Thrifty Thurston Picks a Pumpkin Patch

olympia pumpkin patch
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By Megan Conklin

Capitol City Honda sponsorIt’s pumpkin time. We know this because, in addition to the newly falling leaves, glowing harvest moon, and crisp, cool morning air, flashes of orange are appearing on neighborhood porches. Pumpkins are fundamental to fall, and a trip to the pumpkin patch makes for lasting family memories. In Thurston County, we have an abundance of patches to pick from, and they are all unique. In my family, when autumn arrives and a trip to the patch is on everyone’s mind, we always ask ourselves the following question: Do we go big or go small? Are we in the mood for an all-out harvest experience that includes hay mazes, farm animals, tractor rides, and games? Or do we want a quaint, beautiful field full of pumpkins to choose from and nothing else?

olympia pumpkin patches
Massive pumpkins and loads of activities occur during October at Hunter Family Farm.

Because this is the perennial pumpkin patch question, I have decided to group my round-up of area pumpkin patches into two categories.

The Biggies

Hunter Family Farm

Hunter’s will always be referred to as “the giant slide place” by my children because its kid friendly hay maze ends with a super fun trip out of the hay loft and down a large metal slide. But the fun doesn’t stop there. Hunter’s also has pony rides, camel rides (yes, you read that right), a carousel, a pumpkin sling shot, kiddie trains, and loads of other out-of-the-ordinary pumpkin patch activities. The tractor ride to the pumpkin patch is just bumpy enough to be exciting for the little ones, and the patch itself is vast and loaded with pumpkins. Some of Hunter’s exciting events and activities are week-end only, so check their website or Facebook page for details and pricing.

Open daily through October 31 from 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

7413 Yelm Highway SE in Olympia

360-456-0466

 

Lattin’s Country Cider Mill and Farm

olympia pumpkin patch
Pick a pumpkin at Lattin’s Country Cider Mill and Farm.

My family adores visiting Lattin’s Cider Mill for the fritters, cider, animals, and country store. In fact, there is so much to love about Lattin’s, sometimes I forget that they have an amazing pumpkin patch as well. It is large and holds pumpkins of all colors, size and shape. Be sure to wear your boots, because Lattin’s patch is authentic and muddy on a typically drizzly northwest day. Read more about the fun things to do at Lattin’s during their annual Apple Festival here.  Find more details via their Facebook page.

Open: Monday – Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. plus Sundays 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

9402 Rich Road SE in Olympia

(360) 491-7328

 

Schilter Family Farm

olympia pumpkin patch
Schilter’s hay maze is a fall favorite for the kids.

Schilter’s farm in the Nisqually Valley is the “field trip” pumpkin patch to me because I have been there with many preschool groups and have loved it every time. Schilter’s is a family run farm and is about as kid friendly as they come with hay and corn mazes, a giant sand table in the barn, and even a playground. While the added activities do cost extra, they offer affordable family pricing and “activity bracelets” that let parents to pay a flat rate for all the fun games and rides. And the fun really does abound during Schilter’s annual Harvest Festival. This year they are also hosting a Wizard of Oz themed corm maze that promises to be spooky and surprising – not intended for small children!  Keep track of the farm by following their Facebook page.

Open daily through October 31 from 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. (closing at 4:00 p.m. on 10/31)

141 Nisqually Cutoff Road SE in Olympia

360-459-4023

 

The Smalls

Shorty B’s

pumpkin patch olympia
It’s nothing but pumpkins at Shorty B’s patch off Rainier Road.

You may not have noticed, but Shorty B’s Christmas Tree Farm on Rainier Road also has the sweetest pumpkin patch. It is this mama’s favorite spot to pick pumpkins with the kiddos each year for a variety of reasons. As much as my kids (and my husband and I, we admit it) love the big patches and all the fun that is to be had there, sometimes we just want to pick pumpkins. At Shorty B’s, you never encounter parking issues. You never have to say no to a ride or a deep fried food item, because there aren’t any. There are no animals to pet, no ponies to ride, and no giant bouncy things as far as the eye can see. Just pumpkins – and they are all $3. The only thing to do at Shorty B’s is to grab one of the charming, rusty old wagons parked by the tiny farm stand, and wade out into the patch to hunt for the perfect jack-o-lantern pumpkin. Seriously, just thinking about this place makes me happy.

Open: Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

1842 Rainier Road SE in Lacey

 

Helsing Junction Farm

olympia pumpkin patch
Which local pumpkin patch will your family choose this Halloween season?

We were part of Helsing Junction’s CSA, or Community Supported Agriculture program for many years and loved receiving our weekly, bountiful, certified organic box of produce from the farm. When we journeyed out to Rochester (a beautiful thirty minute drive from Olympia) to visit the farm one fall, we realized that they also have a sizable pumpkin patch and sell pumpkins to the public. This year, their plan is to harvest the pumpkins (due to the large and muddy fields one would have to cross to pick their own) and sell them at the farm stand along with the other delicious and nutritious fall veggies. This time of year affords some of the most beautiful views of the changing leaves and fall colors on this amazing farm – it is well worth the drive.

Open daily through Thanksgiving from 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
12231 Independence Rd in Rochester

360-273-2033

 

Pigman’s Organic Produce Patch

Jan and Dean Pigman have been running their farm in the Nisqually Valley for almost a quarter of a century and this quaint, beautiful pumpkin patch is high on my list of the small and not to be missed.  The simple, but truly lovely patch offers the pumpkin picking experience of years past, when getting muddy in the field and scouting the picture-perfect carving pumpkin was more than enough fun. The farm is also certified organic, so be sure to pick up a few pie pumpkins for the holidays while you are there.

Open:  Monday – Saturday from 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. and Sunday 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

10633 Steilacoom Road SE in Olympia

360-491-3276

Thrifty Thurston highlights inexpensive family fun in Thurston County.  The weekly series focuses on family-friendly activities throughout our community.  If you have a suggestion for a post, send us a note at submit@thurstontalk.com.  For more events and to learn what’s happening in Olympia and the surrounding area, click here.

 

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