October 6, 2008

Smashing Pumpkins

Pumpkin Patch Roundup

Nothing says fall like a carved jack-o’-lantern glowing on the porch. Finding the right one can be tricky; why not pick your own at a local farm?

Grab a wagon at Clearview Farm (4 Kendall Hill Road, Sterling; 978-422-0442) and look for pumpkins named Cinderella, Sugar, Ghost, Big Mac, or Tom Fox.

At Connors Farm (30 Valley Road, Danvers; 978-777-1245) you can pick your own, then navigate your way through a corn maze, ride a pony (Sundays, noon-4 p.m.), and take a $3 hayride.

Browse the acres at Belkin Family Lookout Farm (89 Pleasant Street South, South Natick; 508-653-0653), then take in two petting zoos and the children’s play area or ride a train through the property.

Besides finding the perfect pumpkin, your day will be a treat.

GO
Fest o’ Fall
What: Press apples, watch live animal presentations, paint pumpkins, and browse a giant yard sale.
Why: Fall for it.
When: Sat.-Mon., 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Where: Blue Hills Trailside Museum, 1904 Canton Ave., Milton (617-333-0690).

SEE
Hansel and Gretel
What: The Tanglewood Marionettes perform the story of the siblings abandoned in the woods.
Why: Don’t lose your way.
When: Sat, 11 a.m.
Where: Watertown Children’s Theatre, Arsenal Center for the Arts, 321 Arsenal St., Watertown (617-926-2787).

SWEAT
Goose Bumps
What: Find out what makes your heart race, your knees shake, and your body sweat when you’re scared.
Why: It’s a thriller.
When: Sun.-Jan. 4.
Where: Museum of Science, 1 Science Park, Downtown (617-723-2500).