(Gabriel Alcala / For The Times)
Somewhere in these 21 SoCal pumpkin patches, your perfect jack-o’-lantern awaits
- Share via
As fields of wildflowers are to spring, pumpkin patches are the first real indicators of fall in Southern California, surrounded by hay bales, cornstalks and those warty, weird-shaped gourds that usually round out our Halloween decor.
This year we offer you a list of 21 options from San Diego to Ventura counties, many of which also include hay and/or tractor rides and opportunities to get lost in a maze of tall corn or prance through fields of U-pick sunflowers.
Planning your weekend?
Stay up to date on the best things to do, see and eat in L.A.
Gone are the days when choosing just the right pumpkin was entertainment enough; now most pumpkin patches feature lots of other activities such as bounce houses, giant slides, barbecue with beer and wine, live music, mazes, giant houses made from gourds and, of course, more than one opportunity for a Halloween-related photo op.
Mind you, these pumpkin patches specialize in family fun — leave the scare houses to another story. Greg Lewis, co-owner of Conejo Family Farms, the newest patch in Camarillo, says the goal is to create a place where families and friends can gather and have a good time, “breathing fresh air, kicking the dirt and enjoy being on a working farm.”
Watch “Scream” at Hollywood Forever Cemetery. Paddle with witches in Redondo Beach. Get lost in the Santa Monica Pier’s trippy fun house. There’s a Halloween event for every Angeleno.
These patches are a reminder of SoCal’s once heavily agricultural past; even the pumpkin patches in shopping center parking lots offer the opportunity to sit on a hay bale and often pet some kind of small farm animal. So do yourself a favor this year and search for pumpkins the old-fashioned way, wandering through somebody’s field (or tent), if only to give your child a chance to see that pumpkins don’t grow in supermarket bins.
Showing Places
Big Wave Dave's Pumpkin Patch
Ventura Pumpkin Patch
Big Wave Dave’s Pumpkin Patch is a festive holiday tradition under a giant red-striped tent at the north end of Ventura’s Pacific View Mall. This patch offers a huge selection of pumpkins, Halloween-related merchandise such as carving kits, simple games for kids and a chance for a photo op with a classic 1966 red Mustang convertible, a Big Wave Dave’s trademark (complete with aging surfboard in the back).
Owner Dave Lidren says he’s had to change his entry policy this year because of rising rents. Admission is still free, he says, but the expectation is that visitors will make one purchase of $2 or more.
Hours: Oct. 1-31; 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday through Sunday (closing at 6 p.m. on Oct. 31).
Admission: Free with a minimum $2 purchase
Owner Dave Lidren says he’s had to change his entry policy this year because of rising rents. Admission is still free, he says, but the expectation is that visitors will make one purchase of $2 or more.
Hours: Oct. 1-31; 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday through Sunday (closing at 6 p.m. on Oct. 31).
Admission: Free with a minimum $2 purchase
Show more Show less
Route Details
32nd Cal Poly Pomona Pumpkin Festival
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 patch, corn maze, hayride, live music area, petting farm and cow train pulled by an antique tractor. New attractions include glass-blowing (the first two weekends only) and blacksmith demonstrations, a make-your-own sunflower bouquet and grazing cows. Agricultural showcases feature cow milking and educational presentations about bees and a worm’s role in composting efforts.
Festival sales are cashless except for on-site food and craft vendors.
Hours: Weekends in October; open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m every Saturday and Sunday in October.
Admission: Tickets can be purchased in advance for $20.60 per person. Tickets cover all activities except buying a pumpkin from the pumpkin patch or feed cups at the petting farm. Pumpkins range in price from $6 to $10. Specialty pumpkins, gourds and gigantic pumpkins are for sale in the school’s farm store.
Festival sales are cashless except for on-site food and craft vendors.
Hours: Weekends in October; open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m every Saturday and Sunday in October.
Admission: Tickets can be purchased in advance for $20.60 per person. Tickets cover all activities except buying a pumpkin from the pumpkin patch or feed cups at the petting farm. Pumpkins range in price from $6 to $10. Specialty pumpkins, gourds and gigantic pumpkins are for sale in the school’s farm store.
