(Patrick Hruby / Los Angeles Times)
19 autumnal adventures for the pumpkin lovers of SoCal
With limited fall foliage and the weather stubbornly warm, Southern California residents have to rely on another annual signal of a changing season: pumpkins.
We’re not talking about the plastic department store displays or pumpkin spice lattes — though L.A. has some good ones — which can appear as early as midsummer. The real SoCal autumn indicator is an open pumpkin patch, ready to usher in the fall season.
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Though a new pumpkin spot emerges every couple of years, the bulk of these businesses have spent decades carving out their place in the community. Accordingly, this year’s roster is filled with returning patches. Among them is Cougar Mountain Pumpkin Patch, run by Lisa Nassar, now in its 22nd year and part of a more than seven-decade family history.
“Now that my kids are involved, our family business spans three and a half generations,” says Nassar, whose company started in produce in 1949, branched to Christmas trees and finally landed in pumpkins in 2002. “We want to service our community through this fall tradition. We get the same families coming back each year; we get to see kids grow up.”
Pet cemeteries, spooky escape rooms, a séance aboard a 1930s luxury liner and more await you this Halloween season.
In recent years, newer pumpkin attractions have leaned into technology, blending savvy light shows and strobing displays for an innovative take on the autumn tradition. But the majority cater to nostalgia, offering old-fashioned fun in a society often unsettled by a rapidly advancing tech landscape. Pumpkin patch staples such as crafts, mazes and petting zoos serve as screen-free entertainment — a reprieve for iPad babies and a reminder of days past for their parents.
With that in mind, here’s our list of must-visit spots for pumpkins and fall festivities throughout Los Angeles and Orange counties. With festivals, charming parking lot patches and full-fledged farms on offer, these 19 attractions are ready to kick-start your fall.
Showing Places
(Boney Island)
Boney Island
Exposition Park Event
Originally created more than 20 years ago by Rick Polizzi, a former producer for “The Simpsons,” Boney Island went from his front-yard display to a Griffith Park celebration. After a three-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Halloween playground was resurrected near USC at Exposition Park in 2023. This year, the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County’s Nature Gardens have again been transformed into a whimsical light-up experience. You’ll stroll among life-sized skeletons (of both human and prehistoric varieties), enjoy live musical performances and see Maestro Maxilla’s Water Show. Although the event is themed as Boney Island, plenty of jack-o’-lanterns occupy the grounds — though you can’t take one home. Don’t forget your costume!
Hours: 6:30 to 10 p.m. select nights through Oct. 31.
Admission: $25 per person; $15 for kids 3-12; kids under 2 enter free but still need a ticket. Members pay $20 per person and $10 per child 3-12. Advance reservations are encouraged, but limited tickets will be available on-site during museum hours and at the gate on event night.
Hours: 6:30 to 10 p.m. select nights through Oct. 31.
Admission: $25 per person; $15 for kids 3-12; kids under 2 enter free but still need a ticket. Members pay $20 per person and $10 per child 3-12. Advance reservations are encouraged, but limited tickets will be available on-site during museum hours and at the gate on event night.
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(Tom Zasadzinski / Cal Poly Pomona)
Cal Poly Pomona Pumpkin Fest
Pomona Event
At Cal Poly Pomona’s 20-acre AGRIscapes Center, 35,000 university-grown pumpkins fill the grounds. The sprawling Pumpkin Hill is the main attraction, but visitors also should stop by the sunflower and corn mazes, hayride and petting farm, which includes more than 20 goats. New this year is Pumpkin Land, a photo-op-worthy frame adorned with real pumpkins. Agricultural showcases feature cow milking and educational presentations about bees and a worm’s role in composting efforts. Those seeking something to take home can check out the Farm Store: Stock includes light-colored pumpkins known as ghost pumpkins, warty gourds and corn stalks.
Activities cost $2 to $4 but are free for kids under 3 with a paid adult. Sales are cashless except for on-site food and craft vendors. Though the fest is open on Fridays, live music and agricultural demonstrations are weekend exclusives.
