Howell’s Pumpkin Patch: Your Family’s Fall Adventure Guide
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Discover the charm of Howell’s Pumpkin Patch in our detailed guide, where we’ll walk you through everything you need to know for a perfect day of seasonal fun.
Located in Cumming, Iowa, Howell’s Pumpkin Patch is a must-do for our family during the fall season.
There is nothing like being on a gorgeous acreage in the country in Iowa with all the rolling hills and colorful trees.
Besides the amazing setting, there is also SO much to do for everyone at Howell’s.
Below is all the MUST KNOW information for your visit.
Howell’s Pumpkin Patch Location
Located in Cumming, Iowa, Howell’s Pumpkin Patch is surrounded by picturesque rolling hills and sprawling fields.
Most visitors to Howell’s will likely exit from Interstate 35 south to get to Howell’s.
Howell’s is located about 4.5 miles from Interstate 35 and 10 miles from the Des Moines metro area.
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Best Time to Visit
Howell’s Pumpkin Patch’s official fall season runs from about the first week of September until the end of October.
During this time, Howell’s is open daily from 10am to 6pm.
In general, visiting in September is a lot less busy than in October.
Additionally, we have found that going in the late afternoon on a weekday is the least busy and usually has amazing weather too!
Expert Recommendation
Our family typically visits Howell’s on a Wednesday school early out day in October. We usually go right after school dismisses and stay until closing at 6pm. It is never busy during this part of the day, and it is the perfect time to make some special fall memories with our family.
With all of that said, Howell’s does have special events and/or music on some weekend days in October as well.
Check the Howell’s Facebook page for the most up to date information on special events and music!
Admission Cost
Admission is $18 plus tax for most everyone over 2 years old.
There are discount tickets for seniors 65 and older as well as members of the military and their families.
If you purchase tickets ahead of time on Howell’s website, they are $15 plus an online fee.
I recommend purchasing tickets ahead of time.
Even with the fee, they are a couple of dollars cheaper plus it is quicker to get your wristbands once you arrive if you have already purchased tickets.
Howell’s does have some extra activities available for an additional cost including pony rides ($7), corn cannon ($2), and pumpkin cannon ($10).
If you just want to walk around and view the pumpkins, mums, and goats, you can walk around for free.
You just aren’t able to participate in any of the activities.
Expert Tip
Purchase your admission tickets ahead of time to save both money and time. Tickets purchased online are about $3 cheaper than if purchased at the gate. You can pre-purchase tickets and use them any day or time.
Howell’s Pumpkin Patch Activities
Howell’s has so many fun activities for a wide range of ages and abilities.
Below are a few of our favorites.
- 2 Large pumpkin jumping pillows
- Bathtub ride
- Goat feeding
- Tractors to climb on
- Wagon ride out to the pumpkin patch
- Corn maze
- Cow slide
- Teeter totters
- Chalk
- “Mud pie” play area
- Bee Lining
- Corn cannon
- Pony rides
- Obstacle course play area
- And so much more
What’s New at Howell’s
This fall Howell’s has some amazing updates and additions that visitors will truly enjoy.
Obstacle Course
Howell’s has introduced a new exciting obstacle course, offering an array of thrilling challenges such as ropes courses, bridges, a rock climbing wall, log balance, and a wobbly bridge, just to name a few.
The centerpiece is a towering silo, climbable via steps from the inside, complete with an exhilarating slide all of the way back down.
Adding to the adventure is an airborne tunnel that you can crawl through leading to a lofty tower where you can ring a bell to celebrate your triumph.
This obstacle course is super fun for the older kids.
Expert Tip
On a busy weekend day at Howell’s, I would suggest children participating in the obstacle course to be at least age 4 or older. If you are visiting on a day that is not very busy, an adult can help a younger child much easier. This course is very challenging for the younger ones.
Bee Line
Also new to Howell’s this year is the incredible Bee Line which has taken the place of the former zip line experience.
Similar to a traditional zip line, but without the need for harnesses, the Bee Line offers an equally exhilarating and enjoyable ride.
Since the Bee Line has no harness to take on and off, riders can move through the line much quicker to experience this thrilling ride.
According to the Bee Line’s sign, there are no age restrictions although riders on the Bee Line should be less than 150 pounds.
Expert Tip
I suggest that the Bee Line is best suited for older children due to its relative speed, requiring riders to hold on tight in order to avoid potential injury. Make sure your child is capable of refraining from letting go until the Bee Line has come to a complete stop.
Note: There are a few additional rules posted on a sign located near the Bee Line experience.
My biggest tip is to supervise your children while they are participating on this attraction.
Modern Restroom Facilities
While this new addition to Howell’s may not be as exciting for the kids, most adults will surely appreciate the comfort and convenience provided by these modern restrooms.
This is especially beneficial for adults with small children.
What to Bring to Howell’s Pumpkin Patch
- Change of clothes or dress in layers: While this is not a requirement, having an extra change of clothes for the kids just in case is a smart move. Also, temperatures during the fall can fluctuate quite a bit throughout a day so dressing in layers is a good idea too.
- Water: Howell’s has concessions available at a couple of different stands located throughout the pumpkin patch. One way to save yourself a little money is to bring your own water.
- Snacks: To avoid spending money at the concession stands, it is a great idea to bring your own lunch or snacks as well! There are many picnic tables to enjoy your food!
- Stroller or wagon: Howell’s Pumpkin Patch can involve quite a bit of walking so having a stroller or wagon with you is not only convenient for the kids but also offers a handy place to store personal items.
Pumpkins, Mums, and More
Howell’s has so many pumpkins, mums, gourds, and more to purchase.
They also have an area where you can wash off your pumpkin and wheelbarrows to get your pumpkins and other purchases easily to your car.
Howell’s also has a gift barn with tons of unique holiday and seasonal decor and gifts.
Howell’s Pumpkin Patch has the Most Gorgeous Views
My favorite thing about visiting Howell’s besides the excitement and smiles on my kids’ faces is the amazing views.
I love the gorgeous hills of fields and open skies. It is truly a magical place to be.
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What is your favorite thing at the pumpkin patch? Drop a comment and let me know!
May you LOVE your adventure. KW
