Pumpkins galore: Explore SoCal’s most unique pumpkin patches

October is the month of all things pumpkin. And there’s no better way to celebrate the autumn season than going to a pumpkin patch! Whether you plan to participate in hands-on activities or just capture the perfect fall photo, we’ve gathered five of SoCal’s best pumpkin patches that you don’t want to miss. Note that these are not in any specific order.

Cal Poly Pomona’s Pumpkin Festival delivers not only photo-worthy sights, but also multiple attractions for a busy, yet fun day. Apart from the famous pumpkin patch, the festival also features an animal farm/petting zoo, a corn maze, hay wagon rides, and their farm store with student-grown produce which is open to attendees as well. The festival runs from Sept 30-Oct 29, Fri-Sun, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The attractions cost extra in the form of tickets, $1 each ticket.
Mr. Bones Pumpkin Patch brings a total Halloween-focused vibe to their experience. With huts built entirely out of pumpkins creating a perfect photo-op, Mr. Bones offers an array of spooky attractions just in time for “spooky season”. A few notable attractions include a pumpkin village, giant rocking horses, a petting zoo, pumpkin decorating, and even more. Mr. Bones has something fun for all ages. It is operated from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Oct 5-Oct 29.
On a different festive note, Pumpkin in the Pines at SkyPark at Santa’s Village is perfect for those who want to celebrate autumn, but love Christmas as well. On Sat-Sun from Oct 7-Oct 29 attendees can experience outdoor activities, festive photo-ops, and seasonal foods & drinks. The patch features unique activities such as live shows, bike races, skate nights, a pumpkin weight guessing game, a haunted hike, train rides, and many more. Admission also allows access to the Santa’s Village shops, restaurants, and SkyPark bike park.
The Irvine Park Railroad pumpkin patch is free admission and delivers an exciting experience for all ages. From Sept 16-Oct 31 attendees can go and enjoy many attractions including a hay maze, photo-ops, and a “not too spooky” haunted house. Apart from those free attractions, there are paid activities as well such as train rides, panning for gold, cookie decorating, mini diggers, john deere racers, and more. Activities are paid with tickets which are $7 each.
The Fallstivities Pumpkin Patch at Los Cerritos Center Mall offers much much more than a patch, living up to its festive name. Running from Sep 30-Oct 30, this experience offers uncommon attractions including inflatable obstacle courses and jumpers, motor scooters, inflatable slides, an inflatable rock climb, candy apples, and more. This is one of the patches more aimed towards children, but adults will be able to find enjoyment here as well.

It’s clear Southern California offers an array of options to have a festive October– from pumpkin villas to spooky inflatable jumpers. Make sure to stop by these hotspots before they’re gone!