Show more Show less
Route Details
Calabasas Pumpkin Festival
Calabasas Festival
Local lore claims that a Spanish explorer fell off a pumpkin wagon and named the area we now know as Calabasas after the Spanish word for pumpkins or gourds, “las calabazas.” Official Calabasas history says the original native Chumash residents called the area Calabasas, perhaps from an Indigenous word meaning “Where the wild geese fly.”
Either way, these days, the annual Calabasas Pumpkin Festival draws thousands to Juan Bautista de Anza Park. Admission includes unlimited inflatable rides and games, live music, bug and reptile shows, car displays and Halloween character encounters. Children under age 12 are encouraged to wear their best costume to the Monster Mash-Up Dance Party at 11 a.m., where the first 75 participants receive a free 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. 19.
Admission: $15 if bought online in advance (plus processing fee); $20 if bought the day of (ticket sales end at 4:30 p.m.). Children under age 2 enter free.
Either way, these days, the annual Calabasas Pumpkin Festival draws thousands to Juan Bautista de Anza Park. Admission includes unlimited inflatable rides and games, live music, bug and reptile shows, car displays and Halloween character encounters. Children under age 12 are encouraged to wear their best costume to the Monster Mash-Up Dance Party at 11 a.m., where the first 75 participants receive a free 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. 19.
Admission: $15 if bought online in advance (plus processing fee); $20 if bought the day of (ticket sales end at 4:30 p.m.). Children under age 2 enter free.
Show more Show less
Route Details
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 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.
The Descanso Railroad will be specially lighted for this year’s event, and new ghosts will join the wood spirits carved by Chainsaw Jenna from five huge logs. The Belgian art installation “Rhizome” returns along with about a bajllion pumpkins of every size, shape and design.
Hours: Oct. 3-30; 6 to 10 p.m. Admission is staggered every 30 minutes, and visitors can stay until closing regardless of entry time.
Admission: Depending on the day, adult ticket prices are $20 to $38 for members and $27 to $45 for nonmembers. Entry for children ages 2-12 costs $10 to $23 for members and $17 to $30 for nonmembers. Children under age 2 enter free but still need tickets. Tickets must be purchased online in advance. The garden’s Farmhouse Restaurant is also open for reservations.
The Descanso Railroad will be specially lighted for this year’s event, and new ghosts will join the wood spirits carved by Chainsaw Jenna from five huge logs. The Belgian art installation “Rhizome” returns along with about a bajllion pumpkins of every size, shape and design.
Hours: Oct. 3-30; 6 to 10 p.m. Admission is staggered every 30 minutes, and visitors can stay until closing regardless of entry time.
Admission: Depending on the day, adult ticket prices are $20 to $38 for members and $27 to $45 for nonmembers. Entry for children ages 2-12 costs $10 to $23 for members and $17 to $30 for nonmembers. Children under age 2 enter free but still need tickets. Tickets must be purchased online in advance. The garden’s Farmhouse Restaurant is also open for reservations.
Show more Show less
Route Details
Conejo Family Farms
Camarillo Pumpkin Patch
One of SoCal’s newest pumpkin patches is a three-family collaboration near the bottom of the Conejo Grade at the east edge of Camarillo. Of course, there’s a large selection (roughly 75,000) of pumpkins for carving, eating or decorating, but the patch also includes a 7-acre corn maze, 7 acres of tall sunflowers, a hay pyramid and a smaller maze for little ones.
The new patch was born from a problem faced by the farm’s owners, Greg and Janet Lewis of Santa Barbara and Alex and Newbury Park residents Elizabeth Rodoni and Jackson and Rachael Duda. The land regularly floods so it couldn’t be farmed in the winter and spring, Greg Lewis said, so the families decided to grow pumpkins and sunflowers in the summer and fall, and use those crops to create a family-oriented farm experience in October.
Pumpkins are priced by size, and the cost ranges between $2 and $20. Sunflowers can be picked for $1 a stem. The patch offers barbecue, beer and other beverages for purchase on Saturday and Sunday and simple food during the week.
Hours: Through Oct. 31; 2:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday, 2:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Friday, 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Sunday. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays. Note that hay rides, the corn maze and the sunflower fields close at sundown.
Admission: $10 for ages 5 and older, which includes unlimited access to the pumpkin patch, corn maze, hayrides, sunflower fields, hay pyramid and kids maze. The bounce house is an additional $10 fee. Children under age 5 enter free.