Hours: Open noon to 7 p.m. on Fridays and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekends through Oct. 27.
Admission: On weekends, adult tickets are $10.80, while children 3-12, seniors, military and those with a Cal Poly Pomona Bronco ID pay $8.74. On Fridays, tickets cost $5.65 for adults and $4.62 for kids 3-12, seniors, military and those with a Cal Poly Pomona Bronco ID. Kids under 3 are free with a paid adult. Tickets are sold online, with a limited amount sold at the gate.
Activities cost $2 to $4 but are free for kids under 3 with a paid adult. Sales are cashless except for on-site food and craft vendors. Though the fest is open on Fridays, live music and agricultural demonstrations are weekend exclusives.
Hours: Open noon to 7 p.m. on Fridays and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekends through Oct. 27.
Admission: On weekends, adult tickets are $10.80, while children 3-12, seniors, military and those with a Cal Poly Pomona Bronco ID pay $8.74. On Fridays, tickets cost $5.65 for adults and $4.62 for kids 3-12, seniors, military and those with a Cal Poly Pomona Bronco ID. Kids under 3 are free with a paid adult. Tickets are sold online, with a limited amount sold at the gate.
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(City of Calabasas)
Calabasas Pumpkin Festival
Calabasas Festival
This one-day celebration brings thousands to De Anza Park. Admission to the Calabasas Pumpkin Festival includes unlimited inflatable rides and games, live music, bug and reptile shows and car displays. Kids under 12 are encouraged to wear their best costume for an 11 a.m. dance party, where the first 200 participants receive a pumpkin to paint.
Beyond the main patch, which sells a flurry of classic pumpkins, you’ll find professional carving, crafting and photo ops. Vendors sell everything from pumpkin pie to pumpkin beer — each food court booth is required to offer at least one pumpkin item. There is no ATM on-site, so remember to bring cash.
Free shuttles will run from parking lots on Agoura Road and Malibu Hills Road from 9:45 a.m. to 6 p.m. Leashed dogs are permitted at the festival but prohibited on the shuttles and in the food court. Keep in mind that the event is primarily on asphalt, which can burn your pup’s paws if it’s a hot day.
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 20.
Admission: $10 if bought online in advance; $15 if bought the day of, both online and in person. A $1.50 processing fee applies. Children under 2 enter free.
Beyond the main patch, which sells a flurry of classic pumpkins, you’ll find professional carving, crafting and photo ops. Vendors sell everything from pumpkin pie to pumpkin beer — each food court booth is required to offer at least one pumpkin item. There is no ATM on-site, so remember to bring cash.
Free shuttles will run from parking lots on Agoura Road and Malibu Hills Road from 9:45 a.m. to 6 p.m. Leashed dogs are permitted at the festival but prohibited on the shuttles and in the food court. Keep in mind that the event is primarily on asphalt, which can burn your pup’s paws if it’s a hot day.
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 20.
Admission: $10 if bought online in advance; $15 if bought the day of, both online and in person. A $1.50 processing fee applies. Children under 2 enter free.
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(Jake Fabricius)
Carved at Descanso Gardens
La Cañada Flintridge Event
The annual Carved event at Descanso Gardens offers a mile-long tribute to autumn’s best mascot. Visitors can stroll past elaborately carved pumpkin displays and a large-scale Día de los Muertos ofrenda altar to take in what Descanso calls a “pumpkin wonderland.” Give yourself an hour for the walk; that’s how long it takes most visitors to complete it.
There’s more too. The Belgian art installation “Rhizome” — an overhead exhibit of neon ropes that mimic a tree’s roots — has been expanded this year in the Rose Garden Labyrinth. Debuting is the Beer Garden, which will serve snacks and drinks on the Main Lawn near the returning hay maze.
Hours: 6 to 10 p.m. Oct. 4-30. Admission is staggered every 30 minutes, and visitors can stay until closing regardless of entry time.
Admission: Depending on the day, ticket prices are $28 to $38 for members and $35 to $45 for nonmembers. Entry for children 2-12 costs $18 to $23 for members and $25 to $30 for nonmembers. Children under 2 enter free but still need tickets. Admission is only sold online in advance.
