Tanaka Farms Pumpkin Patch: Special Review

Tanaka Farms, Irvine, CA

Editor's Note:
Today, we have a special Halloween event update provided by my girlfriend--who I promise is absolutely 100% real and does not just live in Canada--about an attraction that's not scary or even spooky at all, but provides a nice fall activity that's fun for the family to enjoy together.

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Hello, I’m Stephanie, actual human girlfriend of Albert (no, I’m not a Russian Bot) and a guest contributor on Westcoaster today. We both enjoy the wonderful and magical holiday of Halloween, but it’s hard to find events for the both of us, as he loves scary Halloween, and sometimes, I startle myself when I catch my reflection in the mirror and think someone is behind me. Thankfully, we found a common interest in visiting the Hello Kitty-themed Tanaka Farms Pumpkin Patch (or rather, I wouldn’t stop talking and asking about it until he took me there)!  Located in the city of Irvine, this Orange County farm features a number of fun activities for the whole family. 

A map of the grounds, including a glimpse of a pumpkin graveyard. They will be missed.

First up, we have my favorite: the pumpkin patch itself! Guests strolling through can find all different kinds of pumpkins, including:

• The Cinderella Pumpkin: Red Orange color with flattened shape and deep lobes. A good dessert pumpkin.

• Fairytale Pumpkin: Brownish mahogany color with deep ribs and a smooth exterior. Averages 8-25 lbs. 

• Porcelain Doll Pumpkin: Pink pumpkins are popular during the month of October, in support of breast cancer awareness.

• Jarrahdale Pumpkin: Silvery bluish grey color, used for baking. Averages 6-10 lbs.

• Polar Bear Pumpkins: White pumpkins, smooth with little to no ridges. Averages 30-40 lbs.

Tanaka Farms’ pumpkin patch features a lot of pumpkins.

Pumpkins of all different types, including the warty kind.

You can pick your own pumpkins fresh off the vine or sort through a pre-selected bin.  Wheelbarrows are provided for those aiming to harvest larger or multiple pumpkins.

Random scarecrows are scattered throughout the farm. The location of this one is a little off putting.
*whispering* He seems to get a little closer each time I turn around…

In addition to the pumpkin patch, there’s also a free corn maze with a hidden Hello Kitty if you can find your way through.  The petting zoo has several adorable baby goats, sheep and even an alpaca! For extra fees, there are tractor rides touring the 30 acre property, a pumpkin cannon (and RIP pumpkin area for the collateral damage), a veggie patch where you can pick your own vegetables, game areas, food stands, and lots of themed merchandise!

More like Corn Maize… amIrite??

Stephanie would like to make it clear that she was not behind the above terrible pun.

The Hello Kitty theming is year round, and some of the decorations from earlier in the year are still left up for the fall. The Sunflower Field from the summer season is still open, though most of them are dead right now.  Perhaps they are zombie sunflowers!  Tanaka Farms also has specific agriculture for other upcoming seasons: Christmas trees (Nov. 23 - Dec. 16 this year), Strawberries (March - June 2019), and Melon season (July - August 2019). 

Some other activities for the kiddos.

Truthfully, the petting zoo is a bit harsh looking. But there’s plenty of fluffy inside (not Gabriel Iglesias).

Admission to the pumpkin patch is $4 per person. You also get an adorable free Sanrio headband, perfect for photo ops with your significant other. The Wagon Ride is $6 for unlimited rides. The Petting Zoo is $4. Or, for those who want a combination of attractions, the Entry Package is $12 (save $2!) and includes Admission, Wagon Ride, and Petting Zoo. Children 2 years and under are free for all attractions. Game and Activity Tickets are $4 each. And as a note, parking passes ($5 each) are required on the weekends and should be purchased online in advance.  Those visiting will find explicit signs forbidding walk-ups except from guests with proof of residence in the immediate local neighborhood.  For additional information, please visit the Tanaka Farms website.