Entertainment
Tanaka Farms Pumpkin Patch
October has arrived, and so has the season of Halloween. With COVID-19 weighing in on many customary traditions, people are in search of things to do in Orange County. Have you ever been able to pick the perfect pumpkin from a real pumpkin patch? Tanaka Farms is one of the only authentic pumpkin patches in Orange County. This year, they have worked very hard to provide a safe and memorable experience for everyone to get in the Halloween spirit and pick a pumpkin.
Tanaka Farms has implemented many safety measures to their facility and have created 2 experiences:
- The U-Pick Pumpkin Wagon Ride:
- Operates Monday-Friday
- September 21st through October 30th
- Drive-Thru Pumpkin Farm Experience:
- Operates Saturday and Sunday
- September 19th through October 31st
The U-Pick Pumpkin Wagon Ride: Monday- Friday
Tanaka Farms is offering a guided wagon ride of their 30-acre farm! The wagons depart every 10 minutes and include the viewing of a pumpkin being launched from a cannon, traveling through their barnyard, educational showcase of farm animals, a scarecrow contest, and personally picking your desired pumpkin. The activity lasts for about an hour, and all passengers must remain in the wagon until the pumpkin picking part of the ride.
Prices:
The price is $25 for anyone 3 and older and free for any persons 2 years and younger. For active or retired military personnel, the experience is free, but a photo ID is required.
COVID Procedures and Social Distancing Guidelines:
The wagon will only hold a max of 16 passengers per departure (not counting children under 2 years old). A tractor will pull 2 wagons, so the occupancy per wagon totals at approximately 8-10 people. The standard capacity at Tanaka Farms would be 30-40 per wagon, so 60-80 people per departure, but for COVID safety precautions, the capacity was cut down significantly by 75%-80%.
Wondering how your group may be seated?
If a group of 10 registers together, Tanaka Farms will seat all 10 family members in the same wagon. Meaning only 6 people will be sitting in the other wagon to meet the max of 16 passengers departing. If you are a smaller group, for example, a group of 2, you would be seated with your partner away from other groups of 2 to maintain social distancing.
Each wagon contains 4 rows of benches in its 12-foot length and 8-foot width. Usually, this spacing would allow 8 to 10 people to fit per row, but social distance requirements require new formations. Formations that will appeal to family-sized groups or a small couple.
Drive-Thru Experience: Saturday and Sunday
The Drive-Thru experience will include a 1.5-mile drive around the 30-acre farm, similar to the wagon ride, but in the comfort of your own car! The experience consists of samples, an educational showcase of farm animals, a scarecrow contest, and more! Keep in mind that this is an in-vehicle option, so you won’t be exiting your car, except for one optional stop to pick your pumpkin from the fields.
Prices:
The price is $20 for anyone 3 and older and free for any persons 2 years and younger. For active or retired military personnel, the experience is free, but a photo ID is required.
What is the Refund Policy?
Tanaka Farms will refund or exchange any merchandise or produce that does not meet the standards. Cancelations or exchanges need to be done with a 48-hour notice.
Although COVID-19 has greatly affected the normal side of our yearly traditions, the festivities will go on, with precautions and adaptations, of course. There are a variety of things to do in Orange County, especially as the holiday filled months approach! Tanaka Farms is a perfect family-friendly and COVID-friendly option to participate in the spooky season of October.
This blog is brought to you by Toyota of Orange, one of the highest ranked Toyota dealers near Tustin Auto Center.
