Pumpkin picking season is here. Here are 5 Lowcountry patches to pick from

The season of pumpkin picking is upon us and the Lowcountry has plenty of patches to choose from.

Want to pack the kids in the car for a day of hayrides and fall festivities in addition to your pumpkin picking? Or just pick a pumpkin straight from the farm and be on your way? There’s a perfect patch for either approach. Here are five to choose from:

(Do you operate a pumpkin patch? Email us the details and we’ll add it to the list).

The Great Pumpkin Patch at Holiday Farms

When: Oct. 1-31

Location: 10884 Grays Highway, Ridgeland (10 miles west of Ridgeland on U.S. 278, look for the big orange pumpkin)

Hours: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m.-dark Fridays and Saturdays through Oct. 30; last hay ride leaves at 6 p.m.; 1 p.m.-5 p.m. Sundays

Cost: $10 admission per person (price includes all activities, games, wagon ride, and a pumpkin)

Details: Tripping.com recently named Holiday Farms the best pumpkin patch in South Carolina. Children can race tricycles on the "Haytona Speedway," frolic in a bounce house, explore the playground and pet barnyard critters, including a donkey, a miniature horse and goats. Try your luck at the duck race game or barrel racing.

For more info: Holiday Farm’s website

Lowcountry Produce

When: Oct. 8-31

Hours: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday- Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday

Location: 1919 Trask Parkway, Lobeco

Cost: Pumpkin prices range

What: In addition to pumpkins, Lowcountry Produce offers free hayrides and pony rides on the weekend, haystacks for romping and climbing, and a maze of hay bales suitable for young children. There’s also a restaurant and bakery on site if you’re hungry.

For more info: Lowcountry Produce Facebook

Dempsey U- Pick Farms

When: Oct. 8- Nov. 15

Hours: Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Where: 1576 Sea Island Parkway, St. Helena Island, 11 miles east of Beaufort on U.S. 21 South

What: For a traditional pumpkin picking experience, Dempsey Farms has acres of pumpkins as well as fall/winter vegetables to choose from at a family-operated farm. Teachers, school trips are available.

For more info: Dempsey Farm’s Facebook

Carteret Street United Methodist Church Pumpkin Patch

When: Sept. 26-late October

When: Open Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m., and Sunday noon-7 p.m.

Where: Carteret and North streets in downtown Beaufort

Cost: Prices of pumpkins range. All proceeds benefit the church's youth ministries.

What: The pumpkin patch is open to the public and offers pumpkins of all shapes and sizes for sale. School trips are also available.

Pumpkin Patch Carnival

When: 4-8 p.m. Oct. 28

Where: Shelter Cove Community Park, Hilton Head Island

Cost: $10 per child; all proceeds benefit the Island Recreation Association

What: The event features a petting zoo, carnival games, costume contest and more.

For more info: Island Rec Center website

This story was originally published September 26, 2016 at 3:56 PM with the headline "Pumpkin picking season is here. Here are 5 Lowcountry patches to pick from."