Pumpkin Patches in Ottawa

September 8, 2025

Autumn in Ottawa offers a simple, joyful way to celebrate the season: take your family to a pick‑your‑own pumpkin patch, choose pumpkins together, and spend an afternoon carving or decorating them for Halloween.

Pumpkin Season

Pumpkin season runs from late September through October; weekdays and early mornings are quieter, and the late-afternoon light is beautiful for photos. Dress in layers and wear sturdy shoes as fields can be muddy after rain.

When you arrive, give kids the freedom to roam a little and pick a pumpkin that speaks to them. Let each child choose one they can carry so everyone feels involved. Round, squat pumpkins are easiest to carve, while tall or misshapen ones are perfect for painting or gluing on decorations. Check for firm skin and a solid stem as soft spots mean the pumpkin won’t keep as long.

Picking the right pumpkin

When you arrive, give kids the freedom to roam a little and pick a pumpkin that speaks to them. Let each child choose one they can carry so everyone feels involved. Round, squat pumpkins are easiest to carve, while tall or misshapen ones are perfect for painting or gluing on decorations.

Size: Let each child pick a pumpkin they can safely carry, big enough to carve but not so heavy it becomes dangerous.

Shape: Round, squat pumpkins are easiest to carve. Tall or irregular pumpkins can be great for painting or decorating instead.

Stem: A sturdy stem makes the pumpkin easier to carry and looks better on display.

Check for soft spots or blemishes: These can mean the pumpkin won’t last as long.

Carving and Decorating Tips

At home, make carving a shared project. Younger kids can draw faces or paint their pumpkins while an adult does the cutting. For safety, use child‑safe pumpkin tools when possible and prefer battery LED lights over candles. If you do carve, cutting the bottom instead of the top makes placing a light inside easier and leaves a neater lid. To help carved pumpkins last longer, keep them cool, out of direct sun, and rub a little petroleum jelly on the cut edges to slow drying.

If carving feels too messy or tricky for small hands, decorating with paint, stickers, felt shapes or sequins keeps kids engaged and produces instant, no‑muss results. Turn the experience into a mini‑lesson too: talk about how pumpkins grow, why they’re seasonal, and let kids scoop the seeds to roast later. They will love the snack and the science.

Tips to remember:

Use templates: Print simple jack-o’-lantern faces for young carvers.
Cut the bottom, not the top: Cutting the bottom of the pumpkin instead of the top makes it easier to put a candle or battery light inside and helps the lid sit neatly.
Use battery-operated LED lights for safety.
For non-carving options: paint, stickers, glitter (use a craft sealer) or attach felt shapes. These are great for young kids or classrooms.
Preserve your pumpkin: Keep it cool, out of direct sun, and if carving, apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly on cut edges to slow shrivelling.

Activities at the Patch

Many pumpkin farms add extra activities like hayrides, corn mazes and petting zoos, and seasonal treats such as hot cider and cider donuts make a warm, cozy reward after a chilly walk. Those extras turn the trip into a half‑day adventure rather than a quick errand.