Every year one of our bucket list items is the pumpkin patch. This activity is a staple almost like the apple orchard. Some families are creatures of habit and we definitely fall into that category. So much fun and memories have been added over the years’ that we do not want to give it up.
Likewise, the farm where we go to the pumpkin patch grows with the ages of kids. They add in new and unusual games for all kids to play with parents or friends. This year they added trackball, and a few years’ ago they added human fusball. The kids’ have wanted to play that forever, but I am just not sure about how that one works. Eventually I will have to cave and try it.
Pick a Pumpkin
First on the list of activities is to pick a pumpkin, or in my case several pumpkins. Our pumpkin patch is held at a farm and they have several different pumpkins to choose from. I like to get one pumpkin per kids so they each have their own for carving. Since each one is around $5.00 that fits into our budget. Pumpkin carving is also on our bucket list so I am able to get that marked off as well.
Another type of pumpkin that I like to purchase is pie pumpkins. They are much smaller, but I like to have them for Thanksgiving. I am able to save them since it is colder outside, and use them for our pumpkin pies. In addition to those I grab a few of the smaller white pumpkins. Those are just for decorations and then I allow the squirrels to eat them. Usually pumpkin picking at a farm is affordable enough to get a few good pumpkins. We have been to farm’s that charge by the pound, but those are too expensive for us. Buying one that has a set price is more ideal for our budget needs.
Bucket List Hayride Fun
Another item on our bucket list is a hayride. That is why I try to go to a farm. Most of our fall bucket list is marked off in one place. The hayride is something we always enjoy. It is a nice peaceful ride as the tractor pulls us around the farm. The only noise you hear is the sound of the tractor engine. Our outdoor selves are always content as we enjoy the hayride.
If the year is where we have a hot autumn I glance over and see my children. Almost always I am reminded of how fast time passes and how they have grown each year we re-visit the farm. My oldest that is now 16 has been to the farm every year since he was 2. A lot has changed, and so has he, but one thing remains which is our memories. HIs quiet demeanor still soaks in the autumn sun as we take the hayride.
Petting Zoo for Everyone
Not every pumpkin patch farm has a petting zoo. Animals are always a good addition to any pumpkin patch day. These animals are very used to humans touching them and they are very friendly. Goats, miniature donkey, chickens, ducks, a pot bellied pig and a calf are always something we make sure to stop and pet. One year they had a bull that was so fun and friendly. I was so sure he thought he was a pet. Not sure if he grew up and was used on the farm or sold because after that they decided to not keep the cows and bulls anymore.
Nonetheless, we always enjoy the petting zoo.
Enjoy a Scavenger Hunt in a Corn Maze
Before we hit the games like fusball, bucketball, trashball, jumping pad and checkers area we make our way through the corn maze. One year I was with the kids’ alone and really have no sense of direction. A corn maze with three hot, thirsty kids who want to be done is not the place to get lost. But we did. An hour later we emerged happily from the corn maze. Even though it was a very fun scavenger hunt I decided that we would always go with my husband.
No matter if the memories are good or bad, make them. Our goal with the family bucket list is to have a journal, pictures and future conversations about all of the fun we had as the kids’ were growing up.
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