What to do When You Can’t Afford the ‘Pumpkin Patch’

Ways to Make the Pumpkin Season Fun, Without Over Spending

The Pricey Pumpkin Patch

I recently saw a reel where the family talked about not being able to go to a pumpkin patch because they couldn’t afford it. I get that, we’ve been there. We are lucky to have an over abundance of pumpkin patches in our area. Some pumpkin patches cost over $10 a person for anyone over 2 years old, so for our family it would cost over $50 just to GET IN, let alone buying pumpkins or whatever else is there. Which is definitely not going to happen for us. I don’t fault the pumpkin patch, they obviously have bills they need to cover too, and there are people willing to pay that much, but our family is not one of them.

The Alternatives to the Pricey Pumpkin Patch

There are alternatives that don’t cost an arm and a leg if you want to celebrate pumpkin season, whatever that means.

1. Find a Cheaper Pumpkin Patch. Or even better, a free one. We live in an area where people grow pumpkins, and there are more than 10 within a 30 minute drive. Some of them are pretty expensive, and we skip those ones. The rest have free entrances. We are able to go to multiple pumpkin patches each season, by just choosing ones that don’t have an entrance fee. We then feel more free to purchase and help support the local farm by buying a pumpkin, or mum, or whatever else. When the pumpkin themselves feel too expensive, we let each kiddo pick their own $1 pumpkin (which are the small pumpkins or gourds), and we decorate those.
2. Go to a Farm Stand. This is a great alternative to a pumpkin patch. Some farm stands may even let you explore their farm. For city kids, this can be a very fun activity. Oftentimes these pumpkins are the same price as the store or even cheaper.
3. Get a Pumpkin from the Market. A pumpkin at the pumpkin patch is going to be more expensive. If you can’t find a free pumpkin patch or want to get a larger pumpkin and don’t want to pay $12, just go get one at the grocery store. This can still be a fun experience. Let your child pick out whichever one they want. The large pumpkins at Aldi this week were $4. Bring it home, carve it with whatever knives or carving tools you already have. That is still very fun and memory making. You can even make a “pumpkin day” where you go on a fall hike, collect leaves and acorns, or go to a creek, etc, and then on the way home run into the grocery store for a pumpkin to carve. That’s a wonderful day. Here is a list of free fall activities to do with your family if you need it.
4. Get a Can of Pumpkin Puree. If getting a $4 pumpkin feels like too much even, just grab a can of pumpkin puree. Have a fun day outside, run to the market and grab a can of pumpkin puree for $1. Make a fun pumpkin dessert with your kids. THIS IS STILL FUN and your kids will enjoy it.
5. Have a Pumpkin Day at Home. And, just a reminder, you don’t have to go anywhere to still have a special day. Have a pumpkin themed day at home with this list of free pumpkin activities. Read some pumpkin books from the library, make a pumpkin craft, etc.

What Matters is the Memory

Remember that what matters is how the day felt as a whole. Focus on being intentional and building a relationship. That can be done anywhere…and is always free.