Getting Out with Kids: Pumpkin Picking and Fall Festivals in the Snoqualmie Valley

[Article by contributing writer and Snoqualmie resident, Amanda Rich]

I don’t know about others, but I feel like Autumn arrived with a bang and a strong, chilly breeze! I wasn’t prepared for the temperatures to drop so drastically and had to quickly pull my boots and sweaters out of storage. However, I was ready for pumpkins, leaves turning, plaid and harvest events! I love festivals and farmers markets for getting out with my kiddo. There are fun activities and the ability to run and roam – plus get a little dirty. We eat some delicious food and go home with treats, produce and other goodies. 

We have already visited Fox Hollow Farm and Carnation Farms for all things Autumn. At Fox Hollow we enjoyed seeing all of the animals – from a mini-horse and goat to chickens and a very large pig. We got to pet rabbits and some baby pigs cuddled under a heat lamp. Fox Hollow offers hot food options, snow cones and espresso for purchase. They do charge admission – prices vary between weekends and weekdays. 

Carnation Farms is hosting their free Harvest Festival throughout the month of October. We enjoyed crafts, games and a scavenger hunt in addition to a hayride and pumpkin picking in the field. Carnation Farms offers delicious hot lunch options – squash soup and grilled cheese plus other options. Beverage options include hot apple cider and beer from local breweries in the tasting shed. The farm offers pumpkins, assortment of squash and farm fresh eggs for purchase at the Harvest Festival in addition to their regular farmstand. When we visited, PNW Axe Throwing was there with their mobile axe throwing trailer. 

Both farms offer s’mores kits for purchase and marshmallow roasting over their open fire pits! 

Other options in and around the valley include Snoqualmie Valley Pumpkin Patch, Jubillee Farm, Fall City Farms, Remlinger Farms, Oxbow Farm & Conservation Center, and Two Brothers Pumpkin Patch,      

Tips: 

• Wear boots – the fields can be a little muddy and messy!
• Pack hand wipes for sanitizing during your outing
• Bring some cash – cards are accepted, but the face paint artist at Carnation Farms preferred cash