Trick or treat! Halloween is right around the corner, which means it’s time for all things pumpkin. If you’re like me, you’ve already stocked up on all of the pumpkin-flavored treats at Trader Joe’s. Now, what is Halloween without pumpkin carving?

We’ve rounded up the top 8 pumpkin patches in L.A. that you should visit with your friends and family. If you’re a little behind on the spooky decorating or are anxiously counting down the days until All Hallows Eve (me!), keep in mind that when it comes to the holiday season you can never decorate too much.

 

1. Mr. Bones Pumpkin Patch

This famous pumpkin patch, known to be frequented by A-list celebs, features a huge petting zoo, a straw maze, face painting, and pony rides. This is definitely the one-stop shop, where you can pick up any tools you might need for pumpkin carving while your let your kids tire themselves out in the bouncy house. They do charge for entry, but you can sign up online for coupons and deals.

Where: 702 North Doheny Dr., West Hollywood
Dates: Oct. 3–31 from 9 a.m.–7 p.m. Mon.-Thurs. & 9 a.m.–8 p.m. Fri.-Sun.
Cost: Free on weekdays. Weekends $3/child,$5/adult.
Online: mrbonespumpkinpatch.com

2.Shawn’s Pumpkin Patch

This pumpkin patch is best known for its wide variety and unique selection of pumpkins, rare gourds, and squash. Your kids will be will occupied with the hand-powered train, ball house, face painting, train rides, petting zoo, and ponies. Shawn’s Pumpkin Patch has two locations: Culver City and Santa Monica. Be sure to check the schedule, because they do not operate every day!

Where: Locations in Culver City and Santa Monica.
When: Check website for hours at each location.
Cost: Free admission. Tickets for rides and games ($3-$9) sold separately.
Online: shawnspumpkinpatch.com

3. Pa’s Pumpkin Patch

This one is more of a mini-carnival than a pumpkin patch. You can enjoy classic carnival rides, old-fashioned boardwalk games, pony rides, and a petting zoo. Choose from rows of pumpkins and gourds, and you can even buy haystacks and corn stalks for even more fun decor.

Where: 6701 East P.C.H., Long Beach
When: Sep. 27–Oct. 31, hours vary daily. Check the website for details.
Cost: $1/adult, kids free. Tickets for rides are $1, and all rides and attractions are from 1-3 tickets.
Online: paspumpkinpatch.com

4. Forneris Farms

The Fall Harvest Festival hosted by Forneris Farms boasts a real farm setting and fresh from the vine pumpkins for you to pick from. Kids can go on a tractor-pulled train ride around the farm, get lost in a corn maze, play in the bounce house, or visit the petting zoo. Parents, you’ll be able to pick up fresh produce and more fall decorations while you’re here. Note: they only accept cash, but do have an ATM available.

Where: 15200 Rinaldi St., Mission Hills
When: Oct. 4–Nov. 2. Weekends from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; weekdays 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: Free admission, attractions are $4-$8.
Online: fornerisfarms.com

5. Pierce College Halloween Harvest Festival

Full of attractions and fun for the whole family. For teens, they can do through the spooky haunted house if they dare, or take a walk down the “Creatures of the Corn” haunted trail. For toddlers and younger kids, there are fun shows put on in the pumpkin patch. You can take a hayride and of course pick out your pumpkin! But the main draw here are the rides and attractions.

Where: 20800 Victory Blvd., Woodland Hills
When: Sep. 26-Nov. 2. Weekends from 10 a.m. to midnight.; weekdays 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Cost: $5, kids under 3 free for admission, all activities range in prices.
Online: halloweenharvestfestival.com

6. Underwood Family Farms

A little ways away, this unique fall festival is definitely worth the drive. There is a different theme each weekend, and the farm boasts seemingly endless acres of pumpkins in more varieties than you probably knew there were. Pumpkin carving and extravagant pumpkin displays are among the many fun activities here. If you go on the weekend, you can participate in pig races, tractor-drawn rides, a corn maze, chicken show, slide, petting zoo, live entertainment, and more.

Where: 3370 Sunset Valley Rd., Moorpark
When: Sep. 27–Oct. 31 from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Cost: Weekends are $15, weekdays are $3. Games and attractions are available at an additional cost.
Online: underwoodfamilyfarms.com

7. McGrath Street Pumpkin Patch

If you’re looking for a more authentic or less crowded pumpkin patch, this is the place to go. The best part is getting to pick your pumpkin straight from the patch. You can also enjoy the usual fall festival activities such as hay rides, pumpkin carving, and face painting as well. Don’t miss out on the popcorn and apple cider. They recommend you call ahead of time to see what activities are schedule for that day.

Where: 5156 McGrath St., Ventura
Hours: Open daily in October from 9 a.m. to dusk.
Cost: Free admission.
Online: mcgrathstreetpumpkinpatch.com

8. Tanaka Farms

A visit here is worth the drive if you are looking for a more homey pumpkin picking experience. You get to pick your own pumpkin and other veggies that you like right from the vine to take home. You can take a wagon ride around the 30 acre farm, find your way through the corn maze, and pet farm animals. Better for those with no time limit who are looking to have a more relaxing time.

Where: 5380 3/4 University Dr., Irvine
When: Sep. 27-Oct. 31 from 9 a.m.–6 p.m.
Cost: Admission is $2, the wagon ride is $5, and the petting zoo is $3.
Online: tanakafarms.com

Best of luck finding the perfect pumpkin!

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