The Bloomington Parks & Recreation Department is getting into the fall spirit this October with the return of the Great Pumpkin Hunt contest.
Community members are encouraged to search for pumpkins hidden throughout the Bloomington parks system.
The contest kicks off on Friday, October 3, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., with the first two clues posted on the Great Pumpkin Hunt Facebook event page, located on the Parks & Recreation Facebook page (facebook.com/cityblmBPARD).
Participants will have until 9:00 a.m. the following Thursday each week to determine which parks are being described and visit the referenced parks. Families are asked to take a photo or selfie with the Great Pumpkin Hunt sign and pumpkin in that park. To qualify, participants must post their photo in that week’s clue post on the Facebook event page.
The contest continues weekly with two new clues released on Oct. 10, 17, and 24. A total of eight clues will be given throughout the month, with each clue leading to a different park. Households may submit one entry per park, with a maximum of eight entries.
“This is the perfect way to explore the outdoors with your family and friends this fall,” said Bloomington Parks & Recreation Program Manager Cody Demas. “I hope participants discover new parks to enjoy throughout Bloomington.”
This year’s contest features a new element: pumpkins decorated by Special Opportunities Available in Recreation (SOAR) participants will be hidden alongside the signs in each mystery park. Some pumpkins will feature fun themes that match the park where they’re placed.
Three winners will be drawn on Friday, October 31, 2025, with prize baskets awarded. Winners will be notified via Facebook Messenger.
For more information about this contest and other Bloomington Parks & Recreation programs, classes, and events, visit BloomingtonParks.org.
