The influence of American culture has made that every night of October 31 Halloween is celebrated in Madrid and with this holiday have joined certain themes and decorations with the pumpkin as the protagonist. Whether it is because it has the typical color of autumn or because it is one of the most common vegetables in seasonal dishes, pumpkin seems to be in fashion and going to pick it in the garden is the latest trend. Defined in English as Pumpkin Patch, the activity is usually focused on children and families and in addition to harvesting the pumpkin is painted and some activities are done that also bring the little ones closer to the orchards.
The Orchard of Aranjuez
La Huerta de Aranjuez has achieved, thanks to the Pumpkin Patch , that every autumn when Halloween approaches, people talk about their space. Here in addition to choosing your pumpkin you can decorate it, participate in activities and have a snack.
From the end of September until November 3, the events that the Huerta de Aranjuez prepares around the holiday: tractor rides, pumpkin picking, corn maze, snack bar (cob + drink of choice), among others that you can see in the calendar on their website.
Location: Carretera de Cádiz, 69 (Aranjuez)
Monjarama Nurseries
In Viveros Monjarama pumpkin picking is extended until November 20. They offer workshops that include an explanation of the varieties of pumpkins, decoration and emptying of pumpkins, and family activities such as tractor rides.
You can choose between going on your own to harvest your pumpkins, paying 4 euros/kg, or participating in the family workshops. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and children under 2 years old are free.
Location: camino Viejo de Barajas, 4 (San Sebastián de los Reyes)
Huerta La Floresta
Huerta La Floresta is a farm that offers the experience of harvesting your own pumpkin straight from the bush. After the harvest, they organize a decoration and carving workshop, using various plastic techniques and craft materials. This activity was to be held only in October, but after the success of the past weekends , the date has been extended to Saturday, November 2, with the possibility of more weekends. The workshop starts at 11:00 am and lasts approximately two hours. Afterwards, children can play on our playground or explore the farm.
The rest of the year we also have direct sales of seasonal products.
Location: polígono, 4; parcela, 86 (Quijorna)
Royal Botanical Garden
Although pumpkins cannot be harvested at the Royal Botanical Garden, it does offer until November 30 an exhibition showing various species and cultivars of pumpkins. This exhibition is educational and allows visitors to learn about different types of pumpkins, including the classic ones for Halloween and other more exotic varieties.
Location: plaza Murillo, 2 (Retiro)