Fall is finally here, and you know what that means—pumpkin spice lattes, cozy sweaters, and of course, trips to the pumpkin patch with the kiddos. We’ve rounded up the best pumpkin patches in Orange County so you can focus on capturing those Instagram-perfect moments and less on Googling where to go. From the traditional hay bale photo ops to corn mazes and even petting zoos, there’s something for everyone in the family to enjoy!
Tanaka Farms – Irvine
Location: 5380 3/4 University Dr, Irvine, CA 92612
Admission: $20 Monday – Friday morning; $22 Fridays after 12pm – Sunday
Parking: $10 per vehicle (weekends)
Tanaka Farms is the only real pumpkin patch in OC that allows you to pick your pumpkin straight off the vine! Kicking off their pumpkin patch season on September 16, Tanaka Farms has been an OC staple for years, and it’s no wonder why. With their charming wagon rides, which provide both transportation and entertainment, this is a pumpkin patch experience you won’t want to miss.There’s also a petting zoo where kids can get up close with farm animals, and the corn maze adds a fun challenge for everyone.
Irvine Park Railroad’s Pumpkin Patch – Orange
Location: 1 Irvine Park Rd, Orange, CA 92869
Admission: FREE
Parking: $3-$7
Also opening its gates on September 16, Irvine Park Railroad’s Pumpkin Patch is not just scenic but also jam-packed with fun. The iconic train ride takes a spooky seasonal twist, and kids will also love the hay rides and face painting. Looking for something unique? Kids can also try panning for gold or John Deere racing. And for those looking to tap into their creative side, there are cookie and pumpkin decorating stations.
Pumpkin City – Laguna Hills
Location: 24203 Avenida De La Carlota, Laguna Hills, CA 92653
Admission: FREE Monday – Friday before 4pm; $10 after 4pm and on weekends
Parking: FREE
Come September 29, Pumpkin City in Laguna Hills will be buzzing with activity. Pony rides are always a crowd-pleaser, while the petting zoo gives kids the chance to meet and feed animals like goats and chickens. Guests can also play to win small prizes at numerous game booths (enjoyable for both children and adults!) or enjoy a number of kiddie carnival rides and bounce houses.
No kids? Make it a date night! This location also has a Oktoberfest Beer Garden where you can enjoy brats, beer, pretzels, and live music!
Seasonal Adventures – OC Fair Grounds, Costa Mesa
Location: 88 Fair Dr, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Admission: FREE
Parking: FREE Monday – Thursday; $10 Friday – Sunday
Opening its doors on September 29, Seasonal Adventures at the OC Fair Grounds offers a pumpkin patch that truly has it all. Kids will love the mechanical rides, blow-up slides, and bounce houses. There’s also a petting zoo and a train ride for added fun. Plus, their pumpkin selection is incredibly diverse, ranging from tiny pumpkins to large gourds. And if you’re in the market for festive fall décor, you’ll find everything from scarecrows and cornstalks to Indian corn and straw bales. It’s truly a one-stop-shop for all things fall!
The Pumpkin Factory – Westminster
Locations: 1025 Westminster Mall, Westminster, CA 92683
Admission: FREE
Parking: FREE
Starting their season on October 1, The Pumpkin Factory offers a well-rounded experience with locations across OC. The carnival rides, from merry-go-rounds to mini roller coasters, add an extra rush of fun to your pumpkin patch visit. And if you’re in the mood for something a bit more relaxed, there’s a mini-golf course and a petting farm for animal lovers. With lots of food stalls and photo attractions, be sure to come hungry and pack your camera!
Want an excuse to get explore outside of Orange County? They also have great locations in Corona and Live Oak Canyon. The latter is their original location and the LARGEST pumpkin patch in all of SoCal!
Additional Tips for Your Pumpkin Patch Visit
- Go Early in the Season: The early bird catches the… best pumpkins!
- Check the Weather: A sunny day can make your pumpkin patch outing a perfect one.
- Bring Cash: While most places accept cards, some of the smaller activities and food stands may be cash-only.
So there you have it! These are the top pumpkin patches to check out in Orange County this fall season. Pack up the kids, grab your camera, and head on out for a day of family fun. Happy pumpkin picking, everyone!