrahdale:
Native to Australia, you’ll find these in a blueish-green tone.
Baby Boo:
Ghostly white in colour, these are great for a mixed pumpkin decoration.
Fairytale:
These are greener in colour and used for their creamy flavour.
Long Island Cheese:
Named after their woody colour and rounded appearance, these have a much sweeter note than alternatives.
Galeux d’Eysines:
This salmon coloured pumpkin looks different to other varients, with sugar caused bumps all over the outer skin.
Tandy F1 Hybrid:
These paler coloured pumpkins are closer in appearance to butternut squash, with an oval shape and longer stem.
Black Futsu:
A rare Japanese variant, this pumpkin is sweet, nutty and buttery when cooked and light and fruity when eaten raw – while still releasing a chestnut flavour.
Warty Goblin F1 Hybrid:
A per the name, this pumpkin has warty and lumpy skin which are exemplified by the sun.
One Too Many F1 Hybrid:
This pumpkin has a grapefruit looking texture, named after a person’s bloodshot eyes in the morning.
Cotton Candy:
The closest thing to ghost pumpkins! With a ghostly white texture, these pumpkins look gorgeous in a decorative arrangement.
Before picking your pumpkins, create a plan of the particular variants, and what you would like your end goal to be/desired arrangement. Then, when you are taking part in some pumpkin patch activities, you know what you are looking for!
Pumpkin Patch Activities
Visiting a pumpkin patch can be a whole day out – and does not have to be revolved around pumpkin decorating, and rather a Halloween activity. For example, anything involving cauldrons, spiders, sweets and candy – will be perfect to celebrate the occasion right.
Decorating a Pumpkin
When starting out in the pumpkin decoration process, it must begin with finding the right pumpkin. In this case, a less warty one may be your best bet! Thoroughly prepare your pumpkin for decoration – specifically by hollowing it out and thinning the shell. I would recommend cutting a hole in the top to do this and thinning out the shell using a tablespoon. You could also consider keeping the pumpkin seeds to roast and make a good snack out of.
Before starting your design on the pumpkin, it is a good idea to draw it out in advance and then transfer it onto the pumpkin in the right position. Aim to be more adventurous with your design, but find a balance between creating a look that is attainable for your skill level. A pumpkin is easy to mess up, so if you know you would not be able to complete it, try something easier for now. If you are at an ultimate beginner level, then a triangular face way become your best option.
Get creative in the way you design your pumpkin! A technique to try might be to shave the pumpkin as opposed to carving it. Success is about imagination, experimentation, and patience. It is not always a case of making your pumpkin perfect because it adds to the charm of Halloween. Finally, look to light it up by placing candles inside it. Perhaps more than one to create sufficient light.
- It is a good tip to find a pumpkin with a stem. This will look nice once decorated and also make it easier to carve when the stem can be something to hold on to when gripping the pumpkin.
You could always try pumpkin carving in a professional setting. This would allow for more guidance and have more possibilities for creativity than simply carving it at home and trying to think how to go about it. Once learned, this is a skill that you can then use every Halloween.
Activities involving pumpkins will include discovering them, choosing one, and decorating. It is also possible to buy pumpkins to take home to produce meals and drinks from. Larger orders are possible from pumpkin farms and facilities will cater to any size of event.
If you are struggling with Pumpkin Decoration Ideas: Check out my free 10 Pumpkin carving templates to get you started!
Recipe Time: Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
After decorating these beautiful pumpkins, you can always make the most of the whole pumpkin, and use what would be wastage as a nutritious snack for all, and better off – virtually free!
Ingredients:
- One medium pumpkin
- Salt
- Extra virgin olive oil
Method:
- Cut the pumpkin and scrape out all of the seeds
- Place everything in the Pumpkin into a colander and rinse with water to seperate the pulp from the seeds
- Boil the seeds in a pan of water with 1 tablespoon of salt for 10 minutes
- Preheat to 400°F and spread the seeds out on a baking sheet with a teaspoon of olive oil. Bake for 5-20 minutes depending on the size of the seeds.
- When the seeds are lightly browned, remove from the oven and place on a cooling rack. Keep an eye on the seeds so they do not burn in the oven.
Rides and Attractions
Pumpkin picking doesn’t need to be the only attraction around. If you can, try and find a patch that has rides and attractions. Depending on the age of your children will estimate how gory you can go, or how lighthearted you keep Halloween. Other variations of attraction could be zoos. Many pumpkin patch farms have animals situated in other areas, so it wouldn’t be a far stretch for there to be pigs, sheep, goats, and many other barnyard animals available on your visit. Not only does it add to the rural nature of the day, but it also keeps your little ones occupied for a while!
Ordinarily, nobody likes to find themselves lost, but somehow it is different when there is a maze to explore and get lost in for a while. Not only will the maze allow for a fun puzzle for all the family, but tunnels, jumps and things to climb will only add to the excitement.
Group Bookings
If you are going to attend one of these pumpkin patch field activities, always be sure that you can book pumpkin admissions for private parties as well as for school outings, as well as VIP events. You never know if you need it, and availability is important to avoid disappointment when the kids find out that the patch is at full capacity. There are possibilities for everyone involving pumpkins and the traditions they bring each year.
What is not to love about the time of year when pumpkins are harvested? Roll on every October and the months that follow. Why not buy a ticket to other activities as well as to the pumpkin farm and decorating activities? There can be much more to do and see than “just pumpkins”. Nonetheless, celebrating Halloween like this is something kids love, and will add to the occasion x10 more.
Related: 15 Halloween Care Package Ideas + Why They Are A Great Idea
And there we have it! Hopefully, this has got you in the mood for Halloween, and you have a better idea as to where to start, as well as keeping the kids occupied for HOURS!
