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!
1. Tanaka Farms
- Dates: September 14 – October 31
- Location: 5380 3/4 University Dr, Irvine
- 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! Tanaka Farms has been an OC staple for years, and it’s no wonder why. This real farm experience includes wagon rides, a petting zoo, a corn maze, and the famous pumpkin cannon on weekends. The Fall Harvest Festival runs every weekend, with extended evening hours starting in October.
Note that the price of admission does not include a pumpkin (which run around $1.39 per pound); however, veterans can get free admission with valid ID!
2. Irvine Park Railroad’s Pumpkin Patch
- Dates: September 14 – October 31
- Location: 1 Irvine Park Rd, Orange
- Admission: FREE
- Parking: $3-$7
Irvine Park Railroad’s Pumpkin Patch is a fan favorite that offers fun for the whole family. Enjoy train rides, hayrides, a haunted house, and a hay maze. There are plenty of free photo ops and seasonal snacks available. With a wide range of activities, including panning for gold and carnival games, this is a great all-day adventure.
3. Pumpkin City
- Dates: October 1 – October 31
- Location: 24203 Avenida De La Carlota, Laguna Hills
- Admission: FREE Monday – Friday before 4pm; $10 after 4pm and on weekends
- Parking: FREE
Pumpkin City in Laguna Hills offers a festive fall atmosphere with carnival rides, games, and attractions for all ages. 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!
4. Seasonal Adventures
- Dates: October 1 – October 31
- Location: OC Fairgrounds, Costa Mesa
- Admission: FREE
- Parking: FREE Monday – Thursday; $10 Friday – Sunday
Seasonal Adventures offers a pumpkin patch that is truly a one-stop-shop for all things fall. Located at the OC Fair Grounds, this pumpkin patch has a true festival atmosphere with colorful tents and fairy lights that drape overhead while offering a wide selection of pumpkins, perfect for choosing your seasonal decor or carving masterpiece.
Along with pumpkin picking, this patch features mechanical carnival rides, inflatable bounce houses, and obstacle courses for the kids. Families can also enjoy the petting zoo and food stands offering seasonal treats.
5. The Pumpkin Factory
- Dates: October 3 – October 31
- Locations: 1025 Westminster Mall, Westminster
- Admission: FREE Monday-Thursday; Weekend admission varies by the day.
- Parking: FREE
The Pumpkin Factory offers a well-rounded experience with locations across Southern California. The carnival rides, from merry-go-rounds to mini roller coasters, add an extra rush of fun to your pumpkin patch visit. If you’re in the mood for something a bit more relaxed, there’s a mini-golf course and a petting zoo featuring goats, rabbits, and more. 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!
Know of any other great pumpkin patches in OC worth visiting? Tell us about them in the comments!