FALL FAMILY FUN AT LOCAL FARMS
Before the tricks, before the treats there’s pumpkin picking, corn mazes, hay rides and apple picking and there are some great local farms offering this fall family fun.
COUNTRY PUMPKINS » Started by the Gruenwald Family in 2000 this farm includes a 5-acre U-pick pumpkin patch, a 10-acre corn maze, a farm animal petting zoo, a hay pyramid with a slide, a country store and a haunted maze.
Located at 7152 Highway 32 about 10 miles west of Chico and 4 miles east of Orland, Country Pumpkins is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily now through Oct. 31.
Admission and parking are free as is the hay pyramid and slide and petting zoo. Pumpkins varieties including traditional, rust-colored fairytales, red pumpkins from France and blue Jarrahdale from New Zealand are available for picking and cost $1 to $50 depending on variety and size. A trip through the corn maze is $5 per person and children 4 and younger are free. The farm accepts cash and checks for pumpkins and the maze.
The Haunted Maze, recommended for those 10 and older, is open from 7 to 10 p.m. Oct. 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23, 29 and 30. The cost is $15 per person, cash only.
For more information: http://countrypumpkins. org.
MAX’S MIRACLE RANCH
» There are plenty of apples to pick at this delightful farm in Biggs. For a $1 a pound visitors may pick Gibson golden, pink lady, Fuji, pippin, Granny Smith and red delicious apples by the bushel. Pre-picked pumpkins are also available for $3 to $10 depending on size and freshly harvested walnuts are $4.99 a pound. Located at 3476 Smith Ave.,
Max’s is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily through Oct. 31.
For more information: http://www.maxsmiracles. org.
TJ FARMS » Located in Chico this farm offers pumpkins for picking, farm animals for petting and hay rides for taking. Winter vegetables, Indian corn, gourds and prepared farm food products including pumpkin pie are available at the farm store on weekends. There are also places to picnic and a play area for children. Pumpkins range in price from $8 to $50 depending on size. Parking and admission are free. This farm, located at 3600 Chico Ave., is open 2 to 6 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.
For more information: https://tjfarmsestates.com.
BOOK FAMILY FARM » Pumpkins galore and scarecrows are on tap at Book Family Farm in Durham. There is also a small corn maze for children on the farm and
plenty of farm animals to see. You may pick your own pumpkin from the
large patch or purchase already harvested pumpkins. All pumpkins are
priced by size. There no admission or parking fee to visit the farm which is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays through Oct. 31.
For more information: http://www.bookfamilyfarm.net.
PETERSON SISTERS PUMPKIN PATCH » This charming farm at 3200 Bell Road at the corner of Jones Avenue in Chico, features Jack-OLantern, baking and Jack be Little pumpkins as well as large and small mixed gourds of many varieties all priced to sell at 79 cents per pound. Admission, parking and hay rides are free. A children’s play area with carnival games and a hay maze is open at 11 a.m. on Saturdays. The cost is $5 per child and free for accompanying adults. Homemade pumpkin and apple butters along with baked goods and local will be for sale and there are picnic tables to sit and enjoy treats and cold drinks. Open from 3 p.m. to sunset on Fridays and 10 a.m. to sunset on Saturday and Sundays now through Oct. 31.
For more information: https://pspumpkinpatch. com.