Located only a half-mile from campus, Tanaka Farms offers you the chance to enjoy fall traditions in Southern California sunshine. The farm is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and is completely free to visit; however, you must pay a $10 parking fee in order to get in. At this time they are not accepting on-foot visitors so you must arrive by car but, with pumpkins priced at only $1.39 per pound, you’re not going to want to carry those precious pumpkins back to campus anyways. 

And if you didn’t come for the pumpkins you’ll stay for the other fun activities and food. If cutting pumpkins into cute faces isn’t your thing, I bet launching them super far with a cannon is!

All-day at the farm they have fun activities like wagon rides, a petting zoo, fun carnival games, and even an arts and crafts area. Some of these activities do cost an additional fee which the individual pricing can be found here https://www.tanakafarms.com/pumpkin-patch-faq. 

Another option would be to explore the different foods and snacks they have to offer. Monday through Friday they offer bottled water, sodas, juices, fruit, and other snacks available for sale in the Produce Market Stand. Open on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. the Tanaka Grill will offer a larger variety of food and drink, chicken tenders, pulled pork sandwiches, fries, nachos, hot dogs, homemade lemonades, kettle corn, and more. There also is a drive-thru produce area where you can order all kinds of things like fruits, vegetables, and locally made bread. 

This is a great and inexpensive activity to do this weekend especially since the weather is shaping up to be a perfect 75 degrees. When asked about her experience at the Tanaka Farms Rachel Lwin, senior, said, “My favorite part about going to Tanaka farms was the variety of pumpkins at the patch, the fun fall photos with roommates that were taken, and the animals at the farm.'' She also recommends making reservations ASAP as tickets do sell out fast. 

If you want all the benefits of the Tanaka Farms but don’t want the crowds, head over to their sister farm in Costa Mesa called Hana Field Pumpkin Patch. Hana Field is a smaller, much calmer way to experience some fall activities. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. They have snacks, games, crafts, and flowers to pick. It is a little pricier at a $20 entrance fee with a $10 parking fee on top of that. But it is only once a year so feel free to treat yourself!

Just a few tips from Hana Field; it is advised to bring your own wagon if you plan to purchase a few pumpkins as they don’t provide wheelbarrows for you. Also, bring your own trimmers as you get to cut your own pumpkin right from its root. When visiting either farm it is highly recommended to wear closed-toed shoes. Hope you don’t mind getting dirty as it is still a working farm and it can get muddy. Dress comfortably as you end up walking through rows and rows of pumpkins. 

Book your reservations today at www.tanakafarms.com and keep an eye out on their website because they have a pretty fun Christmas season coming sooner than you think.

Tags: fall, event

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About Katherine Mowery

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