How can you make it the best stress-free trip this year?
Published: August 29, 2024
By: Carol Muse Evans
Many families with young children make the pilgrimage to the “pumpkin patch” in the fall. Whether it’s a school field trip, a family trip or a visit with friends, it’s almost as common in Alabama as Christmas shopping or the Thanksgiving turkey.
But like the aforementioned holidays, it only comes once a year. How can you make it the best stress-free trip this year? We’ve talked with several pumpkin patch owners and managers about how you can get the most out of your trip to the pumpkin patch this year so it’s an excellent experience for all ages and a memorable event for the entire family.
Lindsay Barnett, event coordinator and ticket office manager at the Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum in Calera, manages the Heart of Dixie’s annual Pumpkin Junction. She says they like to encourage parents to relax at the Pumpkin Junction. “It’s about being together,” Barnett says. “Families can experience a historic train ride together, enjoy outdoor playtime together for just the right amount of time in the Junction, and then pick up their pumpkin(s) and board the train to return to the museum campus.”
Lexi Bennett, owner/manager of Bennett Farms off I-20 between Birmingham and Atlanta, says one major mistake families make is attending in shoes that aren’t comfortable. Also don’t bring strollers–a big no-no–as the “patch” terrain often does not lend itself to using a stroller, and then you are stuck.
Barnett echoes the suggestion of comfortable shoes. “We encourage tennis shoes,” she says. And the same with strollers. “There isn’t a way to secure wagons or strollers onboard the train, so those are typically best left at the Depot, Museum, or in your car,” she says. If you must bring a stroller or a wheelchair, you will likely need those with big wheels, she adds. “We try
our best to make everything wheelchair and stroller accessible.” Barnett says. Word to the wise–you might want to check ahead whatever your destination.
“Pumpkin Junction is specifically designed to be most enjoyable for families of little ones and children with special needs,” Barnett points out. “There’s no chaos or manufactured high-energy hype here. Instead, families can spread out to enjoy lots of yard games, a few food vendors, a hayride, inflatables, a craft area, and of course, a pumpkin zone.”
Some “must brings,” according to Bennett, are appetites, your “inner child,” and being ready to enjoy farm fun and make memories. But try not to get overwhelmed!
“I think it’s considered ‘normal’ for parents to get overwhelmed by the sheer number of bodies that flood into various pumpkin patches…and that can really take away from the joy…” Barnett says. “Parents often miss moments that could be really sweet and special because they ‘divide and conquer,’ each chasing after a different child, anxious to keep track of them in the crowds.”
Another “must bring” is your camera. While most people today have cell phones with cameras, you don’t want to miss all the photo opps at the pumpkin patch to preserve your memories of the trip. Bennett says Bennett Farms has tons of cute photos ops so maybe consider some “cutie patootie” outfits, too–but with comfortable shoes!
Most pumpkin patches serve snacks/food, so both ladies say to bring appetites.
Whatever pumpkin patch you choose, be sure that you understand exactly what is included in your ticket price. Some include a pumpkin and some do not.