Visiting a pumpkin patch around Halloween is both a major Bay Area tradition and something my own family enjoys doing each year. Pumpkin patches are a big deal around here–they often have Fall-themed food, rides, games, and other activities, in addition to pumpkin picking.
For the last several years, my family has headed up to Brentwood each October to visit the Smith Family Farms pumpkin patch. It’s one of my favorites because, in addition to pumpkin picking, they have a whole working farm that you can visit and explore.
Brentwood is also a short drive from most of the East Bay. You don’t need to head down to the South Bay or up to Marin for a great pumpkin-picking experience.
Here’s a photo essay documenting my family’s 2022 visit to the Smith Family Farm’s pumpkin patch in Brentwood.
Getting to the Farm
Smith Family Farm–as the name implies–is a family-owned farm in the beautiful, rural town of Brentwood. (No, there’s no relation between that Smith family and mine).
There’s a farm stand right by the road, but if you drive in a bit farther, you’ll get to the actual pumpkin patch. Outside it, you’ll find a big Halloween-themed display which is a perfect place to take photos of your kids!
After paying an admission fee (more on that below), you get access to the farm itself. I love that Smith Family Farm has lots of permanent buildings, plenty of shade, and a wide variety of activities.
The Best Things About Smith Family Farm
Some pumpkin patches are seasonal and pop up in giant, open fields. They’re overly hot and sunny, and feel more like a carnival. Smith Family Farm is there year round, and the permanence of the buildings and activities is nice. They’ve been here for over 30 years!
My kids loved to run through the farm’s hay maze.
This is an actual farm, albeit a small one. You’ll find fruit trees and other crops growing around the property.
You’ll also find plenty of animals. Smith Family Farm has chickens, peacocks, a donkey, a cow and more.
When we went, there were even baby chicks in a hatchery! It’s hard to find something more compelling to young kids than a big window where you can stand and gaze at tiny chickens.
The Smith family clearly puts a ton of effort into their displays. One of my favorites is a walk-in house completely covered in pumpkins. You can stand in a window and take yet more adorable holiday photos. Building this and keeping it maintained must be quite the undertaking.
There are tons of other activities at the farm:
- Live music at a gazebo towards the center of the farm
- A snack stand and gift shop where you can browse for souvenirs
- A gallery of painted pumpkins
- Displays about local insects and other agricultural topics
- A peaceful labyrinth and herb garden where adults and well-behaved kids can wander
- A big corn maze and trail with 8 foot high corn
Of course, no visit would be complete without a stop at the actual pumpkin patch! Smith Family Farms actually grows their own pumpkins, and you get to wander into the field and pick one. One pumpkin per person is included in the price of admission.
Smith Family Farm makes a great Fall activity with kids, and we’ll definitely be back next year.
Hours and Pricing
Smith Family Farm’s pumpkin patch is open daily from 9am to 5pm from early October through Halloween. Check their website or call to make sure it’s open before driving out.
Admission is $13.50 per person, and includes a pumpkin from the patch
Address and Phone:
4350 Sellers Avenue Knightsen, CA 94548
Tel: 925-625-5966
