If you’re looking for a fun, family-friendly activity to celebrate the fall season, check out Tanaka Farms in Irvine. It’s a fully functioning farm that also provides a great family experience. It’s got pumpkin patches, tractor rides, corn mazes, barnyard animals, carnival games, and much more.
The farm aims to mix fun with learning, teaching children about where food comes from and farming methods. Because Tanaka is working farm (rather than purely an amusement venue), the environment feels authentic compared to other pumpkin patches.
The farm has lots of activities available. Some are included in admission, and some require the purchase of additional activity tickets.
Farm Activities: Rides, Games, and Fall Festivities
When autumn arrives, Tanaka Farms rolls out a delightful roster of family-friendly attractions. Here’s what you can expect:
Tractor Wagon Rides
One signature draw is the wagon ride around the fields, guided by farm staff who share stories about the land, crops, and seasonal operations. Pulled by a tractor, it’s a nice relaxing ride that let’s you tour the farm. Included in admission.
Corn Maze
A twisty corn maze is a seasonal favorite, giving kids a chance to wander (or race) through tall stalk of corn. Included in admission.
Barnyard Educational Exhibit
Even outside fall, the Barnyard Educational Exhibit is a constant. It features farm animals that children can go in and pet, included sheep, goats, pigs, and chickens. Sometimes there are demonstrations, such as sheep shearing. Included in admission.
Seasonal Photo Ops
Throughout the farm are multiple setups for great photo opportunities. Families often take photos among pumpkin hills, hay bale backdrops, and themed installations.
Pumpkin Patch
The pumpkin patch is a highlight: wander through a huge field with dozens of pumpkins, various sizes and shapes, ripe for picking by families to take home. Wandering through the pumpkin patch is included in admission, but taking a pumpkin home is paid.
U-Pick Vegetable Patch
Families can harvest fresh vegetables right from the ground and fill their own bag to take home, including carrots, green onions, cilantro, and turnips. $6 or 2 activity tickets.
Pumpkin Cannon
A highlight of pumpkin season is a pumpkin cannon, where children help launch a pumpkin far into an open field. Requires activity ticket.
Rides, Games, & Crafts
There is a whole section of the farm that requires activity tickets. It includes carnival games like ball tosses, ring tosses, mini golf, and others. There are small wagon rides and mini ATVs for kids. Also in the game area are arts and crafts activities and face painting.
Visiting Info
Go to their website for the most updated information: https://tanakafarms.ticketspice.com/tanaka-farms-pumpkin-patch
Hours
Standard Hours
Daily 9:00am-5:00pm
Pumpkin Season Hours:
- September – Daily from 9:00am-6:00pm
- October – Monday-Thursday: 9:00am-6:00pm; Friday-Sunday: 9:00am-9:00pm
Cost of Admission
For the pumpkin patch season, ticket pricing depends on day and package. Cost is for individuals 3 year old and up (2 and under are free):
- Weekdays (Mon–Thurs, and Friday before noon): $23 per person.
- Saturdays & Sundays, admission for guests age 3 and up is about $27
Activity tickets available at an additional cost.
Parking
Tanaka Farms provides a dedicated parking lot. Parking is free on weekdays, but costs $12 per vehicle on weekends.
Restrooms
Porta-potty restrooms are available along with hand-washing stations.
Food & Refreshments
The farm has “Tanaka Grill,” which provides cooked meals and snacks for purchase. There’s a large picnic table seating area to eat. Near the entrance, there’s a fresh produce stand to purchase fresh fruits, vegetables, honey, or farm merchandise on the way out.
Tips for Visiting
- Book online — popular weekend slots tend to sell out, especially for pumpkin-patch packages, so buy online to reserve your spot.
- Arrive early to avoid congestion in the parking lot and to make the most of your time there.
- Dress accordingly — fall in SoCal can vary – from chilly overcast days to hot sunny days, so check the weather and bring layers.
- Buy the ticket bundle — If you have kids old enough to walk, they’ll probably want to do all the activities. Get the ticket bundle to do all the games and rides – and head there first as there tend to be lines.
Visiting Tanaka Farms in fall is a wonderful way to blend nature, festivity, and education. Kids get to touch the soil, carry their own pumpkin, and meet gentle animals — while parents get the joy of shared memories, farm-fresh snacks, and a break from screens. With thoughtful planning and reservations, your family can enjoy an autumn day that feels just a bit magical in the heart of Irvine.
Tanaka Farms Video
