It is officially the fall season! The leaves are turning orange, the air is becoming crisp and pumpkins are ready to harvest. A shared experience for many, pumpkin patches have provided a sense of community and fun for generations by immersing partakers in the spirit of fall. Whether you are looking to pick out the perfect pumpkin for decoration and carving or simply want to enjoy a brisk autumn day, these local pumpkin patches bring a sense of nostalgic fun that cannot be missed.
Ian’s Pumpkin Patch:
Located in Strawberry Village, this patch brings a sense of seasonal spirit to the area. While the crop size is not large, the variety of colors, shapes and sizes provides ample selection. It is brimming with freshly harvested pumpkins and includes fun activities such as painted cutout boards of Halloween-themed characters to take amusing photos with, a bounce house and a slide. The site is open from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. every day of the week and has no entrance fee. With pumpkin prices between $8 and $25 and a convenient location just off the freeway, visitors, young and old alike are sure to enjoy this easy and inexpensive outing.
Mickelson Pumpkin Patch:
This pumpkin patch located in Petaluma is a must-go for an all-day event. Their selection includes pre-harvested and free-growing pumpkins in a large patch on the site. In addition to picking out pumpkins, visitors can interact with farm animals such as calves and pigs that are fed the pumpkins from the patch. Mickelson Pumpkin Patch also provides entertaining activities such as paintballing, a hay maze and bounce houses to create a family-friendly and multifaceted environment. Along with the many attractions at Mickelson Pumpkin Patch, visitors have the opportunity to take a break by ordering lunch from a selection of food trucks on the site or resting their feet on a tractor ride. Mickelson Pumpkin Patch is open Sunday-Thursday 9 a.m. -8 p.m. and Friday-Saturday 9 a.m. -10 p.m. The patch charges $3 to enter Saturday-Sunday and is free the following days of the week, however, certain attractions can cost up to an additional $30.
Petaluma Pumpkin Patch:
Located off Highway 101, this pumpkin patch brings to life a special sense of fall nostalgia that cannot be missed. Petaluma Pumpkin Patch will surely appeal to those on a budget as there is no entrance fee and visitors can select pre-harvested pumpkins from a decorative booth, priced from a low of $2 to a high of $15. Furthermore, those wanting to pick their pumpkin off a vine have the option to make a selection from the pumpkin patch next to the decorative booth. Petaluma Pumpkin Patch also offers a petting area where people of all ages can interact with farm animals such as sheep, goats, turkeys, horses and cows. For an extra $8, visitors can partake in a corn maze built of straw bales nearly five feet tall. This patch is perfect for those looking for a quick trip to pick out a pumpkin or to spend the day enjoying a variety of fall-themed activities.
While some may believe they are too old to go to a pumpkin patch, taking the time to experience this long-standing tradition will remind them of the fun and joy this activity provides. Going to a pumpkin patch is not just about picking out a fall pumpkin but bringing a community together where all ages can be reminded of the special traditions and character of the season. Spend this fall enjoying the community and the autumn spirit with these three local spots.
