IT’S the October half term and parents across the county will be desperately trying to think of activities to keep the kids entertained.
One great activity to consider is pumpkin picking.
While you could go to a supermarket to get one, there’s nothing like getting muddy and scouring the field for the perfect pumpkin.
The fun continues at home when you can carve a spooky face into the pumpkin, just in time for Halloween.
Here are three great pick your own pumpkin places to visit in County Durham:
East Grange Farm
Location: High Shincliffe, Durham
Cost: £1-£9 for the pumpkins
Dates: 16th October- October 31st, 9am-3pm
At East Grange Farm, there are over 20,000 pumpkins to choose from and eight acres of farm to scour.
On the farm you will find pumpkins in five different colours and in 17 different varieties- you’re unlikely to find this amount of variety at your local supermarket.
(Facebook/@eastgrangedurham)
If you can’t carry your pumpkins, don’t worry! Wheelbarrows are supplied to help you do the heavy lifting.
If you are interested in this event, make sure to book tickets in advance.
Adventure Valley
Location: Union Hall Farm, The Bungalows Finchale Abbey F, Durham
Cost: £12.50 for adults and children.
£11.50 for senior citizens and those with disabilities.
Babies under one go free.
Free pumpkin with entry for every child age two and over.
Dates: 24 October- 1 November
If you’re not a fan of getting muddy, then there is an indoor pumpkin patch at Adventure Valley.
Once you have selected the perfect pumpkin, it’s time to take it over to the carving station which will be available until the 31st October.
(Instagram/adventurevalley)
There will be other Halloween-themed events taking place here too, with daily shows and the ‘Corn Cob Catapult’ game.
Once Halloween is over, the fun continues with the ‘Smashing Pumpkins’ even on the 1st November- which is exactly what it says on the tin.
Your ticket also include entry to the animal farm, where you can see the goats, llamas and sheep.
Book your tickets for this event online.
Hall Hill Farm
Location: Hall Hill Farm, Lanchester, Durham
Cost: Adults- £9.45
Children- £8.50
Over 60/ Student- £8.75
Family tickets (£32.50-£39.95)
Dates: 24 October- 1st November
Once you have picked your pumpkin at this farm, you can take it over to the carving station and get really creative with the design.
As well as the pumpkin picking there are a lot of extra activities taking place on the farm too.
(Facebook/Hall Hill Farm)
There is a mini monster maze, a trick or treat treasure hunt, haunted sheep race and even a ‘Spooky Spider Barrel Train’ to take a ride on (for an additional £1).
After all of the Halloween fun, the entire family can go and meet all of the animals on the farm.
What are your Halloween plans? Let us know in the comments
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