Planning to visit the Irvine Park Railroad Pumpkin Patch in 2025 with your kids and wondering if it’s actually worth it?
You’re not alone. If you’ve got toddlers or little kids and you’ve seen the adorable photos from past years, you’re probably wondering—Is it just a photo op? Or is it something my kids will actually enjoy?
I’ve been to Irvine Regional Park more times than I can count, and I’ve done the Pumpkin Patch at Irvine Park Railroad twice now—once in 2024 and again in 2025 for my daughter’s class field trips. We’ve taken the train, played the games, eaten the snacks, and yes, taken allll the pumpkin pics.
So if you’re trying to decide whether this year’s patch (with the new reservation rules) is worth the drive, the cost, and the toddler wrangling—I’ve got you.
Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your visit, including what to expect, what to skip, and the best things to do with little kids at the Irvine Park Railroad Pumpkin Patch.
The-Need-To-Know Stuff
- Open Sept 13 – Oct 31, 2025
- Weekday entry = free, train ride = $8 ticket
- October weekends = $25 reservation per person 1+ (includes train ride + patch entry)
- $3–7 parking fee still required
- Great for toddlers, preschoolers, and big siblings
- Activities, pumpkins, photo ops = 10/10
- Crowds are REAL — weekdays are way calmer
- Worth it? Depends when you go — full honest review below
My Honest Review: Is the Irvine Park Railroad Pumpkin Patch Worth It for Families?
I’ve done this pumpkin patch more than once now. First with my 3-year-old and my 2-year-old niece during a weekday school field trip, and then again just recently with my 4-year-old’s TK class.
So here’s my real mom take: It’s adorable.
Every time we’ve gone, we’ve had a blast. The photo ops are super cute, the themed village is such a vibe, and there’s just enough to keep my toddlers entertained without completely melting down. It’s stroller-friendly, easy to navigate, and the train ride? A cozy little loop through the trees, led by a conductor in overalls like it’s straight out of a kids’ book.
And honestly, what makes it feel extra special here in SoCal is that it actually feels like fall. We don’t get crunchy leaves or crisp air, but this place still delivers enough pumpkin-season magic to make it feel festive without needing to drive to the mountains or fake it on Instagram.
Now, about 2025.
There’s now a $25 per person reservation required for all October weekends. The website says $20, but there’s a $5 processing fee you can’t avoid. Anyone over 1 needs a ticket, which includes the train ride (normally $8) and access to the pumpkin patch (which used to be free).
Outrageous? I definitely thought so.
Especially when you’re bringing the whole family. But then I looked up Tanaka Farms, where entry is $23 to $27 per person plus $12 for parking, Irvine Park Railroad Pumpkin Patch still ends up being the cheaper option, both on weekdays and weekends.
So is it worth it?
- Yes if you go on a weekday or a weekend in September. We’ve done both. Entry is free and the train is $8 per person over age 1.
- Maybe if October weekends are your only option. You’ll need to plan ahead, pay the reservation fee, and be ready for crowds. With 2 little ones in tow, I really don’t like crowds.
If that’s not your style, try El Dorado Regional Park for a more relaxed experience or Tanaka Farms if you want a full farm vibe (think field of pumpkins and vegetable picking) and don’t mind the higher price.
Pumpkin Patch Photo Ops You Don’t Want to Miss
Let’s be real — half the reason we’re here is for the photos, right? The Irvine Park Railroad Pumpkin Patch is full of cute backdrops that deliver on fall vibes, even when it’s 80 degrees and your toddler is melting down in flannel.
Where to Take Great Fall Photos at the Pumpkin Patch
You don’t need to hit every spot, but here are some of the cutest and most popular places to snap a picture:
- Face-in-hole carnival boards
- Giant pumpkin cart
- Height chart with pumpkins
- Backdrop with a bunch of mini pumpkins stuck to it
- Wooden pumpkin signs and decor
- Themed shops with all the pumpkins on the porch
- Pumpkin stands
- Anywhere with a bunch of pumpkins
You could easily spend your whole visit just wandering around and snapping photos. Even if you skip the activities, it still feels worth it, especially if it’s not too crowded.
Pro Mom Tips
- Take your photos first — before the kids get messy, sweaty, or covered in cookie frosting.
- Visit early in the day or on a weekday when it’s less crowded. Fewer people = fewer photobombers (and if there are, AI can edit them out later).
- Don’t stress if your toddler won’t smile. Some of the best pumpkin patch photos are the grumpy ones.
