Pumpkins, Ghosts, and Tractors--Oh my!

October and the last few months of the year are my favorites. They are full of holidays and cheer and, better yet, fun activities to entertain the family. My kids love Halloween and all the excitement surrounding the holiday. What kid doesn't love candy, dressing up in costumes, rolling through leaves, and carving pumpkins?

It's prime activity season! There are often so many activities and events it can be tough to choose. Let me help and break it down into three great things to try this month.

Picha Farms

Pumpkin patches are the quintessential October activity. Are you even a parent if you don't go to the pumpkin patch in October? It's a must-do for the month.

Our family favorite is Picha Farms, just over in Puyallup. It's a short drive, yet they have everything you want in a pumpkin patch experience. There is a hayride, pumpkin slingshot, corn maze, kiddie barrel ride, photo opps, various pumpkin varieties, and pumpkins in piles or out on the field for picking. Picha's patch is open in October, both weekdays and weekends.

Event: Month of October | 6502 52nd ST E, Puyallup, WA 98371 | website

Kitsap Live Steamers Ghost Train

Halloween is known for all its scares and spooks, and the Kitsap Live Steamers Ghost Train will certainly deliver some thrills. Live steam trains are scaled-down trains that run outdoors. You sit on top of the train car, and it brings you over a small route in a park.

The Ghost Train is a special steam train that carries you through a "haunted" forest full of ghosts, goblins, vampires, and carnivorous Girl Scout troops. Luckily, your scares will benefit Kitsap County Foster Care. Climb aboard the evening of Saturday, October 28, at South Kitsap Regional Park.

Event: October 28, 2023 | South Kitsap Regional Park | 3100 SE Marbeth LN, Port Orchard, WA 98366 | website

Fort Steilacoom Truck & Tractor Day

Honk! Honk! This event is more than just a touch-a-truck! It's also a chance to sling your furthest pumpkin slingshot, decorate a pumpkin, grab a free hayride, get a hard hat, and climb into some trucks and tractors. It's all happening Saturday, October 14, from 12:00 – 3:00 p.m. at Fort Steilacoom Park.

Event: October 14, 2023 12pm - 3pm | 8714 87th Ave SW, Lakewood, WA 98498 | website

Creek House Farm

If you're looking for a fanciful pumpkin adventure further away from home, head to Creek House Farm. They are by appointment only, so make sure to plan your visit beforehand.

You will find some great activities specially geared towards little ones: Pumpkinairies Treasure Hunt, hay rides, pumpkin barrel rides, feeding farm animals, water balloon slingshots, a super slide, and an interactive area called Homestead Helpers where children can participate in homestead farm activities. There are many lovely areas for photos, and an opportunity to choose a pumpkin, of course! Remember to reserve your appointment before you go, though!

Event: Starts September 28, 2023 | 6060 E Collins Rd, Port Orchard, Washington | website