How to Start a Family Tradition with a Pumpkin Patch Outing

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By tessieann
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Start a Family Tradition with a Pumpkin Patch Outing

A crisp coolness is in the air....scarecrows are popping up everywhere...and Halloween is near. It's time to visit the pumpkin patch. Make your pumpkin patch visit a family tradition. Turn your outing into an anticipated fall family event with these easy steps.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Pumpkin patch
Family
Camera
Halloween dinner menu

Step 1

Choose a pumpkin patch location. We have a favorite we visit year after year. If you don't have a favorite, check your local newspaper, radio station or website for locations.
Step 2

Choose a time that everyone can go. If you want it to become a family tradition, everyone needs to participate.
Step 3

Discuss "pumpkin patch etiquette' with younger children before you go. With pumpkins everywhere, it looks like a large orange playground. Emphasize that there will be no throwing pumpkins, no stepping on pumpkins, and no squishing pumpkins so there will be no questions there.
Step 4

Be sure to bring your camera to capture cute candid shots. Our favorite location sets the stage with bales of hay and a wooden scarecrow photo prop. Start a pumpkin patch scrapbook and watch your kids "grow" in the pumpkin patch year after year.
Step 5

Let each family member (even the youngest) have a say in choosing the "perfect pumpkin". some families let each child choose their own. If that plan is not in the budget, consider letting the little ones choose a mini pumpkin to decorate.
Step 6

Take your "chosen one" home to carve. If you live in a warmer climate you may want to wait until a few days before Halloween. Pumpkins tend to rot quickly. But could have fun making a pumpkin man for now. Also letting each child decorate a mini pumpkin with markers and craft items will be an entertaining alternative to carving.
Step 7

After the pumpkin outing, reward your family with a Halloween dinner. Set a party table with Halloween paper plates and napkins. Serve mummy dogs and cheese doodles or Halloween Madness Chili. Accompany the meal with Vampire Broth (coke or root beer floats). Fill glasses 2/3 way full with cola and add a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Add a frozen gummy worm for an added gross factor. For dessert, treat them to Peanutty Halloween Cookie Pizza or Brownie Pumpkin Cheesecake. See below for recipe links.
Step 8

The festivity of the day will create a lasting memory and build a family tradition. Ready..set..go...put on your Halloween shirts or your favorite pumpkin hunting outfits and head for the pumpkin patch!