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El Dorado Orchards: Pumpkin Patch
Carson Road, Placerville, California 95667
(530) 622-5522
Email: Appleman@boavista.com
The Apple Ridge Express (train) carries many happy children, school groups and adults this fall season.

Pumpkin Acres
3101 El Centro Road, South Natomas3101 El Centro Road, South Natomas, CA.
(916) 929-7546

The Pumpkin Farm
7736 Old Auburn Road, (Citrus Heights) Sacramento, CA.
(916) 726-1137
The Pumpkin Farm has been serving up pumpkins to the Sacramento area since 1974. Visitors can enjoy the hayrides, pony rides, haunted barn, petting zoo, jumping castle, tower slides and of course the scarecrows. The Pumpkin Farm will again hold its annual Scarecrow Contest, where a creative entry could win a $1,500 prize. The Pumpkin Farm will be featuring giant pumpkins this year, a new attraction. Already, they have one that is more than 800 pounds.

Vern’s Pumpkin Patch
5415 Kenneth Ave., Fair Oaks, CA.
(916) 256-5069

Goblin Gardens Pumpkin Patch
3845 El Centro Road, Sacramento
(916) 416-1133
Days of operation: September 27 to October 31
Hours of operation: Daily, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. or dusk
Goblin Gardens, operated by Bastio Farms, is popular with mommies toting babies and toddlers. The little ones can conquer the 1,000 bale straw pyramid or venture into the largest corn maze in Sacramento County (according to Bastio owner Dennis Bastio). There are also hay rides, antique tractors, slide, blow-up inflatables, produce and the ever-so-popular kiddies’ cars (powered by the kids’ feet). Goblin Gardens also hosts many field trips and may open earlier to accommodate these groups.

Bishop’s Pumpkin Farm
1415 Pumpkin Lane, Wheatland, CA.
(530)633-2568 (for info and school field trip reservations)
Days of operation: September 20 to October 31
Hours of operation: Sunday to Thursday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Friday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Cost: Admission is free. Parking is free opening weekend and on weekdays and $10 on weekends. Corn maze is $3.50. Coyote Mountain admission is $3.50. BPF Railroad tickets is $2.50. Coupons are available online. Field trips is $6 per person from Sept. 24 to 30 and $7 per person from Oct. 1 to 31.
Plan to spend a big chunk of your day at Bishop’s Pumpkin Farm. Start by taking a free hayride to the pumpkin fields and pick your ideal gourd right off the vine. After that, why not take a not-so-leisurely stroll in the three-acre corn maze. If getting lost among the corn isn’t your thing, then take a ride on the BPF Railroad where the tracks meander through the jumbo pumpkin patch, through the apple and walnut orchards and by the horse pasture. Before leaving, tackle Coyote Mountains’ 50-foot slide and don’t forget to pan for marbles at the stream below the slide.

Fog Willow Pumpkin Farm
11011 Cecatra Drive, Wilton, CA.
(916) 687-4547
Days of operation: October 1 to 31
Hours of operation: Daily, 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Cost: $3 per person, free for kids 2 and younger
Fog Willow Pumpkin Farm is the brainchild of Elk Grove school teacher Stacey Cates. With her family history rooted in farming, Cates felt that students weren’t learning much about agriculture and wanted to do something about it. Hence, Fog Willow was born in 2003. The farm is tucked along the banks of the Consumnes River and is immensely popular with school-aged kids as evidenced by the many school busses making their way to the farm. This is a great location to bring your family as there are lots to do, with a barrel train, hay rides, petting zoo, crafts, picnic area, haystack and barbecue during the weekends. Kids can join the Lil’ Pickers Punkin’ Club ($20) to receive goodies.

Uncle Ray’s Pumpkin Patch
19376 Old River Rd. West Sacramento, 95691
(916) 997-8573
Hours:
M-F 9am-6pm, Sat-Sun 10am-6pm
Products/Offerings:
Pumpkins and gourds, free hay rides, petting zoo, display of modern farm equipment.

