Linus of It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown will be jealous when he finds out your kiddo is celebrating their birthday in a pumpkin patch. For your October and November-born kiddos, why not throw them a bash that can’t be beat. Pumpkin Station offers birthday parties from Sept. 26 – Oct. 31 that bring the spirit of Halloween to a whole new level.
The Great Pumpkin Patch Party
Pumpkin patch parties are available at the Del Mar, Mission Valley and Chula Vista Pumpkin Station locations. For a small fee ($50), Pumpkin Station provides a private tent for three hours, tables (with festive orange tablecloths), chairs and trash pickup. A minimum of ten kids are required for weekend parties.
All you do is purchase wristbands ($15 each) for the kids, which are good for unlimited use of the kiddie rids (including the popular pumpkin train ride), giant slides and petting zoo. Throw in a slice of cake and goodie bag and your party is complete! Be sure the little goblins dress in costume to keep in the Halloween spirit.
Insider Tip: Once the kids are let lose to play on the rides, it’s nearly impossible to get them back to the tent until they’re ready to go home. We suggest serving snacks and cake, and singing “happy birthday” before distributing wrist bands. This also leaves you free to enjoy the party once the formal festivities are over.
Pumpkin Party on the Farm
If you want more of an old-fashioned, farm-themed event, reserve your party spot at the Rancho Bernardo or Bonita Pumpkin Station locations. Both spots have a large picnic area with tables for your party guests to enjoy. All you need to do is reserve your date and time, and bring the cake and party favors (outside food and drinks are welcome).
For only $9 per kiddo, party goers enjoy a tractor-pulled hay wagon ride, fun in the 8-foot tall living corn maze, and a bottle of water. They also take home a pumpkin and coloring book. The party wouldn’t be complete without plenty of time to play with the farm animals, and horse around in the bales of straw.
Insider Tip: While Pumpkin Station does provide sinks for hand washing, you may want to bring a few packages of antibacterial wipes and jars of hand sanitizer for post-animal petting.
Party Planning Pointers
- Book your party early! The available spaces tend to sell out quickly as Halloween approaches.
- Encourage party-goers to wear closed-toe shoes and bring sunscreen. October doesn’t always equal cooler temperatures in San Diego.
- Be prepared that bathrooms typically take the port-a-potty form.
- Since the pumpkin patches and farms are open to other customers – and weekend are particularly crowded – encourage parents to stick around and accompany their kiddos around the rides. These venues are not suited for “drop off” parties.
- Free and ample parking is available at every location.
Pumpkin Station
Pumpkin Patches: Del Mar, Mission Valley and Chula Vista
Pumpkin Farms: Rancho Bernardo and Bonita
858-566-7466
Online: pumpkinstation.com
What type of fall-themed parties have you thrown for your kiddos? Tell us in the comments!
Written and photographed by Leah R. Singer
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