There’s more too. The Belgian art installation “Rhizome” — an overhead exhibit of neon ropes that mimic a tree’s roots — has been expanded this year in the Rose Garden Labyrinth. Debuting is the Beer Garden, which will serve snacks and drinks on the Main Lawn near the returning hay maze.
Hours: 6 to 10 p.m. Oct. 4-30. Admission is staggered every 30 minutes, and visitors can stay until closing regardless of entry time.
Admission: Depending on the day, ticket prices are $28 to $38 for members and $35 to $45 for nonmembers. Entry for children 2-12 costs $18 to $23 for members and $25 to $30 for nonmembers. Children under 2 enter free but still need tickets. Admission is only sold online in advance.
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(Cougar Mountain Pumpkin Patch)
Cougar Mountain Pumpkin Patch
Eagle Rock Pumpkin Patch
Whether you’re talking pedal cart, Cyglo or bumper car, there’s no shortage of transportation fun at this Latin-owned patch. A race track known as Haybale Alley lets kids board a Berg bike and wind around the route, while inflatable bumper cars and slides add an extra adrenaline rush. The inflatables and race track are open daily, but the petting zoo is a weekend exclusive. Homegrown in Northern California, a multi-variety pumpkin assortment is sold alongside cornstalks and seasonal items, perched on hay bales underneath a festive tent. Owner Lisa Nassar says the long-stemmed pumpkins are always popular, adding a bit of whimsy to the fall season.
Hours: 3 to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. weekdays Oct. 1-31.
Admission: $2 per adult; $1 per child 2-15; kids under 2 enter free.
Hours: 3 to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. weekdays Oct. 1-31.
Admission: $2 per adult; $1 per child 2-15; kids under 2 enter free.
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(Bo Glover / Environmental Nature Center)
Fall Faire
Newport Beach Festival
Foliage fans will find plenty of entertainment at Fall Faire, the Environmental Nature Center’s biggest annual fundraiser. With proceeds promoting transformative experiences with nature, the nonprofit keeps up the theme by filling this one-day event with reptile presentations, musical performances and an improv show, as well as games and a photo booth. Food enthusiasts will enjoy the Savor OC showcase, which spotlights local eateries like Soho Taco and Pizza Bakery.
Kids can pick up a bag for the Craft Crawl ($5), which sends them following the nature center’s trails in search of five crafts to work on. Afterward, browse the pumpkins piled on benches and hay bales to find the perfect purchase, accompanied by live music by Sweetwater Creek Band. This event draws big crowds, so carpooling or rideshare is recommended.
Hours: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 13.
Admission: Free
Kids can pick up a bag for the Craft Crawl ($5), which sends them following the nature center’s trails in search of five crafts to work on. Afterward, browse the pumpkins piled on benches and hay bales to find the perfect purchase, accompanied by live music by Sweetwater Creek Band. This event draws big crowds, so carpooling or rideshare is recommended.
Hours: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 13.
Admission: Free
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(Forneris Farms)
Forneris Farms
Mission Hills Pumpkin Patch
It’s the great corn maze, Charlie Brown! Third-generation farmer John Forneris is opening his farm for a homegrown pumpkin patch and maze, the latter in honor of the 75th birthday of Charles Schulz’s “Peanuts” comic strip. Spanning 2½ acres, the maze stars Snoopy and other characters, who will share fun facts about the franchise’s history. Maze-goers also will find the returning “CORNundrums” game, in which players track down and solve picture riddles for the chance to win a $100 prize.
Then, visitors can venture to the Farm Frolic area for a hay bale pyramid, mini maze and the property’s two “Great Pumpkins.” One is a giant sculpture that guests can pose inside; the other is a real pumpkin that you can guess the weight of for the chance to take it home. The farm market is open for fresh produce and seasonal decor.
Admission: $5, which can be put toward a $10-or-more pumpkin from the patch. The corn maze is $15 per person. Children under 2 are free with a paid adult. Farm market entry is free. Cash only.
