Do you ever feel like you get in a holiday rut? Same decorations in the typical spots, same pumpkin patch, same everything. It's tough to change it but and try something or somewhere different. We know the family that owns the pumpkin patch we visit well. Or we go to the same apple picking place each year, I think we even pick in the same row of apples.
This year we did something new and unique to our area. Happening in only 2 other cities, we went to Philly to the Glow Pumpkin Experience. It was a bit of a drive and many roads around Fairmont Park are blocked off making it tricky, but it was well worth the hassle.
Over 5000 pumpkins were carved and illuminated. The path is an easy walk for you kiddies, but hold their hands! My daughter wondered a couple times to areas I could see her in the dark because she was so fascinated with the carvings. Different sections of the experienced have different themes: field of jack-o-lanterns, rock n roll band, dinosaurs and much more. My 9year old loved the Day of the Dead themed pumpkins, while my son loved the motorcycles and dinosaurs.
The whole experience took us a little over an hour. On the way out you pick out a pumpkin from their patch and watch one of the carving 'pros' do it themselves. You could even buy a pro carved pumpkin. In case hunger gets you, multiple food trucks are available on the way in and out! Be sure to find Jack (the skeleton mascot for the event) My kids loved getting a picture with him. 
This event was is very well run but does get busy during the high traffic hours (7-8:30. It's not scary for little kids but it does get dark and hard to see each other at times. Have your ticket, line up at your time and then head inside. Multiple loudspeaker announcements let you know if your time is ready.
* THE GLOW: A Jack O'Lantern Experience runs Thursdays through Sunday evenings from October 6 - Oct. 29 in Fairmount Park across from the Mann Center (5201 Parkside Avenue) at various times (depending on dates). Tickets start at $16 and are sold in 30-minute intervals. It typically takes 30-45 minutes to walk through the trail. THE GLOW is rain or shine. Parking is free. www.theglowjackolantern.com.
Disclosure: I received complimentary passes for the purpose of this review. All opinions expressed are my own.
