It’s almost October, which means it’s time to think about the best pumpkin patch for toddlers! Even though it is still in the 90s here in South Florida, the native New Yorker in me still associates fall with pumpkin patches, apple orchards, hay rides, and pumpkin patches.
If you’re like most parents, you can’t wait to take your little one to a pumpkin patch and watch them pick out their very first pumpkin. But if you’ve never taken a toddler to a pumpkin patch before, it can be daunting. Here are nine tips to help make the experience fun and stress-free for both you and your toddler.
BEST PUMPKIN PATCHES FOR KIDS
1. Choose the right pumpkin patch. Not all pumpkin patches are created equal. When you’re choosing a pumpkin patch, look for one that is geared towards young children. A good pumpkin patch will have plenty of pumpkin patch crafts for toddlers and activities for kids, like face painting, hayrides, and petting zoos. Avoid pumpkin patches that are too commercialized or crowded. You want your child to have a good time, not feel overwhelmed.
2. Timing is everything. One of the perks of working from home as a freelancer is having a flexible schedule. So pack up the wagon and try to go during the week if possible, as weekday mornings are less crowded than weekends. If you have to go on a weekend, go early in the day before the crowds really start pouring in. You don’t want your child to get tired or cranky before they even pick out their pumpkin! If you have a toddler, don’t forget to take their nap schedule into consideration.
Pumpkin Patch Outfits For Toddlers
3. Dress for success. It might tempt you to dress your child in their cutest fall outfit but resist the urge. Choose comfortable clothes that they can move around in easily and that you don’t mind getting dirty. An old pair of sneakers or rain boots are perfect for running around in the pumpkin patch no flip-flops or sandals! And don’t forget to dress them in layers in case the weather gets chilly if you live in a northern state. If you want to take pumpkin patch toddler pictures, pack the Halloween costume or pumpkin patch outfits for toddlers and change your child into their outfit right before it’s their time to take their photo.
4. Bring snacks and drinks. Kids get hungry – and thirsty! – quickly when they’re running around outside. Be sure to pack some healthy snacks and drinks for your little one (and yourself!). This will help keep everyone’s energy up and avoid any meltdowns due to hunger or thirst.
5. Let them take their time. It can tempt you to hurry your toddler along, but resist the urge! This is supposed to be a fun activity for them, so let them take their time exploring and picking out their perfect pumpkin. Pack the kids in a wagon so you can keep them close while they are exploring. Chances are, they’ll want to touch (and possibly taste) everything in sight. Just go with the flow and enjoy watching them experience all the wonders of autumn for the first time.
PUMPKIN PATCH ACTIVITIES FOR TODDLERS
6. Bring along some cash. Many pumpkin patches have hayrides, face painting, petting zoos, and other fun activities for kids (and adults!). Be sure to bring along some cash in a secure crossbody fanny pack so you can take advantage of these extra attractions.
7. Have a game plan. You don’t want to spend hours at the pumpkin patch only to come home without a pumpkin! Figure out what you want to do before you go so that you can make the most of your time there. Do you want to pick out pumpkins together? Carve them? Roast the seeds? Whatever it is, knowing what you want to do ahead of time will help keep things moving smoothly once you’re at the patch.
8. Expect the unexpected. Game plans are great to have but Toddlers are unpredictable creatures, so no matter how well you plan, there’s always a chance something will come up that you didn’t expect. Maybe your toddler will get scared of the big pumpkins or want to run off and explore on their own. Be prepared for anything and remember that flexibility is key.
Fun Pumpkin Patches For Toddlers
9. Have fun! This is supposed to be a fun experience for both you and your child, so relax and enjoy it! Take lots of pumpkin patch toddler photos to frame and savor this special moment together. Before you know it, they’ll be too old to want to go with you to the pumpkin patch!
Picking out pumpkins is a cherished fall tradition (even if you live in Florida), but it can also be a big undertaking if you’re not prepared—especially if it’s your toddler’s first time at the patch. Taking your toddler to their first pumpkin patch can be a wonderful experience – if you’re prepared! By following these simple tips, you can ensure that both you and your little one have a great time exploring all that the pumpkin patch offers.