Hours: The pumpkin patch and farm market are open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. from Oct. 5 through Nov. 3. The corn maze is open from 1 to 5 p.m. Monday and Friday and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Then, visitors can venture to the Farm Frolic area for a hay bale pyramid, mini maze and the property’s two “Great Pumpkins.” One is a giant sculpture that guests can pose inside; the other is a real pumpkin that you can guess the weight of for the chance to take it home. The farm market is open for fresh produce and seasonal decor.
Admission: $5, which can be put toward a $10-or-more pumpkin from the patch. The corn maze is $15 per person. Children under 2 are free with a paid adult. Farm market entry is free. Cash only.
Hours: The pumpkin patch and farm market are open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. from Oct. 5 through Nov. 3. The corn maze is open from 1 to 5 p.m. Monday and Friday and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
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(Irvine Park Railroad)
Irvine Park Railroad’s Pumpkin Patch
Irvine Pumpkin Patch
Nestled on the sprawling grounds of Irvine Regional Park, this festive pumpkin patch offers a small hay maze, painted picture stands and a not-so-scary haunted house that’s free with admission. The train ride, hayride and cookie decorating cost $8 each, while face painting, panning for gold and pumpkin decorating cost $14 each. Carnival games come with a guaranteed prize. After snapping photos around the pumpkins, shop for one to take home.
Hours: Through Oct. 31. Weekday hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and weekends are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Admission: Patch entry is free, but the park’s gate entry is $3 per vehicle on weekdays, $5 per vehicle on weekends and $7 per vehicle on holidays.
Hours: Through Oct. 31. Weekday hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and weekends are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Admission: Patch entry is free, but the park’s gate entry is $3 per vehicle on weekdays, $5 per vehicle on weekends and $7 per vehicle on holidays.
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(Magic of the Jack O’ Lanterns)
Magic of the Jack-o’-Lanterns
South El Monte Event
Seven thousand hand-carved jack-o’-lanterns illuminate the foliage of Whittier Narrows Park. It takes 30 to 45 minutes to walk the half-mile trail, along which pumpkins are assembled into nautical seascapes and soaring dragons. The path is stroller-friendly, though there may be a few grassy spots. This venue welcomes photo opportunities, so make sure your phone is fully charged before you arrive. New this year are the s’mores stations and fun zone, which offers a bounce pad and slides for both kids and adults.
Pro tip: Sept. 29 is Sensory Night. Lights and music will be dimmed to create a more comfortable environment for guests with sensory needs.
Hours: Evenings through Nov. 2. Hours vary by day, but visitors must choose an arrival time when they buy their ticket.
Admission: $29.99 per adult, $24.99 per child. Alternatively, a $44.99 “anytime” ticket waives the arrival time.
Pro tip: Sept. 29 is Sensory Night. Lights and music will be dimmed to create a more comfortable environment for guests with sensory needs.
Hours: Evenings through Nov. 2. Hours vary by day, but visitors must choose an arrival time when they buy their ticket.
Admission: $29.99 per adult, $24.99 per child. Alternatively, a $44.99 “anytime” ticket waives the arrival time.
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(Pascal Shirley)
Mr. Bones Pumpkin Patch
Culver City Pumpkin Patch
This family-owned patch enters its 37th year with musicians, giant rocking horses and — of course — overwhelming amounts of pumpkins. Prices range from $1.59 to $1.89 per pound, but what’s not for sale is the elaborate Pumpkin Village. Newly expanded, guests can explore small “houses” with intricate pumpkin walls and see a 12-foot owl made entirely of pumpkins. Past sunset, the village lights up in the Halloween spirit.
Little ones can take part in an owl-themed scavenger hunt, ride on handmade giant rocking horses and go inside to the on-site tipi. Food and drink are sold on-site. Activity tickets are $1 each; bundle pricing also is available. Activities include pumpkin decorating ($12 to $15), a petting zoo and straw maze ($5 each) and face painting ($7 to $20).
Pro tip: Owner Lyra Marble recommends arriving during the late afternoon when the light is at its best, then staying past sunset for the perfect spooky vibes.
