Pumpkin Patch Guide To Laguna Niguel, Nearby: 2020

LAGUNA NIGUEL, CA — With just 23 days to go until Halloween, time is ticking to get those pumpkins picked and carved.

Though we are living through unprecedented times with many activities closed or altered in some fashion, there are still some options when it comes to finding a pumpkin patch near Novato.

Once there, be sure to look for a pumpkin with a firm stem.

"That's a great indicator of how healthy it is," horticulturist Steve Reiners told NPR. If the stem is along the rubbery side, "chances are rot organisms will start to soften the pumpkin quickly."

And when you carve that perfect pumpkin, you can plan on it lasting up to 10 days before it starts to show signs of aging. However, if you want to make it last longer, you can mix three teaspoons of bleach with three gallons of water and spray the solution throughout, according to Clorox.

The perfect temperature to store your pumpkin? That’ll be about 50 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit, Reiners said.

Nearby Orange County Pumpkin Patches:

Here are the pumpkin patches near you, and worth the drive from Orange County:

Name: Fall Festival At The Promenade, Laguna Beach

Address: Forest Avenue, Laguna Beach

Season opening/closing dates: Oct. 5 through Nov. 29

The Promenade operates daily for general dining and shopping between 9 a.m. and 10 p.m.

Attractions:

• Hay Bales and Pumpkins
• Pumpkin carving contest
• Thanksgiving "Thankful Wall"
• Restaurant specials with fall menu items
• "Passport for your Palate" - in partnership with the Laguna Beach Chamber of Commerce
• Armed Forces holiday card drop-box

Name: Tanaka Farms
Address: 5380 3/4 University Drive, Irvine
Season opening/closing dates: Saturday Sept. 19 through Oct. 31
Attractions:

• Drive-Thru Pumpkin Farm Experience: Monday Sept. 21-Oct. 30
• U-Pick Pumpkin with Wagon Ride: Mon. Sept. 21 through Oct. 31
• Curbside Pick-Up Order Available

Hours: 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.
Phone: 949.653.2100
Website: www.tanakafarms.com

Name: Irvine Park Railroad
Address: 1 Irvine Park Road, Orange
Season opening/closing dates: Thursday, Oct. 1 through Oct. 31
Attractions: (review COVID-19 restrictions before you go!)

• Details and activities: https://bit.ly/2FDhbWv
• Selling pumpkins: https://bit.ly/2FDhbWv
• Hours of operation: https://bit.ly/2FDhbWv
• COVID-19 details: https://bit.ly/2FDhbWv
• Bike and paddle boat rental information: https://bit.ly/33jkaLW
• Irvine Regional Park parking fees: https://bit.ly/2GNQT4v

Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekends
Website: www.irvineparkrailroad.com

Pumpkins Delivered To Your Door:

Pumpkin City locations may be closed this year due to the coronavirus shutdown, but you can still order your pumpkin straight from the farm.

Virtually visit Pumpkin City, and select the delivery that works best for you and your family. A portion of the proceeds go to Orange County's needy in the form of grocery store gift cards.

Pumpkin Patches, Worth The Drive:

Name: Peltzer Farms Pumpkin Patch
Address: 39925 Calle Contento, Temecula
Season opening/closing dates: Saturday, Sept. 26 through Oct. 31
Attractions: (review COVID-19 restrictions before you go!) Entrance to the farm may CLOSE while we wait for current guests to exit

Cost:

$2 per person / Pumpkin Pass for Monday through Friday, $50 for family of 5 all season* (Monday-Friday) must be from same household. Includes petting farm entry all season, discounts, tickets to additional attractions not included

$3 per person Saturday & Sunday, under 2 is free with paid adult.

Hours: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekdays, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekends

Website: www.peltzerfarms.com

Name: Bates Nut Farm
Address:15954 Woods Valley Road, Valley Center
Season opening/closing dates: Saturday, Sept. 19 through Oct. 31
Admission: Free

Hours: September Hours: Weekdays 9am - 5:30 p.m. • Weekends 8:30 a.m.- 6 p.m. - Free Admission

Attractions: Petting Corral-weekdays, Hayrides, Straw maze, Pony rides, Farm Zoo, Picnicking, Farm Store

Website: batesnutfarm.biz

More fall fun in Orange County:

• Halloween In OC 2020: Urban Legends Haunts OC Fairgrounds

If we missed your favorite pumpkin patch, be sure to share it with readers in the comments section.

Remember: Halloween In Orange County 2020 Isn't Canceled, Just Different

How will you be spending Halloween 2020? Are there homes on your block who have already started decorating? Share your thoughts with your Patch Editor in comments, or through email!

If we missed your favorite pumpkin patch or Halloween event, be sure to share it with readers in the comments section.

SEE ALSO:
10 Bay Area Haunts To Visit This October
10 California Pumpkin Patches You Can Still Visit In 2020