A pumpkin patch day is more fun when nobody’s cold, nobody’s feet hurt and your photos come out the way you hoped. Here’s what to wear and what to bring for a fall farm day, from the family at Lone Jack Acres.
Start with the shoes
Farm ground is grass, dirt and uneven paths, and fields can still be soft a day or two after rain. Wear closed-toe shoes you don’t mind getting dirty: sneakers, hiking shoes or boots all work. Skip sandals and anything with a heel.
If your kids are headed for a corn pit, expect a few kernels to come home in their shoes. Shoes that slip on and off easily make the dump-out at the car a lot quicker.
Dress in layers
Fall weather in Missouri can change a lot in one day. A morning that starts cool can turn warm by mid-afternoon, and a sunny day can turn breezy and chilly toward evening. Layers handle all of it:
- A t-shirt or long-sleeve base layer
- A flannel, sweatshirt or light jacket you can tie around your waist
- A warmer coat in the car for late-season visits
On a warm day, think short sleeves with a light layer for later, plus a hat and sunscreen. There’s not always shade between activities.
Dress for playing, not just for pictures
Kids will slide, jump, climb and dig, so pick clothes that can handle it. Jeans or leggings hold up better than dresses for slides and climbers, and darker colors hide dirt and the occasional cider donut.
Pumpkin patch photo outfits
Pumpkin patch photos are half the fun. A few tips:
- Warm fall colors like rust, mustard, cream, olive and denim look great against pumpkins and farm backdrops.
- Coordinate, don’t match. A shared color family looks more natural than identical shirts.
- Solid colors and simple patterns photograph better than big logos or busy prints.
- Bring a backup shirt for the little ones in case of a spill before photo time.
At Lone Jack Acres you’ll find photo ops all over the farm, including our oversized red chair and custom painted backdrops. One note: professional photo sessions aren’t allowed during event hours, but family snapshots are always welcome.
What to bring
- Your tickets on your phone. Buying online ahead of time saves a wait at the gate.
- Cash or a card. Both work at our ticketing, concessions and farm store. Food trucks set their own policies, and some may be cashless.
- Sunscreen and a hat, even on cool days.
- Hand wipes or sanitizer, especially if you’ll be visiting the animals.
- Room in the car for your pumpkins.
- A bag for farm store treats like homemade jams and pies.
What to leave at home: outside food and drinks (we have plenty to eat at the farm) and your dog (service animals are welcome).
Ready for your pumpkin patch day?
Fall Fun Fest at Lone Jack Acres runs Saturdays and Sundays, 10am to 6pm, through November 1. Read our family guide to Fall Fun Fest for hours, what’s included and tips for your visit, or get your tickets and come see us at the farm.