Napa, Sonoma Pumpkin Patches, Corn Mazes Now Open: Fall For A Good Time!

SONOMA and NAPA COUNTIES, CA — It is not hard to find pumpkin patches along the roadways and byways of Sonoma and Napa counties, most having opened this past weekend. The thrills and family fun at some popular pumpkin patches have eager youngsters running every which way and parents giving chase.

The Stanly Lane Pumpkin Patch, a 30-year tradition located in south Napa at 3100 Golden Gate Drive, is loaded with hundreds of colorful pumpkins spread throughout the grounds. There is also a giant pyramid-shaped haystack housing a huge circular tube ideal for a bumpy ride to the bottom. A smaller version was added this year for the younger, smaller children.

Another popular pumpkin patch is the Pronzini Pumpkin Patch, which has everything from bouncy houses and a tepee, to a train ride, a haunted trail/village and a corn box percent for young children to play in. New this year is a "mine shaft," which is actually (shhh) a storage container. The train ride costs $5; the bouncy houses cost $8; and the train ride to the Haunted Trail and Village and Mine Shaft is $10. Or, there is an all-access pass for $15.

Pronzini is located at 3795 Adobe Road in east Petaluma. If you get lost, just look for a group of minion characters visible from the highway greeting visitors. They were made from old compressor and propane tanks.

The Petaluma Pumpkin Patch adjacent to Highway 101 in north Petaluma is one of the most visible, and includes the "Mazing Corn Maze." The four-acre attraction was planted in July and is comprised of 174 rows of corn. Farmer Jim personally designs a new corn maze each year. Children younger than 5 get in free during the day; those older than 6 get in for $5.

Guests can also enjoy pony rides, face-painting and a giant carnival slide. Besides pumpkins trucked in for the season, there are also rows and rows of planted pumpkins to choose from.

Also unique is the "Night Maze," which is on Friday and Saturday nights, with only the moonlight and stars to light the path. The night maze cost $9 and opens at 6 p.m., with entrance ending at 9:30 p.m. Bring a flashlight just in case! Petaluma Pumpkin Patch access is at 450 Stony Point Road.

>>Looking for more fun things to do this fall? Check out our Bay Area guide: Halloween Haunted Houses, Corn Mazes, Pumpkin Patches 2017: SF Bay Area

Article and photos by Al Francis/Napasonomaphotos.com