4 Places to go Pumpkin Picking in & around Belfast

Halloween is upon us and the one thing we can all associate with Halloween is pumpkin picking. I initially thought pumpkin picking was an American thing, but it turns out it originates from Irish Folklore. Look into it, it’s pretty interesting! But either way. it is such a cute tradition for us here in the UK to be able to do with our children on the run-up to Halloween. Whether your aim is to pick the biggest pumpkin, the smallest, the quirkiest looking or even one that isn’t orange! Other than the standard orange coloured pumpkin that we all know, they also come in red, blue and even white! So, I thought it would be fun to give you guys a list of places that you can take your family pumpkin picking in Belfast this October.

Pumpkin Picking – a must-do this October!

I know with everything going on that restrictions are tighter in some places than others. Which is fine, we’re just about keeping up with the changes, right? However, we also need to make this Halloween as fun as we can as well as being as safe as we can. Each pumpkin picking location that I will mention below needs to be booked online, as everywhere has time limits and reduced opening times.

Places to go Pumpkin Picking in Northern Ireland

Streamvale Farm

We are big fans of Streamvale Farm and it’s so great to see their annual Halloween Pumpkin Patch being open this October. They have been approved by the NI Tourism Board through their Good To Go scheme as a safe place to visit and with everywhere, please do not attend if you are displaying any COVID symptoms.

They mention on their website, that to keep everyone safe at this event that they have dramatically reduced their numbers. However, they will have several 2.5hr sessions running each day. There will be no usual Halloween disco or potion-making session due to government guidelines and restrictions.

But the kids can still grab themselves a wheelbarrow and go explore the pumpkin patch {just think of the photos!}. Like previous years, once their pumpkin has been chosen, they can wheel it back to the carving marquee.

Animal shows will still be available throughout the day, as well as barrel and tractor ride too. To book your Pumpkin Patch experience at Streamvale Farm click this link. Dates of this event are from 17th October to 31st October 2020.

The Jungle NI

The Jungle NI is hosting a Hallowee’uns event from the 26th to 31st October and open from 11 am to 3 pm each day. As well as picking their own pumpkin and getting help cut and designing it. There are loads of other activities available, too. This includes the Haunted Haycart, the Maize Maze {wellies are recommended}, A Quad train, Face painting, Prizes for the best fancy dress and so much more.

Prices are £15 per child {2 yrs+} and £4 per adult. You can find full details about The Jungle NI Halloween Event by clicking this link.

Laganvale Farm

Pumpkin Days is hosted by Laganvale Farm. Pre-booking this event is essential with 2.5hr sessions and it’s between 23rd – 31st October.

They have had to make a few adjustments to their usual Pumpkin picking experience, which is understandable. You can find ticket prices for the Pumpkin Days experience by clicking the link and be aware that pumpkins are charged separately due to type & size.

As well as picking and carving your pumpkin, there are animals to enjoy on the farm during your visit. There is also a spooky maze, an activity tunnel, pedal tractor, go-karts and even a Haunted House! Are you brave enough?

Go Pumpkin picking at The Ark Open Farm

The Ark Open Farm is hosting a Halloween Pumpkin Patch between 17th October – 1st November. Like other places I have mentioned, pre-booking is essential to avoid disappointment. The opening hours of this Halloween Pumpkin Patch event is 10 am – 5 pm and your ticket is valid for the whole day. No time restrictions. You can find ticket prices and other information by clicking this link. With this event, I love those daily entrants will be limited but the length of time you stay, will not.

As well as picking and carving your chosen pumpkins, there is a range of other fun activities to enjoy. This includes a Spooky trail, Halloween themed animal handling {including creepy crawlies}, Tractor-trailer rides, Outdoor play areas and a giant jumping pillow {only open if the weather is dry}.

There are optional extras, such as Quad barrel rides {£1 per barrel} and marshmallow toasting {£1 per person}.

So, there you have it. Four fun places to look into if you are looking to book a pumpkin picking experience with your family this year. I hope if you do go to any of these places that you have fun, make memories and stay safe.

If you enjoyed this post and are looking for more Halloween inspiration, then feel free to check out my fun collection of Halloween recipes.