It's pumpkin time! What better way to spend a lazy weekend than strolling through a pumpkin patch with your family. No time to stroll? Try a pumpkin pick-up station like the Pumpkin Station with 5 locations in metro neighborhoods. If you long for a country farm try Oma's Farm or Bates Nut Farm two great locations that are a little bit out of the way, but worth the trip!
Are you looking for acres of pumpkins? Then visit Bates Nut Farm. Located in Valley Center, Bates is known for its tractor hayrides, farm animals and petting zoo, country store and of course, pumpkins. Each weekend in October features a special event: scarecrow contest, doggie dress-up contest, and arts and crafts fair, and much more! You could easily spend the day here and never get bored.
* Pet friendly- Dogs on a leash are welcome at Bates Nut Farm. Plan for $5 cash only parking on weekends.* Also, it gets pretty busy, there is usually a long line of cars at the entrance.
15954 Woods Valley Rd.
Valley Center, CA
760-749-3333
Online: batesnutfarm.biz
Hours: Sep. 21st-Oct. 31st; Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; Sat. & Sun. 8:30 a.m.- 6 p.m.; Fri., Oct. 11th & 18th 9 a.m.-8 p.m.
My personal favorite pumpkin farm-Oma’s Pumpkin Patch it's been around for years! The farm features pumpkins, hay rides, a hay bale maze, petting corral, a playground, its fun for everyone in the family. For $12, each child who visits Oma’s Farm receives a water bottle, Jack Patch Pumpkin, and participation in all farm activities. Our personal favorite is the hay ride such fun!
14950 El Monte Rd.
Lakeside, CA
619-390-2929
Online: omaspumpkinpatch.com
Hours: Now thru-Oct. 31st; Tues. – Sat. 10 a.m.–7 p.m. (closed Sun. and Mon.)
Lavender Hills Farm
Described as a no-nonsense pumpkin farm. It doesn’t have carnival rides or petting zoos, just a lot of pumpkins–thousands are expected in this year’s crop! Lavender Hills specializes in organically-grown pumpkin varieties that produce unusually large or unique pumpkins. Look for the behemoth North Atlantic Giant, ghostly Polar Bears or the rather petite Jack B. Little pumpkins growing right on the vine.
1509 E. Mission Rd.
Fallbrook, CA 92028
760-715-8495
Online: http://lavenderhillpumpkins.com/Lavender_Hill_Pumpkins.html
Now Open Visit Website for Hours
Non-Farm Pick-Up Stations
My kid loves this place! I love the convenience. This is not a farm, but a pick-up station with 5 convenient locations: Del Mar, National City, Mission Valley, Bonita and Rancho Bernardo. There are a ton of activities including: pumpkins, kiddie rides, giant slides, inflatable play centers, petting zoos, game zones, school tours and party packages. There's even a hay maze, a tractor hay wagon ride, picnic area for families and a petting zoo too!
Online: pumpkinstation.com
Hours: Oct. 1st-31st; Mon.-Sun. 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Since 1992 the Pacific Beach pumpkin patch has been serving up pumpkins and fun! Not only do they have a large selection of pumpkins ranging from mini-100 lbs., they also have a variety of fall accessories, Indian corn, gourds and decorations and a free pumpkin carving and painting area where you'll find stencils, paint kits, stickers and candles. Plus, there's free hot apple cider and free shaved ice for kids!
870 Garnet Ave.
San Diego, CA 92109
858-483-0329
Online: pbpumpkinpatch.com
Hours: Open daily beginning Oct. 1st; Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sat. & Sun. 8 a.m.-10 p.m.
Stay Informed Join Central San Diego Macaroni Kid It's Free!
