The 6 Absolute Best Pumpkin Patches in the East Bay

Bay Area Telegraph Editorial TeamOctober 6, 2025

Fall in the East Bay means family outings to local pumpkin patches full of Autumn fun. From Walnut Creek to Livermore and Brentwood, you’ll find family-friendly farms offering pumpkin picking alongside hayrides, corn mazes, petting zoos, and seasonal treats.

Below is a comprehensive guide to the best pumpkin patches in (and around) the 925 area code, with essential details like opening dates, hours, admission, and highlights for each location.

We’ve also got some “honorable mention” patches outside the 925!

Note: We did our best to gather all relevant info RE prices, activities etc but there’s a lot of data here! Pumpkin patches can also close for weather. Make sure to call ahead or check details before heading out.

6. Shadelands Ranch Pumpkin Patch (Walnut Creek)

Walnut Creek’s Shadelands Ranch Pumpkin Patch (2660 Ygnacio Valley Rd), held on the grounds of the historic Shadelands Ranch Museum, is a local favorite for young families.

It offers a bit of everything in a convenient suburban setting: pumpkins of all sizes for sale, a mini hay maze for toddlers, an enclosed petting zoo, and a handful of kid-friendly rides and games.

Children can hop on the cow train ride or try unique activities like human “hamster balls” and bumper boat rides. There are also carnival-style games (giant Connect Four, corn hole, puzzle games) and plenty of fun photo ops with seasonal decor.

Snacks (popcorn, ice cream) and Halloween trinkets are available on-site for when the kids need a break. Keep in mind: this patch isn’t huge, but it’s perfect for an hour or two of fun for kids under about 8 years old.

Season: Open daily October 1 – 31, 9:00 am – 9:00 pm
Admission: $4 per person (children under 1 are typically charged). Parking is free but limited.
Activities (cow train, etc.) cost extra, roughly $4–$8 per ride. Pumpkins are sold by size (about $12–$45)
Features: Petting zoo, mini hay maze, cow train, bumper boats, giant puzzle games, “hamster ball” rolling ride, and even occasional outdoor movie nights. The patch is adjacent to the Shadelands Ranch historical museum, adding a bit of local heritage to your visit.
Official Website: shadelandspumpkinpatch.com

5. G&M Farms Pumpkin Patch & Corn Maze (Livermore)

G&M Farms is a must-visit fall destination in Livermore, known for its expansive 6-acre corn maze and authentic farm atmosphere.

Aerial view of the corn maze. Credit: G&M Farms.

This working farm has been featured on TV for its fun factor. Families can wander through rows of pumpkins and take on the maze challenge – by day or even “haunted” on select nights in late October.

On weekends, G&M rolls out extra attractions: hayrides, a cow train, pedal kart carts, a corn kernel pit, pony rides, and giant jump pillows for kids to bounce on.

Friendly farm animals are usually on hand to meet, and seasonal snacks like kettle corn and mini donuts are sold from food trucks on busy days. G&M strikes a great balance between adventure and education, making it perfect for a fall day trip.

Season: Open October 3 – 30, 2025 (closed Mondays & Tuesdays).
Hours: Wed–Fri 3:00–7:00 pm; Sat 10:00 am–7:00 pm; Sun 10:00 am–6:00 pm. (Note: Hayrides, cow train and other big attractions run weekends only, while the corn maze and pumpkin patch are open Wed–Sun.)
Admission: Free general entry and parking. You pay per activity: corn maze admission is $10 (kids 4 and under free). Other attractions use a token system – tokens cost $5 each and each ride (hayride, cow train, etc.) requires 1 token. Pumpkin prices vary by size.
Features: A famous corn maze (with special haunted maze nights), pick-your-own pumpkin patch, hayrides (weekends), cow train rides, pedal carts, a corn pit, pony rides (weekends), jumping pillow bounce pads, and a small barnyard animal viewing area. Food vendors (kettle corn, corn dogs, etc.) set up on weekends, and there are picnic areas to enjoy your treats.
Official Website: gmfarms.com

4. Joan’s Farm & Pumpkin Patch (Livermore)

If you’re looking for a Western-themed pumpkin patch with a rustic vibe, head to Joan’s Farm in Livermore. Located in the golden hills on Mines Road, Joan’s Farm is one of the East Bay’s most picturesque spots.

