As soon as the first hint of autumn rolls around, my three kids ask on a regular basis when we can go to the pumpkin patch. This is not simply because they’re eager to gather Halloween décor. To my kids (all under the age of 12), fall means visiting the farm and getting all the animal petting, ropes course playing and barbecue eating they can squeeze into one afternoon.

This is because Central Oregon is home to more than one terrific spot to celebrate fall.

## Smith Rock Ranch

The first place for some true family fun is Smith Rock Ranch. Known for its ever-changing, intricately designed Corn Maize, this ranch offers heaps of harvest amusement for all ages. Another big draw for kids is the Pumpkin Cannon. Who doesn’t want to launch a pumpkin and see it fly? There are countless activities here that you can enjoy, from Horse Drawn Wagon Rides, to the Petting Zoo and Barnyard Golf. Parents like to purchase seasonal produce from the Harvest Market, too. Families can easily spend an entire day at this festive locale.

*@victoriaabrand*

All of this is conveniently down the road from Smith Rock State Park. My family likes to take advantage of our outing with a scenic hike on one of the many trails. Because the summer heat is gone by this time, it’s a great chance to walk along the river and view all of the climbers who scale the surrounding rock walls. This area never fails to astound me with its pristine beauty.

On the way home, you can stop for dinner at Pump House Bar & Grill. Located just minutes from Smith Rock, this restaurant has filling pub fare and is the perfect way to complete your visit to the area.

## DD Ranch

Another local favorite is DD Ranch (known to locals as the ‘D and D’). Located three miles east of Terrebonne, on NE Smith Rock Way, is a quintessential family ranch complete with a petting zoo, pony rides, a hay maze, playground and more.

Spending a day at the DD Ranch (known to locals as the ‘D and D’) feels like stepping back in time to a charming old-fashioned fair, filled with the sweet aromas of cotton candy and kettle corn. Kids can roam freely, picking their own pumpkins from the patch, with handy red wagons available to carry their treasures. Enjoy a leisurely tractor-guided hayride to explore the picturesque grounds, stop and get a fun face painting, and then cuddle adorable baby bunnies or feed the llamas and chickens. The ropes course area also offers slides and plenty of climbing fun for the kids!

All these fall activities will work you up an appetite, so make sure you leave time to try one of the amazing vendors available at the ranch throughout October. Selections include hand popped kettle corn, mouth watering BBQ, and specialty drinks for the adult ranch goers. Don’t forget dessert! Try out old-fashioned spun cotton candy, delicious chocolate confectioneries, or grab a homemade dog treat for your pup.

Our visit always includes a purchase of their 100% grass-fed beef, natural pork, raw honey and farm-raised eggs. It’s the easiest way to stock our kitchen with some wholesome organic food.