The new patch was born from a problem faced by the farm’s owners, Greg and Janet Lewis of Santa Barbara and Alex and Newbury Park residents Elizabeth Rodoni and Jackson and Rachael Duda. The land regularly floods so it couldn’t be farmed in the winter and spring, Greg Lewis said, so the families decided to grow pumpkins and sunflowers in the summer and fall, and use those crops to create a family-oriented farm experience in October.
Pumpkins are priced by size, and the cost ranges between $2 and $20. Sunflowers can be picked for $1 a stem. The patch offers barbecue, beer and other beverages for purchase on Saturday and Sunday and simple food during the week.
Hours: Through Oct. 31; 2:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday, 2:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Friday, 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Sunday. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays. Note that hay rides, the corn maze and the sunflower fields close at sundown.
Admission: $10 for ages 5 and older, which includes unlimited access to the pumpkin patch, corn maze, hayrides, sunflower fields, hay pyramid and kids maze. The bounce house is an additional $10 fee. Children under age 5 enter free.
Show more Show less
Route Details
Cougar Mountain Pumpkin Patch
Eagle Rock Pumpkin Patch
This Eagle Rock pumpkin patch returns with inflatable bumper cars and slides, a daily petting zoo of farm animals and three spots for photo ops with “Star Wars,” Día de los Muertos or fall festive themes. Cougar Mountain will also have its annual collection of assorted pumpkins, homegrown in Northern California, for sale, alongside cornstalks and other seasonal items, perched on hay bales underneath a festive tent. Owner Lisa Nassar says the long-stemmed pumpkins are always popular and add a bit of whimsy to the fall season.
Hours: Oct. 1-31; 3 to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Admission: $3 per adult; $2 per child 2-15; and kids under age 2 enter free.
Hours: Oct. 1-31; 3 to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Admission: $3 per adult; $2 per child 2-15; and kids under age 2 enter free.
Show more Show less
Route Details
50th 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 and musical performances as well as games and 10-minute family photo sessions with photographer Mariano Alvarez. Families receive a private online gallery of at least 15 edited photos from the shoot; two can be downloaded for free, and others are available for purchase with a portion of the proceeds going to the ENC. 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. After the adventures, browse the pumpkins piled on benches and hay bales to find the perfect purchase. Live music will be provided by Zoe Zehren. This event draws big crowds, so carpooling or rideshare is recommended.
Hours: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 12.
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. After the adventures, browse the pumpkins piled on benches and hay bales to find the perfect purchase. Live music will be provided by Zoe Zehren. This event draws big crowds, so carpooling or rideshare is recommended.
Hours: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 12.
Admission: Free
Show more Show less
Route Details
Forneris Farms
Mission Hills Pumpkin Patch
Forneris Farms’ giant corn maze returns this year with a farm theme featuring a giant windmill and other argicultural implements to honor the disappearing farmlands of the San Fernando Valley. This is the 60th year that third-generation farmer John Forneris is opening the farm to celebrate fall. You’ll find a homegrown pumpkin patch, farm frolic area with a hay-bale pyramid and mini hay-bale maze, and a tractor-pulled train ride that includes a narrated history of the farm and the equipment used there over the years. The farm market is open daily for fresh produce and seasonal decor.
Forneris said maze-goers will also be able to play the farm’s popular “Cornundrums” game, in which players track down and solve picture riddles for the chance to win a $100 prize.
Hours: Oct. 4 through Nov. 2; the pumpkin patch and farm market are open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. The corn maze is open from 1 to 5 p.m. on Monday and Friday and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The maze is closed on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
Admission: $5, which can be put toward the cost of pumpkins that cost $10 or more. Train rides are $10 per person; children under age 2 are free with paid adults. The corn maze is $15 per person and includes admission to the farm frolic area. Children under age 2 are free with a paid adult; children age 12 and under must be accompanied by a paid adult. Combo tickets for the train ride, maze and farm frolic area are $20. Entry to the farm market is free. The event is cash only.
Forneris said maze-goers will also be able to play the farm’s popular “Cornundrums” game, in which players track down and solve picture riddles for the chance to win a $100 prize.