The patch is laid out like an Old West town, complete with a faux frontier street and even an “Old West” fort maze for kids to explore. Visitors can wander through an expansive pumpkin field and enjoy numerous activities: there’s a giant corn maze, a smaller hay-bale maze for little ones, pumpkin bowling, a petting zoo/farm animal area where kids can feed goats and sheep, a “little blue” train ride, an inflatable slide, and more.

A Snack Shack offers treats like pumpkin pie, shaved ice, hot dogs, and seasonal snacks to keep everyone energized. The atmosphere is truly family-friendly and feels like a step back in time on the farm.

Season: Open annually in October. 2025 dates: October 3 – 31, 10:00 am – 6:00 pm (activities close at 5:30 pm). Closed on Mondays (open on Columbus Day Monday).
Admission & Parking: Free admission for all ages. Parking on-site is $5 per vehicle (cash only).
Activities: Tickets are $5 per activity (for things like the train ride, petting zoo feed, corn maze, etc.), or you can get an unlimited wristband for $25 per person. This pay-as-you-go system lets you choose your fun – whether it’s one hayride or an all-included day. Pumpkin prices are additional (priced by size/variety). Tip: Bring cash; they are cash-only for all purchases (an ATM is available on site).
Features: Farm animals to meet (goats, sheep, chickens, donkeys, etc.), a large corn maze, a kiddie hay-bale maze, pumpkin bowling lanes, an Old West town backdrop for play and photos, a mini train ride for kids, giant inflatable slide and obstacle course, picnic areas, and lots of great photo spots with vintage farm equipment. Seasonal food (shaved ice, nachos, pumpkin pie) and beverages are sold at the snack shack.
Official Website: joansfarm.com

3. Moore Pumpkin Patch (Livermore/San Ramon)

Moore’s Pumpkin Patch is a family-owned pop-up patch that has served the East Bay since 1984. In 2025, the Moore family operates their primary patch in San Ramon (on San Ramon Valley Blvd.), while the longtime Livermore location on Cayetano Court is under new management.

Moore’s offers a more modest but affordable outing for families with young kids. There is no sprawling farm here, but you’ll find a good selection of pumpkins, inflatable bounce houses, and a small petting zoo or animal area depending on the location. It’s perfect for a quick neighborhood pumpkin grab and some kid-friendly fun without the big crowds.

Season & Hours (San Ramon): Open daily October 4 – 31. Weekdays 12:00 pm – 7:00 pm (to 8:00 pm on Fridays); weekends 10:00 am – 8:00 pm.
Admission: Free entry and parking at the San Ramon patch. (At the Livermore site, an approx. $5 admission per person was charged in past years, though this may vary under new management.)
Activities: Moore’s patches feature several inflatable attractions and kids’ rides. Tickets typically run about $5 per ride (e.g. for bounce houses or petting zoo feed). There are usually no big corn mazes or hayrides here – it’s more about the bounce houses, slides, and simple games. Pumpkin prices are reasonable, making it a budget-friendly choice.
Locations: San Ramon: 19901 San Ramon Valley Blvd (Moore’s main patch). Livermore: 2180 Cayetano Ct (operated by another team in 2025).
Official Website: moorepumpkinsandtrees.com

2. Three Nunns Farm – Pumpkin Patch & Corn Maze (Brentwood)

Brentwood’s Three Nunns Farm offers an expansive U-pick pumpkin patch straight from the vine, giving visitors a authentic farm experience.

Spread over 40 acres, this working farm invites families to roam the pumpkin fields (wear your boots and expect some dirt!) and even pick other produce and fresh flowers while you’re there. The big draw is their two corn mazes: one large maze that can take 15–30 minutes, and a mini maze that’s great for younger kids (quick 5-minute loop).

