September 26 – 27
October 3 – 4, 10 – 11, 17 – 18, 24 – 25

Pumpkin Patch Entry Times:
9:30 am*, 9:45 am*, 10 am*, 10:15 am*
*Reserved time slots for Explorer Members only. Members must sign in to access these time slots.
10:30 am, 10:45 am, 11 am, 11:30 am, 12 pm, 12:30 pm, 1 pm, 1:30 pm, 2 pm
2:30 pm**, 3 pm**, 3:30 pm**
** Lower-priced tickets – 20% off at $13.50 per ticket

If your preferred time slot is sold out, it is no longer available. Please click around to find a time slot that works for you!

Pumpkin Patch Express Ticket Prices:
Every person attending must have a ticket; that ticket gets you into the event and allows you to take one pumpkin per ticketed person. Adults are welcome to share their pumpkin with children under 2 but still must purchase a ticket to attend the event.
Museum admission is not included. Non-members will need to purchase Museum admission at the door.

• Event tickets for all guests ages 3 and up (children and adults) are $16 per person on the 9:30 – 10:15 (Members only) and 10:30 – 2 pm trains
• Event tickets for all guests ages 3 and up (children and adults) are $13.50 per person on the 2:30 – 3:30 pm trains
• Event tickets for guests age 2 and under are free all day (children must ride on an accompanying adult’s lap; children must be supervised at all times)

Museum Admission Prices:

• Members – Free
• General – $24
• Seniors (65+) – $22
• Children (Ages 3-12) – $19
• Children (Ages 2 and under) – Free
• US Military (with ID) – $22

By supporting our special events, you join a group of members whose donations go beyond annual admission and help fund our educational programs and exhibits. Thank you for your support! 

All Aboard! Join us as we celebrate fall with a trip to Pumpkin Patch Express! Pick the perfect pumpkin to decorate, race through our Hay Maze, and enjoy a variety of autumn-inspired games and activities. Then climb aboard the train for a relaxing ride back to the station on the Ellerbe Creek Railway!

Activities include:

• Pick and decorate your pumpkin
• Hay Maze Scavenger Hunt
• Fall Science Explorations
• Mini Pumpkin Putt-Putt, Duck Races, Bowling, and other fun games
• Fresh popcorn
• One pumpkin per ticketed person
• A return train ride from the event to the Train Station on the Ellerbe Creek Railway

Is Museum admission included in the $16 ticket price?
Museum admission is not included and is required to access this event. Upon arrival, please be prepared to purchase admission (or have your membership card checked). Members receive free Museum admission as part of their benefits. Guests who are not members must pay the additional admission fee 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.

Can I buy tickets the same day I plan to attend the event?
Tickets are available for sale online until 2 hours before the time slot. Any remaining tickets will be available for sale at the Museum’s front desk.

Is this event accessible?
For accessibility questions, please contact reservations@lifeandscience.org

What time should I arrive at the Museum to attend the event?
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.

I am an adult accompanying children – do I need a ticket?
All guests attending this event are required to purchase a ticket. This includes all adults accompanying children; children will not be permitted access without an adult.

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, 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 for 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 by the buyer during the registration process.

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, 9:00 am — 4:00 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.