Brook Lord, 1 1/2 years old, explores antique farm machinery at the Simonian Farms pumpkin patch in 2014.John Walker
The Fresno Bee

Ready for fall? Here are 5 of the best pumpkin patches in Fresno County

by · The Fresno Bee

Carving out some fun time for fall? Try visiting some local pumpkin patches.

Fresno County has plenty of places where you can find autumn bliss, from a pumpkin patch where you can snap pictures with your pets to a farm that mixes gourds and goats.

Here are five of our favorite spots in the Fresno area.

Asher Stevens, 3, finds a pumpkin just his size at Simonian Farms pumpkin patch in Fresno in 2014. John WalkerFresno Bee Staff Photo

Wild Patch Pumpkins

It’s spooky season at Wild Patch Pumpkins, a family-friendly Clovis farm that encourages visitors to take fall themed-pictures with their pets.

Whether you’re carving jack-o-lanterns to decorate your front porch or baking a tasty pumpkin pie, there is a gorgeous gourd for every occasion.

All of the pumpkins for sale at the patch are harvested in the Central Valley.

Wild Patch Pumpkins also has a fun hay maze for kids and a 360-degree photo booth, the patch said in an Instagram post

To win $50 worth of pumpkins, follow @wildpatchpumpkins on Instagram, like its post and tag three friends.

  • Where: 225 West Bullard Ave. in Clovis
  • When: 4p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; Oct. 1 through Oct. 31
  • How much: Free
  • Info: 559-474-5613, Instagram or Facebook
A variety of pumpkins are available at Wild Patch Pumpkins in Clovis. Courtesy of Wild Patch Pumpkins

Billy Bob’s Pumpkin Grove

Pumpkin spice and everything nice can be found at Billy Bob’s Pumpkin Grove in Sanger.

Weekday tours include a pumpkin to take home and a hayride as well as a fun-filled forest, a mini corn maze and straw bales.

Visitors can bring their own snacks or lunch and enjoy dining at the shady picnic tables.

Pumpkins are available for sale.

The patch is not open on weekends.

  • Where: 14265 East Goodfellow Ave. in Sanger
  • When: 9 a.m to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday, starting Oct. 8. Must RSVP ahead of time.
  • How much: $9.50 ages 3 and up, 2 and under are free
  • Info: 559-356-3962 or thepumpkingrove.com
The gnarled, colorful stem of a pumpkin is seen at the Simonian Farms pumpkin patch in Fresno in 2014. John WalkerThe Fresno Bee

Hillcrest Pumpkin Patch

What’s in store at Hillcrest Pumpkin Patch in Reedley? “Just spicy pumpkins down the ol’ farm,” the patch promises on its website.

In addition to picking out the perfect pumpkins, visitors can ride a train from upper Hillcrest Station to lower Wahtoke Station, or hop aboard a hayride.

Food vendors can be found at both the upper and lower levels of the patch.

  • Where: 6943 South Reed Ave. in Reedley
  • When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, Sept. 28 to Oct. 27
  • How much: $10 per carload. Train tickets cost $5 one way, $10 round trip. Hayride tickets are $4 for ages 2 and up. Pumpkins cost from $2 to $70.
  • Info: 559-638-2762 or hillcrestreedley.com
A child with a pumpkin on his head rides a toy tractor at Sweet Thistle Farms and Rocky Oaks Goat Creamery in Clovis. Courtesy of Sweet Thistle Farms and Rocky Oaks Goat Creamery

Sweet Thistle Farms & Rocky Oaks Goat Creamery

What do goats and gourds have in common? Visitors can find both at Sweet Thistle Farms and Rocky Oaks Goat Creamery in Clovis.

Attractions range from hay rides and cheese sampling to a pumpkin wall where visitors can take pictures, according to the Visit Fresno county website. Kids can ride in pint-sized wagon cars painted with farm-friendly designs such as a tractor, cow and pig.

There’s also a petting zoo where kids can meet friendly goats and other farm animals.

A total of 15 varieties of pumpkins and winter squash are available for purchase at the pumpkin patch, according to its website.

  • Where: 5365 Mendocino Ave. in Clovis
  • When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, starting Sept. 28
  • How much: $20 per car in advance, $25 per car on site
  • Info: sweetthistlefarms.com or Instagram
Pumpkins sit in a crate at Sweet Thistle Farms and Rocky Oaks Goat Creamery in Clovis. Courtesy of Sweet Thistle Farms and Rocky Oaks Goat Creamery

Simonian Farms

Looking for a fun family outing or for a spooky scare? Visitors can find plenty of fall-themed activities at Simonian Farms pumpkin patch.

The patch’s attractions include the Haunted Caboose and the Old Town section complete with antique displays, a shooting gallery and Teddy the talking truck. There’s also a spot where visitors can take a pictures with their pumpkins.

The farm grows more than 180 varieties of fruits and vegetables, and sells a variety of products at its on-site produce store.