Hours: Oct. 4 through Nov. 2; the pumpkin patch and farm market are open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. The corn maze is open from 1 to 5 p.m. on Monday and Friday and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The maze is closed on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
Admission: $5, which can be put toward the cost of pumpkins that cost $10 or more. Train rides are $10 per person; children under age 2 are free with paid adults. The corn maze is $15 per person and includes admission to the farm frolic area. Children under age 2 are free with a paid adult; children age 12 and under must be accompanied by a paid adult. Combo tickets for the train ride, maze and farm frolic area are $20. Entry to the farm market is free. The event is cash only.
Show more Show less
Route Details
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. Visitors need $8 tickets to participate in other activities (or $100 for 15 tickets). The train ride, hayride, moon bounce and cookie decorating cost one ticket each. Face painting, pumpkin decorating, panning for gold and most carnival games (prizes guaranteed for children) require two tickets.
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: Pumpkin Patch entry is free on weekdays, but this year, reservations are required on Saturdays and Sundays. Reservations are only available online and cost $25 per person (including $5 service fee), providing admission to the Pumpkin Patch and a train ride. Children ages 1 and younger enter free. Visitors must also pay for parking at Irvine Regional Park, which is $3 per vehicle on weekdays and $5 on weekends.
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: Pumpkin Patch entry is free on weekdays, but this year, reservations are required on Saturdays and Sundays. Reservations are only available online and cost $25 per person (including $5 service fee), providing admission to the Pumpkin Patch and a train ride. Children ages 1 and younger enter free. Visitors must also pay for parking at Irvine Regional Park, which is $3 per vehicle on weekdays and $5 on weekends.
Show more Show less
Route Details
Magic of the Jack-o’-Lanterns
Rolling Hills Estates Event
Ten thousand hand-carved jack-o’-lanterns illuminate a mile-long trail this year at the South Coast Botanic Garden in Rolling Hills Estates. In addition to huge displays of ghoulish, grinning pumpkins, the Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group has also created a fun zone with a bounce pad and slides, colorful photo op spots, and stations for making s’mores.
It takes about an hour to walk the stroller-friendly trail lined with larger-than-life displays. Note that many of the “pumpkins” are molded from real pumpkins. “Due to their weight and the fact that live pumpkins rot quickly once carved, we could be unable to construct some of the amazing pumpkin structures that you will experience ...,” according to the Magic of the Jack-o’-Lanterns website. But “real or molded, every single [pumpkin] has been carved by hand by our artists.”
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. Children ages 2 and younger enter free.
It takes about an hour to walk the stroller-friendly trail lined with larger-than-life displays. Note that many of the “pumpkins” are molded from real pumpkins. “Due to their weight and the fact that live pumpkins rot quickly once carved, we could be unable to construct some of the amazing pumpkin structures that you will experience ...,” according to the Magic of the Jack-o’-Lanterns website. But “real or molded, every single [pumpkin] has been carved by hand by our artists.”
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. Children ages 2 and younger enter free.
Show more Show less
Route Details
Mr. Bones Pumpkin Patch
Culver City Pumpkin Patch
This family-owned patch enters its 38th year with giant rocking horses, a Tipi Village, elaborate Pumpkin Village featuring houses made from pumpkins, live music and — of course — scads of pumpkins for purchase by the pound. Gourds and tiny pumpkins start at $2, a bundle of three corn stalks are $25 and hay bales are $35. The biggest pumpkin, known as the Big Mac, costs about $600, but according to Mr. Bones Pumpkin Patch’s website, you’ll need a forklift to carry it away.
For an additional cost, there are several activities, including the Mr. Bones Super Slide and the Rainbow Slide (1 ticket each), straw maze (5 tickets), Itsy Bitsy Spider Bounce (for small children) and Dancing Spider Bounce for bigger kids (4 tickets each), a farm animal petting zoo (5 tickets), pumpkin decorating (12 to15 tickets) and face painting (7 to 20 tickets).
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: Oct. 4-31; 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Admission: $10 to $25 depending on date and arrival time. Tickets aren’t guaranteed at the door so buy in advance online to secure a spot. Activity tickets are $1 each; bundle pricing is also available. Food and drink are available for purchase.
For an additional cost, there are several activities, including the Mr. Bones Super Slide and the Rainbow Slide (1 ticket each), straw maze (5 tickets), Itsy Bitsy Spider Bounce (for small children) and Dancing Spider Bounce for bigger kids (4 tickets each), a farm animal petting zoo (5 tickets), pumpkin decorating (12 to15 tickets) and face painting (7 to 20 tickets).
