The best pumpkin patches in Los Angeles

This Irvine favorite (known for its Hello Kitty-themed farm experience the past couple of years) is featuring two pumpkin-picking options this fall. From Monday to Friday, you can partake in a socially-distanced wagon ride ($25) that includes a ride around the 30-acre farm and a stop at the pumpkin cannon, followed by the opportunity for U-pick veggies and a pumpkin. On weekends, you’ll find a similar offering but experienced from your own car ($20).

Sept 19–Oct 31: Daily 9am–5pm.

Forneris Farms is back again but with a scaled back version of its harvest festival (no corn maze, pony rides or petting zoo). They will, however, still host a pumpkin patch in some form, but more details are still to-be-announced. Just a heads up that typically everything is cash only, but there is an ATM on site.

Opens late-September/October; details TBA.

Every October, Underwood Family Farms becomes an autumnal wonderland as it celebrates its annual Fall Harvest Festival. For the entire month, guests can come and be entertained by wagon rides, a pick-your-own field and an endless amount of pumpkins. Admission to the festival is $15 on Saturdays and Sundays, with discounts available for the opening weekend an don Halloween. Weekday admission is $8, free for children two and younger, and parking is free. Check the site for more details; reservations are strongly encouraged.

Oct1–31: Daily 9am–6pm.

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. The patch itself sits under a large tent with piles of pumpkins available at a great price. Young pumpkin patch-goers can enjoy a pony ride, train rides and a free straw maze. The patch is located in the Westfield Fashion Square lot, so there’s plenty of free parking available.

Oct 2–31: Sun–Thu 10am–8pm; Fri, Sat 10am–9pm.

Trick or treating will look a little different this year, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get the whole family together for a drive-through experience to get spooky. Coming to Woodland Hills, a new Haunt’oween L.A. event promises jack-o’-lantern tunnels, family-friendly sights and even a bit of “door-to-door” trick or treating—all socially distanced, of course. And while you won’t find a traditional patch, each vehicle drives away with a pumpkin that they can pick out.

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 Mar Vista patch can only host limited activities this year, but you’ll still find a petting zoo, train rides, a mini straw maze and a sand art booth.

Oct 3 10am–9pm; Oct 4 10am–8pm. Oct 8–31: Mon–Thu 1–8pm; Fri, Sat 10am–9pm; Sun 10am–8pm. Closed Oct 5–7.

Things we particularly value in 2020: online ordering, delivery, free parking and curbside service. This seasonal pumpkin patch, located right in the center of Hollywood, is thankfully offering all of the above, plus a socially-distanced patch if you prefer an in-person hunt for pumpkins, gourds and corn. You can pick up a decorating kit, as well ($10; carving kit $22).

Oct 3–31: Mon–Thu 11am–8pm; Fri, Sat 10am–9pm; Sun 10am–8pm

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.