If you’re like me, as soon as October rolls around, you start craving all things fall: crisp morning walks, spiced drinks, and of course, pumpkin patches. I still remember trips to the pumpkin patch as a child very vividly, including walking through the little trailer with photos of how the pumpkins grow from seed to vine and the equipment the farmers used.
Whether you’re in Fresno, Clovis or nearby the great news is this season we have a lot of great pumpkin patches to choose from! To make your fall planning easy, here’s a guide to local patches complete with hours, locations, and a few highlights about what makes each one special.
Fresno
Planet Pumpkin
640 E. Nees Ave., Fresno, CA 93720
(559) 347-7500
Open October 3 through November 2
Monday–Friday 9 am–9 pm | Saturday & Sunday 9 am–10 pm
This big, lively patch off First and Nees has something for everyone. You’ll find carnival rides, DJs on the weekends and all the fair-style food you can imagine from kettle corn and funnel cakes to roasted corn and carne asada fries. They also have one of the most talented face painters in town there daily throughout the season. Entry and parking are free, and pumpkins are priced individually or by the pound. This spot is popular and can get quite busy on the weekends, so plan accordingly for best timing of your visit.
Best for: Families who love a festive, high-energy atmosphere or those seeking a lively, seasonal fall date night experience.
Pumpkin City Fresno
3567 W. Shaw Ave., Fresno, CA 93711
(559) 977-7577
Open October 10–31
Monday–Thursday 4 pm–9 pm | Friday–Sunday 4 pm–10 pm | Morning field trips 9 am–1 pm
Pumpkin City Fresno blends carnival fun with family-friendly touches. There are rides, ponies, face painting, food vendors, and even storytime sessions for kids during weekday mornings. Admission is just $2, and pumpkins are sold by the pound, including special mini and $5 “student-size” pumpkins perfect for school projects. Leashed pets or pets in carriers are also allowed.
Best for: Young families and school groups looking for an easy, affordable outing.
River Ranch Pumpkin Patch
8906 W. Herndon Ave., Fresno, CA 93723
Open weekends only, October 4–26 | 10 am–5 pm
If you prefer something a little more rustic, River Ranch is a fun, down-to-earth spot west of town. Admission and parking are free, and attractions include pony rides, hayrides, ATV rides, a haunted house, and even pygmy goats. There are scenic photo opps spots and a snack bar and picnic area, too. Games are just a couple of dollars each, and pumpkins range from $2 to $50 depending on size.
Best for: Families who want a low-cost, traditional fun, farm experience.
Simonian Farms
2629 S. Clovis Ave., Fresno, CA 93725
(559) 237-2294
Open daily, September 27–October 31 | 9 am–5:30 pm
Simonian Farms is a Fresno favorite year-round, but fall is when it truly shines. The market overflows with pumpkins of every size (from $1.99 to $21.99) alongside local produce, honey, dried fruit, and Fresno State ice cream. Their haunted trailer is enjoyable and well done, and the shooting gallery inside offers classic arcade fun, too. It’s the kind of place you can stop by after work or on a quiet weekend afternoon without feeling rushed. Pets are allowed, on a leash.
Best for: A relaxed weekend outing or quick pumpkin pick-up with a side of nostalgia.
Sunshine’s Farm
284 S. Temperance Ave., Fresno, CA 93727
Find them on Instagram @sunshines_farmstand
Sunshine’s Farm offers a true U-pick experience — no frills, just rows of homegrown pumpkins waiting to be picked. Days and hours vary, so it’s worth checking their social pages before visiting.
Best for: Those who love a hands-on, local farm experience.
Clovis & Reedley
Harvest Pumpkin Patch
5019 N. Gaynor Ave., Clovis, CA 93619
(559) 765-7669
Open September 26–October 31
Monday–Thursday 2 pm–6 pm | Friday 2 pm–8 pm | Saturday 11 am–8:30 pm | Sunday 11 am–6 pm
This charming spot in northeast Clovis has a little something for everyone — a corn maze (free!), pumpkin toss, and even pumpkin smashing for $5 (tools provided). Kids will love the games and bounce houses, and entry is free. Pumpkins range from $1 to $40, and the farm takes all major payment methods. Pets on leashes are allowed, however it should be noted that there are three free roaming cats on the property.
Best for: Families with young children who want a fun, low-stress fall experience with a great community feel.
Wild Patch Pumpkins
225 W. Bullard Ave., Clovis, CA 93612
(559) 474-5613 | @wildpatchpumpkins on Instagram
Open October 1–31
Monday–Friday 4 pm–8 pm | Saturday & Sunday 10 am–9 pm
Located right in town, Wild Patch is convenient and charming. It offers free entry, a small corn maze, and weekend food vendors. Most pumpkins are in the $5–$15 range, making it an easy place to stop by after work or on a weeknight. Pets on leashes are welcome.
Best for: A quick visit or casual fall date night.
Hillcrest Pumpkin Patch
6943 S. Reed Ave., Reedley, CA 93654
(559) 638-2762
Open weekends only, September 27–October 26 | 10 am–5 pm
Hillcrest is the pumpkin patch that feels like it was pulled straight from a storybook. Families can take train rides through the trees, go on hayrides, and enjoy treats from local food vendors. Entry is $10 per car, and pumpkins range from $2 to $70 depending on size and variety. Trained medical service animals only at this location.
Best for: Families who want to make a day of it and take lots of pictures.
Whether you’re chasing the perfect photo, looking for carnival fun, or want to pick your own pumpkins straight from the vine, there’s a patch nearby that’s sure to meet your needs. My recommendations are to bring some cash for local vendors that may not take all payment forms, wear comfortable shoes that you don’t mind getting a little dusty, wear your sunscreen, and plan to soak up the fall fun while it lasts!
Special thanks for Halle Kane for research assistance for this special post.
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