Looking for a slightly different (read: less crowded) pumpkin patch experience this year, we ventured away from our typical patch and took the family on a scenic drive to Nicasio Valley. Located outside Novato in Marin County, the slightly less than an hour drive from Berkeley was actually peaceful and scenic. The kids enjoyed spotting all the cows from the window, and it was a nice day trip out of the East Bay.
Attractions at Nicasio Valley Pumpkin Patch
Nicasio Valley Farm offered exactly what I was looking for: seasonal fun with rustic farm vibes and fewer carnival attractions. The farm is open seven days a week, though most activities are only available on weekends. We visited on a Sunday morning and easily found free parking along the road. There’s no entrance fee, which is a big plus for a family of five. The other big plus for this pumpkin patch was that it was less crowded than other locations, especially on weekends, which made our visit much more enjoyable.
Free activities that are open daily include a corn kernel pit, yard games, and two small hay mazes; all perfect for younger kids. Weekend attractions include a bounce house, inflatable obstacle course, and tractor rides, along with face painting, live music, craft and book vendors, a petting zoo, pony rides, and food trucks.
Looking for Halloween Events? Read the Round-Up of Halloween Events for East Bay Families >
A wide variety of pumpkins are available for purchase; some remain on the vine, but most have been picked. The best options were displayed in the field or at the farm stand. Families can bring their own snacks and meals or enjoy weekend food options like wood-fired pizza, BBQ, shaved ice, craft beer, and specialty coffee.
Fees at the Nicasio Pumpkin Patch
A $10 bounce house ticket buys you a 15-minute window in the bounce zone, and each tractor ride around the farm is $5 per person. The petting zoo and pony rides are available for an additional fee. While we enjoyed most of our visit, I’d recommend skipping the animals. Luckily, it’s tucked away in the back, so most kids won’t even know they are missing it.
If your kids are older or expecting rides and a giant corn maze, Nicasio Valley may not meet their expectations. But for young families seeking a relaxed fall outing with smaller crowds and some scenic photo opportunities, this is the perfect spot.
Plan your visit to Nicasio Valley Pumpkin Patch
Lots of tents are provided around the farm, but there’s no shade at the tractor ride or bounce house areas, where it can get really bright and hot, so bring lots of water, hats, and sunscreen.
Location: Nicasio Valley Pumpkin Patch – 5300 Nicasio Valley Rd, Nicasio
Hours: Monday through Thursday: 10 am to 4 pm | Friday: 10 am to 6 pm | Saturday & Sunday: 9 am to 6 pm
Pricing: Free admission and parking; certain activities and pumpkins cost money.
Payment: Cash and credit cards accepted, except for the petting zoo, which is cash or Venmo.
Food: You can bring outside food. Snacks and drinks are available for purchase every day from the farm stand. Food trucks are on-site on the weekend.
Parking: Free street parking and a small parking lot mostly reserved for pick-ups and drop-offs.
Restrooms: Porta-potties are available. There’s a cheese shop in the parking lot that has a clean restroom. Plan ahead to buy your snacks at the cheese shop if you want to use the indoor facilities.
Want to review more pumpkin patch options? Check out our Bay Area Guide to Pumpkin Patches and Corn Mazes >
