It’s finally starting to cool down in the San Fernando Valley. Now that we are deep into fall, it’s time to look for your “Great Pumpkin” to carve, drink spiced lattes and eat some seasonal pumpkin pie. After all, one of the best ways to enjoy a pumpkin is to eat one.
Throughout the area, fun family-friendly autumn activities are being held at pumpkin patches nearby.
“Happiness is … a Corn Maze!”
Forneris Farms
15200 Rinaldi St.
Mission Hills
Oct. 5 – Nov. 3
Forneris Farms’ annual pumpkin patch and corn maze are here!
“Happiness is a … Corn Maze!” In honor of the 75th anniversary of Charles Schulz’ Peanuts comic strip is this year’s theme. The maze is creatively carved out in the shape of the beloved beagle – Snoopy. There is also a farm frolic area, a hay pyramid, a hay bale mini-maze and displays set up for photo opportunities of the “Great Pumpkin,” Charlie Brown, Lucy and a few unexpected live guests including Farmer John. Like the famous episode, maybe you’ll find your Great Pumpkin and can sing some Pumpkin carols along the way.
The pumpkin patch is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., while the corn maze and train ride are open Monday and Friday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The corn maze is $15 per person, the train ride is $10 per person and a combo ticket is $20 per person. Cash only. Children under the age of 2 are free to enter with a paid adult.
The Calabasas Pumpkin Festival
Juan Bautista de Anza Park
Calabasas
Sunday, Oct. 20
10 a.m. – 5 p.m
Calabasas reportedly got its name from the Spanish word calabaza meaning “pumpkin” or “gourd.” Local legend is that explorer Juan Bautista de Anza was traveling through the area when his wagon full of pumpkins overturned, creating a pumpkin patch a few months later.
Now, after more than 200 years, the community returns to Juan Bautista de Anza Park every year for the Calabasas Pumpkin Festival. This year includes over 75 vendors, rides and games, a live reptile and bug show, photo opportunities, live music, a dance competition and of course pumpkins.
Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 the day of. Children under 24 months are admitted free!
Carved
Descanso Gardens
1418 Descanso Dr.
La Cañada Flintridge
Ends Oct. 30
6 p.m. – 10 p.m.
A short ride on the 210 freeway will lead you to Descanso Garden’s “Carved,” a mesmerizing pumpkin wonderland. For three weeks of October visitors can stroll through a mile-long trail filled with elaborate carved pumpkins and lights. This year features an illuminated forest of jack-o’-lanterns, a beer garden and chainsaw-carved wood spirits.
Adult tickets are $28-$38 for members and $35-$45 for non-members. Children’s tickets are $18-$23 for members and $25-$30 for non-members.
This Monday and Tuesday, Oct. 21 and 22, they are offering special prices. Tickets will be $10-$15 for members and $17-$22 for non-members.
Fall Harvest Festival
Underwood Family Farms
3370 Sunset Valley Road
Moorpark
Sept. 28 – Oct. 31
9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Just west of the San Fernando Valley, Underwood Family Farms in Moorpark hosts a month-long Fall Harvest Festival, featuring a giant pumpkin patch, a corn maze, games, rides, face painting photo ops, live entertainment, horse-drawn wagon rides, pig races, animal shows and more.
Each weekend is uniquely themed, with only two weekends left. Oct. 19 and 20 is “Wild West Weekend” and Oct. 26 and 27 is “All About Pumpkins Weekend.”
Tickets are $28 if purchased in advance and $30 at the door, if spots are available. Children under 2 and parking are free. Seniors, military, veterans and first responders receive a $2 discount. Tickets sell out and are not guaranteed at the door on weekends.