One of the most popular questions at this time of year is “where is the best pumpkin patch in New Orleans?” It seems to me that the biggest problem is not knowing what to expect, as I hear mixed reviews and people just don’t seem to know. That’s why we came up with this list of tips that will help make your trip to Mrs. Heather’s Pumpkin Patch an incredible experience. This is a very budget-friendly family-friendly event for families in the South Louisiana region, anywhere else in Baton Rouge, Orleans, or New Orleans. Adults are free and kids (newborn and up) are $9. This farm visit can be an amazing preparation but key is the incredible experience. Mrs. Heather’s Pumpkin Patch is open from September 24th to November 6th.
Road Tripping
When you are close to the farm, there are often times/days when you have to wait in traffic for more than 20 minutes, usually about a mile and a quarter away. So, make sure you don’t make the mistake of telling your kids that there are only 10 minutes left. Prepare in advance by getting games, books, movies, and snacks for the little ones, as it is a “long” drive for many of us from New Orleans to get to this pumpkin patch.
We often bring a wagon with supplies to the park when we need it. There are plenty of picnic areas with shaded tables, as well as areas to have a picnic. It’s best in your own interest to bring your own drinks because this can add up to the cost for our family. The only food items usually available on the property are bags of chips and bottled drinks. So, it’s wise to pack your own snacks and cold drinks for a picnic lunch.
What to Wear
Wear sunblock and bug spray as the area is very open with little shade, and it’s a farm so bugs are imminent.
Get your rain boots ready, you might need them if it has rained in the preceding days. The majority of the ground is covered in dirt as closed-toe shoes are recommended, so wear comfortable footwear (as there will be a lot of walking).
Do you know where there are photo ops to get sweaty and dirty before those, on the rolling hill, near the wooden cow milking bails in the large field near the barn, with character-cutouts?
Meeting Spot
Depending on the spotty service provider for your cellular connection, the phrase “Meet up at the cow milking spot for lunch at 12:30” may be the phrase that saves your krewe from walking extra miles. Make sure to arrive on time and set up a meeting spot for the event.
What to Bring
Bring as many adults as possible, particularly when bringing multiple children to Mrs. Heather’s Pumpkin Patch. The play areas are spread out, with 
lots of fun things to do in each area, which can make it tough to keep everyone together, especially if you have larger age gaps. Invite the grandparents to come along or maybe buddy-up and go with another family to help wrangle!
Bring hand sanitizer and baby-wipes. The bathrooms are pretty much outhouses so think Mardi-Gras style prep, here.
To prevent your car from getting dirty, bring a garbage bag to discard the dusty garments. Put fresh socks on the children and utilize those baby wipes to cleanse their small feet. You will feel dirty, sweaty, and exhausted upon returning to the vehicle, so remember to bring a fresh set of clothes and shoes!
Ensure that your phone is completely charged so that you can capture all the autumn moments at Mrs. Heather’s Pumpkin Patch!
It’s Worth It!
If you’re not looking for this type of experience, there are plenty of other pumpkin patch options available for your family! Mrs. Heather’s Pumpkin Patch is worth the trouble if you want to keep going year after year and take photos.
