October is my favorite time of year because there are so many wonderful farms to visit. Try a different location each weekend. Make farm visits part of your seasonal family tradition. Each location has something fun to offer.
Here our top picks for harvest fun this season.
-Pamela, North State Parent magazine publisher
Book Family Farm Pumpkin Patch: Starting October 1
The Book Family Farm Pumpkin Patch beckons pumpkin enthusiasts throughout the month of October. The many animals at this old-fashioned family farm hold a special charm for young children. Little ones will love watching the antics of Bossie, Lucy and Ethel the cows; Clarence and Annabelle the goats; and, of course, Henny Penny the chicken — and all 107 of her friends! Open to the public Mon-Sat, 9 am-6 pm. Fun, educational field trips are available by appointment. (in person & virtual) 153 Heavy Horse Ln, Durham. bookfamilyfarm.com (530) 530-342-4375
Hunter Orchards: Opens October 1
Come visit Northernmost California’s original U-Pick pumpkin patch. Acres and acres of pumpkins to choose from, all sizes and shapes, way too many varieties of winter squash, hay maze for the kids, apples, pears, fresh cider, jam, and fall holiday decorations. Perhaps you came as a kid on a school field trip, or have only recently discovered our farm. Whatever has brought you our way, we’re looking forward to seeing you this fall. The little ones love our hay maze! Fresh veggies and tasty apple cider. Open daily in the month of October, 10 am-6 pm. 1441 Old Westside Rd., Grenada. (530) 436-2532. hunterorchards.com
Hawes Farms: Open Now
Hawes Farms offers families a wide range of modern fun, including bumper cars, go-karts, haunted attractions, a roller coaster, a mechanical bull, a pumpkin blaster and more! Those with a taste for more traditional harvest activities will love the pony or Hawes Express train rides, the six-acre corn maze and the eight-acre pumpkin patch with more than 50 pumpkin and gourd varieties for visitors to choose from. The annual Pumpkin Fest is October 16-17, with everything from a pumpkin pie-eating contest to a pumpkin weight guessing contest.
Hawes Farms also celebrates the autumn season in style with several themed weekends, from Western Days to Pumpkin Fest — full details on the website. Challenge yourself to zombie paintball and other frighteningly fun rides. The farm is featuring several local vendors to help out and promote the many small local businesses in our local economy. It’s a great chance to shop local. Learn about booking birthday parties and company parties, learn more details and purchase tickets online. 6465 Deschutes Rd. Anderson. historichawesfarm.com (530) 365-2332.
Country Pumpkins: Starting October 1
True to its name, Country Pumpkins in Orland has five acres of pumpkins and interesting gourds for visitors to explore, plus a country store with a variety of jams, jellies, local honey, pumpkin butter and syrup, and other farm products. Families can have bales of fun on the hay pyramid and hay slide. This family-owned and operated farm also offers an observation beehive to introduce children to the important role these insects play in agriculture. The Corn Maze is $5 per person and Children under 4 are free. Cash or checks only. One of the farm’s most popular attractions is its amazing 10-acre corn maze, uniquely designed each year by the owner’s family. The proceeds of the maze benefit 4-H programs and other local non-profit organizations. On six select nights during October, the “brave at heart” (10 years and older) can visit the haunted version of the maze to get a dose of the Halloween thrills. Haunted corn maze dates: Friday evenings in October: 8, 15, 22 and 29th from 7pm to 10pm. And also Saturday evenings in October: 9, 16, 23, 30 from 7pm to 10pm. Bring a flash light. $15 per person. CASH only. Look for signs between Road P and Stony Creek. 7152 Highway 32, Orland. http://www.countrypumpkins.org.
TJ Farms Pumpkin Patch: Open Now
TJ Farms Pumpkin Patch has been growing all sorts of pumpkins here for almost 30 years, and it’s a one-of-a-kind place. We plant in late June and let the pumpkins develop in all their beauty until harvest time. Bring your kids and we’ll help them use a backboard wagon to go through the fields and pick their favorite, one-of-a-kind pumpkin. Enjoy a children’s playground, antique farm equipment display and fully stocked country store. Get some delicious goodies at the store or bring your own picnic to enjoy on the grounds. Be sure to get some of Dave’s Dazzling Dills to feast on later! Open through October — as long as pumpkins are available! Mon-Fri, 2-6 pm, Sat-Sun, 10 am-6 pm. Large groups should call for an appointment time. 3600 Chico Avenue tjfarmsestates.com (530)343-2294.
Trinity Lutheran’s Fall Festival: October 23
Trinity Lutheran’s Fall Festival will transform the churchyard into a colorful, family-friendly festival on October 23. Kids can jump around in the bounce house, and the church welcomes people of all ages to enjoy hayrides, face painting, games and more! You’ll enjoy snacking on candy, popcorn and goodies from the bake sale. Admission is free, and all visitors are invited to bring friends. The festival will kick off at 11 am and wind down around 3:30 pm. 2440 Hilltop Dr., Redding. reddingtlc.org (530) 221-6686. dairyvillefestival.org
The Peterson Sisters Pumpkin Patch: Open Now
Grab your kids, get out of the house and come out for a fun day on the farm! The Peterson Sisters Pumpkin Patch is open every Friday,s3 pm-Sunset and Sat-Sun,10 am-Sunset, through October 31. Share the good things in life and so much joy in a simple hay ride, picking the perfect pumpkin, or making your way through the kids’ hay maze. While sitting and enjoying some of our fresh baked goods, made with our pumpkins, the serenity of being out in the patch is sure to bring a smile to your face and warmth to your heart. So come on out for some good old fashion fun at The Peterson Sisters Pumpkin Patch! Hope to see you there! Located on the corner of Jones Ave and Bell Rd in Chico. Or find us online at pspumpkinpatch.com
Maagic Mountain Farm: Call ahead to schedule tour
Come to the farm for a tour of the land, creatures and all its abundance. You’ll see goats, ducks, chickens, bees, gardens and humans working together to feed each other. Learn where your food comes from and how to create your own at home. Hands-on family fun for all ages. Tours scheduled seven days a week for individuals, families and school groups or learning pods. Every day is a new adventure on this Mt Shasta Farm. Call Leslie at (530)-925-6752 to arrange your tour, and mention North State Parent magazine for a discount on scheduled tours. maagicmtnfarm.com
Dairyville Orchard Festival: October 16
Join us on Saturday, October 16 for the 24th Annual Dairyville Orchard Festival at Lassen View Elementary School in Los Molinos. Come celebrate the harvest season with fresh locally grown walnuts, almonds, prunes, olives and much more! There will be unique arts and crafts, live entertainment, children’s activities and lots of delicious food! The Festival starts at 10 a.m. and as always there is free admission and free parking. All proceeds help fund local scholarships. For more information go to dairyvillefestival.org