Hours: Weekdays 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and weekends 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Oct. 5-31, with closures on Oct. 8 and Oct. 15. Most activities close at 8:30 p.m, but face painting and pumpkin decorating close at 8 p.m.
Admission: $8 to $25, depending on date and arrival time. Tickets aren’t guaranteed at the door, so buy in advance online to secure a spot.
Little ones can take part in an owl-themed scavenger hunt, ride on handmade giant rocking horses and go inside to the on-site tipi. Food and drink are sold on-site. Activity tickets are $1 each; bundle pricing also is available. Activities include pumpkin decorating ($12 to $15), a petting zoo and straw maze ($5 each) and face painting ($7 to $20).
Pro tip: Owner Lyra Marble recommends arriving during the late afternoon when the light is at its best, then staying past sunset for the perfect spooky vibes.
Hours: Weekdays 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and weekends 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Oct. 5-31, with closures on Oct. 8 and Oct. 15. Most activities close at 8:30 p.m, but face painting and pumpkin decorating close at 8 p.m.
Admission: $8 to $25, depending on date and arrival time. Tickets aren’t guaranteed at the door, so buy in advance online to secure a spot.
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(Mr. Jack O’ Lanterns Pumpkin Patch)
Mr. Jack O' Lanterns Pumpkin Patch
Sawtelle Pumpkin Patch
Carving pumpkins is one thing; bowling with them is another. Find creative games like pumpkin putting and pumpkin smash at Mr. Jack O’ Lanterns Pumpkin Patch. Each activity costs about $3, while petting zoo entry is $5. Along with carving kits and Halloween decorations, the patch sells custom carved or painted pumpkins; you can also test your own artistic skills by decorating a pumpkin you select at the patch. Not feeling like a trip to the patch? Summon pumpkins to you with Mr. Jack O’Lanterns’ porch-decorating service. This patch also has locations in Torrance, at 17520 Prairie Ave., and in Brea, at 480 N. State College Blvd.
Hours: ; 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday; and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday from Oct. 4 through Oct. 31.
Admission: Free
Hours: ; 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday; and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday from Oct. 4 through Oct. 31.
Admission: Free
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(Nights of the Jack)
Nights of the Jack
Calabasas Event
Flanked by large oak trees in the Santa Monica Mountains, a mile-long trail of glowing jack-o’-lanterns twists through King Gillette Ranch. This spooky, sophisticated locale features more than 20 scenes that transfigure ordinary pumpkins into sculptures, backed by props and special lighting for an immersive experience. From the returning Wonderland to the new Magic Forest, these landscapes double as photo ops, with certain parts employing specialty lighting. Though jack-o’-lanterns dominate the scenery, guests also can stroll through lighted spiderweb-inspired archways and watch a dazzling light show set against a two-story “haunted house” display.
Midway down the self-guided path, visitors navigate the central grounds to watch live pumpkin carving, buy Halloween gifts at the souvenir shop and stop by the Spookeasy for $8 beers or $16 specialty cocktails. A collection of L.A. food trucks rotates nightly, spanning several cuisines to satisfy any cravings. No pumpkins are sold, but you’ll find light-up toys and Halloween goodies at the souvenir shop.
Hours: 6 to 10:30 p.m. Oct. 3-13, Oct. 15-27, Oct. 29-31 and Nov. 1-2. Time slots must be reserved with online admission.
Admission: Entry ranges from $26.99 to $49.99, depending on the day. Kids 2 years and under are free. On-site parking is $10.58 with included fees and can be bought with online admission.
Midway down the self-guided path, visitors navigate the central grounds to watch live pumpkin carving, buy Halloween gifts at the souvenir shop and stop by the Spookeasy for $8 beers or $16 specialty cocktails. A collection of L.A. food trucks rotates nightly, spanning several cuisines to satisfy any cravings. No pumpkins are sold, but you’ll find light-up toys and Halloween goodies at the souvenir shop.
Hours: 6 to 10:30 p.m. Oct. 3-13, Oct. 15-27, Oct. 29-31 and Nov. 1-2. Time slots must be reserved with online admission.
