(This post was originally written in 2020, and it has been updated with current 2022 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 Great Peter 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 9/23-10/31 Sunday - Thursday 10am - 6pm 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. If you are hungry for BBQ the the Cowgirl Cafe has you covered. 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 9/24 to 10/31 Monday-Thursday 11am-6pm Friday-Saturday 10am-7pm Sunday: 10am-6pm
CLOSED FOR 2022 DUE TO DROUGHT. Great Peter Pumpkin Patch at Spring Hill Dairy
We have been to Peter Pumpkin Patch many times over the years. It’s a huge farm, in a beautiful setting with an excellent selection of pumpkins and amazingly delicious pumpkin ice cream. The good news about this pumpkin patch is they are keeping up their tradition of live music on weekends. You can pick your own organic pumpkin from the field, eat homemade ice cream, and enjoy BBQ & baked goods on weekends. Free Admission/Free Parking/Free Hay Ride/Free Corn Maze/Free Hay Pyramid. Free live music on weekends & free cow milking demonstrations.
4235 Spring Hill Road, Petaluma Open from 10/1 to 10/31 Weekdays 9am - 4pm Weekends 9am - 5pm
Make It a Petaluma Adventure and also go to The Happy Dahlia Farm
The Happy Dahlia Farm will be open until some time in mid-October so we recommend calling ahead. While visiting you can wander amongst dozens of rows of colorful dahlia flowers, and also buy flowers to take home. Can you imagine how beautiful it would look if you carved out a pumpkin, added a vase inside and put dahlias in the vase?
2478 East Washington Street, Petaluma Hours: Wednesday thru Saturday 11am-6pm, Sundays 11am-4pm FARM CLOSES FOR THE SEASON AROUND MID-OCTOBER
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 10/1 - 10/31 Monday - Thursday 11am-6:00pm Friday 11am-10pm Saturday 9am-10pm 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 9/30 - 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 10/1 to 10/31 Monday - Friday from 11 a.m. - dusk Saturday & Sunday from 9 a.m. - dusk
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, noodles for stringing necklaces, & old tractors for “driving” your child’s imagination. Their yummy food menu includes pumpkin pie, pumpkin bread, and apple cider slushies.
OPENING DAY HAS YET TO BE PUBLISHED. WILL UPDATE THIS BLOG POST WHEN THE FARM HAS OPENED. 17740 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg Open 10/? - 10/31 7 days a week 10am-6pm
Preston Farm & Winery Pumpkin Patch
Preston Farm and Winery is open 7 days per week. You can easily pair a wine tasting appointment (offered Tuesday through Sunday) with your visit to the pumpkin patch. They also have reservable picnic tables for free for wine club members and a $35 flat fee for non-members. A bottle purchase is required. Bring your own picnic. This farm has several friendly kitty cats that our kids thoroughly enjoyed petting last time we were there.
9282 Dry Creek Road, Healdsburg Open daily 10/1-10/31, 10am-4pm, 7 days per week. Picnic Table reservations & wine tastings: email tastingroom@prestonfarmandwinery.com or call (707)433-3372.
CLOSED FOR 2022 SEASON. Foggy River Farm
Foggy River Farm is a fourth generation family farm located in the Russian River Valley. The field layout is designed for visitors to have a great time picking out their pumpkins while staying distant from others. Reservations are required.
8291 Eastside Road, Healdsburg Open 9/26 to 10/31 Thursday thru Sunday 10am-5pm
Make It a Russian River Valley 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.