Patch It Up

Looking for a fun pumpkin patch experience minus the long car ride? Then ‘giddy up’ to Southlands Heritage Farm right here in the city.

This working farm is reconnecting families with their food through farmers’ markets, kids’ camps, school visits and special events like the pumpkin patch. Entrance is by donation, but you’ll need to pony up $5 per pumpkin. Check in at the office, and then let the pint-sized set pick out a jack-o-lantern in the Old Apple Orchard.

You’ll want to make a stop at the stables where Maynard’s Pony Meadows houses more than 20 horses. Pony rides and lessons are available, but need to be booked ahead. Be sure to climb the stairs up to the hayloft for a bird’s-eye view of the brand-new barn.

Adjacent to the barn, friendly resident goats Cocoa and Irish Cream are always looking for a little nuzzle (and something to munch, so empty your pockets before you go in for that nuzzle). But that’s not all there is to love—you’ll want to pet the massive, but cute, pot-bellied pigs, Juicy and Bertuzzi.

Unique to the farm is an apple press (which can be rented out by the hour to make apple cider) and an old cob oven used to make pizza and bread for birthday parties and group visits. We also like the spring and summer kids’ camps, and the farmers’ markets, which resume in May.

A special afternoon of family fun is planned for Sunday, October 30 between 12 and 4 pm, featuring goat milking, apple pressing, pony rides ($10) and a pumpkin carving contest. Good to Know: Parking along the south side of 51st Avenue is recommended. There is also on-site bike storage.

Take your city slickers to the pumpkin patch and let them mingle on the farm. You don’t always have to travel far to feel like you’re far away.

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