Pumpkin patches & happy hayrides

Here’s this year’s kid-friendly Halloween events for you and your family to enjoy (or if you prefer the happy in ‘Happy Halloween’). No spooks, just fun.

October 21, 2012; 9:23 PM • by Scotti Cutlip

Why go to the store to pick up fall’s most popular gourd when you can take your family out for a wallet-friendly day fun? Follow traditions or start a new one by going to the country and picking the best pumpkins you can carry. Support your local farmers, and try out some of these places to get into the Halloween spirit!

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1. Ashland Berry Farm

This family favorite features pre-picked pumpkins as well as an all-you-can-carry for $20 deal for those who take the hayride and search the fields for the perfect pumpkins. There’s also a Christmas shop (if you’re into that sort of thing), donut shop, hay maze, and much more.

Date: Now until October 31
Time: Open weekends from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Open weekdays from 1:00 – 6:00 PM (Fridays until 5:00 PM).
Location: 12607 Old Ridge Road (Beaverdam)
Cost: free entry; pumpkins range from $2-$20
Contact: 804.227.3601; website

2. Belmont Pumpkin Farm

Enjoy this farm’s hayride to the pumpkin fields, ‘famous’ pumpkin butter, corn maze, farm cafe, and even make-your-own-scarecrows!

Date: Now until October 31
Time: Open weekends 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM. School tours by reservation weekdays 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Location: Rt. 617 at North River Road (Mathews County)
Cost: $5 admission per person between the ages of 2 and 62; $15 family rates; military families get half off admission
Contact: 804.725.6612; website

3. Boulevard Flower Gardens at Ruffin Mill

Featuring horse-drawn wagon rides, inflatable slide, pony rides, kettle corn, moon bounce, barrel train rides, straw maze, face painting and lots more. The last Sunday will include “chunkin punkins” which involves a trebuchet and a big mess, every 30 min from 11:00 AM – 4:30 PM.

Date: Now until October 31st
Time: weekdays 2-6pm; weekends 10am-5pm
Location: 2100 Ruffin Mill Road (Colonial Heights)
Cost: free admission; pumpkins are $.59 per pound; $20 Pumpkin Patch Activity Fun Card
Contact: (804) 526-4000; website

4. Chesterfield Berry Farm

Enjoy a hayride to the pumpkin fields, and don’t forget to try a pumpkin milkshake while you’re there. Activities range from gem mining, paintball target shooting, pony rides, and more. October 27th & 28th is Pumpkin Special weekend, a big surprise for the families who come!

Date: Now until Oct 31st
Time: weekends 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM; Thursdays/Fridays 2:00 PM – 5:30 PM
Location: 26002 Pear Orchard Road (Moseley)
Cost: Pumpkins are $.29 per pound; Admissions: Children two and under are FREE; “All Day Fun” General Admission – $11.95 per person Seniors – $8.95 per person
Contact: 804-239-7480; website

5. Gallmeyer Farms

Come here to have a “low-key ‘on the farm’ family experience,” this place also offers hayrides, spooky house tours, and a straw bale maze!

Date: now until Oct 31st
Time: 8AM – dusk
Location: 4506 Millers Lane, Richmond 23231
Cost: free admission
Contact: (804) 222-2285; website

6. Poe’s Pumpkin Patch

Yes, Richmond’s favorite weird museum offers its own pumpkin day of fun for Richmond families. Enjoy face-painting, costume contest, games, and more! Pumpkins will be available while supplies last.

Date: Oct 28th
Time: 2:00 – 5:00 PM
Location: Poe Museum, 1914 East Main St
Cost: Free with admission to the museum, children under seven are free of charge
Contact: (804) 648-5523; website

7. Pumpkinville

Visitors can embrace the autumn atmosphere and enjoy plenty of free activities such as a cornfield maze, hayride that runs the perimeter of the field, and family games. If you need some Halloween “goodies,” grab some gourds, winter squash, wooden cut-outs, and more!

Date: Now until October 31st
Time: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM Sunday through Thursday; 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM Friday and Saturday
Location: 7691 Richmond Rd, Stonehouse, VA 23168
Cost: Free admission
Contact: 757-869-9751; website

8. Windy Knoll Farms

Pick your own pumpkin after taking a hayride or grab one (or a few) that are placed at the checkout desk!

Date: Now until October 31st
Time: Friday 1:00 – 5:00 PM and Saturday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Location: 10094 Windy Knoll Drive (Mechanicsville)
Cost: Ornamental pumpkins and gourds at $.50; pie pumpkins are $2.00; carving pumpkins are $4, $6, or $8
Contact: 804.730.8733

photo by MizGingerSnaps