The Pumpkin Patch at Bates Nut Farm
Welcome to our pumpkin patch nestled in the beautiful hills of Valley Center in North County San Diego near Escondido, CA.
Pumpkin Patch Dates
September 18, 2025 - October 31, 2025
A Family Tradition
Since 1963, families have been coming to Bates Nut Farm’s Pumpkin Patch to create fall memories and traditions that last a lifetime. Grab a wheelbarrow and pick a bright orange Big Mac pumpkin straight from the field, explore our specialty pumpkins, or choose from our smaller Jack-o’-lanterns which are perfect for carving!
Starting September 18, 2025 through the end of October - tractor hayrides and our straw maze is open daily.
For the entire month of October, enjoy daily activities that include tractor hayrides, our straw maze, pony rides, a friendly petting corral, a corn pit and an inflatable bounce house.
On weekends, the Fall fun grows with face painting, rock climbing, kids ‘n paint, caricatures, a mechanical bull, and an inflatable slide! Activity tickets are available at the ticket booth for each attraction.
The Bates Farm Zoo is always free to visit year round too!
Join Us Weekdays or Weekends
We're open daily - Monday to Sunday.
September Pumpkin Patch Hours
are 9:00am - 5:00pm.
In October we have special hours:
Weekdays in October: 9:00am - 5:30pm
Weekends in October: 8:30am - 6:00pm
Spend a fall day at Bates Nut Farm during the week — and enjoy activities the whole family will love! Take in the beautiful country scenery on a tractor hayride and visit with our friendly farm zoo animals. Explore the straw maze for a classic autumn adventure, and don’t miss pony rides and a petting zoo coming soon — available every day throughout October.
Weekdays tend to be less crowded, it's a great time to take a stroll through the pumpkin patch a grab those memorable Fall photos!
Straw Maze
A fun Fall activity to do with friends and family at the patch.
Pony Rides
Last two weekends in September and every day in October.
Dog Friendly
Pups on leash are welcome at the patch.
Weekends at Bates Nut Farm bring even more fall excitement! All weekday favorites — tractor hayrides, the farm zoo, straw maze, and daily pony rides in October are here at the farm on weekend too.
Plus, on weekends — folks can enjoy live music from local bands, face painting, a rock-climbing wall, crafts for the kids, bounce house and even try out the mechanical bull.
Gather your friends, bring the kids and explore the pumpkin patch, snap the perfect fall photos, and savor delicious eats from a variety of food vendors. It’s the ultimate way to spend a fall weekend in the country!
We Grow A Variety of Pumpkins!
All summer long, we’re busy at the farm growing a colorful variety of pumpkins — from Big Macs and Fairytales to Porcelain Dolls, Jarrahdales, Warty Goblins, and Trixsters. You’ll also find fresh squash grown right here on the farm, available for purchase at the pumpkin patch!
Fun Fact!
Our biggest Big Mac Pumpkin weighed in at 230 pounds! We love watching our pumpkins grow each year, and we can’t wait to see how big this year's pumpkins will be!
Photo Ops
Lots of great spots
for adorable Fall photos.
Visit Our Store
Full of tasty treats, Halloween and Fall Decor.
Boutique Fun
Visit Farmer's Daughter Boutique next door!
Grab a Bite at the Patch
Every day in October folks can enjoy delicious food at the pumpkin patch — from turkey legs to rice bowls and funnel cakes — keeps everyone fueled for a full day of fun. On weekends there's even more food options, and a festive atmosphere that brings folks together for a good old-fashioned time.
Every day treats at the Pumpkin Patch include Mariposa Ice Cream! Their handcrafted, delicious ice cream will be at the farm all October long — the perfect sweet treat for a Fall day at the patch.
Scarecrow Contest
Saturday, October 11, 2025
Join in the fun by designing and building a scarecrow to exhibit in the Bates Nut Farm Pumpkin Patch. Keep the lost art of scarecrow making alive! Your scarecrow will be on display in the Pumpkin Patch through October.
Helpful Tip! You can also come see the scarecrows from the contest on display at our pumpkin patch until October 31st!
For More Detailed Information
Please visit our 2025 Pumpkin Patch event page.