Tanaka Farms Pumpkin Patch

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Sure, things look a bit different mid pandemic. But, the fun does not have to stop and Tanaka Farms has made sure their pumpkin patch this year rivals that of the past.

Our little family made our first fall field trip of the year to a real working farm for their seasonal harvest and pumpkin patch. Tanaka Farms offers 2 different ways in which you, your friends and family can enjoy all the fall fun you desire!

Option 1: Drive-Thru Pumpkin Patch

This unique take on a traditional pumpkin patch allows you to take your own vehicle on a 1.5 mile drive around the beautiful 30-acre farm. The experience also includes a pumpkin, samples, an educational barnyard exhibit with real live farm animals, a scarecrow contest display, decorations, and more. This option is an in-vehicle option only; therefore you will not be exiting your vehicle at any time, except at one point if you choose to pick your own pumpkin.

Hours and info:

Only available Saturday & Sundays
You need to pre-register. To do so follow this link https://www.tanakafarms.com walk ups are not allowed this year
First car in at 9 am, last car in at 5 pm.

Prices:

All persons ages 3 and over ($20 per person)
2 Years and Under (FREE, but do not receive items included)
Active and Retired Military (FREE, ID required at check-in)

*Option 2: U-Pick Pumpkin (this is the one we did)

Tanaka Farms is one of the only farms in Orange County with a REAL pumpkin patch; meaning you pick it directly out of the patch itself!

This option includes an informative wagon ride led by a friendly tour guide around the beautiful 30 acre farm! It includes watching a pumpkin launch in a pumpkin cannon (which was so cool— I could’ve done with more pumpkin launching for sure!), a ride through the barnyard educational exhibit with the cutest farm animals, lots of fun decorations and beautiful farmland to look at, a scarecrow and pumpkin contest, and sunflowers (currently growing, should be in peak bloom in late October).

After enjoying the 15-20 minute wagon ride you are then at the U-Pick veggies. My kids thought this was pretty cool and were really into picking their own veggies. Definitely not country kids, so this was a fun hands on experience for them. Plus, they were thrilled to eat said veggies afterward, and tried things like radishes and cilantro, which they normally might not… parent win.

After some fun photos around the farm we ended in the pumpkin patch. Here my kids ran and observed each and every pumpkin in search of the one! After much deliberation they were able to pick it themselves! Also notice that most of our activities take place in a dirt patch, so wearing closed toed comfy shoes is a good idea.

Please note you will not exit the wagon until it is time to pick your vegetables and pumpkin. This whole activity lasts about one hour… unless your kids are as picky as mine and seriously walk the entire patch looking for the perfect one. We ended up at the patch for roughly 2 hours. The pumpkin is included in the price, and you can pick any one in the whole patch, big or small. The one caveat is that you must be able to carry it yourself out of the patch. Let’s pretend mom’s endless photo taking had nothing to do with the amount of time we were there and I can simply blame the pickers.

Hours and info:

This option is only available Monday through Friday through October 30th.
You need to pre-register. To do so follow this link https://www.tanakafarms.com no walk-ups allowed
First Departure starts at 9am/last departure at 5pm
Everyone over the age of 3 must wear a mask
Social Distancing is maintained with people outside your group inside the wagon therefore capacity has been cut by 75-80%. Ergo, pre-register

Prices:

All persons ages 3 and over ($25 per person)
2 Years and Under (FREE, but do not receive items included)
Active and Retired Military (FREE, ID required at check-in)

Bringing in our haul of pun’kins from the Tanaka Farms patch with the U-Pick option. I think this is a good looking bunch.

This is a great activity for the family. It’s a fabulous way to be outside making memories safely. And since the price includes entrance, the wagon ride, any size pumpkin, and an assortment of veggies, it ends up paying for itself. Pumpkins at patches are pricey and since the kids can choose anyone it was a real thrill. So mask up, grab your hand sanitizer and have fun!

Head to https://www.tanakafarms.com/ for more info.

Located in Irvine, this family owned and operated organic farm is spread out over 30 acres and produces over 60 kinds of fruits and vegetables, including strawberries, pumpkins and more. Tanka Farms is known for their produce at their farm stand (which can be visited at no cost) and for their one-of-a-kind tours and activities. Offered year-round, the tours and activities aim to educate children on where their food comes from and how it is grown. Changing with the seasons, tours in the winter and fall focus on pumpkins and Christmas trees. In the spring and summer, watermelons and their famed strawberry tours take place.