Three places to pick the perfect pumpkin this year

If ever there was a perfect time to embrace Americana, in all its Instagram-able, folksy glory, it's Halloween. The weather is mild and sunny, the afternoons are bathed in golden sunlight and the kids are off school for mid-term - it's the perfect opportunity to seize the day, go out and make some memories. A long-time tradition Stateside, pumpkin patches, where you can go and pick out the perfect Jack O'Lantern candidate, are popping up all over Ireland. Here are three to check out this week: Cork Kids of all ages will have a scream at The Farm in Grenagh, where the whole family can pick and carve a friendly or scary pumpkin. Afterwards there's a ball pit and sand pit to explore as well as a “kidbine” harvester, pedal karts and a family of cows, sheep, horses, hens, ducks, deer, puppies, pigs, birds and donkeys to meet. €8 per person, open 12pm to 3pm daily until October 31. Meath Find your way through the corn maze before picking your pumpkin straight from the pumpkin patch at Alright Pumpkin in Fordstown. Sweetcorn fresh from the stalk is also available - stock up for a few weeks, this stuff is delicious. Open 11am to 6pm until October 31. Carlow Board the Rathwood Halloween Pumpkin Train in Tullow, where you'll be greeted by friendly creatures and whisked off into the enchanted woods. Inside you you can pick your favourite pumpkin and, with the help of a few friendly witches, carve your favourite picture onto it. When your pumpkin is complete, you can take it home. Hot chocolates are a must when the fun is over. €10 per child,  per adult. Book here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0WqoOmLzNMA Make sure your phone is charged: this is the stuff that family photo albums are made of.