Admission: Entry ranges from $26.99 to $49.99, depending on the day. Kids 2 years and under are free. On-site parking is $10.58 with included fees and can be bought with online admission.
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(Pa’s Pumpkin Patch)
Pa’s Pumpkin Patch
Lakewood Pumpkin Patch
With the smell of funnel cake and ’60s tunes drifting through the air, Pa’s Pumpkin Patch is an autumn carnival, including inflatables, games and a merry-go-round. Activities cost $2.50 to $10, with discounts for bundled activities. The patch includes 24 types of pumpkins to take home, many of them edible. On some weekends and busy weekdays, visitors can enjoy watermelon-eating contests and live cover bands.
Note that the patch has moved from Long Beach to Lakewood, so be sure to head to the new address.
Hours: 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturdays, and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sundays Oct. 1-31.
Admission: $5 per adult, $2.50 per child ages 2 to 5 and free for children under 2.
Note that the patch has moved from Long Beach to Lakewood, so be sure to head to the new address.
Hours: 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturdays, and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sundays Oct. 1-31.
Admission: $5 per adult, $2.50 per child ages 2 to 5 and free for children under 2.
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(Plaza West Covina)
Robles Pumpkin Festival
West Covina Pumpkin Patch
“The uglier the pumpkin, the better,” jokes owner Gabriel Robles — and his patch has both warty and pretty pumpkins alike. Outside the Plaza West Covina, it’s a festive spot that aims to keep family tradition alive through games, a petting zoo and a slew of pumpkins for sale. Among the activities are several inflatables, ranging from a toddler’s dream bouncer to mega slides for more daring kids. A wristband earns access to all: $27 for one hour, $32 for 90 minutes and $35 for two hours. Additional patches with the same hours are stationed at Montebello Mall and Puente Hills Mall.
Hours: 3 to 9 p.m. on weekdays, weekends 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Oct. 1-31.
Admission: $2 for those 12 and up; $1 for kids 11 and under
Hours: 3 to 9 p.m. on weekdays, weekends 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Oct. 1-31.
Admission: $2 for those 12 and up; $1 for kids 11 and under
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(Shawn’s Pumpkin Patch)
Shawn’s Pumpkin Patch
Palms Pumpkin Patch
A Palms parking lot turns into a “pumpkin patch amusement park” with carnival games, giant slides and a 12-person train chugging through it all. The petting zoo of pigs, goats and llamas brings the farm to the city, as do the plentiful baskets of gourds and pumpkins available for purchase. Most activities cost $4, but the pony rides are $8 and the bungie trampoline is $12. Returning visitors should note that this location has moved since last year, so be sure to plug in the new address.
Pro tip: While a $4 petting zoo ticket typically gives you access for about six minutes, you can stay as long as you like if there’s no line — usually during the week.
Hours: Oct. 5-31, hours vary by day.
Admission: Free
Pro tip: While a $4 petting zoo ticket typically gives you access for about six minutes, you can stay as long as you like if there’s no line — usually during the week.
Hours: Oct. 5-31, hours vary by day.
Admission: Free
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(Tanaka Farms)
Tanaka Farms Pumpkin Patch
Irvine Pumpkin Patch
This working family farm has a pumpkin patch, a wagon ride, a corn maze, a barnyard educational exhibit and a vegetable patch, where you can harvest your own carrots, cilantro, radishes and onions. From noon on Fridays through Sundays, the Fall Harvest Festival offers crafts, games and mini ATVs. If picking a pumpkin isn’t enough ($1.39 per pound), watch one shoot into the sky out of a compressed-air cannon.
Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays through Oct. 30, but Friday, Saturday and Sunday hours expand to 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. during October. Halloween hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Admission: $20 Monday through Friday morning, $22 starting Friday at noon through Sunday. Admission includes unlimited wagon rides and access to the corn maze, barnyard educational exhibit and the patch. Children under 2 and military with valid ID are free. A $10 parking fee applies from Friday at noon through Sunday. Paid parking must be reserved in advance and can be bought online with tickets.
