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Welcome to The Playground, a place for Vancouver families.From fields to haunted houses, all month long I will be featuring some of my favourite places to visit to get you and your family to get the most out of autumn.I’m always on the lookout for fun stuff to do, so if there’s something happening that you think I should know about, don't hesitate to contact me. |
Nothing says October is here to me more than visiting the pumpkin patch. We go to Country Farms in Richmond but there are no shortage of patches to choose from (more on that later). There's lots to do to get you into the spirit of the season - wagon rides, apples, live music, lots of farm animals to wave at and most importantly...pumpkin picking!
Once you've paid your admission, you get to take a sing-along hayride to the actual pumpkin patch. It's a real working farm so the vines are unruly and there is a lot of mud. Wellies are a must. So many pumpkins too choose from! Sadie wanted one that wasn't too heavy.
After our pumpkin was picked, we enjoyed a much earned apple and watched some live music whilst sitting on haystacks.
The dancing pumpkin and corn however were met with a mix of trepidation and curiosity (Sadie's pal Ewan made sure he kept a safe distance).
Before leaving, we made sure to say hello to all the cows, goats, chickens, donkeys and bunnies. There is also a market on the premise with a great selection of fruits and vegetables.
Pumpkin Patch Tips:
- It's muddy so wear clothes that you don't mind getting dirty and a pair of wellies.
- To beat the crowds, go early (I like to be there right when they open). Weekdays are better too if you can but pumpkin patches are popular for school groups so go right when they open before all the yellow buses start rolling in.
- Leave plenty of time to see it all.
- Don't forget your camera!
Lower Mainland Pumpkin Patches:
Richmond Country Farms (featured above)
Location: 12900 Steveston Highway, Richmond
October 8th - 31st
M - F: 9 - 1:30
Weekends + Holidays: 10 - 4:30
Willow View Farms Pumpkin Patch
Location: 288 McCallum Road, Abbotsford
October 1st - 31st
Saturdays 9-5:30 Sundays 11-5:30
Thanksgiving Monday 9-5:30
Pro-D day Oct 21st 9-5:30
Enjoy hayrides through the orchard, petting barn, concession, playground, U-Pick apples and pumpkins, country store, cider samples and more. The hayride stops at the pumpkin patch (prices vary). There is no general admission to visit the farm. Hayrides are $2 per person (kids 2 & under ride free)
Please remember hayrides ONLY run on weekends. During the week you are welcome to walk out to the patch.
Award wining Maan Farms offers a Pumpkin Patch with 25 different kinds of pumpkins, Papa Jo's corn maze, a farm animal petting zoo (featuring 9 types of farm animals! goats, sheep, donkey, miniature horses, bunnies, pig, ducks, chickens and turkeys), family fun center (with giant sand box, traditional wooden slide, and crooked house play area ), bee center, hay wagon and barrel train rides.
Lots to see including a maze, family fun zone with bouncy rides including Petey the giant pumpkin, and also the train or wagon ride out to the pumpkin patches. $7.00 per person or $24.00 for a family of fours (plus HST)
Pumpkin Patch at Chilliwack Corn Maze
Location: 41905 Yale Road West, Chilliwack
October 1st - 31st
Thursday & Friday 6:00 - 9:00
Saturdays 1:00-9:00
Sunday and Holidays 1:00-6:00
Great family fun awaits you at the Chilliwack Corn Maze located in the picturesque Fraser Valley close to Highway 1. Each year they create a new design based around a topical theme for our 14 acre maze. As well as the maze you'll get a chance to sample farm life. You'll find a kiddy bale maze, pumpkin patch, animal viewing area and u-pick apples. Cash Only Venue. Tickets can be purchased in advance using credit card via PayPal. Admission includes corn maze, hay bale maze, animal displays, pedal carts, corn sandbox, kiddy play area, giant jumping pillow, spiders web and picnic area
Westham Island Herb Farm Pumpkin Patch
Location: 4690 Kirkland Road, Delta
October 1st - 31st
Open Daily: 9 - 5
In addition to the patch, there is a haunted house and festive Halloween displays. Check out the crowd of 150-200 hand carved pumpkins. These will be lit every night for the last ten days of October.
