Sacramento doesn’t get genuine autumn until October, but the pumpkin patch pilgrimage starts well before then. There’s something specific to the Central Valley about walking rows of pumpkins in a field while a hay ride tractor idles nearby and kids sprint toward the biggest specimens they can lift. These three patches — all within 45 minutes of downtown Sacramento — are open now through Halloween and worth the drive.
Bishop’s Pumpkin Farm — Wheatland
Bishop’s has been running a harvest operation in Wheatland since the 1970s, and the scale shows. The farm sits about 45 minutes north of Sacramento off Highway 65, and the pumpkin field alone requires a hay ride to reach. That hay ride is free, and so is the walk through the field — visitors pay admission to access the farm and its attractions.
The 2026 season opened September 4 and runs through November 15. October is peak time: weekday hours are 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday starting September 18, and Fridays and Saturdays stretch to 10 p.m. through October 30, making after-work trips viable for Sacramento families. Halloween day itself runs 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Beyond pumpkins, the farm has the Weeland Petting Zoo, Charlie’s Carousel, the BPF Line train ride, Bishop’s Flying Service, and a full corn maze. Food is farm-style: Pumpkin Apple Muffins early, corn dogs and garlic fries by lunch. The last weekend of the season (“Dog Dayz”) is the one exception to the farm’s strict no-pets policy. There is paid parking on October weekends; arrive early to avoid the longest lines.
Bishop’s Pumpkin Farm: 1415 Pumpkin Lane, Wheatland, CA 95692 | (530) 633-2568 | bishopspumpkinfarm.com
Cool Patch Pumpkins — Dixon
Cool Patch holds the record for the world’s largest corn maze, which gets most of the press. But the you-pick pumpkin patch is the underrated reason to go, and the pricing structure is unusually friendly: there is no entry fee and no parking charge. Visitors pay only for what they actually do.
Pumpkins are priced by size and quantity, with bulk discounts available. The patch grows a full range of varieties — classic orange carving pumpkins, gourds, and squash including edible varieties worth asking the staff about. Other add-ons: the corn bath is $5 per person, the hay ride is $6 per person, and the hay castle and kid play area are free. The corn maze itself runs $25 per person. Food is available Friday evenings and on weekends: tri-tip sandwiches, hot dogs, soft serve, and a coffee cart with kettle corn and pumpkin pie.
Cool Patch is in Dixon on the I-80 corridor, roughly 35 minutes west of Sacramento. The farm is open every day 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. during the season. Bring your own wagon if you plan to haul large pumpkins — the farm has a limited supply due to past theft.
Cool Patch Pumpkins: 6150 Dixon Ave West, Dixon, CA 95620 | (530) 746-8725 | coolpatchpumpkins.com
Impossible Acres — Davis
Impossible Acres is the low-key option: no corn maze, no carnival rides, no Instagram scarecrows. This family-run farm just west of Davis has been growing pumpkins on the same land since 1994 and opens its pumpkin patch exclusively during October. The draw is a well-maintained u-pick field, an animal barn, and fresh pumpkins in every shape that’s worth keeping.
The farm sits one mile west of downtown Davis on County Road 31 — about 20 minutes from midtown Sacramento via I-80. It’s open every day in October from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., weather permitting. The crowd is lighter than the bigger-name farms, which matters on an October Saturday when Bishop’s and Cool Patch are packed. This is a good option for families with younger kids who want the pumpkin field experience without the overstimulation.
Impossible Acres: 37945 County Rd. 31, Davis, CA | Open Oct 1–31, daily 9 a.m.–6 p.m. | impossibleacres.com
The Details
- Bishop’s Pumpkin Farm | 1415 Pumpkin Lane, Wheatland, CA 95692 | Open Sept 4–Nov 15, 2026 | Fri/Sat evenings in October to 10 p.m. | bishopspumpkinfarm.com
- Cool Patch Pumpkins | 6150 Dixon Ave West, Dixon, CA 95620 | Open daily 9 a.m.–8 p.m. | No entry or parking fee; pay per activity | coolpatchpumpkins.com
- Impossible Acres | 37945 County Rd. 31, Davis, CA | Open Oct 1–31, every day 9 a.m.–6 p.m. | impossibleacres.com
- Confirm current hours before visiting — all three farms may adjust for weather or late-season changes
- Bring a wagon for large pumpkins, especially at Cool Patch
- October weekends at Bishop’s require paid parking; weekdays are easier
For more fall activities in the region, see the Sacramento corn maze guide, the fall festivals and markets roundup, and the full Apple Hill day-trip guide for another classic Sacramento fall outing in the El Dorado foothills.
Bottom Line
Bishop’s is the full-day farm experience best suited for families who want rides, food, and a corn maze alongside their pumpkins. Cool Patch is the right call when the maze is the main event and flexible pricing matters — no entry fee means you can do exactly as much or as little as the group wants. Impossible Acres is the quieter alternative closer to the city, best for anyone who wants a genuine u-pick field without the October festival crowds. All three are within 45 minutes of Sacramento and open now through Halloween.
