Half Moon Bay has many beautiful pumpkin farms and patches. We visited Arata’s Pumpkin Farm and highly recommend a full- or half-day trip so there’s plenty of time to get lost (literally!) in the fun.
For the 2022 season, the maze is usually open by July 1, all other attractions open October 1. When in doubt, feel free to check their Facebook Page for status updates.
Find more pumpkin patches closer to home, corn mazes, hay mazes near the East Bay in our guide >
Pro Tip for 2022: Be warned! Arata’s is anticipating a shortage this year as temperatures in the valley have damaged many many acres. On the coast, pumpkins are at a premium. They advise to purchase early and keep them in a cool place way from direct sunlight. Make sure your pumpkins don’t make a hollow thumping sound because over ripe pumpkins will not last when purchased early.
Updates for Covid-19
Guests are not required to wear a mask this year, but they do recommend them; Arata’s also requests only one vehicle per household and will charge extra for parking to reduce congestion; there will be more washbasins and hand sanitizing stations; no kids playground this year; online purchases available.
Attractions at Arata’s Pumpkin Farm for families
Arata’s Pumpkin Farm features a 6-acre cornfield, a pumpkin river, and a famous and menacing two-acre Minotaur’s Labyrinth Hay Maze. We started the day with the little kids’ activities towards the ticketing booths and then made our way to the bigger attractions spread out across the field. We explored pony rides, a petting zoo, the Haunted Barn, a mini corn maze, and an array of carnival games. Just then the fog lifted and it was a beautiful sunny day so we stuck around for another two hrs!
Next we passed the picnic areas on our way to the train and hayrides through the gorgeous green cornfields. I spotted a family taking their holiday card photos out in the fields as their kids played hide and seek.
Pro tip: Set up a tripod to get family photos at the farm, the color of the fields gives a beautiful contrast to simple two-toned clothing. Plus it looks like you went somewhere exotic and adventurous.
Finally, there was the HAY MAZE. I was told it’d be difficult to do within an hour, but my 4-year-old and I grabbed the bull by its horn and ventured in anyway. We got lost about a dozen times trying to listen to a sassy women give us directions but eventually resorting to a version of Marco-Polo to find our way out. We were rewarded with a golden pumpkin from the Minotaur and my son was beyond thrilled by our accomplishment. Overall, an aMAZing adventure at Arata’s Pumpkin Farm.
Plan your visit to Arata’s Pumpkin Farm in Half Moon Bay
Arata Pumpkin Farm is located at 185 Verde Rd., Half Moon Bay
Phone: (650) 726-7548
October Hours: Sunday – Thursday 9am – 6:30pm | Friday – Saturday 9am – 10:30pm
Check for special events and photos on facebook >
Cost: $20 per car, with $10 going towards purchase of a pumpkin. Attractions and pumpkins cost extra. Prices range from $5 – $85.
There are pumpkins and gourds everywhere so walk around and enjoy the sites before picking yours up. The farm provides wagons that you can wheel around the property til you fill your pumpkin needs. Since it gets busy early, skip the line and buy your tickets online.
- Activities cost $5-$20 each, I recommend the pass for adults – $45 and kids- $45. Buy tickets on the website >
- Kids’ attractions close at 6 pm but the Maze, Haunted Barn, and Hay Rides are open until 10:30 pm.
- Pumpkins are $1 – $25, so they can get pricey but they’re a sustainable farm so at least you’re buying guilt-free.
- There are plenty of lunch tables to enjoy a meal on-site. If you have a group and want to reserve a hut, call ahead.
- If the on-site parking lot is full, they’ll offer you a free hayride to an additional lot, but it is time-intensive.
[Photos by Soni Bedi, all rights reserved]
Find more pumpkin patches, corn mazes, hay mazes near the East Bay in our guide >
