There is no need for local families to travel outside the area to enjoy the ultimate pumpkin patch experiences this October.
They can find it right here at Hunter Farms Pumpkin Patch in Atwater.
This seasonal theme park with a focus on agriculture continues to grow and grow — surprising visitors with sophisticated features that are nicely balanced by a hometown family tradition.
Twelve years after it first opened with hayrides, a corn maze, and a Critter Corral, the five-acre venue now features some 16 rides and attractions, from the Barnyard Bounce and the Pig Derby to the Tractor Track and Corn Chute.
And all this fall fun is surrounded by many more acres of almond trees, corn stalks, and of course, endless varieties of pumpkins.
New this year is the amazing Dino Ranch, featuring more than 15 giant dinosaurs that move around, open their jaws, and blink their eyes. You can even see and hear them breathe. But Beware: One of the prehistoric residents shoots water from its mouth at unsuspecting visitors who get too close. There’s also a Dino Dig area where kids can dig and discover fossils in the sand.
“Dinosaurs became part of our theme ever since we introduced the Time Travel Tractor ride — one of our first original attractions,” says Zach Hunter. “It’s like you are traveling through time. You go through a gold mining scene, and then through a Native American camp, and then you are suddenly in prehistoric times. It’s pretty cool.”
He added, “The dinosaurs on the tractor ride are realistic, but they don’t move, and we always wanted to find ones that were animatronic. This year, my dad was able to find an international distributor, and we just took a leap, and created an all-new Dino Ranch.”
Zach Hunter is a teenage reflection of the Hunter Farms family tradition. He is the grandson of Wil and Connie Hunter who started the original farming operation back in 1971. His parents, Scott and Michelle, have continued the success of Hunter Farms which continues to grow almonds and pistachios in Atwater, Livingston and Snelling. Zach, along with his siblings, Mitch and Hillary, have grown up around the business and added their own talents.
Zach says it’s been amazing, over the years, to see dirt areas on the farm turn into things like Farmer Connie’s Critter Country, an impressive children’s playground; and the nearby Barnyard Squares stage show, which promotes agricultural education to young children.
Zach is currently a senior at El Capitan High School and the MVP of the school’s baseball team. He’s actually the MVP of the entire league. “I’m pretty good,” he says.
Baseball is another big thing in the Hunter family. Wil played in his youth. Scott pitched at the collegiate level with CSU, Long Beach and the Jay Hawk League. Mitch is currently a pitcher at Vanguard University in Costa Mesa.
Near the pumpkin patch, you can find Hunter Field, a private baseball field the family built in 2021.
These days, Zach has his eyes on playing pro ball in the major league. Making it to the show.
But he says, whatever happens, he would like to come back, and help run the farm, and the pumpkin patch, one day.
Zach’s father Scott smiles and says, “Everything we do here revolves around growing family traditions, and we want people to come and enjoy a day out on the farm, and the pumpkin patch. It’s a time for everyone to get off their phones, and enjoy some family time.”
He turns to his son and adds, “Because pretty soon, they’re 6-foot-5 and they’re moving out.”
It takes about 120 workers in all (about 45 per shift) to operate the Hunter Farms Pumpkin Patch during the theme park’s run which started Sept. 27 and goes through six weekends, to a final Sunday on Nov. 2.
For hours of operation, it’s best to check the website: hunterfamilyfarms.com for full details because there are some days, and hours, when rides and park grounds are not open. Starting on Oct. 8 rides will be open Wednesday through Sundays, but check listings for exact hours. Pumpkin sales will be open daily throughout the month.
Scott Hunter shares that the Pumpkin Patch will be open on Halloween, which lands on Friday this year, as a safe option for trick or treat fun.
A single day entry into the park with unlimited access to attractions is $20. There are special rates for young children, depending on height, as well as for seniors, military veterans and first responders. Season passes are also available for just $38.