15 Ways to Save Money at the Pumpkin Patch
Photo: Mr. Bones Pumpkin Patch
Heading to the pumpkin patch this fall? It’s easy for costs to pile up faster than pumpkins on display!
But don’t worry, we’ve got some savvy tips to help you save money while still having a gourd time. From free admission days to bringing your own snacks, we’ve rounded up all the tricks to enjoy the patch without breaking the bank.
Before you head out, check out these budget-friendly hacks, and don’t forget to view our complete Pumpkin Patch Guide to compare pricing at your favorite spots. Let’s make sure your wallet leaves the patch as happy as your family!
1. Do Your Math Homework
(Admission + Ride Tickets + Game Tickets + Food/Snacks) x Family Members = Too Much
Avoid the sticker shock and really compare what every patch has to offer. Some offer free admission, but activity tickets are high. Some offer a hefty admission fee, but maybe the activities cost a little less than other patches.
Ask your family what activities they’re interested in doing to get an idea of how many tickets you’ll need to buy. Of course the patches don’t always make it easy to calculate these ticket bundles, but generally, the bigger the bundle, the more you save.
2. Look for Free Admission Days
Some patches offer free admission on weekdays, and some offer free admission every day! Lucky for you, we have a list of which patches around us offer free days AND free parking (updated for 2024).
3. Go Early or Late in the Season
Some patches open as early as mid-September and as late as first weekend of November. Patches that offer dynamic admission pricing are usually cheaper at the start of the season or after Halloween.
4. Search Their Website for Coupons
Most patches offer coupons on their website, social media, or when you sign up for their emails. Lookout for discount days too!
5. What’s Included with Admission?
Sometimes there’s fun things included with admission. For example, Frosty’s Forest includes their 4-acre corn maze with admission! Underwood Family Farms includes fun shows, play areas, and even wagon rides with their admission.
6. Bring Your Own Snacks
Patch snacks can be pricey—pack your own food to enjoy a mini picnic without the high costs.
7. Make it a Photo Day
Instead of spending money on extra activities, use the patch as a family photo day and take advantage of the fun photo ops and scenery.
8. Set a Budget
Give each kid a set number of activity tickets or set a budget to prevent overspending on pricey activities or souvenirs.
9. Buy Your Pumpkin Somewhere Else
Your local grocery store or big box store will most likely have pumpkins cheaper than the patch.
10. Buy a Smaller Pumpkin
But if you really want a pumpkin from the patch, opt for a smaller pumpkin. Patches normally price their pumpkins by weight/size.
11. Take the Least Amount of Cars
If you’re going with a big family, save on parking fees by taking less cars.
12. Decorate Your Pumpkin at Home
Save on the cost of decorating your pumpkin at the patch and host a little decorating party at home.
13. Look Up Patches on Social Media
Get a feel for the patch by looking up posts on social media. Chances are other families have been to the exact patch you want to go to, and have already posted about what it’s like and how much it costs. We still recommend you do your own research though!
14. Bring Cash
Some patches charge credit card fees!
15. View Our Pumpkin Patch Guide!
We break down pricing for each pumpkin patch listed. Check it out here.
Categories: Blog
This post was written by Kidsguide
