Boise, ID

If Peter Piper had planted a patch of plump picken’-pumpkins (rather than picking a peck of pickled peppers), he probably would have grabbed the attention of more children. Fortunately, many other farmers have caught the autumn spirit (and a business opportunity!) and provided families all over the Treasure Valley with a fun way to spend a little time enjoying a beautiful fall day in SW Idaho. One such place is Linder Farms in Meridian, where my kids and I have enjoyed an outing more than one year.

One of the most exciting aspects of a trip to this farm is the hayride to the pumpkin patch. Kids of all ages enjoy piling on a tractor-pulled trailer for a bumpy ride through the fields. Arriving at the destination, the hunt is on for the perfect pumpkin. Last time we went (which was with a group) they said the kids could take whichever pumpkin they liked as long as they could carry it, but there were those kids determined to prove they could lug a pumpkin half as big as themselves. My kids chose a nice, manageable one, although about 100 pumpkins had to be inspected before one was decided upon. Then it was back to the tractor for a return trip.

Back at the “barn,” more fun awaits. A kiddie hay bale maze provides a wonderful way to get the wiggles out while moms and dads can look over the top and help provide direction when necessary. There are also a few tables where we have picnicked on peanut butter sandwiches that we brought along. Concessions are also available for a reasonable price.

Our family tradition is to send out a “Thanksgiving Letter” every year (rather than a Christmas letter) and more than once, photos taken while on a trip to the pumpkin farm have provided a great choice to include in our autumn greetings. In other words, if you go, make sure you take a camera to capture all those Kodak moments.

Linder Farms also provides field trip opportunities during the day for groups. In fact, our only experiences there have been when we went with our MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) group. When you go with a group, they also provide a small “craft” project . You do need to call ahead and schedule with them if you want to take a group.

We have not done the big corn maze there, but if you have never done one, you should try it at least once. (It even makes a pretty good date night activity, if you can find someone to watch the kids.)

Linder Farms is located on Linder between Lake Hazel and Columbia Roads in Meridian, just about 1 mile west of the Meridian-Kuna Highway. This year (2008) they are open September 19-October 31. All of the details about prices, directions, hours, etc. are on their website: www.linderfarms.com.