It’s a family-friendly activity that gets everyone out in the fresh air. Here’s our pick of the Pick Your Own pumpkin patches in the county

PUMPKIN MOON, MAIDSTONE

Last autumn, Charlie Eckley launched Pumpkin Moon at Boarley Farm in Sandling, Maidstone, offering a day out picking pumpkins and squashes with 13 varieties. This year, launching on Saturday, October 7, there will be 50-plus types of pumpkin, squash, gourds and sweetcorn. Food and drink will also be available. Entry is free and visitors pay for what they pick. The site will be open on selected days and then every day from Friday, October 20 to Sunday, October 29. To find out more, visit pumpkinmoon.uk

BELUNCLE FARM, HOO

The 40-acre family farming business has been opening its gates in the run-up to Halloween now for PYO fans for seven years. This year picking starts at 10am on Saturday, October 14 and Sunday, October 15. There will be picking from Tuesday, October 17 to Friday, October 20 between 10am and 1pm and from Saturday, October 21 to Sunday, October 29 between 10am and 4pm. Details at pyopumpkins.com

More Halloween fun across Kent

CHILTON MANOR FARM, SITTINGBOURNE

The family farm and shop has PYO pumpkins from Saturday, October 14 at 10am. The farm in Highsted Road, Sittingbourne, ME9 0AA also specialises in apples and pears, fresh vegetables, honey and Korkers sausages. For more details visit visitchiltonmanorfarm.co.uk

FOUR WINDS FARM, BIDBOROUGH

The farm’s Pick Your Own Pumpkin event, which also includes a scarecrow trail, barbecue and face painting, will be held on Friday, October 27 and Saturday, October 28 between 10am and 4pm. Head to the farm in Penshurst Road, Bidborough, call 07961 893682 or visit facebook.com/farmfourwinds for details.

MILEBUSH FARM, WEST FARLEIGH

Open daily from 9am to 5pm, the farm in Shingle Barn Lane, West Farleigh, has started PYO pumpkins this year. Head to the farm in West Farleigh near Maidstone, ME15 0PN, call 07971 964509 or visit facebook.com/pickyourownmilebushfarm for details.

SEVINGTON, NEAR ASHFORD

The family-owned farm will be open to pumpkin pickers on Saturday, October 14 and Sunday, October 15 from 10am to 4pm, and from Saturday, October 21 through to Sunday, October 29. The venture raises funds for charity each year. Children will also have the opportunity to meet Peppa Pig on Tuesday, October 24 and Cinderella on Thursday, October 26, when she will be able to help pick a pumpkin to turn into a carriage. Head to the farm at TN25 7HX. For details go to facebook.com/Pickyourownpumpkin.