Pumpkin Patch

It’s almost Halloween and that can only mean one thing: it’s time for a trip to an Ohio pumpkin patch.

We’ve visited pumpkin patches around Ohio over the years. It’s a great way to get outside and enjoy the season. And during our current COVID crisis, it’s an opportunity to visit with friends and family in the open air, at a safe social distance.

Pumpkins in a field in Lancaster, Ohio — Pumpkin patch at Sharp Farms in Lancaster, Ohio.

We have just over a week now to get those pumpkins on our porches and begin the carving process. If you’re looking for a great pumpkin patch experience, you can check out my four quick reviews below. If none are in your area, consider visiting the Ohio pick-your-own website. And ask around to friends and neighbors to find a popular patch in your area.

Pumpkins and gourds — A visit to the pumpkin patch is a great way to stock up on pumpkins and gourds for your porch.

As we’re getting down to the wire, you may want to call ahead to confirm hours and availability of activities. If the pumpkin patch is open on weekdays, you might consider a visit through the week when the crowds should be considerably smaller.

Sharp Farms – Lancaster, Ohio

We’ve visited Sharp Farms a few times over the years. If you have younger children, they do have amenities including a petting zoo and a corn maze.

Photo props at Sharp Farms pumpkin patch. — Props and backdrops are available for photos at Sharp Farms.

On our most recent trip, my oldest and I took a quick trip to pick out some pumpkins and gourds for the porch. Everything is ala carte, so there was no cover charge to get in and browse the pumpkins. Wagons were available at no charge to haul your kids around and then transport your purchase to the car.

Gourds in a bin at Sharp Farms. — Sharp Farms offers gourds, cider, ice cream, and honey for sale.

They also had backdrop areas and props available for photos at no charge. It was a dog friendly location, so we posed our dog (appropriately named Pumpkin) for a few shots.

Honey for sale at Sharp Farms. — Two of my girls pose with our dog – named Pumpkin – at Sharp Farms.

In addition to pumpkins and gourds, they offered locally sourced honey, cider, and pumpkin ice cream for purchase as well. More information is available on their site: Sharp Farms.

Ramseyer Farms – Wooster, Ohio

Ramseyer Farms is an amazing pumpkin patch and so much more. We’ve visited a few times and the first time I was amazed at all the activities that were offered.

Ramseyer Farms pumpkin on a barrell — Ramseyer Farms near Wooster is more than a pumpkin patch – it’s a pumpkin playground.

I’ve checked their website (Ramseyer Farms) and it looks as if they are currently open Friday through Sunday. You will need to purchase your tickets through the website ahead of time because they are operating with limited capacity.

Slides and go carts. — Activities abound at Ramseyer Farms.

They had pedal go-cart rides, tunnel slides, several corn mazes, potato slingshots, a wagon ride, and so much more. I have to admit that my then teenagers had way too much fun playing in the corn bin.

Though it was crowded that day (back when we thought Corona was just beer), I don’t remember waiting in line long for any of the activities.

Scarecrow and direction sign at the pumpkin patch. — Ramseyer Farms offers a day full of family activities.

They offered food and souvenirs at the large barn which served as both entrance and exit. Food was available on site and restrooms were provided.

Dill’s Greenhouse – Canal Winchester, Ohio

Dill’s was a favorite for us when the girls were younger. Located conveniently, just off Route 33, Dill’s offers a great pumpkin patch experience for kids in the toddler through grade school age groups.

Children posing in a fall backdrop. — A backdrop from Dill’s Greenhouse a few years ago.

One advantage to visiting Dill’s is that many of the activities are housed in their large on-site greenhouse. It offers little ones protection from both wind and rain as they crawl in and out through bales of straw. Their are giant blow up decorations outside and tunnels and slides inside. The greenhouse provides ample lighting for moms and dads who want to snap some pictures as well.

Monkeys and bananas set up as a display. — One of the scenes set up for the wagon ride at Dill’s Greenhouse.

After running of their energy in the greenhouse, Dill’s provides a wagon ride through the fields to a pumpkin patch of sorts. When we visited, the pumpkins were already picked which made it easy for little ones to “pick” their own pumpkin from those offered.

I believe there is a cover charge for the experience. However if you just wish to purchase pumpkins, they are available at the garden center. Check their website (Dill’s Greenhouse) or call before your visit.

Circle S Farms – Grove City, Ohio

Our oldest had just turned one on our first visit to Circle S Farms pumpkin patch in Grove City. I remember everything about that day, down to the little outfit she wore. (She’s 23 now!)

Display of pumpkins, gourds, and corn. — Get out to the pumpkin patch and build your display of pumpkins and gourds.

Over the years we visited with neighbor friends, cousins, and eventually her little sisters. My kids loved playing in the barn; climbing the bales to the top and riding down on the long yellow slides. They’ve enjoyed the petting zoo, corn maze, sunflower maze, and wagon ride.

Field corn in autumn. — Corn mazes are an Ohio tradition.

After picking our pumpkins, we usually have a snack of powdered sugar donuts and apple cider. Though they sell other foods on site, this has become our tradition.
Like many of the other locations, they offer photo backdrops and props so you can get some pics of your family. They also have an out of commission tractor that my girls liked to pretend to drive.

Check their website (Circle S) before you go. It looks as if they are open through the week to groups of 10 or more (reservations required) and are also open weekends.

Pumpkin Patch

Consider adding a pumpkin patch visit to your family’s fall traditions. I know that we have lots of great memories and photos over the years from our visits.

And when you carve, don’t forget to save the seeds! I’ll be posting my recipe for roasted pumpkin seeds shortly. They make a great salty snack that you’re sure to enjoy!