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: Oct. 4-31; 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Admission: $10 to $25 depending on date and arrival time. Tickets aren’t guaranteed at the door so buy in advance online to secure a spot. Activity tickets are $1 each; bundle pricing is also available. Food and drink are available for purchase.
Show more Show less
Route Details
Mr. Jack O' Lanterns Pumpkin Patches
Sawtelle Pumpkin Patch
Carving pumpkins is one thing, but bowling with them is another. Find creative games such as pumpkin putting, tumbling tombstones and pumpkin smashing at Mr. Jack O’ Lanterns Pumpkin Patches in Sawtelle, Torrance (at 17520 Prairie Ave.), Brea (at 480 N. State College Blvd.) and San Diego (at 3901 Clairemont Drive).
Each patch has a long list of activities too, from petting zoo to pumpkin decorating, all accessible with a $30 “Jack-O-Pass.” (The only exception is tractor rides, which cost $5, according to owner Brandon Helfer, and carnival games, which range in price from $3-$5 per game.
The patches also sell custom carved or painted pumpkins along with carving kits, Halloween costumes and painted pumpkins. You can 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.
Hours: Oct. 3 through Nov. 1; 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.
Admission: Free at all locations except Brea on Fridays after 5 p.m. and all day Saturdays and Sundays, when admission is $5 per person, good for a $5 credit on any purchase.
Show more Show less
Route Details
Night 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 Bar for beer, wine and 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: Through Nov. 1; the grounds are open most days from 5:30 to 10 p.m. except for closures on Oct. 1, 6, 7 and 20). Entrance to the trail is between 6 to 9:15 p.m. Tickets and time slots must be reserved online in advance.
Admission: Tickets range from $29.35 to $62.56, depending on the day and entry time and must be purchased in advance online. Special VIP anytime tickets range from $72.85 to $83.14 depending on day. Children 2 years and younger are free. On-site parking is $10.58 and must be purchased in advance when you buy your tickets.
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 Bar for beer, wine and 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: Through Nov. 1; the grounds are open most days from 5:30 to 10 p.m. except for closures on Oct. 1, 6, 7 and 20). Entrance to the trail is between 6 to 9:15 p.m. Tickets and time slots must be reserved online in advance.
Admission: Tickets range from $29.35 to $62.56, depending on the day and entry time and must be purchased in advance online. Special VIP anytime tickets range from $72.85 to $83.14 depending on day. Children 2 years and younger are free. On-site parking is $10.58 and must be purchased in advance when you buy your tickets.
Show more Show less
Route Details
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 inflatable slides, mechanical rides, games, a merry-go-round and food vendors. Activities cost $2.50 to $10, with discounts on bundled tickets. The patch includes 24 varieties of pumpkins to take home, from the big and the small type of ornamentals you’ll find in supermarkets to weird and wonderful edible heirloom varieties such as warty Pink Peanuts, forest-green Marina de Chioggia and turban-shaped Queensland Blue, which really is a blue/gray! You can also pick up corn stalks, hay bales and gourds.
Note that the patch moved from Long Beach to Lakewood last year so be sure to go to the new address.
Hours: Oct.1 to Oct. 30; 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday.
Admission: $5 per adult ($10 Friday-Sunday), $3 per child ages 4 to 12 daily and free for children 3 and younger.
Note that the patch moved from Long Beach to Lakewood last year so be sure to go to the new address.
Hours: Oct.1 to Oct. 30; 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday.
Admission: $5 per adult ($10 Friday-Sunday), $3 per child ages 4 to 12 daily and free for children 3 and younger.
Show more Show less
Route Details
Robles Pumpkin Festival
West Covina Pumpkin Patch
“The uglier the pumpkin, the better,” Gabriel Robles, co-owner of Robles Farms, says jokingly. His patches have both warty and pretty pumpkins at three locations this year, including the Plaza West Covina, the Shops at Montebello (2134 Montebello Town Center Drive in Montebello) and Eagle Rock Plaza (2700 Colorado Blvd. in Eagle Rock). All the pumpkins for sale are from the family-owned farm near Santa Barbara, says Robles, and locations also sell corn stalks, hay bales and gourds.
