Ok, so who knows what's happening with trick-or-treating this year, but you can get in the Halloween spirit at one of the Bay Area's fantastic pumpkin farms and farm stands. So whether you're looking for a fabulous fall photoshoot, a day of old-fashioned fun, or simply the perfect jack-o-lantern (or three), review our list of locations below. (We're also liking this favorite fall tradition as a pandemic-friendly activity since, you know, farms are outside.)
From all-out pumpkin patches with rides and petting zoos to low-key farms where you can pick your own pumpkins, we've rounded up some awesome spots that are open in 2021. Note that we've focused on actual farms and farm stands over higher-crowding urban pumpkin patches. All are open through Oct. 31, and some are open a bit longer. Tip: Dress up and bring your camera!
As always, check websites to confirm details and be sure to verify COVID-19 safety regulations and guidance.
Spina Farms Pumpkin Patch (San Jose)
Sunflower fields, hayrides, train rides, a corn maze, pumpkin blasters and (of course) pumpkins. Admission and parking are free Monday through Friday and cost $10 per family on Saturday and Sunday. No dogs allowed.
Location: 8820 Santa Teresa Blvd, San Jose
More information: www.spinafarmspumpkinpatch.com
Rodoni Farms U Pick Em Pumpkin Patch (Santa Cruz)
At this organic farm along Highway 1, you'll find fields of pumpkins to explore for the perfect jack-o-lantern (and photo) - plus hay bales, scary cutouts and a five-acre corn maze ($5/person). You can also pick up fresh Brussels sprouts on the stalk, artichokes, corn stalks and gourds at this sweet, low-key farm. Dog friendly. Open daily 9am-6pm (rain or shine). Note you'll need cash, check, Venmo or PayPal to pay.
Location: 4444 Coast Road, Hwy 1, Santa Cruz
More information: www.rodonifarms.com
Arata’s Pumpkin Farm (Half Moon Bay)
You'll find plenty of pumpkins here, plus so much else: Hay rides, a haunted barn, a six-acre corn field with a river of pumpkins, a two-acre Minotaur’s Labyrinth hay maze (visitors say to allow an hour for this - wow!), a kids' playground with a miniature hay maze, a train ride, guided pony rides and a petting zoo. They've got picnic areas throughout the farm, which is good, because with all that to do, you may be staying awhile. Well-behaved dogs are welcome on leash.
Location: 185 Verde Rd., Half Moon Bay
More information: www.aratasfarm.com
Farmer John's Pumpkin Farm (Half Moon Bay)
Lots of pumpkins of all kinds at this old family farm, which is under new ownership this year, plus other family-friendly attractions, including tractor and hay rides, hay bales and a photo-worthy tipi. You can also buy cornstalks for fall decor and various other fall harvest items.
Location: 850 North Cabrillo Highway, Half Moon Bay
More information: www.farmerjohnspumpkins.com
Lemos Farm Pumpkin Patch (Half Moon Bay)
If you're looking for some serious action, Lemos Farm is a farm themed-amusement park, and this time of year it's Halloween central with pony rides (sorry, you have to be 70 pounds or under), train rides, hay rides, a haunted house, barn slide, petting zoo, concessions and more. Tickets are $15 – $30 and it's recommended to buy them online ahead of time.
Location: 12320 San Mateo Rd, Half Moon Bay
More information: www.lemosfarm.com
Joan's Farm & Pumpkin Patch (Livermore)
A large inflatable slide, an Old West Town, a hay bale maze, pumpkin bowling, a little train, opportunities to feed the farm animals, an antique farm equipment museum ... and many varieties of pumpkins and other fall items. The Snack Shack offers hot dogs and pumpkin pie, soda, water, nachos and more, and there are picnic areas to eat at. Portable restrooms are available. This farm is cash-only, but there is an ATM on-site. Closed Mondays, except Oct. 11.
Location: 4351 Mines Road, Livermore
More information: joansfarm.com
G&S Farms Pumpkin U-Pick & Corn Maze (Brentwood)
You-pick off-the-vine pumpkin picking is available at this third-generation family-run Brentwood farm, along with a corn maze, pumpkin cannons and various other seasonal activities, like a corn kernel sensory pool. (They also offer private events and private u-pick visits.) Open daily.
Location: 1151 Chestnut Street, Brentwood
More information: www.gsfarms.net
Smith Family Farm Pumpkin Harvest (Brentwood)
Live music performances, encounters with farm animals, an observation beehive, an herb garden and recreation area, a pumpkin house family photo area, a replica Native American village and you-pick pumpkins are all available during the pumpkin harvest at this working farm. The $12 general admission includes a pumpkin of any size from the patch; you can also buy additional ones. They also have you-pick pomegranates and persimmons, along with a well-stocked farm stand. There are food trucks on weekends, and check their site for weekend events. It's cash-only and they don't allow pets.
Location: 4350 Sellers Ave., Brentwood
More information: smithfamilyfarm.wixsite.com/smithfamilyfarm
Three Nunns Farm (Brentwood)
Head to this friendly, laid-back family farm to pick your own pumpkins from their 40-plus varieties (reasonably priced at 50 cents a pound), as well as pomegranates and corn. It's free to explore the 40-acre farm. There's also a five-acre corn maze (takes about 15-30 minutes, but maps are posted inside), a smaller "corn trail," and tractor rides - a ticket for all three is $7 in total. You can pay by card or cash (yay!) and parking is free. Dogs not allowed.
Location: 550 Walnut Blvd., Brentwood
More information: threenunns.com
