Smith’s Nursery in Benson offers the kind of October outing that can start with choosing a pumpkin and end with everyone lingering over a sweet treat.

For Johnston County families looking for an easy seasonal adventure, the farm near McGee’s Crossroads brings pumpkins, weekend hayrides, a garden center and creative workshops together in one destination.

You can make the afternoon as simple or as busy as your family likes.

Start with the pumpkin patch

The farm’s current seasonal update says its pumpkin patch is open daily, with hayrides to the patch offered on weekends.

That makes a weekend visit worth considering if the ride is part of your family’s fall tradition.

Let everyone help choose a pumpkin, whether the goal is a front porch display, a decorating project or simply finding the one that makes a child smile.

Pumpkin season runs through September and October, according to the farm’s visitor information.

Before making the drive, check the current farm update for changes and contact the market for hayride times and activity prices.

Add a little creativity to October

The upcoming workshop calendar gives families another reason to plan a visit, especially when someone would rather create a keepsake than just bring home a pumpkin.

On Saturday, October 10, the Monster Mash pottery workshop begins at 11 in the morning and invites participants to decorate a pottery monster with colorful glazes.

The listed price is $35–$38, and the farm describes the activity as suitable for children and families without previous experience.

Finished pieces are fired after the class and are expected to be ready for pickup one week later, so plan for a return visit.

For another seasonal project, the pressed flowers and pumpkin decorating workshop is scheduled for October 24 at 4 in the afternoon, with tickets listed at $35 per person.

Participants receive a medium pumpkin, decorating materials and guidance, then take their finished creation home.

Check the event listing and booking page before purchasing, since spaces are limited and the farm says workshop ticket sales are final.

A little planning can turn a casual farm visit into an afternoon with something special to remember.

Leave time for a treat

The Ice Cream Shack adds another easy stop to the outing, offering homemade soft serve along with milkshakes, slushies and coffee drinks.

The farm lists the shack’s season as March through December, making it a natural option to check during an October visit.

Parents can look over the coffee choices while children decide whether a cold treat belongs on their fall adventure.

Treats and pumpkins are separate purchases, so decide on a comfortable family budget before browsing.

Bring a little fall home

The seasonal garden center selection includes mums, pansies, ornamental grasses and other plants for families who want to freshen up a porch or garden.

You do not need a big decorating project to enjoy looking around; a pumpkin and a splash of seasonal color can be a satisfying way to mark the change in seasons.

Plan your visit

Smith’s Nursery and Farm Market is at 443 Sanders Road, Benson, NC 27504, and the market’s phone number is 919-934-1719.

Read the visitor guidelines before arriving, supervise children around the working farm and remember that pets are not permitted in the fields.

Choose the pumpkin patch, reserve a workshop or combine a weekend hayride with a treat, then give your family a little room to enjoy October together.