The majority of Morton East students have visited a pumpkin patch before in the fall.

According to a survey we took around 67% of people said they have gone to a pumpkin patch before. With fall arriving and the holidays coming, teachers and students are ready to have some fun. Pumpkin patches have been one of the main attractions since fall started. 

Although the price of entry varies from pumpkin patch to pumpkin patch, the price of the top 3 rated patches in the area were as follows: Johansen’s Farms – $14.95 for weekdays, Bengston’s Pumpkin Farm – $19.99, and Jacks Pumpkin Patch Pop Up – $27. Each pumpkin patch offers different activities. For example, Jack’s $27 admission not only offers entry but also access to a corn maze. Sadly, there seems to be no student discount for any of the patches, but they do offer discounted prices for groups and only Johansen’s Farm advertises an option for whole school outings. 

Each patch offers the same services (Pumpkin picking, carnival rides, drinks and food, and corn mazes) but with their own spin to it. For example, Bengston’s has pig races and tractors traveling along the perimeter of a small town, offering a beautiful and fun view. On the other hand, Johansen’s offers a corn maze with admission.

Although the price can be high, there are some that believe that it is still worth the experience 

“Yea it’s great definitely worth it, you’ll have a great time,” says English teacher Mr. Washer. 

As stated before, picking pumpkins is not the only activity offered at these “patches”.  

In 2020, I went to a pumpkin patch with my family in Crest Hill.  The experience was so fun. There was a petting zoo area where there were goats, sheep, and chickens; we were able to feed the goats. There was also a variety of food options like donuts, pizza, corn-on-the-cob and drinks like hot chocolate and coffee. There were fun activities like a corn maze, corn pit, rides, and small haunted houses,” senior Abigail Davila said.

Another senior had a similar experience.

“(I like the) animal petting, hayrides, and mazes,” senior Maritsa Ramirez said.

While most pumpkin patches have these types of activities, there are activities that may surprise you.

“One of the patches I went to had a rock climbing wall,” senior Cristian Rivera said.

But, the country vibe and crowds aren’t for everybody.

“I went to Goebbert’s pumpkin patch. There were a lot of people and there was only one fun game — a basketball hoop,” senior Hugo Castenada said.

And, of course, there’s always the possible pumpkin patch traumatic experience.

“I once got lost in a 2-5 acre corn maze, and I still don’t think I can go in one,” senior Diego Barocio said.

With all the pumpkin patches, it’s always good to see that they have more than just the same old basic activities, so you can decide if it’s really worth it to go.