12 NI pumpkin patches perfect for a family day out
Families of all ages will love this 🎃
Autumn has well and truly arrived, and we cannot wait for cosy knits and pumpkin spice lattes.
One of the most popular activities for the fall season includes a visit to a local pumpkin patch, where families can pick their perfect pumpkin and carve for the big night on October 31st.
As the trend continues to grow, there are more farms and adventure centres across Northern Ireland offering pumpkin patches.
This is something the entire family can enjoy, from walking through the bright orange fields to picking pumpkins right off the stalk.
Most pumpkin patches will be open from the start or mid-October right through to Halloween weekend, but it’s best to contact the venue for check their social pages for any opening/closing updates before you go.
Why not find a farm near you and bring home a pumpkin or two for carving jack-o-lanterns?
Crumlin Road Gaol, Belfast
Crumlin Road Gaol's Halloween Extravaganza includes the Spooktacular Jail Tour and the main attraction – The Pumpkin Patch! There's also the popular Petting Farm where kids can meet Larry the Llama, Lexi the miniature cow, Pappa the pig and all their farmyard friends. Finish off a fun-packed day at their Live Interactive Halloween Musicals where the West Ends come to North Belfast!
Mountpanther Farm Park, Downpatrick
By far the biggest event of the year at Mountpanther, the team have got everything from pumpkin carving to fancy dress competitions. There's a spooky trail, outdoor disco and even some ghostly games. As well as all of this, their usual play park, go-karts, sand pit and play tractors will also be available throughout the season.
Pumpkin Patch & Spookfest at Let’s Go Hydro, Carryduff
This year's Halloween activities at Let's Go Hydro really do cater for families of all ages. They've got everything from haycart rides, arts and crafts, dragon boats, s'mores and plenty of fun. For your chance to win spot prizes why not dress-up the kids and family in spooky attire.
Streamvale Farm, Dundonald
Grab a mini wheelbarrow and choose from thousands of perfect pumpkins at Streamvale Farm. They also have a Broomtastic Disco, Spooky Maze and Witches Kitchen this year. There's also fun barrel and tractor rides available throughout the season!
Laganvale Farm, Lisburn
Located between Belfast and Lisburn, Laganvale Farm has something for everyone in the family to enjoy, no matter the weather. From an indoor soft play centre to the animal paddocks and petting barn. Don't miss their spooky maize maze and selection of hot and cold food/drink/picnic spaces.
Woodview Garden Centre, Armagh
Woodview showcases one of the best displays in Northern Ireland. You'll see every shape, colour and size of pumpkin here. And this year, no tickets will be required, just come along and pay for the pumpkins you pick on the day. Details on their autism sessions will be posted soon, so keep an eye on their socials for more info.
Dyan Mill Farm, Caledon
Running a busy schedule of activities right up to the end of the month, it's important to book a ticket for Dyan Mill Farm asap. Spot prizes will be given away to the best dressed, so be sure to plan the perfect Halloween costume before you go. You will also meet a variety of rare breeds & exotics with feeding & petting opportunities too!
Maxwell's Pumpkin Patch NI, Castlederg
If you're looking for a fall family photoshoot, then Maxwells is the place to be. This American themed pumpkin patch has a host of 'Instagram-worthy' backdrops across the farm. It's dog-friendly too, so why don't you make it a real family occasion.
Pickie Pumpkin Patch, Bangor
Pickie's Annual Halloween Pumpkin Picking event returns this October. Tickets for the pumpkin pick, includes 6 tokens to use on the Pickie Attractions. Working out at just £30 for a family of 4 (2 adults & 2 children) this a great family day out in Bangor.
The Ark Open Farm, Newtownards
The Ark Open Farm has everything from a Fairytale Forest, autumnal photo ops and marshmallow toasting to keep families entertained during pumpkin season. A new feature this year is the chance to 'cast a spell and craft your own tub of spooky SLIME to take home'. Booking ahead is advised.
Fultons Pumpkin Patch, Strabane
With 19 different varieties of pumpkin to choose from, Fultons is another fantastic option in the north west to check out. The team have three new attractions to this year, an indoor spook tunnel, an indoor animal corner and witch house. They also have a number of photo opportunities onsite, so take full advantage and create lasting family memories.
Churchill Pumpkin Patch, Cookstown
Churchill Pumpkin Patch is back bigger and better for our 2023 opening. Inside you'll find a corn field maize, small animal petting farm, zipline, face paintin gand of course…plenty of pumpkins. This family farm in Cookstown are helping raise money for the Northern Ireland Hospice, there will be donation buckets set around the patch for anyone who would like to make a donation.
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