I have to admit that I love crisp autumn mornings, leaves turning crimson, and the piles of pumpkins that suddenly start appearing at farmers’ markets in late September. This is a great time for family outings. If you are looking for fall family fun, Sacramento doesn’t disappoint!
Here are some of our favorite fall activities around Sacramento.
Bishop’s Pumpkin Patch is located in Wheatland, California off of Highway 65. Admission is free and parking is free Monday through Thursday. Check the website for the parking charge for Friday through Sunday.
Bishop’s is packed with fun. Attractions include a Corn Maze, a Coyote Mine with giant 2 slides, petting zoo, Charlie’s Carousel, a Railroad, a zipline, a flower farm, a mini Sunflower Labyrinth, and pony rides. What pumpkin patch would be complete without pumpkins? There are plenty of those available. You can take a free hay ride to the pumpkin patch to get the right one.
See the NASPIG races in Porko Arena. This great free show will have your family squealing with delight as you watch some of the fastest pigs in the area compete. There are delicious treats at the Barnyard BBQ! We love to munch on a delicious, plump turkey leg and grab a juicy cob of roasted corn for lunch. You can also pick up soft drinks and some other great stadium foods for the arena here!
There are lots of other food option at the farm like Macho Nachos, corn dogs, and even pizza to ice cream!
Grab a gallon of cider, a caramel apple, and a pie before heading home.
Apple Hill has been around for over 50 years and in the fall is the busiest place in the Sacramento area. Apple Hill isn’t just one location. It’s actually a collection of beautiful farms and orchards in Camino, California. Located just outside of Sacramento, it’s a beautiful drive through the hills and countryside.
The orchards and farms are loaded with fun things to do for kids of every age! You’ll find hay & corn mazes, pumpkin patches, pony rides, craft stands, a train ride … plus a whole lot more. Apple pie, giant caramel apples, fudge, turnovers, hot cider, candies, and anything else you can make with apples are available for purchase at the many stops along the Apple Hill map.
Each one is unique and worth stopping at. Our favorites are High Hill Ranch, Able’s Acres, and Rainbow Orchards. We make Apple Hill one of our fall day trips every year.
The hot apple cider donuts at Rainbow Orchards are my #1 reason for making the trip. They are $1 each, and worth every penny! So delicious, light, and warm. In addition, you’ll have fun with the Hay Bale Hop-a-Crooked-Mile, “Piper’s Pumpkins” Photo-Op Wagon with Heirloom Squash and Pumpkins, and the Fresh Cider Mill.
High Hill Ranch has been family operated since 1960. They offer walking tour, hay rides, face painting, trout fishing, and pony rides. Make sure you visit the Bake Shop for ready-make treats like Apple Fritters, Apple Donuts, and their famous Caramel Apple Crunch Pie smothered with homemade caramel.
Abel’s Apple Acres is one of the most popular orchards here in Apple Hill. Located on the west side of Apple Hill, it is one of the first places you will hit coming from Sacramento. The ranch has a full bakery and candy shop with lots of vendors selling arts and crafts. Out back, they have a full hay bale maze and other activities for the kids during peak months. You can purchase a great selection of goodies which includes frozen pies, fudge, candy, caramel apples, fresh warm pies, and apples by the pound.
Any one of the beautiful farms and orchards makes a fun stop. You’ll find popular activities include pony rides, a fishing pond, corn mazes, hay mazes, kids crafts, craft fairs, visiting the pumpkin patches, and cider tasting.
You can also return in December and cut down your own Christmas trees at one of the Christmas tree farms in Apple Hill! Apple Hill is also becoming known for its wines.
Johnson U-Pick Farm in Gridley, California is one of our favorite stops in the summer and fall. Starting in early summer we go and pick our fill of strawberries and plums. Then we return for blackberries, blueberries, peaches and nectarines. In the fall you can pick your own pumpkin! You can also pick almonds, grapes, peppers, melons, and tomatoes. They don’t use pesticides on their produce.
The kids really enjoy helping pick fruit and tasting lots of it along the way. Bring along a picnic lunch and enjoy the shaded picnic area with tables. The kids can wear off some energy in the play area set up with toys and a swing set.
From corn mazes to hot apple cider donuts, hay rides to pumpkin cannons you’ll find plenty of fall fun in the Sacramento area.
[ctt template=”3″ link=”y_1G4″ via=”no” ]If you are looking for fall family fun, Sacramento doesn’t disappoint! @familyvacayus http://ctt.ec/y_1G4+ [/ctt]