clock 10 am – 5 pm
Pumpkins in a field

Pumpkin Patch Express

Every Saturday & Sunday in October, beginning September 28

Tickets on sale!

$15 per person; kids two and under are free
Museum admission is not included and required to access the event.

All Aboard! Celebrate Fall with a trip to the Museum’s pumpkin patch! Pick the perfect pumpkin to decorate and enjoy a variety of games and activities inspired by autumn. Then, climb aboard the train for a ride back to the station on the Ellerbe Creek Railway!

Activities include:

  • Pick a pumpkin
  • Decorate your pumpkin
  • Hay maze
  • Fall science activities
  • Duck races, bowling, and other fun games
  • Fresh popcorn
  • Return train ride on the Ellerbe Creek Railway
Purchase Tickets

Frequently asked questions

    • Upon arrival at the Museum, please be prepared to purchase admission (or have your membership card checked).
    • Pre-registration and Museum admission are required to attend this event. Members receive free Museum admission as part of their benefits.
    • Guests who are not members must pay the additional cost of admission upon arrival. Children 2 and under are free in an adult ticket holder’s lap. We invite ticketed adults to share their pumpkins—one pumpkin per ticketed person.
    • Tickets are available for sale online until 2 hours before the time slot.
    • Tickets are purchased in advance. Any remaining tickets will be available for sale at the museum front desk.

For accessibility questions, please contact reservations@lifeandscience.org

Museum admission:
We recommend you arrive at the museum 30 minutes before your Pumpkin Patch entry time to allow for check-in and time to travel to the patch entrance. Please bring your ticket, either printed or electronically. Members and General Admission guests: Please enter the museum as usual and check in at the front desk with either your Museum Membership or to purchase admission.

Are tickets transferable?
Yes, all tickets are transferable. To transfer your ticket you must contact our reservations office, reservations@lifeandscience.org at least 48 hours ahead of your ticket date and time. No transfers can happen on-site or on the day of your planned visit.

Are there any refunds?
NO REFUNDS – Refunds will only be issued if the event is canceled. While this is an outdoor event, most weather conditions, including light rain, do not prevent us from running the train. Our highest priority is the safety and comfort of our guests. In the event the train is unable to operate due to high winds, mechanical issues, heavy rain, or thunderstorms, we will provide notice by 9:00 am via email to the ticket buyer and leave a pre-recorded phone message at (919) 220-5429 ext. 344 and post a message to the main social media pages.

Should we have to cancel a full or partial day for safety concerns, we will offer to reschedule you on another day, fully refund your ticket, or gratefully accept your ticket purchase as a donation to the Museum. Please make your reservation and check your details carefully (before you check out) to ensure that you have booked the correct date and time. The Museum is not responsible for errors made during the registration process by the buyer.

Can I change the date/time of my tickets?
We are happy to assist you in changing your ticket date and time. Changes must be made at least 48 hours in advance. All exchanges are based on availability and can be made by emailing reservations@lifeandscience.org during regular business hours, 9 am—4 pm. Availability is not guaranteed. There is a $5.00 processing fee per transaction.

Is my ticket tax-deductible?
The Museum of Life and Science is a charitable organization, and $5.00 of each ticket purchase is tax-deductible. The Museum of Life and Science Tax ID is 56-098434.

A father and kid at the Pumpkin Patch

Fall family fun awaits!