Want to take your pumpkin picking up a notch? Make your way to Tanaka Farms in Irvine (perhaps best known for its Hello Kitty-themed farm experience a few years ago) for festive activities like wagon rides ($6) and a petting zoo. Just note that this themed patch gets very busy, so parking reservations are required in advance on weekends ($10). Plus, if you want to stock up on more than pumpkins, the U-pick vegetable patch is open daily for your merry picking. Look out for a sister patch in Costa Mesa that promises a more mellow experience.
Outside of pumpkin picking season, this gorgeous, family-owned and operated farm has so much to offer to anyone that visits. They host watermelon and strawberry tours where guests are given a wagon tour of the farm, samples of fruits from the field, and containers for picking their own to take home. Cookout tours are available during spring and summer where participants can pick their own veggies to be barbecued and enjoyed at the farm. Christmas trees can be purchased in December as well. Reservations are required for some tours, so be sure to check the website or call before arriving. As long as there is something in season, the farm, market and bakery are open for business.
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