Best Things to Do by Age at the Pumpkin Patch
Every age can enjoy something here, but what’s actually worth your time and tickets totally depends on how old your kids are. Here’s a quick guide based on my experience and what’s listed on the Irvine Park Railroad website.
Babies (0–1 years old)
Not many of the rides or activities are designed for babies, but it’s still a cute outing if you’re tagging along with older siblings.
- Train ride: free for 12 months and under
- Hay ride: free for 12 months and under
- Strolling or being carried through the pumpkin patch: so much to see, touch, and explore visually
- Photo ops: tons of places to plop your baby and get that “baby with pumpkins” shot
Toddlers and Preschoolers (1–4 years old)
This is the sweet spot age for this pumpkin patch — everything feels magical and manageable. My toddlers especially loved the moon bounce, carnival games, and train ride.
- Train ride: 1 ticket
- Hay ride: 1 ticket
- Moon bounce: 1 ticket for 10 minutes of jump time — a huge hit with my kids
- Cookie decorating: 1 ticket
- Pumpkin decorating: 2 tickets
- Carnival games: 1 ticket for a small prize or 2 tickets for a big prize (every child wins something)
- Face painting: 2 tickets
- Hay maze: free
- Haunted house walk-through: free, not scary
Big Kids (5+ years old)
At this age, kids want to do it all — especially the more hands-on activities.
- Train ride: 1 ticket
- Hay ride: 1 ticket
- John Deere Racers: 1 ticket (ages 5–8)
- Mini-diggers: 2 tickets (ages 5 and up)
- Carnival games: 1–2 tickets depending on prize size
- Gone fishing: 2 tickets
- Pumpkin or cookie decorating: 1–2 tickets
- Face painting: 2 tickets
- Hay maze and haunted house: free
Good to Know
- Tickets are $8 each or $100 for a pack of 15 (you save $20)
- Carnival-style games give out prizes every time: 1 ticket = small prize, 2 tickets = larger prize
- Some activities like diggers and racers have an age minimum of 5 years old
- Kids under 12 months ride the train and hay ride for free
More Fun Things to Do Nearby
- Pony Rides: $8 per ride (cash only), best for kids 1+ who can sit up independently. Right next to the train station.
- Playground Break: Shaded playground near the hay maze and bathrooms — great for a quick energy burn.
What to Expect at the Irvine Park Railroad Pumpkin Patch in 2025
Planning a visit in 2025? There are a few important updates to know this year, especially if you’re considering a weekend in October.
October Weekend Reservations Are Now Required
Weekend reservations were first introduced in 2024, and they’re continuing in 2025 to help manage the heavy crowds.
- Cost: $25 per person (that’s $20 + a $5 processing fee)
- Age requirement: Everyone over 1 year old needs a reservation
- Reservations must be made online — no in-person purchases allowed
What’s Included in the $25 Reservation
- Entry into the pumpkin patch (which is usually free on non-reservation days)
- One train ride ticket (normally $8 value)
- Access during your selected date and time window on an October weekend
What’s Not Included
- Parking fee (weekends are $5 per car)
- Activity tickets (sold separately at $8 each or $100 for a 15-ticket bundle)
- Food, snacks, and pumpkins (prices vary)
Weekday and September Visits Are Still Free
You can skip the reservation and just walk in for free on:
- Any weekday in September or October
- Any weekend in September
This gives you more flexibility, and you can just pay for what you want to do using activity tickets.
- Activity tickets are $8 each or $100 for 15 tickets (save $20)
- Great option for families who want a less crowded experience
Overflow Parking
Overflow parking is available at Santiago Canyon College, which is about a half-mile walk from the park. If you’re visiting on a weekend with a timed reservation, plan to arrive early to allow for walking or shuttle time.
Why are they requiring reservations?
There’s only one road leading into the park’s entrance, which causes long lines of cars to back up along Jamboree Road, especially on October weekends. I have personally experienced these lines on a weekday in October of 2024, so I can’t imagine what it’s like on the weekends. Inside the park, parking is limited and fills up fast. The Pumpkin Patch brings in even more traffic than Santa’s Village at Irvine Park Railroad.
