This one is for purists. The Nielsen Kids U-Pick Pumpkin & Sweetcorn Patch in Minden has no rides and no elaborate attractions — just a working field and a map showing which sections hold pumpkins, which hold gourds, and where the Indian corn grows. The fun is walking the rows and hunting for the perfect pick among pumpkins in every size, from palm-sized minis to ones that take two people to lift.
Squash and gourds add color and odd shapes, and since it’s a working field, some pumpkins get bumped or split — part of the game is searching for the smooth, sturdy ones. Prices stay friendly, which makes it easy to let each child choose their own, and the sweetcorn is the bonus most patches don’t have. Open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday during the season; wear sturdy shoes and bring a wagon, because walking the field is half the adventure and carrying everything back is the other half.