Pumpkin patches are a staple in beloved fall outdoor activities. People travel from miles around to visit local farms and find the “perfect” pumpkin.
Whether used for food favorites, harvest-themed décor or transformed into a spooky jack-o’-lantern, pumpkins are a hallmark for a variety of traditions.
As the first day of fall approaches, local farms are preparing to open their locations. Here’s where to pick your pumpkins and enjoy family-friendly entertainment in the greater Salina area:
Sunny Side Pumpkin Patch
Known for its wide variety of pumpkins, Sunny Side Pumpkin Patch is located at 11500 South Hopkins Road, a few miles outside Assaria.
Owner and jack of all trades Grant Nurnberg said he is excited about the upcoming season. He designs the corn maze, farms the crop, cleans the facility and works to ensure happiness and satisfaction among visitors.
“We have people come from everywhere,” Nurnberg said. “I’ve think seen (license plate) tags from just about every state, and that’s so nice,”
The you-pick pumpkin patch and farm is in its 21st season of operation, offering everything from small gourds, to white pumpkins, to pumpkins surpassing 100 pounds.
Popular fall festival activities beyond the pumpkin patch include two corn mazes, a jump pad, hayrack rides, slides, peddle carts, a petting zoo, a giant slingshot that can shoot pumpkins up to 500 feet, and a plethora of games in the activity area.
Children and parents can also make use of vintage red wagons to haul pumpkins – or small children – across the farm.
Two large Belgian horses, will pull the hayrack ride this year. This attraction will be from noon to 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday only.
Groups can make special reservations for school trips, and special reservations are also taken for the “night maze” activity, where visitors can try to navigate the maze and pick pumpkins after sunset.
Beyond pumpkins, the farm also sells cucumbers, butternut and spaghetti squash, zucchini, watermelons and other winter squash.
Snacks and concessions are offered at the farm, too, for an additional cost.
The farm’s opening day will be October 1, but some schools will begin trips there the week before, Nurnberg said.
Hours of operation: 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Daily Oct. 1 – 31
Address: 1150 South Hopkins Road, Assaira, KS 67416
Phone: 785-667-4668
Website: www.sunnysidepatch.com
Admission cost: Children 6-years-old and younger are $1 for each year of age.
Those over 6-years-old are $7 per person.
The admission cost includes all games and activities on the grounds.
P and M Pumpkin Ranch
Jamie Kaminkow works at P and W, a western-themed you-pick pumpkin patch 45 minutes north of Wichita and 45 minutes south of Salina in Moundridge.
Known for several activities beyond pumpkin picking, Kaminkow said the pig races are one thing that seems to bring people back.
“We love that families keep coming back every year to let us keep doing what we’re going,” Kaminkow said. “We’re growing the farm every season.”
That, too, is a staple at P and W – each season brings on a new attraction. This year’s new attraction hasn’t yet been announced but will be in the coming week on the farms Facebook page.
P and W also takes private reservation for school trips and welcomes them to do so in October mornings Tuesday through Thursday.
Jump pads, zip lines, obstacle courses, pedal karts, a sports barn, mini golf, and 80-foot slides are among several more activities that are geared toward whole-family involvement.
Kaminkow said P and W makes sure there are activities parents can enjoy alongside their children, which includes five different food venues all season.
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The venues provide a variety of fall favorites, including caramel apples, kettle corn, loaded French fries, turkey legs, and the popular “ranch skillet.”
Sept. 17 will kick off season nine for P and W, which is gearing up for a big celebration for season 10 next year.
Hours of operation: Sept. 17 – Nov. 6 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday.
10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Fridays; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturdays; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sundays
Closed Mondays
Address: 311 16th Avenue, Moundridge, KS, 67107
Phone: 620-345-3103
Website: www.pandmpumpkinranch.com
Admission cost: $13 per person; those 2-years-old and younger are free.
Season passes: $30 per person
Admission includes nearly all the activities at the facility.
Walter’s Pumpkin Patch
Walter’s Farm also prides itself on having “something for all ages.” Since its inception, in 1988, the farm has focused on selling pumpkins and adding something new each year to offer entertainment for the whole family.
Co-owner Becky Walters began selling pumpkins with her family in 1986, then began the farm with her first school tour in 1988.
“We have a long history of selling pumpkins and playing at the farm,” Walters said.
Now in her 70s, Walters said she is surprised each year when people keep coming back – allowing her to keep doing what she loves.
Something about it “keeps them going” she said.
The farm includes seven different themed areas which include popular harvest activities: the pumpkin patch, duck races, a scare crow maze, giant corn towers, golf, and the popular “Zombie Power Tower.”
Other popular purchasable items beyond general admission are the flashlight maze, at $10 per person, and the haunted cannery, at $20 per person.
Sept. 17 will begin the season for Walter’s farm. While Walters enjoys everything about the farm, she is especially interested in seeing the people who come back each year, she said.
“We just can’t wait to see all the smiling faces this season,” Walters said.
Hours of operation: Sept. 17 – Oct. 30 Closed Monday and Tuesday
10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday; 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday
Address: 10001 NW US Highway 77, Burns, KS 668
Website: www.waltersfarm.com
Phone: 316-320-4150
Admission cost: September and October: Wednesday through Friday: $13; Wednesday afternoons from 3-7 p.m. is $10
September: Saturday and Sunday $15
October: Saturday and Sunday $20 (Weekends come with more attractions that are open)
Children 2-years-old and younger are free.