On the farm you’ll also find a tractor-pulled hay wagon ride around the property and a few classic fall amusements. For 2025, Three Nunns introduced small carnival rides and even a melon launcher cannon for some pumpkin chunkin’ fun (for an extra fee). It’s a great patch for those who want a real farm adventure out in the country.

Season: Open daily from mid-September through October 31 (2025 season ran Sept 19 – Oct 31). Hours are 9:00 am – 6:00 pm each day.
Admission: $15 per person (for ages 2 and up).
What’s included: entry, both corn mazes, the tractor hayride, and giant slide attractions are all covered by admission. Children under 2 are free.
Extras: Certain special activities cost extra – for example, the pumpkin cannon (melon launcher) or other carnival-style rides are typically $4 per ticket/ride. Pumpkins that you pick are weighed and priced at about $0.75–$1 per pound. Parking is usually free and on-site.
Features: U-Pick pumpkin patch (cut your pumpkin right off the vine!), large and small corn mazes, tractor/hay wagon rides, a few kiddie rides, a pumpkin cannon shooter, and seasonal farm stand goodies. The farm often has other U-pick produce depending on harvest, so you might grab fresh corn or peaches if available. Wagons are provided for hauling your pumpkins, and there are plenty of spots for cute farm photos with the kids.
Official Website: threenunns.com

1. Smith Family Farm – Pumpkin Harvest (Brentwood/Knightsen)

A beloved East Bay fall tradition, Smith Family Farm in Brentwood delivers a full-fledged autumn festival experience. This farm’s annual Pumpkin Harvest has a charming country fair atmosphere – it’s “old-school” fun with something for everyone.

Here’s my video review:

Admission is all-inclusive, so once you’re in, almost all activities are available at no extra charge. Stroll through a sprawling pumpkin patch and enjoy live bluegrass or folk music performances on the weekends, wander the barnyard animal area (meet chickens, goats, pigs, a friendly cow named Daisy, and more), explore the butterfly habitat and garden, play in the herb garden and kids’ game areas, and marvel at the observation beehive display.

Of course, there are pumpkin piles and cute harvest-themed photo spots at every turn. Smith’s also features not one but two corn mazes – a huge maze for adventurous big kids/adults and a smaller corn maze perfect for younger children.

On select days, the farm hosts special events like an antique tractor display or a Dutch oven cooking demo, adding to the festival vibe. It’s easy to see why Smith Family Farm is often top-rated in the Bay Area for pumpkin patches. Here at the Bay Area Telegraph, it’s our favorite!

Season: Open daily from late September through Halloween, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm. (For 2025, opening day was Sept 27 and they operated every day until Oct 31. Entry to the farm closes at 4:30 pm, and they recommend arriving by 4:00 pm at the latest.)
Admission: $16 per person (cash or check only). Kids under 2 are free. This one-time admission includes all activities on the farm and one pumpkin of any size that you pick to take home. In other words, your pumpkin is essentially included in the ticket price, which makes it a great value. (Note: Food, drinks, and any store souvenirs are extra; the farm does not have ATM or credit card processing, so bring cash/check.)
Highlights: Unlimited activities with admission – enjoy the large corn maze (no extra fee), the smaller kids’ corn maze, live music shows (daily music shows, with extra performances on weekends), an expansive barnyard area (feed and pet farm animals; on weekends they often let kids hold baby chicks or see piglets), a butterfly habitat dome with butterflies, frogs, and caterpillars, a scarecrow-building area, an herb garden, and various lawn games/activities for kids. The ambiance is festive: there’s a country store selling local honey, jams, and fall decor, and on weekends, additional vendors and food stands (think fresh popcorn for $1, corn dogs, local food trucks, etc.) pop up. While hayrides are no longer offered during the fall harvest here, there is so much else included that you won’t miss it. Don’t forget to bring a wagon or stroller for your pumpkins – the farm recommends it, as they no longer provide hayride shuttles for carrying pumpkins.
Official Info: Smith Family Farm Pumpkin Harvest