Last week we had our first false fall of the year here in Waco. I got to walk my dog in the early morning in a sweatshirt. That might not be a big deal to some, but if I could wear a sweatshirt every day for the rest of my life I would. I have an embarrassingly large collection.
Not only did it start to feel like fall (even if it was just for a few days), but I also saw HEB put their pumpkins out. Pumpkins bring back so many great childhood memories. I still remember carving pumpkins every year as a kid with my mom and brother. If I am honest with you I think my mom did most of the work (thanks Mom!). That is not the point I am trying to make here though. Even though my mom did a lot of the work, I still remember doing it every year. What a testament to all the moms out there who wonder if their kids will even remember the little things.
In this installment of fall festivities, I hope you are inspired to go out and make memories with your family this fall.
Go to a pumpkin patch this year!
Pumpkin Patches are one of my favorite things. I was a 1st-grade teacher for 4 years. One of my favorite things we did was take a field trip to a pumpkin patch every fall. There is something so fun about watching children have a blast playing in corn, petting animals, hay rides, or sliding down big slides. The Waco area has some great pumpkin patches that kids have no choice but to have a blast there!
- Western Bell Farms in West, TX is a great option. They have apple cannons, barn slides, bubbles, seesaws, a corn bin, a big jump pillow, cattle barrel trains, and so much more. I even think they are adding a corn maze this year! If you happen to be a teacher they are a great place to go on a field trip! If you are not a teacher, I know you will not regret taking your kiddos here this fall. Check out their website here: https://westernbellefarm.com/
- The Robinson Family Farms in Temple, TX is another great option. They offer activities similar to Western Bell Farms, with unique options like gem mining, axe throwing, and a mega slide. They also have some tasty treats available on their farm. Check out their website here: https://www.therobinsonfamilyfarm.com/
- Robinson Pumpkin Patch in Robinson, TX is a much smaller option if you are looking for something not so overwhelming. They also have free admission if you are looking for something cost-friendly. They have a hayride, barrel train, maze, and pumpkins galore! Options to purchase baked goods, home decor, and more. They are located at 201 S. Old Robinson Road, Robinson, TX
Getting a pumpkin
If you took my advice and went to a pumpkin patch odds are you left with a pumpkin. If you didn’t take my advice there are still many ways to get a pumpkin.
My favorite place to get my pumpkins is Central Christian Church. They open the first of October. All the proceeds go to helping local missions and their children’s and youth programs. Not only do you get a great pumpkin (and a cute photo if you want), but you also get to be a part of helping the communityYou can also pick up pumpkins at your local grocery store if that is easier!
Decorate those pumpkins!
Now you could just put the pumpkin on your porch or table as is, and that would look great! I would advise you to decorate your pumpkin in some way. As I said earlier I still remember carving pumpkins every year. There are so many free templates on the internet. All you need is a pumpkin, a cheap carving kit, and maybe a good sharp knife. They can be a lot of work though. While you are at it you can roast the pumpkin seeds leftover from your fun carvings.
Carving may not be your style or maybe you are not prepared to do the work of carving them for your kiddos. I completely understand, but you can still participate! Try painting or using stickers as an alternative that is much more kid-friendly. There are so many cute ideas on Google and Pinterest if you are looking for something specific. You can also just give kids the materials and let them just do whatever!