Fall in the Central Valley means cooler evenings, pumpkin flavored treats, family photos, and finding the perfect pumpkin to bring home. Whether you’re planning a weekend outing with the kids, looking for a fun seasonal activity, or simply want an excuse to get outside, there are several local farms worth adding to your fall bucket list.
The best part? You don’t have to travel far to make a day of it. Here are five pumpkin patches around Modesto and the surrounding Central Valley to check out during the 2026 fall season.
1. Dutch Hollow Farms | Modesto
Location: 2500 Santa Fe Avenue, Modesto, CA 95357\ 2026 season: October 2 through November 1\ Hours: 10 AM to 7 PM
If you’re looking for a classic fall outing close to home, Dutch Hollow Farms is a great place to start. The farm offers a pumpkin patch, farm animals, wagon rides, a corn maze, pig races, slides, games, and plenty of photo opportunities for capturing those fall memories.
One thing to know before you go: the pumpkin patch itself is free to enter, but general admission is required for the attractions. For 2026, general admission is listed at $15 on weekdays and $20 on weekends for guests ages three and older, with discounted rates for eligible seniors and military members.
Best for: Families who want a full day of fall activities, cute photo opportunities, and plenty to keep the kids entertained.
Website: https://www.dutchhollowfarms.com/information
2. R.A.M. Farms | Turlock
Location: 716 N. Daubenberger Road, Turlock, CA\ Pumpkin patch opening: September 25, 2026\ Corn maze opening: October 2, 2026
R.A.M. Farms has been a fall tradition for local families since 2007. It’s a great option if you want to pick out pumpkins, enjoy a little farm atmosphere, and let the kids explore without paying an entrance fee just to visit the patch.
The farm also features a corn maze, which opens in October, along with activities for younger visitors. If you’re looking for something a little more adventurous, the farm hosts Freaky Flashlight Nights on Friday and Saturday evenings, offering a spooky nighttime maze experience.
Best for: Families looking for a traditional pumpkin patch, groups of friends, and anyone who wants to add a little spooky fun to their October plans.
Website: https://ramfarms.com/
3. Fantozzi Farms | Patterson
Location: 2665 Sperry Avenue, Patterson, CA
Ready for more than just pumpkin picking? Fantozzi Farms offers a full lineup of fall attractions, including corn mazes, hayrides, a giant corn seed pit, slides, a hay pyramid, jumping pillow, petting zoo, obstacle courses, and pig races.
There are also additional activities available for an extra fee, including select rides and attractions. For those who enjoy a good scare, the Haunted Maze is scheduled for Friday and Saturday nights in October, beginning October 2, 2026.
Admission varies by day, so check the official website before making plans.
Best for: Families with energetic kids, groups planning a full afternoon of activities, and anyone who wants a mix of classic fall fun and spooky-season excitement.
Website: https://fantozzifarms.com/admissions/
4. Dell’Osso Family Farm | Lathrop
Location: 501 Manthey Road, Lathrop, CA 95330\ 2026 season: October 2 through October 31
If you’re willing to take a little drive north, Dell’Osso Family Farm is a major fall destination with plenty to do beyond picking a pumpkin. Its attractions include corn mazes, a haunted house, train rides, hayrides, mini golf, pig races, a pumpkin treehouse, and activities for younger children.
The farm offers lower admission prices on weekdays, making a weekday visit worth considering if your schedule allows. Pumpkin purchases, pumpkin painting, gem mining, pony rides, and certain other specialty activities may cost extra.
Dell’Osso is popular, so give yourself enough time to enjoy the attractions rather than rushing through the entire experience.
Best for: Families who want a big fall adventure with rides, games, mazes, and enough activities to fill several hours.
Website: https://www.pumpkinmaze.com/
5. Hunter Farms Pumpkin Patch | Atwater
Location: 2985 N. Southern Pacific Avenue, Atwater, CA\ 2026 season: September 26 through November 1
Hunter Farms is another fun option for families looking to make a day out of pumpkin season. Along with a wide selection of pumpkins, the farm offers attractions such as a corn maze, hayrides, a bounce area, and its dinosaur-themed Time Travel Tractor experience.
The farm grows its pumpkins on-site and has become known for offering a variety of pumpkin styles beyond the typical orange jack-o’-lantern. That makes it a fun stop if you’re looking for something different for your front porch, fall decorations, or family photos.
Check the farm’s operating calendar before visiting, since available attractions and hours may vary.
Best for: Families who enjoy hands-on activities, unique pumpkins, and a farm outing that goes beyond shopping for fall decorations.
Website: https://hunterfarmspumpkinpatch.com/
Tips for Planning Your Pumpkin Patch Visit
A little planning can make your fall outing much easier, especially if you’re bringing children along.
- Check the calendar before leaving. Seasonal hours, special events, and attraction availability can change throughout October.
- Compare admission costs. Some farms allow free entry to the pumpkin patch but charge for attractions, while others require general admission.
- Wear comfortable shoes. Expect dirt paths, uneven ground, and plenty of walking.
- Bring your camera. Pumpkin patches are perfect for family photos, fall portraits, and holiday card pictures.
- Plan around the crowds. Weekdays may be less busy than weekends, depending on the farm and scheduled events.
- Set a pumpkin budget. Admission, food, games, and pumpkin purchases can add up, so decide what matters most before you go.
Make the Most of Fall in the Central Valley
One of the best things about living in the Central Valley is having seasonal activities, family farms, local events, and community traditions close to home. Whether you spend an afternoon at Dutch Hollow Farms in Modesto or make a full day of exploring Dell’Osso Family Farm in Lathrop, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the season without traveling far.
And if you’re still exploring where you’d like to call home, fall is a wonderful time to get out and experience the communities around Modesto, Turlock, Ripon, Riverbank, Manteca, and beyond.
Want to find a home in a community that feels like the right fit? Taylor Thompson Home Group is here to help you explore the Central Valley and find a place to call home.
Visit https://taylorthompsonhomegroup.com/ or follow along on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/soldby.taylor/ for more local highlights, real estate updates, and community favorites.