Pumpkin Smash: Pumpkin Patch in Bolingbrook, Sat Nov 7

Name: Pumpkin Smash
Start: 2026-11-07T12:00:00-06:00
End: 2026-11-07T16:00:00-06:00
Location: Hidden Oaks Nature Center

Know before you go

When: Saturday, November 7, 2026, 12 PM to 4 PM
Where: Hidden Oaks Nature Center, 419 Trout Farm Rd.,Bolingbrook,IL,United States
Length: About 4 hours
Ages: Family-friendly
Type: Pumpkin Patch

Details

Come smash and bash pumpkins in the name of saving the Earth! Choose how your jack-o’-lantern will meet its demise — pounded to a pulp, launched over a railing and more. It’s going to be a smashing good time! Work up an appetite smashing your pumpkin then enjoy roasting hot dogs and s’mores over an open fire. Bring a wagon, bucket or bin to haul your pumpkin through the smashing stations. Stay awhile and enjoy the festivities or simply drop off your pumpkin for composting. Pumpkins will be brought to McDonald Farm for composting at their organic farm.
Pumpkin Smash is a regional event spearheaded by SCARCE to promote composting and wise use of resources. By composting your pumpkin, you are keeping waste out of landfills, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and creating a natural fertilizer for soils.
Fee: Free!
Age: All ages.
No registration required.
Please remove non-organic items including candles, wax, artificial decorations, etc. Pumpkins with synthetic paint cannot be composted. Pumpkins with non-toxic tempera paint can be set aside to be composted on site but will not be able to participate in smashing activities.
The event will take place over uneven, natural terrain and accessible sidewalks. Hidden Oaks Nature Center is an accessible facility. Anyone who requires an auxiliary aid or service to participate in this program should submit a request online (https://www.reconnectwithnature.org/americans-with-disabilities-act-information/request-accommodation-inclusion-service/) no later than 48 hours before the program.
(Photo by Glenn P. Knoblock)