Where to Eat in Irvine Park Railroad With Kids
Train Station Snack Bar
📍 Located at the Irvine Park Railroad train station next to the themed shops
🕒 Hours:
Spring–Summer:
Weekdays 10am–5pm (kitchen closes at 4pm)
Weekends 10am–6pm (kitchen closes at 5pm)
Fall–Winter:
Weekdays 10am–4pm (kitchen closes at 3pm)
Weekends 10am–5pm (kitchen closes at 4pm)
🌐 Website: irvineparkrailroad.com/food/train-station-snack-bar
Food menu includes:
- Burgers
- Hot dogs
- Chicken nuggets
- Grilled cheese
- Quesadillas
- Fries (regular, cheese, or chili cheese)
- Popcorn, chips, candy, trail mix, and ice cream
This is more like a walk-up window than a full restaurants. I’ve grabbed food here before and honestly, it’s just okay. If your kids are hangry, it’ll do the job. But if you have time to plan ahead, I recommend eating before or after your visit somewhere else nearby. The kettle corn is probably my favorite thing here.
Picnic Spots Nearby
Benches near the bathroom and hay maze are perfect for families bringing their own snacks. You’ll be glad you packed some when hunger hits in between rides.
Tips for Visiting Irvine Park Railroad Pumpkin Patch With Little Kids
- Sign up for their email list for coupons and discounts
Worth doing ahead of your visit: https://www.irvineparkrailroad.com/coupons/
I got these in my welcome email just seconds after signing up:- Buy-one-get-one free train ride
- $5 off paddle boat rental
- $10 off bike rental
- $2 off snacks like an ICEE, ice cream, or soda
- Buy-one-get-one free OC Zoo ticket
- Cheaper to buy a pumpkin at the grocery store beforehand
If you want to take pictures holding a pumpkin at the Pumpkin Patch, you can bring one with you for cheaper than buying one there. - Go early
Weekdays open at 10 a.m. and weekends at 8 a.m. We went right at opening and it made a huge difference — plenty of parking, better lighting for pictures, and way fewer people in the background of every shot. The crowds build fast, especially in October. - Bring snacks and water
There is food for sale inside, but it’s a bit overpriced and honestly… pretty mediocre. At some point your kid will absolutely say, “I’m hungry,” while you’re walking from pumpkins to the bounce house. At least that’s what happened to us. We brought snacks and water bottles from home, which helped, but you can always grab something from the Train Station Snack Bar if you need to. - Take pictures first
Get those cute pumpkin patch photos early, before your kids have frosting on their shirts from cookie decorating or face paint on their cheeks. I’ve learned the hard way that if you wait too long, someone’s going to be sweaty, dirty, or mid-meltdown when it’s time for the family photo. - Skip the stroller if you can babywear
The park is stroller-friendly, and I definitely saw a lot of parents using them. But if your baby still fits in a carrier, that might be easier — especially if you’re juggling multiple kids or navigating crowds near the photo spots and train. - Use your tickets wisely
If you’re not buying the big 15-ticket bundle, you’ll want to prioritize. For us, the train ride was non-negotiable, and my kids were obsessed with the moon bounce and carnival games. The best part? Every kid wins a prize at the games, so it’s a great way to wrap up the visit on a happy note. - Weekdays are worth it
If your schedule allows, go on a weekday. It’s calmer, there’s no entry fee, and no reservation required. We went two years in a row on weekdays for field trips and it was so much more enjoyable — no rushing, no chaos, just space to roam and explore.
Other Family-Friendly Things to Do at Irvine Regional Park
If your kids loved the pumpkin patch, they’ll be just as into these seasonal and year-round activities:
- Santa’s Village and the Christmas Train during the holidays
- Easter Eggstravaganza in the spring
- Pony rides (great for toddlers and big kids)
- Paddle boats on the lake
- OC Zoo – perfect little add-on to any park day
- Bike rentals for families or kids
Want to see what it’s like, how much it costs, and how to plan ahead? I share what we did, what my kids loved, and how to make the most of your visit. Things to Do at Irvine Regional Park with Kids
FAQ: Visiting Irvine Park Railroad Pumpkin Patch with Kids
Final Thoughts: Irvine Regional Park Pumpkin Patch with Kids
For us — yes. It’s one of those traditions that just feels like fall, even in sunny Southern California. It’s cute, it’s easy to get to, and it’s actually fun for toddlers and preschoolers without being too overstimulating.
But the key is picking the right time to go.
Weekdays or September weekends are calmer, cheaper, and more fun (for everyone). October weekends can still be a great experience, but only if you plan ahead and are ready for bigger crowds and that $25 reservation.
At the end of the day, it’s a pumpkin patch that delivers what most parents are hoping for: sweet photo ops, simple fun, and happy, tired kids. If you go in with the right expectations (and snacks), you’ll probably want to make it a yearly tradition too.
