One of my best and earliest family memories is visiting the pumpkin patch with my siblings, mother and grandmother. The day involved corn mazes, apple cider, hay rides and, of course, taking home a big fat pumpkin to carve.
This year, when my mom rolled into town on a visit from the USA, we took my almost-one-year old daughter out to Taves Family Farms in Abbotsford to relive the multigenerational fun. Not only does Taves have a pumpkin patch and a corn maze, they’ve also got u-pick apples, pony rides, a petting zoo, a giant bouncing cushion, face-painting, a cider press demo and a zipline.
We had a blast. We made new memories. We took home 30 pounds of apples and a couple of pumpkins–both for for pie and carving. There’s no better way to spend a fall day with kids.
Here are your options for pumpkin patches in and around Vancouver.
U-Pick Pumpkin Patches in and around Vancouver
KJM Country Gardens, 7226 Blenheim St, Vancouver, 604-266-1397, Kjmcountrygardens.com
The KJM Pumpkin Patch and Haunted House runs Saturday Oct. 12 – Oct 31, 9:30 to 5:30 daily. They fill their field with locally grown pumpkins alongside our spooky haunted house. Don’t forget to visit the farm animals and grab hot chocolate from the coffee bar. $10 per kid group rate.
Southlands Farm, 6767 Balaclava Street (at West 51st Ave.), Vancouver, 604 261 1295, Southlandsfarm.com
Explore a magical farming oasis in the city. See the horses, pet the lambs, and pick a pumpkin from our Old Apple Orchard. Admission by donation; $5 a pumpkin.
Taves Family Farm, 333 Gladwin Road, Abbotsford, 604-853-3108, Tavesfamilyfarms.com
Not only does Taves have a pumpkin patch and a corn maze, they’ve also got u-pick apples, pony rides, a petting zoo, a giant bouncing cushion, face-painting, a cider press demo and a zipline.
Family rates as well as rates by activity. Kids 2 and under are free.
Richmond Country Farms, 12900 Steveston Highway, Richmond, 604-274-0522, Countryfarms.ca
A charming family farm with organic produce for sale on site. In October, they add pumpkin picking, wagon rides, farm animals, a corn maze, and live music to their entertainment roster. Admission is $11 on weekends; $7 on weekdays. It includes a pumpkin and a gala apple for kids.
Hazelmere Pumpkin Patch, 18507 20th Ave. Surrey, 604-542-1202, Facebook.com/pages/Hazelmere-Pumpkin-Patch
Open Every Weekend in October, 10am to 5pm. Admission is $4 per person and includes hayride, petting zoo and mini maze. Pumpkins are by weight. Cash only.
Laity Pumpkin Patch, 21145 128th Avenue, Maple Ridge, (604) 467-4302, Laitypumpkinpatch.com
Over the top, somewhat cheesy attractions such as fairy-tale tours, a gnome forest and dinosaurs. Despite this, the pumpkin patch, hayride frontier town and vegetable gardens offer lots f hands-on learning and fun. $5 admission for people over 3. Pumpkins are priced by size, starting at $2.
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Tips: Weekends get busy. Parents of smaller kids will have an easier time during off-peak hours. Remember to wear boots and scruffy jeans because the fields are muddy. Most places take cards, but bring cash just in case. Call ahead to confirm opening hours, especially if you’re heading out of Vancouver. And aim for small pumpkins. Kiddos get bored easily scooping seeds and guts from big pumpkins.
Last modified: October 4, 2013
