Pumpkin season is here, and Sacramento knows how to do it right. Whether you’re after a quick photo op for Instagram, a family hayride tradition, or a pumpkin spice donut straight from the farm stand, there’s no shortage of pumpkin patches near the capital city.
This 2025 guide breaks down the top Sacramento-area pumpkin farms, complete with activities, costs, and tips for making the most of your fall weekends.
Why Sacramento Loves Pumpkin Season
Sacramento sits right in the heart of farm country. Drive 30–60 minutes in any direction and you’ll hit rolling orchards, vineyards, and family-run farms. Pumpkin patches here aren’t just about buying a pumpkin — they’re full-day experiences with:
- Corn mazes
- Hayrides
- Pumpkin cannons
- Petting zoos
- Fall food (apple cider, kettle corn, donuts)
It’s a fall tradition that blends NorCal’s farm-to-fork vibe with small-town charm.
Best Pumpkin Patches Near Sacramento
| Farm / Patch | Location | Highlights | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bishop’s Pumpkin Farm | Wheatland | Train rides, pig races, pumpkin donuts, giant slides, u-pick patch | Free entry, pay per activity |
| Dave’s Pumpkin Patch | West Sac | Famous corn maze, hay rides, pumpkin cannon, food vendors | $20–25 |
| Apple Hill | Placerville | Pumpkins + apple pies, cider mills, wineries, family fall fun | Free entry, activities vary |
| Cool Patch Pumpkins | Dixon | maze (largest on record), massive pumpkins, World-famous corn | $20–25 |
| Fog Willow Farms | Elk Grove | Petting zoo, pony rides, educational farm tours | $10–15 |
Bishop’s Pumpkin Farm – Wheatland
Bishop’s is basically the Disneyland of pumpkin patches. A 40-minute drive from Sacramento, this farm is massive and offers:
- Pumpkin Train – ride through the fields.
- Crazed Corn Maze – kid-friendly and not too scary.
- U-Pick Pumpkins – fields filled with every size imaginable.
- Foodie Heaven – pumpkin donuts, caramel apples, BBQ.
- Extras – zip lines, pig races, hay fort climbing.
💡 Pro Tip: Go early on weekends or midweek to avoid insane crowds.
Dave’s Pumpkin Patch – West Sacramento
Dave’s is famous for its corn maze, which changes theme each year. Located just across the river, it’s close to the city and great for families who don’t want to drive far.
- Pumpkin cannon (yes, they actually launch pumpkins).
- Evening haunted maze options for teens + adults.
- Local food vendors + seasonal treats.
Cool Patch Pumpkins – Dixon
Home to a world-record corn maze, Cool Patch is a legend. Every year the design changes, and it’s no joke — some people get lost for hours.
- Mega Maze – 40 acres of twists and turns.
- Photo Ops – giant pumpkins + farm backdrops.
- Food Court – tri-tip sandwiches, fall favorites.
💡 Pro Tip: Bring water and a flashlight if you attempt the maze at night.
Fog Willow Farms – Elk Grove
If you’ve got little ones, Fog Willow is your best bet.
- Petting zoo with goats, sheep, and ponies.
- Kid-friendly hayrides.
- U-pick pumpkins small enough for toddlers to carry.
- Seasonal educational tours for schools.
Apple Hill – Placerville
Not just pumpkins — Apple Hill is an entire fall experience.
- Fresh apple pies, donuts, and cider.
- Orchards and vineyards with wine tastings for adults.
- Pumpkin patches + craft fairs.
- Scenic fall foliage for family photos.
💡 Pro Tip: Go early in the morning to avoid Highway 50 traffic.
What to Bring to a Pumpkin Patch
| Must-Have Item | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Comfortable Shoes | Corn mazes + fields = lots of walking. |
| Cash & Card | Some vendors don’t take cards. |
| Reusable Bags | Easier to carry multiple pumpkins. |
| Camera/Phone | Instagram-worthy backdrops everywhere. |
| Layers of Clothing | Mornings are chilly, afternoons get warm. |
Sacramento Pumpkin Patch Events 2025
- Zoo Boo at Sacramento Zoo (Oct 25–26): Trick-or-treating and costumes with the animals.
- Downtown Commons Fall Fest: Family pumpkin activities, live music.
- Elk Grove Giant Pumpkin Festival (Oct 4–5): Pumpkin weigh-offs and carving contests.
FAQs: Sacramento Pumpkin Patches 2025
When do Sacramento pumpkin patches open?
Most open late September and run through Halloween.
Which pumpkin patch is best for kids?
Fog Willow Farms in Elk Grove is the most kid-friendly.
Which pumpkin patch has the best food?
Bishop’s Pumpkin Farm wins with pumpkin donuts and BBQ.
What’s the scariest corn maze?
Cool Patch Pumpkins in Dixon — it’s huge and can take hours.
Do I need tickets in advance?
Bishop’s and Dave’s recommend buying online for weekends.
Final Thoughts
Pumpkin season in Sacramento is more than a photo op — it’s a tradition. From Bishop’s pumpkin donuts to Apple Hill apple pies, from corn mazes in Dixon to trick-or-treating at Zoo Boo, fall here is packed with flavors, fun, and family time.
Grab your boots, your pumpkin spice latte, and your sense of adventure. Sacramento’s pumpkin patches are calling.
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