Embrace the Changing Autumn Weather and Plan a Trip to a Pumpkin Farm

I have lived in Seattle for 17 years and visited at least 10 pumpkin farms! As “Ambassador of Fun” for my family and lively cadre of friends, I always look forward to the change of seasons so we can change up the fun. As my family and friends know, I have very high standards when it comes to experiences and for holiday-themed activities the bar is high. Listed below is my short list of favorite Halloween-themed farms and the reasons why each is on the list.

For pumpkin gathering and fall fun, farms that I consider quintessential and worthy must have:

1. A corn maze, because no trip to the pumpkin farm is complete without a wander through the towering green-husked corn.

2. Food! Why drive all the way to a beautiful farm and then have to cut your time short because you are starving?

3. A barn shop, because I am a sucker for barns and I love buying apples, gourds and local jam while I am there.

4. Hot cider, cinnamon donuts or kettle corn.

So if you don’t feel like doing a bunch of your own research, and you are yearning for a quintessential fall experience, jump in the car and check out one or my favorite pumpkin farms.

1) Most Quintessential Pumpkin Farm Experience - Stoker Farms - Not only are the grounds beautiful and people friendly, they have delicious food, a corn maze, hayrides and tons of fun games (including a pumpkin cannon and apple blaster). But perhaps my favorite feature at Stoker Farms is the pumpkin washing station! You have to see it to believe it. Located in Snohomish, this place is great for the young and “older.”

2) Best Haunted Farm Experience - Stalker Farms - This is Stocker Farms haunted section, which has many different levels of nighttime offerings, including a “no-scare” version, timed puzzle mazes, and Zombie paintball. There is a pretty serious-sounding warning on the website that cautions anyone who might scare easily, from entering. Stalker describes it as “an immersive haunt experience with original storylines, professional actors, and makeup artists that…make you feel like you are in a horror movie.” We have not been to this part of the farm, but shout out to my friend Emilie who has, and recommends Stocker and Stalker Farms. Visit this page to check them out and buy tickets ahead of time.

3) Most Difficult Corn Maze -Carpinto Brothers - Although this spot is right off the highway, the corn maze is super difficult and fun to spend hours in and the hot roasted corn is delicious. They also have hayrides and a family fun yard across the street from the pumpkin farm. Carpinto Brothers has a fairly large fresh vegetable stand where you can load up on ingredients for dinner. (I bought the most flavorful fresh celery there.) Located in the beautiful Kent Valley, this farm is great for any age, and the maze is especially fun for the engineering-minded visitor.

4) Especially Great for Kids Under Age 10 - Craven Farm - This farm is so sweet and lovely and has great, small-child features, such as hayrides to “Minionville,” mini golf, duck races and face painting. For the older kids, and “young at heart” there is apple slinging and human foosball. Craven has two different mazes, an easier one that is navigated by answering questions about fairy tales, this year’s theme is “Alice in Pumpkinland;” and a more difficult one that is navigated by answering agricultural-themed questions.

5) Best Family-Friendly Nighttime Flashlight Corn Maze - Craven Farm - Open for only a handful of nights in October, this is a great option for tweens and adults who are apprehensive about full-on horror experiences. Make sure you check the website for dates, grab some friends and wander into the corn fields for some flashlight fun!

If YOU GO:

• These are family-run farms and holiday festivals help keep their bottom lines in the black. Check websites ahead of time for fees associated with offered activities.

• Try and arrive as early as possible to avoid crowds and allow yourselves 3-4 hours so that you don’t feel rushed and can enjoy all the offerings.

• Make sure your trunk is empty so that you have room to transport your hefty holiday treasures.

• Consider buying a pie pumpkin or two (usually in bins near the cashier) so that you can extend your holiday experience into the following weekend. Making homemade pie from fresh-roasted pumpkins is super easy, satisfying and fun!

• If you really don’t have a full day to commit to this fun activity, you can easily shave an hour off your itinerary by simply choosing pumpkins that are already pulled from the field. For my family, choosing the perfect pumpkin from the farm field is like choosing the best video….it takes a LONG time!

• Check the websites linked above to see if they allow pets before heading out the door with your pooch.

• These farms have wheelbarrows to cart around your pumpkins, all take credit cards.

• Wear footwear that can get dirty in the fields,