AS the spooky season approaches, farms up and down the country are beginning to offer the chance to pick your own pumpkin.

Most pumpkin patches open in early October, but tickets are on sale now as many venues sold out last year.

So, if you're stuck for a family-friendly activity, cute date idea or fun Instagram post in the run-up to Halloween this year, why not give it a go?

Here are five pumpkin patch spots worth the drive from Glasgow where you can pick your own:

1. East Yonderton Farm, Renfrew

This family-run Renfrewshire farm near Inchinnan, just beside Glasgow Airport, has been growing soft fruit since 1926.

For the past two years, it's started to get in on the Autumn action and has offered people the chance to pick pumpkins from its patch.

At the end of the summer season, the farm asked customers to "look out for our pumpkins" this month.

2. Pick a Pumpkin, Neilston

Another new addition to the pumpkin patch party is Neilston's Pick a Pumpkin.

This year marks the second time the farm, located near Barrhead in a field overlooking the Neilston Mill Hill, will host the festive activity after a sell-out event in 2020.

It will also feature face painting, an assault course, a play area, glitter tattoos and rock painting.

3. M&D’s Theme Park, Motherwell

The popular pumpkin festival will return to Strathclyde Country Park and is set to take place throughout this month.

As well as picking your own pumpkin, the festival will include theatrical performances by Folksy Theatre every 30 minutes.

There will also be games for all ages, a pumpkin trail and an exclusive Pumpkin Express train ride for youngsters.

The event will take place from 11am, with last entry at 4pm, on October 9-17, 21-24 and 28-31.

4. Arnprior Farm, Stirling

Arguably the most popular patch in Scotland, Arnprior Farm gives keen pumpkin-pickers the chance to choose from more than 7,000 different pumpkins each year.

The Stirlingshire spot also offers face painting and quad bike rides – with a kale maze and haybale soft play area for kids – and pop-up trucks serving a wide range of food and drink.

The Autumnal event kicked off on September 22, so you better be quick if you're looking to secure the final tickets that are up for grabs.

5. Craigie's Farm Deli and Cafe

Situated near Edinburgh, Craigie's Farm may be an hour-long drive from Glasgow – but makes for a perfect family day out.

The family-run spot has apples, blackberries and sunflowers up for grabs, as well as a whole lot of pumpkins, from 9am to 4pm every day.

The farm also boasts a cafe, farm shop and plenty of family-friendly activities, including a new timber play area and a tractor and trailer ride – with farm animals that the kids can meet too.