These days, it feels like screens are everywhere. Tablets at dinner, phones in the car, TVs on in the background. It’s easy to fall into the digital trap, but sometimes all we need is a little sunshine and a reason to look up. That’s where nature comes in.

Whether it’s skipping rocks, swinging into giggles, or wandering through a pumpkin patch, getting outside wins every time. Let’s explore the many ways nature’s playground outshines screen time, hands down.

It Boosts Physical Health Naturally

Let’s be real—kids have energy to burn. And what better place to do that than outside where the air is fresh and the space is endless? At Howell’s, it starts the second little feet hit the ground. They’re climbing through obstacle courses, bouncing on jump pads, racing pedal go-karts, and flinging themselves down slides, all while building strength, coordination, and balance.

It doesn’t feel like exercise, but it sure acts like it. Every giggle-filled lap around the pedal track or daring jump into the corn pool adds up to a whole lot of movement. Plus, they’re soaking up vitamin D, which boosts their immune systems and moods. Bonus: They’ll sleep like champs afterward.

It Nurtures Mental Wellness

Nature is like a breath of fresh air—literally and emotionally. Step onto the farm, and everything slows down. The sky stretches wide, the breeze carries the scent of flowers, and even the goats seem to encourage you to take it easy.

Outdoor spaces help melt away stress. They ease anxiety, help with focus, and invite calm moments that kids and adults both need. Imagine your child snuggling a goat or watching ducks waddle past—it’s peaceful and grounding. Even the simple act of sitting on a hay bale with an apple cider slushie feels like therapy in its own way.

It Sparks Creativity and Imagination

Outdoors, anything goes. A stick might become a pirate’s sword. A log? A rocket ship. Dirt? The foundation of a five-star mud pie bakery.

At Howell’s, imagination takes center stage. Our chalk farm turns little ones into artists. Mud pie kitchens become culinary labs. The jump pad launches wild stories skyward. Unlike a show on a screen that tells you what to see and hear, nature invites kids to make their own adventures, characters, and games. And that kind of creativity is priceless.

It Encourages Hands-On Learning

Nature is the original classroom—and it doesn’t even feel like school. It encourages curiosity, problem-solving, and discovery at every turn.

Wandering through the corn maze, for instance, teaches spatial awareness, patience, and resilience. Duck races demonstrate motion and physics (without needing a lecture). Feeding goats introduces basic biology and empathy. Even simple things like observing insects or counting pumpkins sneak in early STEM lessons in the sneakiest, most delightful ways.

It’s messy, it’s active, and it sticks. You just can’t get the same magic from a screen.

It Builds Stronger Family Bonds

Let’s face it: family time is better without everyone staring at separate screens. When families explore the outdoors together, real connections happen.

At Howell’s, we see grandparents helping kids onto swings, parents laughing during duck races, and siblings teaming up to conquer the obstacle course. These are the kinds of moments that bring families closer—no Wi-Fi required.

Even better? The shared victories and funny fails become stories you retell around dinner tables for years.

It Creates Lasting Memories

Screens offer endless content, but how much of it do we really remember? Now think about catching your first fish, roasting marshmallows, or jumping into a pile of leaves. Outdoor memories just hit different.

We hear it all the time: guests remembering the year their little one finally nailed the corn cannon shot or got brave enough to try the hamster wheel. Those aren’t just pictures for social media—they’re core memories.

Come fall, the pumpkin patch is buzzing with laughter, leaves crunching underfoot, and little voices shouting, “Look what I found!” That’s the kind of moment that sticks with you.

Unplug at Howell’s Greenhouse and Pumpkin Patch

If you’re ready to swap screen glare for sunshine, we’ve got just the place. Howell’s Greenhouse and Pumpkin Patch is your go-to for real fun, real laughs, and real memories. From goat cuddles and flower walks to mud pies and pedal races, there’s something here for everyone.

So grab your crew, leave the devices at home, and come make some memories. We promise the smiles are bigger and the moments last longer when you spend a day outside.

At Howell’s Greenhouse and Pumpkin Patch, we believe the best childhood memories are made with messy hands, muddy boots, and the wonder of seeing something grow. That’s why we’re all about introducing the next generation to the joys of nature, one plant at a time.

The Magic of Growing Things

There’s nothing quite like the moment a child spots a sprout peeking through the soil for the first time. It’s a mix of surprise, curiosity, and pride.

Gardening teaches kids more than just how to grow veggies or flowers—it teaches patience, responsibility, and a connection to the earth. At Howell’s, we see this magic come alive every day in our green house, where little hands can explore plants in all stages of life.

When children get involved in gardening, they learn that food doesn’t just come from the store and flowers don’t just show up in vases. They understand cycles, seasons, and the satisfaction of a job well done.

Kid-Friendly Gardening Activities at Howell’s

We make sure that every visit to Howell’s is packed with age-appropriate, hands-on activities that spark curiosity and let kids get a little dirty.

Mud Pie Making

This one’s a classic. Mud pies might not be edible, but they’re a recipe for giggles and imagination. Give kids a patch of dirt, a splash of water, and a few natural decorations, and they’ll create their own masterpieces.

Pedal Tractors and Duck Races

Not only do kids get to see the farm in action, but they can also pretend they’re little farmers themselves. Pedal tractors let them take the wheel, while duck races add a splash of excitement.

Flower Picking and Dried Floral Fun

We grow Strawflowers and Statice specifically for preserving and crafting. Kids can help pick, sort, and even make simple dried floral arrangements, learning how plants transform over time.

Goat Feeding and Animal Encounters

Connecting with animals teaches empathy and kindness. From feeding baby goats to cuddling our furry friends, it’s all part of building respect for living things.

Making Nature a Year-Round Adventure

Nature isn’t just a summer thing at Howell’s. Every season brings something special, and we’re always ready with new experiences.

Spring and Summer Delights

Spring kicks off with Egg Palooza, where little ones hunt for Easter eggs among blooming flowers. In summer, kids can visit our green house to see rows of thriving plants, interact with farm animals, and enjoy rides and slides.

Fall Fun in the Fields

Once autumn hits, it’s all about pumpkins, corn mazes, and warm apple cider. Our 18 acres of pumpkins become a sea of orange, perfect for little adventurers. Add in corn cannon fun, paintball range, and goat cuddles, and fall quickly becomes a family favorite.

Growing at Home: Tips for Parents

Want to keep the gardening spirit alive after your trip to Howell’s? Here are a few simple ideas:

• Start a small garden plot or use containers for herbs or flowers.
• Visit local farm markets together and let your child pick a plant to take care of.
• Encourage daily observations—noticing how plants change, grow, and respond to care.

Even a single pot on a windowsill can spark lifelong curiosity.

Dig Into Fun at Howell’s

Planting a seed might seem small, but to a child, it can be the start of something huge. At Howell’s, we’re proud to be part of those first steps into nature. Whether it’s a first muddy footprint, a sunflower taller than your toddler, or a shared laugh over a goat nibble, these are the moments that grow into cherished memories.

Ready to let your little gardener bloom? Come explore Howell’s Greenhouse and Pumpkin Patch—your next big family adventure starts with one small seed.