Why Pumpkin Patches Are a Must-Do in Fall

It’s not the fall season without orange pumpkins decorating doorsteps or fields full of them ready for picking. Pumpkins, a type of winter squash, have been cultivated in North America for thousands of years, and they usually are the main star during fall celebrations like Halloween and Thanksgiving.

Did you know? While they’re commonly used for carving jack-o’-lanterns or baking pies, pumpkins can also be used in soups, snacks, and even skincare products.

That being said, a pumpkin patch visit has something for everyone.

Choosing the Perfect Pumpkin

Let's be real. Picking your own pumpkin is one of the main attractions of pumpkin patches. These farms grow different types of pumpkins, including small sugar pumpkins for pies, large carving pumpkins, and even heirloom ones for decoration.

Pumpkins are ready for picking in the fall because they need warm weather to grow and cooler temperatures to ripen properly. When selecting a pumpkin, check that it has a firm, intact stem and is free from soft spots, which could mean it’s starting to rot.

Pro Tip: Bring gloves to avoid dirt on your hands and a wagon to carry your pumpkins, especially if you plan to pick more than one.

Exploring the Farm

Pumpkin patches are typically part of larger farms that have many activities other than just pumpkin picking.

You might find corn mazes, petting zoos, and hayrides that give you what a farm life looks like.

Some farms also have educational tours that explain how crops are grown and harvested. These experiences make the visit fun and also give visitors a better understanding of farming and its importance.

Pro Tip: Wear comfortable shoes since you’ll likely walk a lot, and check the farm’s website or social media for activity details before visiting.

Farm Machinery and Equipment

Many pumpkin patches have tractors and other farming equipment, that give you a closer look at the tools used in agriculture.

These machines are used in planting, maintaining, and harvesting crops like pumpkins.

Tractors, for example, are used to prepare the soil and transport heavy loads. Seeing this equipment up close helps visitors understand how much work goes into farming.

Pro Tip: Check if the farm offers tractor rides for visitors—this is a fun way to experience the farm while learning more about its operations.

Wrapping Up Your Day

Before leaving the pumpkin patch, take some time to just chill and enjoy the farm environment. Lots of farms have picnic areas where you can sit down and take in the views.