Alex Pearson grew up celebrating his October birthday at Vala’s, spent his youth on the family farm, and in 2021 planted a test pumpkin crop to see if a patch was viable. It was. Pearson’s Pumpkin Place opened in 2022 on land the family has farmed for generations, across more than 150 acres.
It’s deliberately built for active kids ages two to twelve: jumping pillow, sand mountain, tire playground, kiddie karts, hamster wheels, a corn box, hay fort, climbing bales, obstacle course races, an active fishing pond, and free face painting. Weekend magic shows, the Golden Pumpkin Hunt, hayrack rides, and a sunflower field in July and August (five acres of wildflowers) round it out. Food comes from Gwen’s Goodies and Rockin’ Ruby’s — named for Pearson’s daughters — with turkey burnt-end mac n’ cheese, cider slushies, and popcorn from their own “Always Be Poppin’” brand. The dog-friendly Pumpkins & Paws event benefits NALA Rescue. The mission says it all: “experiences and memories in nature that build family traditions.”