One of our favorite fall activities is pumpkin picking, carving, and decorating; but, we always run into the delimma of what to do with our pumpkins after the season ends. Instead of tossing them out on the curb, donate to these local farms to feed adorable animals who would love to nibble on pumpkins this year! You can make a fab outing for yourselves and your fam, put your used pumpkins to good use and say hello to some area animals all in one trip.
Organized by driving distance to help make your donation easier:
Darby Acres Farm
By Appointment Only
Hutchinson Ln, Charlotte
Travel Time: Approximately 17 minutes
The scoop: The adorable animals at this walking farm tour would love your pumpkins to munch on. Leave your old pumpkins at the gate for them to enjoy.
Cedarbrook Alpaca Farm
7408 Cedarbrook Dr., Charlotte
Travel Time: Approximately 21 minutes
The scoop: We know what you’re thinking, there’s an alpaca farm in Charlotte? Yep — and the pigs and goats there would love your pumpkins to feast on when you’re done with them. Just make sure they’re not painted on or expired.
Good Karma Ranch Alpacas
1041 Brevard Place Rd, Iron Station
Travel Time: Approximately 33 minutes
The scoop: Although the alpacas might not enjoy pumpkins, Good Karma Ranch has three goats who sure will. Gather a few up and contact them on Facebook or give them a call at (704) 649-5849 to arrange a drop-off time.
Zootastic Park
448 Pilch Rd, Troutman
Travel Time: Approximately 36 minutes
The scoop: Zootastic Park is accepting pumpkin donations to give to their adorable variety of animals. Stop by with your leftover pumpkins during visiting hours, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.
Tiger World
4400 Cook Road, Rockwell
Travel Time: Approximately 39 minutes
The scoop: Bring your non-carved pumpkins to Tiger World, located in Rockwell, for the animals to enjoy. Drop-offs are welcome during visiting hours, or left at the gate after hours.
A Zoo 2 You
5727 S Rocky River Rd, Monroe
Travel Time: Approximately 45 minutes
The scoop: The animals at A Zoo 2 You love pumpkins during this time of year! Treat them by donating your old pumpkins to their physical address, 5727 South Rocky River Rd., Monroe, NC.
Cotton Bean Goat Farms
29631 Herrin Grove Rd Mt. Pleasant
Travel Time: Approximately 47 minutes
The scoop: It’s no secret that goats love to nibble on pumpkins, which is all the more reason why to donate your leftovers to Cotton Bean Goat Farms. To schedule a drop-off, call the farm at (704) 941-7944.
