Pumpkin Hunting at Good Mood Ranch

If your family and friends are looking for some fall fun, make your way to Good Mood Ranch for an afternoon brimming with soon-to-be core memories for the little ones in your life.

Located just off Collier Blvd. and Sabal Palm Road, Good Mood Ranch hosts a variety of activities, games, toys, and attractions for families with a fun farming atmosphere in true agrotourism style. Zip lines, playgrounds, rides, mini-golf, a dedicated toddler play area, train rides (weather permitting), and even a bounce house await excited children.

But the fun doesn’t stop with play; there is also a plethora of animals that can be seen and fed. With several food cup options to purchase, you can choose to feed one or all of the farm animals! Examples of animals available to feed include bunnies, guinea pigs, goats, an alpaca, chickens, a cow, pigs, donkeys, and ducks!

Their on-site store sells farm-fresh eggs, honey harvested from their own beehives (located in the back of the ranch, away from the general public), and more.

The owner, Karen Goemaere, can be seen bouncing around from the front desk, helping guests check in and answering their questions, creating a warm and welcoming feel for all who visit. She took the time to share that Good Mood Ranch offers field trips, curating an educational experience complete with a lesson.

They also host Birthday Parties that include animal time, entertainment, and lots of play. “We also have a time to talk about their futures, and what their dreams are,” said Karen. It’s an experience that the birthday child won’t forget anytime soon.

Good Mood Ranch is always on an upward climb, adding new attractions, refurbishing existing ones, and ensuring the highest quality of life for their animals.

An example of a new attraction is the recently finished Dinosaur Adventure! Loaded with dinosaurs, sound effects, and decorations that transport you to the Jurassic Period, the room is a point of pride for the owners. “We made everything ourselves. My husband, my son, and I handmade that room for nine months.” In the same vein, Karen continued, “When children visit,” be with families, on a field trip, or celebrating a birthday, “we encourage them to make something handmade themselves.”

As families began to gather for the fourth annual pumpkin hunt, Karen shared that they have many plans for future events and are looking to add experiences and entertainment for adults too.

“We want to create family-friendly events where they enjoy themselves, they learn something, and leave wanting to take care of the environment,” said Karen. After a long and challenging multi-year legal battle, she is grateful to share that Good Mood Ranch has been fully cleared and confirmed to be operating well within their rights as farmers.

Their key validations included: Being cleared by the Water Management District; the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services confirmed their full compliance and Collier County Magistrate ruled in their favor.

The Ranch has two remaining weekends for their pumpkin hunt (included with admission) where two age groups of kids are given a bucket and hunt for pumpkins (easter egg style) for a prize! October 24 and 25, 31 and November 1. Two times are available at 11:15 and 2:15. There are also fall-themed photo ops, decorative arches, and plenty of pumpkins!

The fourth Christmas on the Ranch won’t be too far behind, beginning on December 1 with more information coming soon.

Good Mood Ranch is open Wednesday-Sunday from 10 AM to 4:00 PM and is located at 306 Sabal Palm Road, Naples, FL 34114.

More information can be found at www.goodmoodranchnaples.com and on their Facebook and Instagram pages.