TO DO
FALL INTO FUN: ORANGE COUNTY'S BEST PUMPKIN PATCHES
By Allison Emery | Contributor
FALL 2024 ISSUE
As the leaves change and pumpkin spice fills the air, it’s time to embrace the season. From September through Halloween, local pumpkin patches offer festive fall fun for the whole family. Check out four must-visit spots around O.C. where everyone’s sure to walk away with not only the perfect pumpkin, but also all the autumn vibes.
TANAKA FARMS
Located in Irvine, Tanaka Farms offers more than just pumpkins — it's a full agricultural adventure with wagon rides, barnyard animals, and a corn maze. Entrance to the annual pumpkin patch beginning Sept. 14 includes access to the farm’s daily activities for $20 on weekdays and $22 on weekends, with ticketed events that include mini ATV rides, face painting, games, and shooting the pumpkin cannon. Pumpkins are also available for purchase.
TANAKAFARMS.COM | IG: @TANAKAFARMS
Photo courtesy of Tanaka Farms
IRVINE PARK RAILROAD
Irvine Park Railroad transforms into a festive pumpkin patch each fall, starting Sept 14. In the rolling foothills of Irvine Regional Park, visitors can enjoy family friendly activities ranging from hay rides and a moon bounce to carnival games, pumpkin and cookie decorating, and panning for gold. A hay maze and haunted house are free for all attendees. Admission to the pumpkin patch is free on weekdays, with parking fees ranging from $3 to $7; activity tickets are sold separately.
Photo courtesy of Irvine Park Railroad
PUMPKIN CITY
Pumpkin City in Laguna Hills is a beloved local favorite, located right off the I-5 freeway. The harvest festival starts Sept. 29 and features a wide variety of pumpkins, carnival games, a petting zoo and rides, as well as a beer garden with food and drinks for adults. Admission is free Monday through Friday before 4 p.m. and all day on Halloween; tickets outside those hours range from $8 to $10. Pumpkins and activity tickets are also available for purchase.
Photo courtesy of Irvine Park Railroad
TOM'S FARMS
Want to get out of town? Less than 25 miles outside of Orange County, Tom's Farms in Temescal Valley is a hidden gem off the I-15 freeway. The charming spot has a great selection of pumpkins, plus a family fun zone on weekends that’s all year long. Starting Oct. 4, a new haunted maze will provide plenty of thrills and chills for those who are seeking some spookier fun.
TOMSFARMS.COM | IG: @TOMSFARMS
Photo courtesy of Irvine Park Railroad