Hey ghouls and goblins! It's finally October and nothing says "fall" quite like a fun family trip to the pumpkin patch. I'm talking corn mazes, hay barrel towers, the sweet smell of churros, and corn baths. Yup - you read that right. Once you see the look on your childs face as they belly flop and back stroke through the kernels, you will be wanting to dive right in too. I spent a full weekend checking out the best patches in Marin (+ Petaluma), and I'm about to give you the scoop, so grab your pumpkin spice latte and cozy sweater and let the fun begin.
Pronzini Farms
PETALUMA
Pronzini is so much more than a pumpkin patch. This patch requires an admission fee for adults ($5 on weekdays/$7 on weekends) and for children ages 3-12 ($5 on weekends only), but once you're in you have access to a whole cornicopia of entertainment that will have you yelling "Oh My Gourd!" Admission includes a sizeable corn pit with toy tractors and dump trucks, a hay maze for the shorter crowd, a hay pyramid to get a birds eye view of the festivities, farm animals for viewing, bounce houses, games, cool old farm equipment for photo opportunities and more. They also sell punch cards for the bigger attractions incuding a "mega slide," obstacle courses, train ride, a mini John Deere tractor course... the list goes on! If you have some thrill seekers in your bunch, come prepared to dish out a little extra money. Toddlers can easily be entertained for hours with all of the free attractions. Other perks on the weekends include a couple of food trucks, BBQ from Cowgirl Cafe, pony rides ($) and live music. Dog friendly so the whole family can join! Open 7 days a week.
Grossi Family Farms
NOVATO
Grossi Family Farm is nestled in the Novato hillside across from Stafford Lake and is absolutely gourd-geous. You won't find any neon lights or bounce houses at this spot - just good old fashioned farm fun. Picture hawks gliding over the oak trees, water glistening off the lake, and mini pumpkins whizzing past your head (don't worry - only if you walk within the firing line of the giant sling shots). While this farm has more of a bucolic setting, there are still opportunities for festive thrills including a hay pyramid, hay maze, and - yeah, you guessed it - a corn pit. This patch also requires an admission fee ($5 for 3-13 year olds, free for all others). Farm animals and food are available on weekends, and four-legged friends are welcome. Open Wednesday - Sunday.
Petaluma Pumpkin Patch
PETALUMA
Petaluma Pumpkin Patch provides the perfect mix of farm vibes and carnival flair. Admission to this patch is FREE for everyone and includes farm animals, a mini corn maze, a hay pyramid, and a corn pit. If you're feeling brave, get lost in the 4-acre corn maze ($6 and children must be accompanied by an adult), and then treat yourself to a funnel cake which you surely will have worked up an appetite for. Other attractions available at an added cost include a large carnival slide, face painting, pony rides, and several local vendors. This patch is located right next to the freeway, but I was too busy admiring the towering corn stalks and sunflowers to notice. No dogs allowed. Open 7 days a week.
Mickelson Pumpkin Patch - Petaluma
Mickelson Pumpkin Patch may look unassuming as you fly past on 101, but don't pass this gem by! This patch has a hay pyramid, animal farm, and several games included with admission ($3 on weekends/ free weekdays). A food vendor is available daily with traditional carnival fare. For an added cost, enjoy a hay maze, corn pit, tractor-pulled train ride, slide, mini paintball range, and an apple canon. If you take the train ride, you will get a spooktacular view of the back side of the patch and creative decor that you wouldn't otherwise get to see. Bounce houses are available for ages 3-13, and pony rides are available Friday-Sunday. I found this patch to be slightly less inviting for the toddler crowd, but provides a couple unique opportunities for older children. No dogs allowed. Open 7 days a week.
Nicasio Valley Pumpkin Patch - Nicasio
Enjoy the beatiful drive on the country roads to this quiet traditional pumpkin patch in Nicasio Valley. This spot is fit with a hay maze, farm animals, and educational opportunities. On select weekends, enjoy live music, BBQ, face painting, hay rides, and crafts. There are no admission fees and be sure to leave your four-legged friends at home for this outing. While the setting is peaceful and scenic, this pumpkins are laid out in a mowed field rather than on the vines. It is easier to navigate and get a good view of all the pumpkins, but you won't get the luscious greenery you get at some of the other patches. Open 7 days a week.
The take home message is that there are plenty of great options for pumpkin patches nearby, with something for everyone. Check the websites for details on hours, prices, a full list of attractions, and accepted forms of payment. You may be asking, couldn't I just go to Costco and get a beautiful pumpkin (or 10)? Sure! But you would be missing out on supporting some awesome local farms and creating core memories. With some free admission options, and pumpkins available in every price range, don't miss out on this opportunity to create lasting memories. Witching you all a very Happy Halloween!
