Living in Novato: A Local's Guide • October 15, 2026

Best Pumpkin Patches in and Around Novato, CA: Your 2026 Fall Family Guide

Best Pumpkin Patches in and Around Novato, CA: Your 2026 Fall Family Guide

Discover the best pumpkin patches, corn mazes, and family-friendly fall activities in Novato, Marin County, and nearby Sonoma County.

Fall in Novato, California, is one of my favorite times of year. As the days grow shorter, the mornings turn crisp, and the hills begin to take on their autumn colors, there’s something special about the traditions that bring our community together.

Whether you’re searching for the perfect pumpkin to carve, planning a weekend adventure with the kids, or simply looking for a beautiful spot to take family photos, there are some fantastic pumpkin patches in and around Novato.

As a fourth-generation Marin County native and Novato resident for more than 35 years, I love sharing the local destinations and experiences that make living here so special.

If you’re looking for the best pumpkin patches near Novato, CA, in 2026, here are some great places to add to your fall calendar!

1. Grossi Family Farm Pumpkin Patch – Novato, CA

Location: 3666 Novato Boulevard, Novato, CA 94947

Best For: An authentic local farm experience, pumpkin picking, and family traditions.

If you’re looking for a true Novato pumpkin patch, Grossi Family Farm deserves a spot at the top of your list.

Located along scenic Novato Boulevard, directly across from Stafford Lake Bike Park, Grossi Family Farm offers a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the agricultural side of Marin County without traveling far from home.

Families can pick their own pumpkins and gourds, visit farm animals, explore a toddler-friendly hay maze, climb the hay pyramid, and enjoy seasonal activities. It’s a great place to spend a fall afternoon while supporting a local farming family.

2026 Hours: Wednesday–Friday, 12–5:30 PM; Saturday–Sunday, 10 AM–5:30 PM. Closed Monday and Tuesday.

Admission: Free weekdays; $5 per person ages 2 and older on weekends.

One of the things I love most about Novato is how easily you can go from downtown shops and neighborhoods to beautiful open countryside. Grossi Family Farm is a perfect example of that balance.

2. Nicasio Valley Pumpkin Patch – Nicasio, CA

Location: 5300 Nicasio Valley Road, Nicasio, CA 94946

Best For: A classic country pumpkin patch, beautiful scenery, and a full day of family fun.

Just a scenic drive west of Novato, Nicasio Valley Pumpkin Patch is one of Marin County’s most beloved fall destinations.

Set against the rolling hills of West Marin, this charming farm offers an authentic pumpkin-picking experience with a wonderful selection of pumpkins, including traditional orange pumpkins and unique decorative varieties.

Families can enjoy hay mazes, farm animals, seasonal games, and picnic areas. On weekends, additional festivities may include hayrides, pony rides, face painting, live music, and food vendors.

2026 Hours: Monday–Thursday, 10 AM–4 PM; Friday, 10 AM–6 PM; Saturday–Sunday, 9 AM–6 PM.

Admission: Free admission and parking. Additional activities and purchases may have separate costs.

If you’re looking for beautiful fall family photos, the countryside surrounding Nicasio makes this a particularly picturesque destination.

It’s also a wonderful reminder of how fortunate we are to live in Marin County, where rural landscapes and small-town communities are just minutes apart.

3. Petaluma Pumpkin Patch & Amazing Corn Maze – Petaluma, CA

Location: 450 Stony Point Road, Petaluma, CA 94952

Best For: Corn maze adventures, pumpkin picking, and families with older kids.

A short drive north of Novato brings you to one of Sonoma County’s most recognizable fall attractions: the Petaluma Pumpkin Patch and Amazing Corn Maze.

This popular destination offers a traditional pumpkin patch experience with a large selection of pumpkins and a challenging corn maze.

Whether you’re visiting with younger children or teenagers who enjoy a little competition, the maze makes for a memorable fall outing.

The property also offers family-friendly farm activities and plenty of opportunities to capture those annual pumpkin patch photos.

Local Tip: If you’re planning to tackle the corn maze, allow extra time and wear comfortable shoes. It’s a fun activity to make the centerpiece of your visit.

For Novato families looking to turn pumpkin picking into a longer adventure, this is a great option.

4. Mickelson Pumpkin Patch – Petaluma, CA

Location: 5495 Redwood Highway South, Petaluma, CA 94952

Best For: Younger children, interactive attractions, and a fun-filled fall afternoon.

