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Pumpkin Patch Express

Date: Sat, Oct 17, 2026

Time:

Venue: Museum of Life and Science, Durham

Price:

Category: Community

Join in Saturdays and Sundays from September 26 to October 25 to celebrate the arrival of autumn at one of the Museum's most popular family-friendly events. Pick the perfect pumpkin to decorate, race through the hay maze, and enjoy a variety of games, photo-ops, and activities inspired by the season. Then climb aboard the train for a relaxing ride back to the station on the Ellerbe Creek Railway!Activities include:Pick and decorate your pumpkinHay Maze Scavenger HuntFall Science ExplorationsMini Pumpkin Putt-Putt, Duck Races, Bowling, and other fun gamesFresh popcornA return train ride from the event to the Train Station on the Ellerbe Creek RailwayLooking to save a little? Book your adventure for one of the later afternoon time slots and save 20%!10:30 am, 10:45 am, 11 am, 11:30 am, 12 pm, 12:30 pm, 1 pm, 1:30 pm, 2 pm2:30 pm**, 3 pm**, 3:30 pm**** Lower-priced tickets – 20% off at $13.50 per ticket

Community · Durham

Pumpkin Patch Express

“Book a departure at 2:30 PM or later to save 20% on your tickets.”

When
Oct 17
Sat, Oct 17, 2026
Ages
Check ages with the venue
Price
See details
durhamfamily friendlykid friendly

The Pumpkin Patch Express is a seasonal train ride and autumn activity day at the Museum of Life and Science in Durham. Visitors take a train ride on the Ellerbe Creek Railway to a patch where children can select and decorate their own pumpkins. What to Know: Tickets for the late afternoon departures at 2:30 PM, 3:00 PM, and 3:30 PM are discounted by 20% at $13.50 per ticket. Your ticket includes a return train ride, a pumpkin, a hay maze scavenger hunt, fall science activities, and games like mini pumpkin putt-putt, duck races, and bowling. Fresh popcorn is also provided during the event. This is a highly practical weekend outing because it combines classic autumn traditions with hands-on science activities, allowing you to check off your pumpkin picking and enjoy a scenic train ride all in one afternoon.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do tickets cost for the Pumpkin Patch Express?
Tickets for the late afternoon time slots starting at 2:30 PM are priced at $13.50 per ticket, which reflects a 20% discount.
What activities are included with admission?
Admission includes a pumpkin to decorate, a hay maze scavenger hunt, fall science explorations, lawn games like duck races and bowling, fresh popcorn, and a return train ride on the Ellerbe Creek Railway.

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Plan Your Visit

Schedule

Pumpkin Patch Express runs Sat, Oct 17, 2026.

Getting There

Museum of Life and Science is at 433 W Murray Avenue, Durham, Durham, NC. Open in Google Maps.

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What to Bring

Admission is listed on the official page; otherwise, come as you are.

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