Boa Vista Orchards
2952 Carson Road
Placerville, CA. 95667
1-866-MtGrown (1-866-684-7696)
Local (530) 622-5522
U- Pick Pumpkin Patch Opens every day From Oct 4 & 5 thru Halloween.

“Pumpkinmaze” at Dell’Osso Family Farm
501 S. Manthey Road
Lathrop, CA 95330
(209) 982-0833
Kiddie Land, Pony Rides, Petting Zoo, Face Painting, Tractor Train,  FREE Hay Ride,  FREE Hay Bale Pyramid, FREE Speedway,  FREE Hay Bale Labyrinth, Maze Bridges
Picnic Area,  Food Court, Seasonal Decorations,  Photo Opportunities

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The Lady Washington, a replica of the first American vessel to reach the West Coast is on display through November 3, 2008. The sailing tours are booked up, but visitors can still come and view the ship and take a tour of the ship’s deck while it’s docked in Rio Linda. After the local visit, The Lady Washington will head to Antioch, where cruise tickets are still available.

Another part of the Discovery Museum is the Science & Space Center, located at 3615 Auburn Blvd. This center features themed exhibits including Bone Zone, Got Trees?, Gee Whiz Geology and Space Quest! Each exhibit runs six months at a time and is a perfect activity for children of all ages, who will also be able to utilize play spaces and costumes.

Science & Space Center Official Site

Learn more about the history of California’s Gold Rush and its connection to Sacramento at the Gold Rush History Center, part of the Discovery Museum. Located at 101 I St. in Old Sacramento, the Gold Rush History Center is free for children and members and is open most days between 10am and 5pm.

Gold Rush History Center Official Site

Indended to preserve, present and create California History, The California Museum for History, Women and the Arts brings history alive through the use of California State Archives and other collections. It’s also a great place to bring your children for inspiration. The Board of Trustees includes First Lady Maria Shriver, who helped to revitalize the museum. The Advisory Board includes notable historians, scholars, writers, teachers, artists and others. Visit The California Museum for History, Women and the Arts in the State Archives Building in Sacramento, CA, one block from the Capitol and enjoy 20,000 square feet of exhibits, facilities for lectures, performances, receptions and events. The museum is also home to the California Hall of Fame and Constitution Wall as well as many other current exhibits.

The California Museum Official Site

The Folsom Historical Society operates the Folsom History Museum, located in historic downtown Folsom, CA. Visitors will experience educational exhibits and a wonderful collection of artifacts and treasures from the settlement and development of the Folsom area. Exhibits focus on Folsom’s native people, gold discovery, mining camps, and various ethnic groups who contributed to the area. You can also learn more about the railroad, Folsom Prison and powerhouse. The museum is located at 823 Sutter St. and hours are 11-4 Tues through Sun.

Folsom History Museum Official Site

They City Cemetery dates back to 1849 and is the resting place of many remarkable Californians. It’s also the oldest existing cemetery in Sacramento, resembling a Victorian garden with pathways, grand avenues and a park-like setting. Explore history with free guided walking tours, led by Old City Cemetery Committee docents, or take a self-guided tour anytime.

City Cemetery Official Site

Over 170 classic cars are housed at the Towe Auto Museum, located at 2200 Front Street, next to the the Sacramento River and Downtown Sacramento. There are also exhibits displaying the history of the automobile and how our lives have been influenced by it. Types of cars include race cars, muscle cars, hot rods and early models. The museum has a gift shop and a 1950s style ice cream vignette where you can ejoy a soda between taking pictures with your favorite cars.

Towe Auto Museum Official Site

Located in McClellan Park, formerly McClellan Air Force Base, the Aerospace Museum of California saw over 100,000 visitors last year. On display is a unique collection of military and civilian aircraft, engine exhibit and educational programs. Visitors can also learn more about the history of the Air Force Base as well as aerospace companies, flying clubs and commercial aviation in the Sacramento area.

Aerospace Museum Official Site

Oficially named as the state’s official military museum by legislation signed by Gov. Schwarzenegger in 2004, the California State Military Museum is located on Second St. in Old Sacramento. The museum was originally opened in 1991 and, today, houses over 30,000 artifacts. The museum also has a substantial library and archives.

State Military Museum Official Site