Carnival music played its familiar twinkling tune as my girls gleefully took another turn on the carousel at Carolyn’s Pumpkin Patch on Opening Day, Saturday, September 20. Before the carousel, they had already bounced on the giant jumping pillows, petted the animals in the barn, devoured pumpkin sugar donuts, and explored the iconic pumpkin house.
This was our second year visiting Carolyn’s, and my girls had been counting down the days since our first trip. My oldest especially couldn’t wait to ride the Mega Slide again. She bravely climbed to the top of the 85-foot slide while my husband lugged the inner tube beside her. With the help of a friendly farmhand, she hopped in, zipped down at lightning speed, and flashed a grin and thumbs-up at the bottom—proof she loved it just as much as last year.
Carolyn’s is about so much more than rides. The food alone is worth the trip. Those pumpkin donuts you see right when you enter? Do not pass them by. They are warm, sugary perfection. Inside the Red Barn Bakery, you’ll find fudge, kettle corn, iced cookies, and drinks. For a full meal, Kate’s Kitchen offers a hearty menu and plenty of shaded picnic tables in the heart of the farm. And whether you’re in the mood for a beer, wine slushie, fresh-squeezed lemonade, or a hot or iced coffee, you’ll find plenty of drink stands scattered throughout.
No trip is complete without a wagon ride to the pumpkin patch. The wagon takes you out to the fields where pumpkins grow right on the vine, and everyone gets the chance to pick their perfect pumpkin. Back at the entrance, wheelbarrows make it easy to carry your pick through the farm. You can also browse the barn for pumpkins of every size or pop into the gift shop for treats like apple butter, hot sauces, and cute fall goodies for kids.
Entertainment is another highlight. On our visit, we caught live music by Good Sam’s Band, but every weekend offers a fun lineup, including kid-favorite Mr. Stinky Feet. Each weekend also carries a special theme, so it’s worth checking the website before you go. Uncle Lester’s Pig Races had us laughing nonstop as three rounds of squealing piglets dashed around the track—these shows run on the hour starting at 11 a.m. on weekends. And for something truly unique, stick around to see The Pumpkinator launch pumpkins high into the sky every half hour.
Carolyn’s Pumpkin Patch is a fall tradition that delights every age. Open Thursday through Monday until the season closes on Friday, October 31, it’s the perfect way to celebrate autumn in Kansas City. Don’t miss this family favorite!
Tips for Carolyn’s Pumpkin Patch:
- Wear good shoes. If you plan to head out to the pumpkin patch, expect uneven ground and plenty of walking.
- Know your bathroom options. There are plenty of porta-potties around the farm, but only one flushable restroom, located at the back of the carousel building.
- Admission covers most activities. All of the rides, shows, and attractions are included in your ticket. The only extra cost is for any pumpkins you decide to bring home, which are priced by the pound.
- Children two and under get in free.
- Bring a water bottle. While bottled water is available at all food stations, we found it helpful to bring our own to refill. There’s a water fountain located near the restrooms behind the carousel building.
- A stroller or wagon may be helpful, especially for young kids, as there is a lot of walking.
Planning a trip to Carolyn’s? Get all the details—and enter to win passes to Carolyn’s and other favorite pumpkin patches and fall attractions—in the KC Parent Pumpkin Patch Guide. We’re giving away 80 passes this fall!