Check out these OC pumpkin patch experiences that bring fall season fun

Pumpkin patch season is here, beckoning people to pick out just the right specimen to carve, cook or set out as seasonal decor.

Sure, you can run to the local grocery store and pick out a pumpkin from a cardboard box. But why not bring in the fall vibes by making an adventure out of it?

Dozens of pumpkin patches are scattered around the county, but some add other entertainment such as rides, inflatable slides and even farm animals for a little extra excuse for hanging around during the outing.

Read also: 8 ways to celebrate Halloween in OC and LA County, ranging from seriously scary to family fun

Southern California’s oldest pumpkin patch in Placentia, dubbed “The Pumpkin Patch,” was started nearly 50 years ago in 1976, growing through the years to include carnival games such as velcro ax throwing and even a setup allowing kids to drive electric tractors – no drivers license needed for the little farmers.

There’s also a large assortment of bounce houses, everything from giant mazes and slides, and don’t miss the human hamster balls to roll around on. Try standing up and running inside, if you can.

Attendees can even strike gold, with each person getting a bucket of sand to sift through for a gold mining experience.

At the OC Fair and Event Center, there’s everything from mechanical rides, blow up slides and bounce houses (sorry parents, only kids 3-15 allowed), obstacle courses, a petting zoo and a train to ride.

Attendees will find not just a big selection of fresh pumpkins, but also squash and fall decorations such as scarecrows, corn stalks and straw bales.

Visit Zoomars at the River Street Ranch on the historic Los Rios Street in San Juan Capistrano for a farm feel to the fall festivities.

Pony rides, gold mining for gemstones, fossils and other treasures, and train rides are on tap.

“We’re just a fun time, you can come see the cutest animals and make great memories that will last a lifetime,” said Monica Hernandez, general manager.

One thing you won’t find on site: Wi-fi.

“It’s kind of just bringing kids back to how it used to be, before there were phones, that one-on-one family time,” Hernandez said. “So they are forced to be here and in the moment.”

What they will find at Zoomars is a variety of farm animals  – guinea pigs, rabbits, pigs, goats, sheep and llamas – that can be fed a basket of crops.

One of the favorite activities for kids is the mini excavators to scoop, dig and pile up sand. There’s also a playground on site.

To really get attendees in the fall mood, Halloween decorations are set up for a spooky vibe.

Hernandez said Zoomars isn’t just for kids, but also a popular date night spot with nearby restaurants and the River Street Market, where three stores have opened up and more are expected in coming weeks.