What’s Halloween without a visit to a pumpkin patch, especially if the pumpkin patch doubles as a seasonal family theme park? Largest in Northern California is Cool Patch Pumpkins in Dixon, offering enough activities to keep tails wagging all day.
The largest corn maze in the world (40 acres) awaits, along with a Kid Zone with straw castle, trikes, mini maze, scarecrows and more, plus pumpkin launching cannons, hay rides, meals, snacks and thousands of carving and heirloom pumpkins for your picking pleasure. Leashed dogs are welcome.
In the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta, Steamboat Acres opens its gates to the public weekends in October for farm tours, pumpkin picking, picnics, pie, farm-fresh honey and other produce. Each weekend offers its own set of family-friendly activities. Check website for details.
If you live in San Francisco, you don’t even have to leave the city to find a great pumpkin patch. Clancy’s in the Inner Sunset has been around for decades, offering hayrides and other family fun. Small dogs that you can hold in your arms are welcome to accompany you.
In Half Moon Bay, home of that famous (but not dog-friendly) pumpkin festival, Farmer John’s Pumpkin Farm is a great destination for families who can’t bear to leave their pets at home. If you happen to have a Bernese Mountain Dog (or just like being around them), be sure to show up on for annual Berner Dog Day (check website for date). Last year, some 140 of the big furries made an appearance
Photo Credit: @littlecooperbear
