Are pumpkins and fall fun on your little monsters' minds? There are plenty of ways to scratch the autumn itch. Turn your annual pumpkin-picking trip into a day to remember at farms and festivals across Beaufort County.
THE GREAT PUMPKIN PATCH, HOLIDAY FARMS
When: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to dark Fridays and Saturdays through Oct. 30; last hay ride leaves at 6 p.m.; concessions available Oct. 16, 23 and 30
Where: 10884 Grays Highway, Ridgeland (10 miles west of Ridgeland on U.S. 278, look for the big orange pumpkin)
Cost: $8 for children and adults; includes hayride, activities and a pumpkin; $2 extra for 2-acre field maze
What: 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. Play a game of cornhole, horseshoes or washers, or rope a (plastic) steer. School trips are also available.
Details: 843-726-5527
LOWCOUNTRY PRODUCE
When: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily
Where: 1919 Trask Parkway, Lobeco
Cost: Pumpkins are $12 or less; free hayrides; free pony rides Saturdays (11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.) and Sundays (noon to 3:30 p.m.)
What: In addition to pumpkins, Lowcountry Produce offers hayrides, haystacks for romping and climbing and a maze of hay bales suitable for young children. There's also a petting zoo -- where you can get friendly with goats, potbellied pigs, a miniature horse and rabbits -- and a restaurant, bakery and gift shop.
Details: 843-846-9438
PUMPKIN PATCH CARNIVAL
Hosted by the Island Recreation Association and Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort
When: 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 29
Where: Shelter Cove Community Park, Hilton Head Island
Cost: $10 a child, includes a small pumpkin to paint at the event; all proceeds benefit the Island Recreation Association
What: The event features a petting zoo, bounce house, carnival games, costume contest, face painting, pumpkin painting, haunted hayride and live entertainment from Shannon Tanner.
CARTERET STREET UNITED METHODIST CHURCH PUMPKIN PATCH
When: Open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday noon to 7 p.m.
Where: Carteret and North streets, Beaufort
Cost: Tiny pumpkins start at 50 cents and big ones go for up to $20. 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. During group trips, children receive a cantaloupe-sized pumpkin, coloring sheet and sticker for $1.50.