The pumpkin patches also include 12 inflatables, ranging from a toddler’s dream bouncer to mega slides for more daring kids. A wristband earns access to all starting at $25 for one hour, and there’s also a petting zoo of small farm animals including a donkey and miniature cow this year.
Hours: Oct. 1-31; 3 to 9 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. weekends.
Admission: $3 for those ages 12 and up; $1 for children ages 11 and younger.
The pumpkin patches also include 12 inflatables, ranging from a toddler’s dream bouncer to mega slides for more daring kids. A wristband earns access to all starting at $25 for one hour, and there’s also a petting zoo of small farm animals including a donkey and miniature cow this year.
Hours: Oct. 1-31; 3 to 9 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. weekends.
Admission: $3 for those ages 12 and up; $1 for children ages 11 and younger.
Show more Show less
Route Details
Shawn’s Pumpkin Patch
Culver City Pumpkin Patch
This pumpkin patch has a new location this year in Culver City, but it still bills itself as a “pumpkin patch amusement park” with carnival games, giant slides and a 12-person train. 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 $5, but pony rides are $10 and the bungie trampoline is $15.
Pro tip: While a $5 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. 4-Nov. 2; hours vary by day, but the patch is open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends and every day starting Oct. 17. Check Shawn’s Pumpkin Patch’s calendar for specific times.
Admission: $3 for ages 13 and older; ages 12 and younger enter free. The $3 fee includes a $2 voucher toward the purchase of a pumpkin.
Pro tip: While a $5 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. 4-Nov. 2; hours vary by day, but the patch is open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends and every day starting Oct. 17. Check Shawn’s Pumpkin Patch’s calendar for specific times.
Admission: $3 for ages 13 and older; ages 12 and younger enter free. The $3 fee includes a $2 voucher toward the purchase of a pumpkin.
Show more Show less
Route Details
Tanaka Farms Pumpkin Patch
Irvine Pumpkin Patch
This working family farm has a pumpkin patch, wagon ride, corn maze, barnyard educational exhibit and vegetable patch, where you can harvest your own carrots, cilantro, radishes and onions. The Fall Harvest Festival is open daily this year offering 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: Through Nov. 2; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday during October. Halloween day hours on Oct. 31 are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and the games and grill areas will be closed. On Nov. 1 and 2, the final day, the farm closes at 5 p.m., with the last entry at 3:30 p.m.
Admission: $23 on Monday through Friday mornings and $27 starting Friday at noon through Sunday. Admission includes unlimited wagon rides and access to the corn maze, barnyard educational exhibit and the pumpkin patch. Children under age 3 enter for free. A $12 parking fee applies from noon Friday 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 at 427 Anton Blvd. in Costa Mesa, where you can scour acres of pumpkins from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The patch also offers hayrides and a Jurassic Fright Corn Maze with nine dinosaur displays as part of the admission fee of $25 for ages 13 and older, $14 for ages 3-12 and free to children 2 and younger Tuesdays through Thursdays. On Friday through Sunday, the fees are $31 for 13 and older and $21 for ages 3-12.
Parking is free on weekdays and $12 Friday through Sunday. The Hana Field site is open through Nov. 9. Check hours before you go.
Hours: Through Nov. 2; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday during October. Halloween day hours on Oct. 31 are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and the games and grill areas will be closed. On Nov. 1 and 2, the final day, the farm closes at 5 p.m., with the last entry at 3:30 p.m.
Admission: $23 on Monday through Friday mornings and $27 starting Friday at noon through Sunday. Admission includes unlimited wagon rides and access to the corn maze, barnyard educational exhibit and the pumpkin patch. Children under age 3 enter for free. A $12 parking fee applies from noon Friday 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 at 427 Anton Blvd. in Costa Mesa, where you can scour acres of pumpkins from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The patch also offers hayrides and a Jurassic Fright Corn Maze with nine dinosaur displays as part of the admission fee of $25 for ages 13 and older, $14 for ages 3-12 and free to children 2 and younger Tuesdays through Thursdays. On Friday through Sunday, the fees are $31 for 13 and older and $21 for ages 3-12.
Parking is free on weekdays and $12 Friday through Sunday. The Hana Field site is open through Nov. 9. Check hours before you go.
