Fall is probably my favorite time of year in NYC and it seems like we may just actually get to experience the season to its fullest this year. With cooler temps to jumpstart the day, it's time for fun fall activities and events for the entire family. A trip to a local pumpkin patch is probably one activity that’s on our list every fall, it's become a tradition. I'll never forget the amazing day we had visiting Governors Island Pumpkin Point with my youngest Lil' Monster, my sissy and my nephew Q.
Pumping picking is the perfect adventure for kids of all ages and we have a few tips and tricks you can use to help you get the most out of your next visit to the pumpkin patch so that everyone has a really good time.
1. Research
One of the most important things you can do is research the pumpkin patch you plan on visiting. Here are a few things you should consider:
- Costs (parking and admission) – That way you’re not surprised when you get there and you have everything ready when it’s time.
- Activities available – Take note of what activities are offered and make a list of what your kids will want to take part in. Double-check to see if the activity is included with admission or if there is an additional fee.
- Are there food vendors or should you pack lunch? – Most pumpkin patches will offer some type of food, but you’ll want to be sure it’s something the kids will eat and that it's budget-friendly. I'm not a fan of paying $6 for a single hot dog, but sometimes we don't feel like packing a lot of things and may opt to purchase our meals. If the menu isn’t something that would interest your kids or maybe not the healthiest, it’s probably a better option to pack a lunch with food you know they will eat. This will also save you some money!
- What’s the weather going to be like? – You’ll want everyone to be comfortable during the trip so having the right clothing and accessories will be crucial. If the weather is going to be chilly, layering up is always a good idea that way you can remove pieces as needed. You can also take jackets or blankets with you. For warmer weather, things like sunscreen, a hat, and extra water are important.
Most pumpkin patches will have a website that you can visit to get all the information you need. If you're big on planning, print a map if you can so you know the layout of where everything is. Being prepared and having a game plan will make the process a little smoother for everyone.
2. Go Early: Getting there around the time the pumpkin patch opens or shortly after can be one of the best times to enjoy the activities and avoid the crowds. There will be less stress for everyone if it’s not that busy and there are no long lines.
3. Talk Safety: On your commute or once you arrive, go over the activities for the day so that everyone knows what to expect and remind the children of what they can do to stay safe. Depending on the ages of your kids, how many are in the group, and how big the pumpkin patch is, designating a meeting place for check-ins at set times or in case anyone gets lost in the crowd is essential.
4. Bring Cash: It’s always a good idea to have cash on hand when going to any events and festivals. Most pumpkin patches only accept cash and you want to be prepared if there are any technical difficulties with the payment systems.
4. Bring Cash: It’s always a good idea to have cash on hand when going to any events and festivals. Most pumpkin patches only accept cash and you want to be prepared if there are any technical difficulties with the payment systems.
5. Stay Calm and Collected: Taking the kids to a large pumpkin patch can get a bit overwhelming at times but remember you’re there to have fun! I prefer to live in the moment and keep expectations realistic for the day.
6. Wear Comfortable Shoes: There will probably be a lot of walking involved for everyone and having comfortable shoes on will help keep everyone happy. Tennis shoes are probably a good idea for everyone.
7. Take Some Essentials: Take a small bag of snacks, drinks, hand wipes, or things like sunscreen and a first aid kit. Having these things handy when you need them can help avoid any disasters.
8. Give Yourself Plenty of Time: You want everyone to enjoy their time at the pumpkin patch so giving yourself plenty of time for bathroom breaks, participate in the activities, bathroom breaks, or taking a break for lunch or snacks is important, so no one has to rush from one thing to the next. I'm all for avoiding anyone being flustered.
Featuring 5,000 pumpkins, Nolan Park's Pumpkin Point is perfect for Halloween-lovers to browse while enjoying children's arts and crafts activities, pumpkin painting and a costume design workshop.
We enjoyed the quick ferry ride over from lower Manhattan which really has some stunning views of the city skyline. The kids will get a kick out of seeing Lady Liberty off in the distance while counting all of the sailboats and water taxis that cruise by. Once you dock you'll love soaking in the pretty the fall foliage and just being able to take a break from the fast-paced happenings across the water.
On Oct. 19, 1,000 Jack O'Lanterns will be lit up over the last two weekends in October along Colonels Row; and free trick-or-treating October 26 at Nolan Park's historic homes. Young visitors and their families are encouraged to come in costume and head house to house to receive free treats from the dozens of arts, culture and education organizations that call Governors Island home. Trick-or-Treating will be first come, first served and will last throughout the afternoon until supplies run out.
The pumpkin patch is open Oct. 19-20 and 26-27, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Oct. 24-25, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free trick-or-treating is slated for Oct. 26 at 1 p.m.
Where's your favorite place to go pumpkin picking in your city?
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