Pumpkins, the perfect gourds that are an essential need this time of year, are at last the center of various gardens and fields around Orange County. Although finding the ideal pumpkin for flavorful dishes or spooky decor is of the utmost importance, you should also enjoy the variety of entertainment these pumpkin patches have to offer. Here are a few bright and festive places in OC to celebrate and immerse yourself in this fall season!
Tanaka Farms – 5380 3/4 University Dr, Irvine, CA 92612
Open most days from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m, this garden hosts numerous activities of all things fall. You can hop on wagon rides, traverse through the corn maze, or visit the petting zoo. Guests are even able to snack on farm-fresh food from the Tanaka Grill like crisp nachos, refreshing salad, and crunchy kettle corn. Stop by this patch before October 31, so you don’t miss out on any of these autumnal-limited events because Tanaka Farms has it all!
Irvine Park Railroad – 1 Irvine Park Rd, Orange, CA 92869
Through the regional park, past the enormous trees, and down the train tracks, you’ll discover the Irvine Park Railroad, home to hay rides, train rides, and a haunted house. This park also offers gold panning, pumpkin decorating, and face painting, all family-friendly activities. Try pedaling the boats across the lake, enjoying the tranquility of the scene before you! From 10 a.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m. on weekends to 6 p.m. each day, enjoy these activities alongside loved ones!
Seasonal Adventures Pumpkin Patch, 88 Fair Drive – Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Hosted at the popular OC Fair & Event Center, this pumpkin patch is full of laughter, radiance, and life! Let your inner child out in the bounce houses and on the obstacle courses, pet furry little friends at the petting zoo, or pick up a pumpkin to your liking! Fresh pumpkins aren’t the only fall adornment you can bring home for your front yard — scarecrows, cornstalks, and even entire straw bales are available for purchase! Enjoy the rides or shop at the garden-fresh farmers’ market for squash or gourds.
Magic of the Jack-O’-Lanterns — 750 Santa Anita Ave, South El Monte, CA 91733
If you wish to be one with the Halloween spirit, venture no further than Magic of the Jack-O’-Lanterns. Here, you’ll find yourself enchanted by an ambiance of pure spooky delight, illuminated by a trail of thousands of flickering jack-o’-lanterns. Wind down the candescent pumpkin path to numerous eerie yet picturesque displays and snap a photo to eternalize your memories with loved ones. Grab tickets before November 2 to ensure your spot at the carnival rides or photo-ops at the museum-worthy sculptures!
Whether you visit one of these pumpkin patches in an attempt to score a squash for an eerie jack-o’-lantern, the tastiest pumpkin bread, or before you embark on an exciting trick-or-treating journey, make sure to enjoy each moment with family or friends. Make this year’s Halloween memorable!
