Located next to the Shadelands Ranch Historical Museum, the Shadelands Pumpkin Patch in Walnut Creek is a fun visit for the younger kid crowd with plenty of photo opportunities, a miniature hay maze, a small petting zoo, and select kid rides. This visit is best paired with a nearby activity such as a visit to Heather Farms Park to make it worth the drive.
More Pumpkin Patches and Mazes to Visit >>
For the 2024 Season, Shadelands Pumpkin Patch is open daily from October 3 – 31; 9 am – 9 pm.Â
Pumpkin Photo Ops and Kid Activities
We visited the Shadelands Pumpkin Patch with a 1-year-old and two 2nd graders as our kickoff to the Fall season. Shadelands isn’t a huge space, but it’s large enough for a few hours of fun for the younger (under 8) crowd. Our 1 year old spent most of his time looking at the pumpkins, walking through the miniature hay maze, and playing with the jumbo Connect Four. Meanwhile, the 2nd graders enjoyed wandering around on their own (the area is enclosed) and partaking in a few rides. The Cow Train was a big hit — though not particularly cheap ($8 per kid).
There are plenty of pumpkin photo opportunities to snap seasonal shots from Charlie Brown cutouts to hay stacks dressed up to look like horses. In the back of the pumpkin patch, there is also an Educational Station where you can brush up on some pumpkin trivia. Â If kids get hungry, find snacks (popcorn, ice cream) and Halloween trinkets (costume jewelry, glow sticks, pumpkin carving items) to purchase on-site.
While there are a decent number of pumpkin varietals, we found the pumpkins on the pricer end to purchase and candidly will be purchasing pumpkins elsewhere. But we did see others cart away with pumpkins to take home.
While we visit the Shadelands Pumpkin Patch most years given its close proximity to our home, Â I’d recommend pairing the visit with a trip to Heather Farms or another Walnut Creek activity to make it worth the drive. Â Be warned that the fees add up if you include the admission fee and multiple kid rides, but the kids seem to have enough fun to make it worth it.
Background on the Shadelands Ranch Museum
The Shadelands Pumpkin Patch is next door to the Shadelands Ranch Museum, a historic 20th Century ranch home available for museum tours and operated by the Walnut Creek Historical Society. While we haven’t personally gone on a tour, we’ve heard it’s an interesting activity to do and some local schools coordinate a visit for school field trips.
Museum tours are available Sundays and Wednesdays from 1 pm-4 pm from February through October.
Website to Shadelands Ranch Museum >>
Attractions at the Shadelands Pumpkin Patch
- Petting Zoo
- Cow Train
- Bumper Boats
- Mini Hay Maze
- Kid Games (think Jenga, brain teaser puzzles, large Connect Four)
- Human Hamster Balls (not available when we visited)
- Movie Nights
Plan your Visit
Address: 2662 Ygnacio Valley Rd, Walnut Creek
Tickets: $4 admission fee per person. Additional fees for pumpkins (ranging from $12-$45 based on size) and kid activities (ranging from $4-$8 per ride or activity). Cash or card.
Hours:Â Open daily 9 am – 9 pm (October 3 – 31)
Parking:Â Onsite and free, but limited. There are signs at the parking lot that direct you to an overflow parking lot if no spots are available.
