Just like Christmas markets have become a highlight of the festive holidays, what’s Halloween without a family day out pumpkin picking?
Rather than heading out to the supermarket to simply buy a pumpkin to carve, pumpkin-picking can create a sense of pride and joy in kids, as they’re given the freedom to roam through the patch to select their very own.
It’s a fun activity to add to the excitement of preparing for Halloween, but pumpkin picking is also a way to connect with nature, support local farmers, and spend quality time with loved ones. Many pumpkin patches also offer additional fun activities, such as mazes, petting farms, and some Halloween activities, making them great places for young children.
Here are four fantastic pumpkin experiences in and around Offaly this Halloween mid-term:
Look for pumpkins at Luker’s!
Back by popular demand after a sell-out in 2023, The Boatyard at Luker’s in Shannonbridge is hosting two weekends of Halloween fun! Starting this weekend, Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th, and also on Saturday 19th and 20th, at the Boatyard’s ‘Enchanted Garden’, you can visit and pick your own pumpkin straight from the field, then design and carve it to keep the ghosts away this Halloween.
There’s also a magician show from 3pm-5pm and face-painting in the Halloween Hay Barn, and you might spot a few pet donkeys walking about on-site! Food will be served up from The Hatch & Co, who will be open for Açai bowls, coffee and sweet treats on both weekends. And if the adults get thirsty, there’s also Luker’s Bar to stop by for a refreshing drink!
Individual tickets are €15, with pumpkin included.
Tickets are available to buy here
Spooky fun at Solas!
Embrace the magic of autumn at Solas Eco Garden Centre in Portarlington, just half an hour’s drive from Tullamore – they’re inviting you to come pick your perfect pumpkin from their Halloween pumpkin patch to take home and carve!
Taking place from Sunday 20th to Tuesday, 31st October, it’s an ideal family day out in the lead-up to Halloween, and as well as the pumpkin patch, there’ll also be colouring competitions and lots of photo opportunities. You can pay on the day and pumpkin prices vary depending on the size of the pumpkin – extra-large is €12, large is €8, medium is €6, and small is €3.
Solas is hosting a range of Halloween-themed events over the mid-term, with spooky ghost stories, face-painting, and arts and crafts. For a real spook, check out their Halloween Fright Fest event between 26th-31st October – only if you dare!
Bring the whole family and make unforgettable memories—there’s something for everyone at Solas this Halloween season!
For more information, click here
Halloween Pumpkin Trail
From Friday, 25th October until Sunday, 3rd November, Birr Castle Demesne will have a special Halloween Pumpkin Trail, where you can embark on a self-guided pumpkin adventure through the stunning 120-acre demesne.
While it doesn’t exactly involve pumpkin picking, it is a very fun pumpkin-inspired activity for families! Plus, the Demesne is absolutely stunning this time of year, with all its stunning trees in all their autumnal glory! As you follow the trail, you will find a clue that will help you solve the mystery to complete the pumpkin trail.
Children are encouraged to dress up for the occasion, adding to the Halloween atmosphere. It’s the perfect opportunity to take memorable photos in the picturesque autumn landscape. Birr Castle Demesne will also host more exciting activities over the Halloween break, including a special Halloween Silly Science Camp (pre-booking required).
For more information and to book, click here
Organic and orange!
The Red Shed Organic Farm and Nursery in Portarlington have been busy on the farm recently, harvesting their delicious vegetables and getting their pumpkin patch ready! On Saturday 19th October, you can visit the farm to pick your own pumpkins.
Plus, there’s lots of fun in store, with plenty of games and photo booths. And importantly, lots of tasty food and hot drinks! Their farm shop will also be open on the day, so you can stock up on fresh fruit and veg from their farm and delicious local products.
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