Pumpkin Patch Scavenger Hunt: an easy way to capture cute fall photos of kids

Do you want to get some adorable fall photos of your kids at the pumpkin patch this year? Get kids on board by turning the photo shoot into a game with this free printable pumpkin patch scavenger hunt for kids!

Visiting the pumpkin patch each year is one of my favorite parts of fall. And it’s hard to resist wanting to take some adorable pictures of your own little pumpkins as they wander through the fields.

The problem is that, if your kids are anything like mine, they have no interest in pausing to pose for your perfect photo op. They are far too busy exploring and playing to sit still and say cheese!

But what if you could let them play AND capture the perfect fall photos you dream of?

It’s totally possible! All you need is one of our tried-and-true favorite kids’ activities:

a scavenger hunt!

Why Choose a Pumpkin Patch Scavenger Hunt?

I learned a long time ago that the best way to get my kids to do what I want them to do is to find a way to make it fun for them. By adding a scavenger hunt to your trip to the pumpkin patch, you’re turing the picture-taking that you want into a simple and fun game that they’ll love!

While your kids are hunting for the biggest pumpkin in the patch and making goofy jack-o-lantern faces, you’ll be smiling to yourself as you click away, capturing all the festive photos you want. It’s a win win!

Ready to plan your best pumpkin patch trip ever? Here’s what you’ll need:

Here’s how to get started:

Step 1: Choose a pumpkin patch & plan your visit.

Decide what pumpkin patch you’ll visit. Choose one that has some good photo spots, like tractors to sit on, scarecrows, a corn field, etc. I like to choose patches that also have activities specifically geared toward kids, like a corn pit or a petting zoo. My kids love these activties, and they’re great for photography, too.

Also, think about the time of your visit. When possible, I like to avoid busy times so that I don’t have a bunch of strangers in all my photos, and so my kids don’t have to wait forever to get a turn on the tractor. Ideally, I like to get “golden hour” photos, but sometimes that’s not possible with little kids. Prioritize planning your visit around the times when your kids are most likely to be well-fed and happy. Because things go downhill fast when kids get hangry. But you probably know that all too well.

Step 2: Print the pumpkin patch scavenger hunt.

Make sure to print out the pumpkin patch scavenger hunt before you head out on your adventure. To get yours, just click the button below:

You’ll also want to grab a pencil or marker to cross off the scavenger hunt items as you take photos. Finally, make sure you to bring a camera!

With the necessary preparations in place, you’re now ready to embark on your pumpkin patch scavenger hunt adventure. Let the hunt begin!

Step 3: Explain the game.

Gather your kids and explain the scavenger hunt game to them. Let them know that their goal is to complete as many scavenger hunt challenges as possible by finding and taking pictures with various things during your pumpkin patch visit. This will pique their interest and get them excited about the adventure.

Step 4: Grab your camera & let the hunt begin!

Head out to the pumpkin patch and enjoy the adventure together. Armed with your smartphone or camera, take pictures of your children as they check off each item on the scavenger hunt.

Remember to embrace the candid moments, too! Hopefully doing the scavenger hunt will help you get a the posed shots you want, but don’t forget to take candid shots of your kids exploring the pumpkin patch as well. The images of the kids playing hide and seek among the pumpkins, sharing laughter with their siblings, and having a staring contest with a goat are the authentic moments are the ones you’ll treasure most.

Step 5: Celebrate with a Reward.

To make the scavenger hunt even more fun, consider offering a small reward once your children have completed the list. Whether it’s a special treat you purchase at the pumpkin patch or a pumpkin cookie you have waiting at home, a reward can make the adventure all the more exciting. Plus, offering a reward that can be redeemed at home is a great way to get kids to willingly leave the patch when it’s time to go.

Bonus Tips for Fabulous Pumpkin Patch Photos

1. Check your battery. Make sure to bring your camera or smartphone fully charged and with plenty of storage space. You don’t want to miss out on any picture-worthy opportunities because your battery died or you ran out of storage.
2. Plan outfits. Don’t worry too much about dressing in perfectly matchy outfits, but today is a good day for your child’s favorite neon sweatshirt to be “unfortunately” in the wash. When I know we’re going to the pumpkin patch, I try to help my kids choose clothes that day that I know will look good in pictures. That being said, if your child insists on wearing their rainbow unicorn sweatshirt, go with it. You’re trying to capture REAL life anway, right?
3. Wear rainboots. You won’t worry about their feet getting muddy and they’ll look adorable!
4. Bring snacks. Fed kids are much more likely to be happy kids. Smile, and say “Candy Corn!”…and then give them one.
5. Don’t worry about having them look at the camera. If your kids are like mine, they are incredibly talented at looking everywhere EXCEPT the camera. Expect them to want to explore and look around. Then photograph all the wonderful candidness.
6. Look for unique perspectives and angles. You don’t have to be a pro photographer to get creative with composition. Get down low and photograph the pumpkins (and kids) from their level or experiment with different framing techniques to add visual interest to your shots. Have fun!

So grab your camera, step into the pumpkin patch, and let your creativity soar. The memories you make and the photos you capture will be cherished for years to come.

One last tip…

As much fun as it is to take all these perfect fall photos, make sure you put down your camera and just PLAY with your kids, too. You don’t have to capture every moment. There is value in getting out from behind your lens and being present with your kids. Just sayin’.

Let the adventure begin!

Want MORE Halloween fun for kids?

Check out the Halloween Activity Bundle! It has everything you need for festive Halloween family fun and simple party planning! You can grab all 12 activities (more than 50 pages of fun) in The Many Little Joys shop today. Make it easy to be the “fun mom” this year!