🍂 Fall Fun & Pumpkin Patch Highlights in OC!

Hi everyone — Kendra here! As the season turns, I love seeing all the festive energy in our neighborhoods. If you're looking for fall and Halloween-fun (some free, some low cost), here are spots in Costa Mesa, Irvine, and Orange County to consider — from pumpkin patches to festivals to family events.

🎃 Local Pumpkin Patches & Fall Harvest Spots

These places are great for photo ops, picking pumpkins, enjoying farm vibes, and making fall memories.

Spot	What You’ll Find	Location & Details	Cost / Tips
Tanaka Farms (University Farm, Irvine, CA)	Traditional pumpkin patch, acres of pumpkins, wagon rides, photo ops, barnyard animals, produce market & seasonal treats. Tanaka Farms+2Tripadvisor+2	5380 3/4 University Drive, Irvine. Open now through ~Nov 2, 2025 for pumpkin patch. Tanaka Farms	Ticketed but very popular; try going on off-peak weekday mornings to avoid crowds. Reserve ahead on peak-days. Tanaka Farms+1
Hana Field by Tanaka Farms (Costa Mesa)	Flower & pumpkin fields, wagon rides, mini ATVs, corn maze, pumpkin-blasting fun; seasonal farm experience. Tanaka Farms+1	427 Anton Blvd, Costa Mesa. Reopens for its Pumpkin Patch season ~ September 27, 2025. Tanaka Farms	Tickets required; plan ahead, especially on weekends. Great if you want something very close to home.
Irvine Park Railroad Pumpkin Patch	Train rides, hay rides, carnival games, hay maze, seasonal decorations, photo-friendly spots. Irvine Park Railroad+1	Irvine Regional Park, 1 Irvine Park Road, Orange, CA. Open daily through Halloween; weekdays 10am ‒ 6pm, weekends earlier & longer hours. Irvine Park Railroad+2Popsicle Blog+2	Reservations required on October weekends. Park entry / vehicle fee may apply. Go on a weekday for lighter crowds. Irvine Park Railroad

🏡 Community Favorites & Timeless Traditions

There are also some long-loved, more free / lower cost events and spots that feel like staples around Costa Mesa and nearby. These are perfect for families, neighborhood get-togethers, or a casual autumn outing.

• Torelli Realty’s Pumpkin Patch — Located at 1700 Adams Avenue, Costa Mesa. This event has been a tradition for over 30 years. Expect free pumpkins, pumpkin decorating, pony rides, petting zoo, face painting, etc. orangecounty.net+1

• Spooktacular Fun Days at Orange County Great Park (Irvine) — Family-friendly fall activities, entertainment, crafts, etc. City of Irvine

• Boo Fest at Woodbridge Village Center (Irvine) — An evening event, perfect for kids: treats, crafts, games, costume fun. Irvine Company Retail Properties

🔍 What’s Free vs. What Costs a Little

Just so you can plan:

• Many community Halloween / Fall “festivals” are free to enter; costs sometimes come if you buy pumpkins, food, or special rides.

• Some patches (Irvine Park Railroad, Tanaka Farms, Hana Field) have fees for activities or require tickets, especially on weekends.

• Free events like Torelli’s Pumpkin Patch and some “Boo Fest” style gatherings are great budget-friendly options.

🗓️ When to Go & Planning Tips

• Go early on weekends or choose weekdays if your schedule allows — less traffic, more parking, easier experience.

• Check ahead: hours, reservations, whether particular activities (rides, corn maze, etc.) are open on your chosen day.

• Bring layers: mornings and evenings can be cool, especially in outdoor farm/ranch spots.

• Photo gear: these spots are perfect for family photos. If you plan on capturing seasonal portraits, pick times with softer light (morning / late afternoon).

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