(This post was originally written in 2020, and it has been updated with current 2025 information.)
Our all time favorite video from our children’s toddler years is our daughter and her friend getting down to a bluegrass band at the pumpkin patch. It is a display of pure oneness with the music unencumbered by inhibitions. It makes me grin every time I see it and it gets me in the mood for our annual family outing to the Pumpkin patch!
Sonoma County is my favorite place to go get pumpkins, gourds, and autumnal treats. We have organized the best options into three areas; Petaluma, Santa Rosa, and Russian River. Just pick a patch and add the bonus activity like a hike, a winery, or a flower farm to make it into a full-day family adventure.
Petaluma Area Patches
The Petaluma Pumpkin Patch
The Petaluma Pumpkin Patch is famous for its corn maze which is open daily. The night Maze is open on Fridays and Saturdays only. Free activities include visits with farm animals, corn pit, giant hay bale pyramid, and little kids maze. Yummy food is available, but only as “take out” or in the new dining area.
450 Stony Point Road, Petaluma
Open from 9/19-10/31
Sunday - Thursday 10am - 7pm
Friday - Saturday 10am - 10pm
Pronzini Pumpkin Patch
Pronzini’s has many acres of pumpkins and plenty of fresh air. The grounds are decorated with many interesting things, including a wild looking sculpture made from a VW bug. One of Petaluma’s favorite restaurants, Sax’s Joint will be serving food, beer and wine on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. There is an area for shaded picnic lunches. There are also farm animals on display. Pony rides are available on weekends. The “Haunted creek trail” is pretty spooky and may not be well-suited for children under 10. Dogs on leash are welcome.
3795 Adobe Road, Petaluma Open from 9/23 to 10/31 Monday-Thursday 11am-6pm Friday-Saturday 10am-7pm Sunday: 10am-6pm
Santa Rosa Area Patches
Santa Rosa Pumpkin Patch
The Santa Rosa Pumpkin Patch is a large and lively pumpkin patch with lots of extras. There is an extensive corn maze, hay rides, petting farms and pumpkin-decorating stations, and other activities. They have a huge selection of free and paid activities available.
5157 Stony Point Road
Open from 09/27 - 10/31
Monday - Thursday 11am-7:00pm
Friday 11am-9pm
Saturday 9am-9pm
Sunday 9am-8pm
Muelrath Ranches Pumpkin Patch
Muelrath Ranch is a popular pumpkin patch that features a hay pyramid, picnic area, pumpkin slingshot, pumpkin cannon, toddler’s corn maze, haunted dungeon, and antique tractors, and a hay ride. Water, soda, and cider are available for purchase.
3800 Walker Avenue
Open 9/27 - 10/31
Monday - Sunday 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m
Punky’s Pumpkins
Punky’s is a fun pumpkin patch that is easy to access off of Highway 101. They offer hayrides & train rides. The picnic tables will be set up so bring a picnic lunch. On the weekends refreshments are available for purchase.
50 Mark West Springs Road
Open from 10/4 to 10/31
Monday - Friday from 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday from 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Make It a Santa Rosa Adventure and visit Paradise Ridge Winery
Located in Santa Rosa on the eastern edge of the Russian River Valley, Paradise Ridge Winery is a super fun spot for kids. Not because the kids like to watch the adults sipping wine, but because there is a massive 4 acre sculpture garden. There is plenty of space for the kids to wander and run in grassy and forested areas that host several unique sculptures. It’s easy to navigate on the well marked paths. Then after enjoying sculptures the whole family can enjoy a spectacular view while the adults sip wine. Be sure to make an appointment for your tasting!
4545 Thomas Lake Harris Drive Santa Rosa, CA Open daily from 10am to 4:30pm Reservations recommended reservations@prwinery.com 707.528.9463
Healdsburg/Russian River Area Patches
Grandma’s Pumpkin Patch
Grandma’s Pumpkin Patch features a hay stack for climbing, animals, & old tractors for “driving” your child’s imagination. This farm is not scary, and is completely fenced in, making it the perfect spot for toddlers. Their yummy food menu includes pumpkin pie, pumpkin bread, and apple cider slushies.
17740 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg
Open 9/25 - 10/31
7 days a week 10am-6pm
Make It an Adventure and also go to Riverfront Regional Park
This regional park features a lovely picnic area in a Redwood Tree Grove, and an easy flat hike around a lake that is adjacent to the Russian River. It could work out well if you need to take your baby or toddler for a stroller nap. You can even go dip your feet into the river as part of this little hike. More details of this hike can be found on our blog post about easy hikes in West Sonoma County.
7821 Eastside Rd, Healdsburg
This local insight brought to you by your hosts at Lucky Bend Lookout; a modern yet family-friendly Russian River vacation home. Check our availability and book online or call/text Sarah at 415-516-6961 to reserve.
Thanks for this great post! I’ve been searching for a pumpkin patch nearby me to visit with my family this fall. Your recommendations are super helpful, and I love how you’ve highlighted local spots with fun activities like hayrides and corn mazes. Can’t wait to check them out and make some great memories. Any other hidden gems you’d suggest for fall activities?
Great blog! I was searching for a pumpkin patch near by me and your post was so helpful. Fall is the perfect time for a fun family outing, and finding a good pumpkin patch can make all the difference. I love the tips you shared, especially about activities for kids and seasonal treats. Can’t wait to visit one and pick the perfect pumpkin for carving this year!