Clayton Valley Farm offers so much wholesome Fall family fun. Pumpkins galore, farm animals, and lots of playful games to keep your little ones under 8 happy for longer than you'd imagine. It's about a 45-minute drive from Berkeley, so a great mini day trip on a crisp fall day in the East Bay.
What to do at Clayton Valley Farm
Clayton Valley Farm is what is called an “events farm,” meaning it's not a working farm. So don't expect a rustic pumpkin patch or hayrides. But there's a super fun play area with a duck racing game that my four kids (ages 1-8) go bonkers for; a catapult array; hay maze and even some farm animals to feed. There's no entry fee to just pick pumpkins, but if you want to play in the games area you will need to pull out your wallet (they do accept credit cards).
The kids also particularly enjoyed burying themselves in the baby pools filled with lima beans. Such simple, delightful fun (but make sure to check pockets before heading home!). And the hay maze is lots of fun, perfect for my older boys to play hide and seek.
There's also a cute little train that runs throughout the day (tickets sold separately in the little store). My older kids aren't too impressed with such things, but my one and three year old are definitely here for it.
Picking the perfect pumpkin at Clayton Valley Farm
Sponsor
And then of course there is the actual picking of pumpkins. Clayton Valley Farm brings in many different sizes, colors and types of pumpkins, so you'll have no trouble finding the perfect one. Yes, it's more expensive than picking one up at the grocery store, but you know that already.
Pro tip: I tell my kids if you can't pick it up and carry it, you can't bring it home.
Bottom Line on Clayton Valley pumpkin farm
To enjoy all that Clayton Valley Farm has to offer, it isn't cheap. But I will say the kids stayed amused for quite a while and the grandparents got oodles of fantastic fall flavored pictures. Worth it.
Plan your visit to Clayton Valley Farm
Check the website before you go for any updates.
Regular season hours: October 1- 31: 9 am to 7:30 pm everyday.
Train operates 3 pm to dusk weekdays and 9 am to dusk weekends.
Play areas open 9 am to dusk daily.
Sponsor
Admission Prices:
- FREE to enter, pumpkin prices vary by size and type
- Pumpkin Playland is $7 for children over 12 months during weekdays, $9 on the weekends
- Little Carver's Barnyard is $7 for children over 12 months during weekdays, $9 on the weekends
- Pay for both play areas for $12 during the week, $15 on the weekends.
- Adults are free with paid admission of child.
What to Bring to Clayton Valley Farm
- Hats and sunscreen. The games are all pretty much in the sun
- Snacks or lunch as there are benches and picnic tables around to sit and eat
- Hand sanitizer for after you feed the animals or go to the bathroom (there are port-o-potties with hand washing stations though)
- Camera for all the cute photo ops
Leave a Reply