Q: When does the Irvine Regional Park Pumpkin Patch open? (dates and hours)

The 2025 season runs from September 13 to October 31 . Hours are 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on weekdays and 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on weekends . (Yep — that covers both “dates” and “hours” for search.)

Q: Do I need a reservation to visit the pumpkin patch?

Only on October weekends . Entry is free on weekdays and all of September, but if you're going on a weekend in October, you’ll need to book a $25 reservation online in advance (and yes, that includes the $5 processing fee).

Q: Do we have to pay for parking?

Yes. Parking at Irvine Regional Park is $3 on weekdays, $5 on weekends, and $7 on holidays. There’s also overflow parking at Santiago Canyon College if the lot fills up.

Question 1

When does the Irvine Regional Park Pumpkin Patch open? (dates and hours)

Accepted Answer

The 2025 season runs from September 13 to October 31. Hours are 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on weekdays and 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on weekends. (Yep — that covers both “dates” and “hours” for search.)

Question 2

Do I need a reservation to visit the pumpkin patch?

Accepted Answer

Only on October weekends. Entry is free on weekdays and all of September, but if you're going on a weekend in October, you’ll need to book a $25 reservation online in advance (and yes, that includes the $5 processing fee).

Question 3

What age do kids need a ticket?

Accepted Answer

Anyone over 12 months old needs a reservation ticket for October weekends. For individual activities, babies under 12 months can ride the train and hay ride for free, but most other activities are best for toddlers and up.

Question 4

Is the Irvine Park Railroad Pumpkin Patch stroller-friendly?

Accepted Answer

Yes! It’s stroller-friendly with wide paths. I saw tons of parents using both strollers and baby carriers — either works great depending on your preference.

Question 5

Is the pumpkin patch kid-friendly for toddlers and babies?

Accepted Answer

Definitely. There’s a hay maze, carnival games, bounce house, and even a gentle haunted house that wasn’t too spooky for my toddler. It's one of the most kid-friendly pumpkin patches in Orange County, California.

Question 6

Can we bring our own food?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and honestly — I recommend it. There’s a snack bar, but the food is just okay and more expensive. Having snacks on hand helped us avoid meltdowns.

Question 7

Where can I take photos at the Irvine Regional Park Pumpkin Patch?

Accepted Answer

There are so many cute photo ops, including pumpkin stands, pumpkin carts, wooden signs, carnival cutouts, themed shops with pumpkins, and rows of pumpkins everywhere.

Question 8

How much are pumpkins?

Accepted Answer

Pumpkins are sold by size and variety. Expect to pay around $6 to $20 depending on what you pick.

Question 9

Do we have to pay for parking?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Parking at Irvine Regional Park is $3 on weekdays, $5 on weekends, and $7 on holidays. There’s also overflow parking at Santiago Canyon College if the lot fills up.

Question 10

Are dogs allowed at the Irvine Regional Park Pumpkin Patch?

Accepted Answer

Not inside the pumpkin patch itself. But leashed dogs are allowed in other parts of Irvine Regional Park.

Question 11

Irvine Park Railroad vs. Tanaka Farms: which pumpkin patch is better for kids?

Accepted Answer

It depends on what you're looking for.

If you’re looking for the full fall “farm” vibe (fields and all), Tanaka Farms is probably the better fit. If you want a simpler, easier, and more toddler-friendly outing, Irvine Park Railroad is a solid win.

Tanaka Farms offers more of a real farm experience — you can walk through pumpkin fields, see crops, and even pick veggies. But it’s definitely pricier. There’s an entry fee, a parking fee, and then you still have to buy tickets for activities and games.

Irvine Park Railroad is more budget-friendly, especially on weekdays. And even with the new $25 weekend reservations in October, it still ends up cheaper than Tanaka Farms once you add up all the costs. The setup is smaller and more compact, but there’s plenty to do: train rides, carnival games, pony rides, and great photo spots. Plus, you’re right inside Irvine Regional Park with access to playgrounds, the zoo, and bike rentals.

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Irvine Park Railroad Pumpkin Patch Review 2025: Is It Worth It for Families?

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