We took our boys to the Pumpkin Patch this past weekend. Things look a lot different this year, and at first, I honestly wasn’t sure if we should even go. Given that my boys do reasonably well with masks on for extended periods, we decided to go for it!
We went to Halls Pumpkin Farm, which is one of our favorites. I was pleasantly surprised by the environment and experience. If you’re considering visiting, here’s a little more info on the new environment in the COVID Era and some helpful tips.
When you arrive, they ask that one person from your party check in to provide an email address. They will use that email address for contact tracing if there is a confirmed COVID case the day you and your family visit.
They had hand sanitizing stations just about everywhere! I thought this was very helpful and responsible! Everywhere I turned, I saw a large jug of hand sanitizer available for use.
Some of the playground equipment and tractors for the kids to sit on from years past were not there. I honestly appreciated this because I didn’t have to worry about my boys wanting to get on equipment that may have germs, and then I’ve got to be the mean mommy and say “no.” This definitely helped prevent toddler meltdowns!
The majority of guests and their children had on face masks. This also made me very happy and put my mind at ease. Even though it was about 95 degrees out and we were all sweltering, most people were responsible and had their children in masks.
COVID-Era Helpful Pumpkin Patch Tips
Wear Masks – I do require my boys to wear masks. We did allow them to take them off for some of the photo ops and take a quick breather, but they had them on for most of the time.
Make Mask Wearing Fun – I bought the boys new pumpkin-themed/Halloween masks to get them excited about wearing them. It definitely helped.
Bring Wipes – I brought a pack of wipes inside the patch for obvious reasons – my boys played in the dirt, so it just helped to wipe them down a bit.
Pack soap and a bottle of water – I brought some liquid soap and filled an old water bottle with water and kept it in the car. When we were done and back at our car, I washed the boy’s hands with liquid soap and rinsed them with the bottle of water, plus hand sanitizer until we could get home and do a thorough washing.
Wash your Pumpkins! We bought three small pumpkins. When we got home, I sprayed them with disinfectant and wiped them down before I allowed the boys to play with them.
Overall, it was a typical trip with a 1-year-old and a 3-year-old. It was hot, we were sweaty, and they seemed more interested in playing in the dirt than with Pumpkins. I was annoyed. Lol. However, they had a blast. I’m thankful for this man by my side to do this all together. Us versus them!
Any thoughts? Are you planning a trip to the pumpkin patch this year?
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