Fall tradition or seasonal trap? Why visiting a pumpkin patch in October is overrated

Psychologists recommend spending time outdoors to help lower anxiety and stress levels, as well as improve concentration and mood. And autumn is one of those ideal times to get out of the house and do a little exploring in the wilderness and breathe in some fresh air.

Leaf peeping is a popular activity to gaze at the brilliance of the fall foliage. Another is doing some agrotourism, like visiting a pumpkin patch.

Both activities can provide families with excellent Instagrammable moments. However, many pumpkin patches have changed from barebone operations, where the public could trudge out into a field with the sole purpose of picking out a gourd, turning into fully, and some would say ‘overly’, immersive experiences nowadays.

Some are saying that they just aren’t worth it anymore or even warning people to actively avoid them all together.

Fall tradition turns into seasonal tourist trap

Visiting a pumpkin patch to pick out an assortment of gourds to decorate your house for the fall, or to get fresh fruit from the field to make delicious treats, is a great way to help the local economies in which they are located. However, over the years some of these operations have literally turned into theme parks and come with all the downfalls of such places.

Those who are viscerally against visiting them complain first and foremost about the cost. Not only do you and your kids above a certain age pay the full cover charge, but every activity will further empty your wallet.

And that’s even before you’ve picked out a pumpkin to buy, or pumpkins if your household budget can afford more than one.

This has made them feel like tourist traps, where you also spend much of your time in lines from just getting on the farm to going for a hayride. On top of that, the fields are muddy and filled with smashed pumpkins. And as Scary Mommy noted, sometimes that overpriced pumpkin wasn’t even grown on the farm.

Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.

Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.