The best pumpkin patches in Los Angeles

Get lost. No really, get lost in Tapia Brothers Farm’s epic corn maze (an entire lot across from the patch itself) with a much-needed map and a sheet full of trivia questions. Scavenge through the maze for the answers and once you've found them all, submit your name in a drawing for a chance to win $100 cash—an early treat for your navigation efforts. The festive pumpkin patch also offers—you guessed it—pumpkins galore, as well as a fresh farmers’ market (with addicting kettle corn), a mouth-watering roasted corn stand, kids play area, bounce houses, hay wagon ride, tractor-pulled train and weekend-only pony rides.

Mon-Sat 9am-6pm; Sun 9am-5pm (longer weekend hours during mid-late October). Until Nov 1.

This popular spot sticks out like a scarecrow in a squash garden. With rows of pumpkins, a giant hand-carved rocking horse, petting zoo and a mini straw maze, it’s like someone dropped off a piece of country farmland in the middle of a fast-paced, urban city. This little slice of harvest also provides pony rides, elaborate face painting, a super slide, pumpkin decorating, a jumpin’ pumpkin and food and drink stands.

Sun-Thu 9am-8pm; Fri, Sat 9am-9pm. Oct 6—30.

Forneris Farms is back again with a four-acre cornfield maze, pony rides, live entertainment and, of course, an impressive selection of pumpkins. Tractor rides will take pumpkin patch goers on a narrated tour through the cornfields and around the farm. Kids can enjoy their own harvest haven by running through a hay bale mini maze, climbing the hay pyramid and getting wild in the giant pumpkin jumper (always a good outlet for the inevitable sugar rush). If you’re not stopping by the petting zoo, playing harvest-themed games for prizes or leading the quest for that perfect pumpkin, take advantage of the refreshments and solid people watching opportunities. Everything is cash only, but there is an ATM on site.

Pumpkin patch, 9am-6pm daily; Harvest Festival, Mon-Fri 1-5pm; Sat, Sun 9am-5pm. Sept 30—Oct 31.

Every October, Underwood Family Farms becomes an autumnal wonderland as it celebrates its annual Fall Harvest Festival with different events every weekend ranging from Western Weekend to All About Pumpkins. For the entire month, guests can come and be entertained by live music, animal shows, corn mazes and an endless amount of pumpkins. Admission to the festival is $15 per person for the first two weekends and then $20 for the following weekends in October. Weekday admission is $6, free for children two and younger, and parking is free. Check the site for more details.

Daily 9am-6pm. Sept 30—Oct 31.

There’s something about encountering a friendly llama that makes the trip to this tiny but charming patch so worth while. Maybe you’re not into the whole pumpkin picking thing—or even Halloween at all—but interacting with these highly entertaining petting zoo animals is one memory you need to create. And the motley crew of fluffy Silkie chickens—yes, fluffy—will likely become the focus of many Snapchats and Instagram posts. The patch itself sits under a large white tent with piles of pumpkins available at a great price. Young pumpkin patch-goers can enjoy a pony ride, free straw maze, inflatable slide and mini basketball hoops. The patch is located in a sizeable (somewhat desolate) lot, so there’s plenty of free parking available.

Daily 10am-8pm. Oct 1—31.

If you’re on a budget before the holidays and still looking for a lively pumpkin patch experience, Shawn’s Pumpkin Patch is definitely the spot for you. Like most patches, admission is free and activity prices range from $3-$9 with most falling toward the cheaper end. The patch boasts giant slides, obstacle courses, merry-go-rounds, bungee jumps, petting zoos, train rides and more—it should really be called a pumpkin carnival. Enjoy unique attractions like “Play Land” where kids can try to catch flying balloons inside an inflatable pumpkin or “Orbotron” where they can spin around harnessed in a giant ball, bubble boy style. The massive size of this pumpkin patch, jam-packed with countless pumpkins and activities for all ages, guarantees pre-Halloween fun. Check out their new location at 3443 S Sepulveda Blvd.

Daily 9am-8pm. Check online for specific opening times for select attractions. Oct 6—31

Who said county fair season is over? There’s no reason a pumpkin patch can’t bring back the same memories of booth games, carnival rides and sugary indulgences. Treat yourself to a weekend of classic festival favorites like water bumper cars, giant slides, fun houses and more—all harvest-themed, of course. Beyond a massive collection of varied pumpkins to choose from, the patch is also full of haystacks, corn stalks and gourds (for that epic Halloween party you’re throwing). Kids can enjoy a mini train ride, jump houses and face painting. It’s a little kid’s dream, so be prepared to take them to every single ride and game—you'll be a shoe-in for the parent of the year award. Parking is free and discounts can be found on Groupon, Yelp, and Facebook.

Sept 29 3-9pm; Oct 2-13 Mon-Fri 3-9pm, Sat, Sun 10am-9pm; Oct 16-31 Daily 10am-9pm. 

If you're an SGV dweller looking to entertain your youngsters and buy some pumpkins while you are at it, head to Whittier Pumpkin Patch. It is a family destination where guests can pick from their bounty of pumpkins, make a furry companion at the petting zoo, reach new heights on their inflatable jumpers and then ride around on a pony or tractor or even both. Admission is free and the prices of the activities vary. Cash only.

Daily 9am-9pm. Oct 1-31.

Tanaka Farms is a gorgeous, family-owned and operated farm in Irvine with so much to offer to anyone that visits. For 2017’s pumpkin season, the patch has partnered with Sanrio to deck out the farm in all things Hello Kitty.

What's Halloween without a few good scares? The best haunted houses in L.A. run the gamut from big-budget theme park productions to more homegrown horrors. Whatever thrills you, we've got it in our list of the city's best haunted houses and attractions.