Show more Show less
Route Details
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 . A festive train also runs weekends only. The corn maze 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 Sept. 27 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 Sept. 27 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.
Show more Show less
Route Details
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 per person and food for the petting zoo animals is $1. Make sure to meet the visiting alpaca — either Peanut or Henry, depending on the day. At no charge, children can roam amid the scarecrows in the straw maze while parents shop for the perfect pumpkin.
Locally farmed in Santa Paula, the patch offers a wide variety of pumpkins from $3 to $80 (for a hefty Big Mac), but owner Tina Callas says pumpkins are roughly in the $8-to-$10 range.
Hours: Oct. 2-Nov. 1; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Admission: Free
Locally farmed in Santa Paula, the patch offers a wide variety of pumpkins from $3 to $80 (for a hefty Big Mac), but owner Tina Callas says pumpkins are roughly in the $8-to-$10 range.
Hours: Oct. 2-Nov. 1; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Admission: Free
Show more Show less
Route Details
Underwood Family Farms 28th Fall Harvest Festival
Moorpark Pumpkin Patch
(Nam Y. Huh / Associated Press)
Picking pumpkins is just one of the many activities waiting for visitors to Underwood Family Farms. There are adorable goats capering overhead on raised trails, tractor-drawn wagon rides, a corn maze, a pumpkin house, farm equipment to explore, farm animals to admire and several other activities included with admission. On weekends, the fun is turned up thanks to pig races, animal shows and special themed events such as an antique tractor weekend (Oct. 11-12) and the Wild West weekend (Oct. 18-19).
This is a real working farm, so visitors can also enter the fields to pick what produce is available in October or just purchase it more easily at the farm store.
Note: Because the farm gets crowded, weekend tickets can only be purchased online in advance.
Hours: Through Oct. 31; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.
Admission: $16 at the gate only Monday through Friday. Weekend tickets range in price from $30 if purchased in advance to $32 on the day of admission (if available) through Oct. 12, and then $34 or $36 on day of admission weekends through Oct. 26. Children under age 2 enter free. Seniors 65 and older, military veterans and emergency first responders receive a $2 admission discount daily with valid ID. Parking is free.
This is a real working farm, so visitors can also enter the fields to pick what produce is available in October or just purchase it more easily at the farm store.
Note: Because the farm gets crowded, weekend tickets can only be purchased online in advance.
Hours: Through Oct. 31; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.
Admission: $16 at the gate only Monday through Friday. Weekend tickets range in price from $30 if purchased in advance to $32 on the day of admission (if available) through Oct. 12, and then $34 or $36 on day of admission weekends through Oct. 26. Children under age 2 enter free. Seniors 65 and older, military veterans and emergency first responders receive a $2 admission discount daily with valid ID. Parking is free.
Show more Show less
Route Details
Whittier Pumpkin Patch
West Whittier-Los Nietos Pumpkin Patch
Patrol the pumpkins at this cozy Whittier patch and then buy and paint a small one to take home for $12. Also at this pumpkin experience, younger kids can drive mini tractors ($6) or sift through dirt for gemstones during gem mining ($8). Energetic kiddos will appreciate the jumping and super-slide area ($17 wristbands for access between 1 and 8 p.m.).
Sales are cash only, and pumpkins are sold according to size, not weight. Pumpkin prices range from $1 to $60, according to the Whittier Pumpkin Patch website, and “only cashiers can price your pumpkins.” The patch also sells a variety of pumpkin carving kits.
Dog owners are welcome to bring their pup along, but pets must remain leashed or in carriers.
Hours: Oct 1-31; 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. daily.
Admission: Free
Sales are cash only, and pumpkins are sold according to size, not weight. Pumpkin prices range from $1 to $60, according to the Whittier Pumpkin Patch website, and “only cashiers can price your pumpkins.” The patch also sells a variety of pumpkin carving kits.
Dog owners are welcome to bring their pup along, but pets must remain leashed or in carriers.
Hours: Oct 1-31; 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. daily.
Admission: Free
Show more Show less
Route Details
No matching entries.
Please reset filters to see all entries.
No matching entries.
Please reset filters to see all entries.
Updates:
3:00 a.m. Sept. 30, 2025: This story was updated with new information about 2025 Halloween-related events and activities in Southern California.
More From the Los Angeles Times
Most Read in Lifestyle
Top