It’s October & that means all things pumpkin. Pumpkin pie, pumpkin spice lattes and of course, trips to the pumpkin patch!
We rounded up a list of local pumpkin patches to visit as well as a guide on picking the perfect pumpkin! For those wondering what variety of pumpkin to look for, we have Pumpkin Varieties & their use also listed for you.
Varieties of Pumpkins
- Sugar – Excellent for baking
- Jack O’Lantern – most common for carving
- White Lumina – unusual, medium-sized white pumpkin
- Mini – Great for decoration
- Gourds – Many varieties, used for decorations
If you are looking for the perfect pumpkin to decorate (paint or carve), look for:
Look for any pumpkin that is
- Visually appealing with an even color of deep orange
- The shape you choose is whatever appeals to you! If it grew on it’s side & has a flat spot, use that flat spot to highlight your decorating design.
- Free from cuts, bruises & soft spots. The flesh should feel hard and not give easily. Infections can spread quick & cause your pumpkin to rot.
- Has a stem still attached
Store it carefully, especially if you pick it from the vine yourself. Cure a fresh-picked pumpkin by keeping it in a dry place. Don’t handle or disturb it. Curing toughens the rind, making it less prone to rot. Pumpkins will keep for months in a cool (50 F to 65F dry, low humidity environment; such as a cool, dry basement.
Tip: If you like roasted or baked pumpkin seeds, you can save the seeds from any pumpkin!
Local Pumpkin Patch & Farms
Alameda County
- G & M Farms – corn maze, pumpkin patch, straw bale maze, more
487 East Airway Blvd, Livermore, CA 94551. Phone: 925.447.FARM. Email: Diane(at)gmfarms(dotted)com. Open: Cornfield Maze Hours Monday – Thursday 4-8 PM, Friday 4-10 PM, Saturday 10 AM -10 PM, Sunday 10 AM – 8 PM; Pumpkin Patch Hours are Monday – Friday 2-6 PM, Saturday and Sunday 10 AM – 6 PM. Directions: Click here for a a map and directions. See these pages for more information: Pumpkin patch, Corn maze , Straw bale maze, Visit our farm animals, Enjoy a pony ride (weekends only), Purchase farm fresh vegetables and Fall decorations. G&M has ample parking, easy freeway access near BART Park ‘n ride. G & M Farms Cornfield Maze and Pumpkin Patch in Livermore has been featured TWICE on the David Letterman Show. For Mom, there’s fresh produce, decorative gourds and Indian corn. Your little ones will love G&M’s farm animals and the free straw bale maze and corn box. Weekends feature Pony Rides, Pedal Carts, and our new attraction The Barnyard Blasters! plus don’t forget to ride G & M Farms’ famous Cow Train. Download your discount coupon HERE.. - Joan’s Farm – Pick your own pumpkins in the pumpkin patch, hayrides!
4351 Mines Rd, Livermore, CA, 94550. Phone: 925.447.0794. Email us at: joansfarm9(at)aol(dotted)com. Pumpkin Patch is Open October 1 – 31, Daily 9 – 6 Corn Maze, Old West Town, Hay Ride, Farm Animals, Gold Panning, Antique Museum, Pumpkins, Gourds, Indian Corn, Corn Stalks, Straw Bales, Nuts, Refreshments, Gift Shop, and more. Picnic areas – bring your own or purchase from their cafe! - Moore’s Pumpkin Patch – pumpkins and pre-cut Christmas trees (brought to the site).
9711 Dublin Canyon Rd, Castro Valley, CA, 94552. Phone: 510.886.6015. Email us at: webmaster(at)moorespumpkins(dotted)com. Directions: click here. Open: Daily from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM; Pumpkin Patch opens October 3rd to October 31st. Family owned and operated servicing the Bay Area since 1984. Focusing on family fun ever since. Located at Rowell Ranch Rodeo Grounds off 580 in Castro Valley. Children can use our provided “Pumpkin Patch Travelers” otherwise known as red wagons to transport their “perfect pumpkins “. We’re not just any old Pumpkin Patch, we’re a local Family Fun Park complete with rides and attractions. Children can use our provided “Pumpkin Patch Travelers” otherwise known as red wagons to transport their “perfect pumpkins”. Then on to the carnival rides you’ll see the popular “Super Slide” and various children’s rides. No need to be afraid here. Our patch focuses on a Fall Harvest theme rather than a Dark and Gloomy theme. School and large groups please make reservations. Print off a coupon before you go.
Read more at https://www.pumpkinpatchesandmore.org/CApalameda.php#rSmaHFoxZ64ByYyq.99