Mickelson Pumpkin Patch is another convenient destination for families living in Novato and southern Sonoma County.

Located near Highway 101 in Petaluma, this seasonal attraction offers more than just pumpkins.

Families can enjoy pumpkin shopping along with activities such as bounce houses, a corn play area, a hay maze, and tractor rides. Certain attractions may require additional tickets or fees.

It’s especially appealing for families with younger children who enjoy having several activities to choose from.

Local Tip: Consider visiting on a weekday if you’re hoping for a more relaxed experience, and check the current attraction schedule before heading out.

5. Pronzini Farms Pumpkin Patch – Petaluma, CA

Location: 3529 Adobe Road, Petaluma, CA 94954

Best For: Fall festivities, family activities, and a festive pumpkin patch atmosphere.

Pronzini Farms offers another fun seasonal outing just north of Marin County.

Known for its pumpkin patch and family-friendly attractions, Pronzini Farms combines traditional pumpkin shopping with a more festival-like experience.

Visitors can enjoy seasonal displays, pumpkins, and a variety of activities that make it easy to spend several hours enjoying the fall atmosphere.

For families who love making pumpkin picking an annual tradition, this is another Petaluma destination worth exploring.

6. Marin Country Mart Pumpkin Patch – Larkspur, CA

Location: 2257 Larkspur Landing Circle, Larkspur, CA 94939

Best For: A quick pumpkin stop, fall decorations, and a relaxed family outing.

If you’re looking for something a little different from a traditional farm experience, the pumpkin patch at Marin Country Mart is a charming alternative.

Located in Larkspur, this seasonal honor-system pumpkin patch offers locally grown pumpkins in a variety of sizes.

You can browse the pumpkins, select your favorites, and pay using the designated payment system.

It’s a convenient option for Marin County residents who want to pick up pumpkins while enjoying the shops and restaurants at Marin Country Mart.

This is also a lovely stop if you’re looking for pumpkins to decorate your front porch or create a welcoming fall entryway.

Why Fall Is Such a Special Time to Live in Novato

One of the things that makes Novato such a wonderful place to call home is the incredible variety of experiences available right outside our doors.

We have charming neighborhoods, beautiful parks, scenic hiking trails, locally owned businesses, and easy access to the agricultural communities of West Marin and Sonoma County.

Within a short drive, you can spend the morning exploring a pumpkin patch, enjoy lunch in downtown Novato, and finish the afternoon walking through one of our beautiful open-space preserves.

It’s this combination of community, outdoor recreation, and small-town charm that makes Novato so appealing to people looking to put down roots in Marin County.

From the tree-lined streets of the Olive neighborhood to the established communities of San Marin, Hamilton, and Ignacio, Novato offers a variety of neighborhoods, each with its own unique character.

And while pumpkin patches may only be here for a few weeks each year, the lifestyle that makes these experiences possible is something Novato residents enjoy year-round.

Planning Your 2026 Pumpkin Patch Visit

Most local pumpkin patches operate from late September through Halloween, although specific dates, hours, admission fees, and attractions can change.

Before heading out, check each farm’s website or social media for the latest information.

A few things to remember:

  • Visit earlier in the day on weekends to avoid the busiest crowds.
  • Wear comfortable shoes suitable for dirt, grass, and uneven ground.
  • Bring sunscreen and water, especially during warmer October afternoons.
  • Check whether activities require additional tickets or cash.
  • Don’t forget your camera for those annual family pumpkin patch photos!

Thinking About Making Novato Home?

As a fourth-generation Marin County native and a Novato resident for more than 35 years, I know firsthand that finding the right home is about more than bedrooms, bathrooms, and square footage. It’s about finding a community where you can build memories, establish traditions, and truly feel at home.

As a Novato real estate agent with Coldwell Banker Realty, I help buyers and sellers navigate the Novato and Marin County real estate markets with local knowledge, personalized guidance, and a genuine passion for the communities I serve.

Whether you’re considering buying a home in Novato, preparing to sell your property, or simply exploring which Marin County neighborhood might be the right fit, I’d love to be a resource.

Shelby Clark | Novato & Marin County Real Estate Agent
Coldwell Banker Realty

Helping you find more than a home. Helping you find your place in Marin County.

Happy fall, Novato!

Pumpkins at Grossi Family Farm pumpkin patch in Novato, CA, a popular fall destination for families enjoying seasonal activities in Marin County.