Fall Activities & Pumpkin Patches for Kids in the Bay Area

The only permanent outdoor ice skating rink west of the Sierras, rated #1 in the US by Yelp. Open mid-October through mid-April with twinkling lights and a cozy atmosphere. Group classes for kids 5+.

A working family farm in Half Moon Bay offering pony rides, train rides, hay rides, petting zoo with baby goats and bunnies, farm slide, barn jumpers, and goat yoga. Especially popular during the fall pumpkin patch season.

A 740-acre nature preserve with naturalist-guided programs, Story Stroll hikes, Little Farm visits, apple cider pressing, and hands-on nature activities. A beloved outdoor learning destination for Bay Area families.

A beloved fall tradition featuring multiple pumpkin patches along Highway 92. Farms like Lemos Farm and Arata's offer hay rides, corn mazes, pony rides, and pumpkin picking. The annual Art & Pumpkin Festival draws thousands.

A unique state beach famous for its wave-carved natural rock arch, rich tide pools, and as California's only State Monarch Butterfly Preserve. Monarch butterflies arrive October-January, and the accessible boardwalk makes viewing easy for families.

A working Victorian-era farm with horse-drawn train rides, farm animals, organic gardens, and historic house tours. Kids can feed animals, ride the train, and learn about farming through seasonal programs like corn harvest and wool spinning.

A 4th-generation family farm offering U-pick strawberries, olallieberries, boysenberries, and apples depending on season. The Pie Shop serves homemade pies and jams, and a shaded picnic area behind the barn is perfect for families.

A free urban farm park with a unique chicken-shaped playground, free-roaming peacocks, ducks, and chickens, plus a barn with goats, sheep, pigs, turkeys, and rabbits. Fruit orchards and community gardens offer peaceful strolling. Saturday classes teach kids cooking, gardening, and animal care.

A family u-pick farm in Brentwood offering seasonal strawberries, cherries, peaches, and pumpkins. Kids love free tractor rides, corn maze in fall, and picking fresh fruit.

A family-owned variety store since 1986, Affordable Treasures is a one-stop shop for party supplies, toys, games, puzzles, arts and crafts, balloons, costumes, and seasonal merchandise. Perfect for birthday party preparation.

A family-owned Haight Street institution for over 50 years, selling fabrics, art supplies, costume accessories, and craft materials. Kids love the faux fur, face paint, masks, and costume-making supplies. A DIY costume paradise.

Northern California's largest costume retailer since 1985, offering a massive selection of costumes, wigs, masks, and accessories for toddlers through adults. A family-owned Halloween headquarters that's open year-round.