Bonus: For added fun, hop over to the family’s second patch at Hana Field in Costa Mesa, where you can scour 8 acres of pumpkins for the perfect seasonal accouterments. This patch runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays to Sundays only from Oct. 5-27. Admission is $10 per person; parking is free.
Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays through Oct. 30, but Friday, Saturday and Sunday hours expand to 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. during October. Halloween hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Admission: $20 Monday through Friday morning, $22 starting Friday at noon through Sunday. Admission includes unlimited wagon rides and access to the corn maze, barnyard educational exhibit and the patch. Children under 2 and military with valid ID are free. A $10 parking fee applies from Friday at noon through Sunday. Paid parking must be reserved in advance and can be bought online with tickets.
Bonus: For added fun, hop over to the family’s second patch at Hana Field in Costa Mesa, where you can scour 8 acres of pumpkins for the perfect seasonal accouterments. This patch runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays to Sundays only from Oct. 5-27. Admission is $10 per person; parking is free.
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(Tapia Bros. Farm)
Tapia Bros. Farm
Encino Pumpkin Patch
It’s no wonder this family-owned farm has repeat customers with its 4-acre corn maze, lively petting zoo and friendly staff. The farm encompasses 50 acres — with another 50 a few miles down the road — and has been an Encino fixture for more than 50 years. With prices ranging from $1 to $100 per pumpkin, the patch is open daily, while those wanting to cuddle baby goats, rabbits and chickens should visit its weekend-only petting zoo ($5). A festive train ($3.50-$5, depending on date) and pony rides ($8) also run weekends only. The corn maze ($7-$10, depending on date) is open daily except Monday. Parking is on-site but limited, so consider carpooling.
Hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday through Sunday, 9 to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday through Oct. 31. Weekend activities run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The corn maze is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.
Admission: $3, of which $2 can go toward a pumpkin purchase.
Hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday through Sunday, 9 to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday through Oct. 31. Weekend activities run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The corn maze is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.
Admission: $3, of which $2 can go toward a pumpkin purchase.
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(Tina Callas)
Tina’s Pumpkin Patch
Sherman Oaks Pumpkin Patch
Designed especially for little ones, Tina’s Pumpkin Patch brings several fall staples to Westfield Fashion Square. After posing for the essential pumpkin photo ops, kids can use up their energy on the bouncer, inflatable slide and obstacle course ($4 each). For a rest break, they’ll need a $4 ticket to Tina’s Train, where they’ll strap in and chug around the straw-covered grounds. Pony rides are $8, while entrance to the petting zoo is $4 a person. Make sure to meet the visiting alpaca — either Peanut or Henry, depending on the day. At no charge, kids can roam amid the scarecrows in the straw maze while parents shop for the perfect pumpkin.
Locally farmed in Santa Paula, pumpkins range from $3 to $80 for a hefty Big Mac, but owner Tina Callas says most average $8 to $10.
Hours: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday through Oct. 31 and Nov. 2-3.
Admission: Free
Locally farmed in Santa Paula, pumpkins range from $3 to $80 for a hefty Big Mac, but owner Tina Callas says most average $8 to $10.
Hours: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday through Oct. 31 and Nov. 2-3.
Admission: Free
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(Whittier Pumpkin Patch)
Whittier Pumpkin Patch
West Whittier-Los Nietos Pumpkin Patch
Patrol the pumpkins at this cozy Whittier patch, then buy and paint one to take home for $12. Younger kids can drive their own mini tractors ($6) or sift through the dirt for gemstones during gem mining ($12). Energetic kiddos will appreciate the jumping area, which sells $17 wristbands for all-day access. Sales are cash only.
Dog owners are welcome to bring their pup along, but pets must remain leashed or in carriers.
Hours: 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. through Oct. 31.
Admission: Free
Dog owners are welcome to bring their pup along, but pets must remain leashed or in carriers.
Hours: 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. through Oct. 31.
Admission: Free
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Updates:
3:01 a.m. Oct. 4, 2024: This story was updated with new information about local events.
