Family Fun
Gilchrist Farm Harvest Festival
Santa Clarita Valley's favorite fall tradition returns. Pumpkins, pony rides, hayrides, archery, farm animals, and the best family day out of the season at Gilchrist Farm.
By Sam Silver · August 19, 2026
"When Lombardi Ranch closed a few years back, we all wondered where SCV families would go for that classic pumpkin patch experience. Gilchrist Farm stepped up in a big way. My family has been going for years, and it is everything you want in a fall festival — real farm vibes, happy kids, pumpkins as far as you can see, and that harvest season smell in the air. If you only do one fall activity in SCV this year, make it Gilchrist Farm."
Farm Fun
About the Harvest Festival
The Gilchrist Farm Harvest Festival & Pumpkin Patch has become Santa Clarita Valley's premier fall family destination. Located in the rolling hills just north of the valley, Gilchrist Farm offers a genuine farm experience that goes far beyond picking a pumpkin off a flatbed truck.
Spread across a beautiful working farm, the Harvest Festival features dozens of activities for kids and families: a massive pumpkin patch where you can pick your perfect pumpkin straight from the vine, pony rides around the farm, a petting zoo with friendly farm animals, hayrides through the property, an archery range, carnival games, and face painting.
The 2026 Harvest Festival runs on weekends from late September through October. On each weekend day, the farm opens in the morning and stays active into the afternoon. It is worth planning to spend at least three to four hours here — there is that much to do.
Event at a Glance
Dates & Times
September 26-27 & October 3-4, 2026
Weekends only
Hours TBD (typically 10 AM - 5 PM)
Location
Gilchrist Farm
Santa Clarita Valley
(check their website for exact address)
Admission
Entry fee applies; activity wristbands available
(check website for current pricing)
Parking
Free parking on site
What to Do at Gilchrist Farm
There is something for every age at the Gilchrist Farm Harvest Festival. Here is a rundown of everything the farm has to offer.
Pumpkin Patch
Thousands of pumpkins of every size, shape, and color spread across the farm field. Pick your own, weigh it, pay by the pound, and haul your perfect pumpkin home. This is the main attraction for good reason.
Pony Rides
Gentle pony rides for young children led by farm staff around a designated track. A total highlight for the under-8 crowd. Parents can walk alongside and capture the moment.
Hayrides
Climb aboard a tractor-pulled hay wagon for a slow, scenic ride around the farm property. Kids love the bumpy ride through the fields, and parents love the chance to sit back and enjoy the fall scenery.
Archery Range
A supervised archery range where older kids and adults can try their hand at shooting a bow and arrow at target bales. It is surprisingly satisfying and a big hit with the 8-and-up crowd.
Petting Zoo & Farm Animals
Goats, sheep, bunnies, chickens, and more. The petting zoo area lets kids get up close with friendly farm animals. Hand sanitizer stations are provided, and the animals are well cared for and accustomed to visitors.
Farm Food & Treats
The food vendors at Gilchrist Farm serve up classic harvest fare: kettle corn, hot dogs, fresh lemonade, and seasonal treats like pumpkin pie and apple cider. Bring cash or a card for the food booths.
Sam's Tips
Sam's Insider Tips for Gilchrist Farm
Go Early, Go Weekday If You Can
The farm opens in the morning and the first hour is the sweet spot. Fewer crowds, cooler weather, and the best pumpkin selection. If you can swing a Friday during school pumpkin patch field trip season, even better. Weekends get busy by midday.
Bring a Wagon
A collapsible wagon is the single most useful item you can bring. It carries pumpkins, tired kids, blankets, snacks, and everything in between. The farm is spread out and little legs get tired faster than you expect.
Dress for the Farm
Wear closed-toe shoes that you do not mind getting dusty. The pumpkin patch is a real field with dirt and mud in spots. Layers are smart: mornings start cool and afternoons warm up. Hats and sunscreen are non-negotiable.
Pack Snacks and Water
The food vendors are good, but lines get long at peak times. Pack a cooler with water, fruit, and snacks so you can keep the kids fueled between activities. The farm has picnic tables and grassy areas for a family lunch break.
Make a Day of It
Plan for at least half a day. Between the pumpkin patch, pony rides, hayride, petting zoo, archery, and just letting kids explore the farm, three to four hours fly by. It is one of those rare family outings where everyone walks away happy and exhausted.
Make It a Full SCV Fall Day
Gilchrist Farm is north of the main valley, which makes it easy to build a full fall Saturday around your visit. Here is Sam's recommended itinerary.
Morning: Gilchrist Farm Harvest Festival
Arrive at opening time for the best pumpkin selection and shortest lines. Do the hayride first, then let kids explore the petting zoo and pony rides. Pick your pumpkins before lunch.
Afternoon: Hart Park or Placerita Canyon
Head back toward the main valley and stop at William S. Hart Park or Placerita Canyon for an easy afternoon hike. The oak-lined trails are especially beautiful in the softer fall light.
Evening: Dinner in Old Town Newhall
Finish the day with dinner on Main Street Newhall. The Old Town Junction or Newhall Refinery are both family-friendly and serve excellent food. Patio seating is still comfortable in October.
"Gilchrist Farm is exactly the kind of place that makes SCV a great place to raise a family. It is real, it is local, and it creates the kind of childhood memories that stick. If you are thinking about moving to Santa Clarita Valley, days like this are what you are signing up for."
Dreaming of SCV as Your Home?
Fall in Santa Clarita Valley is magical. From pumpkin patches to harvest festivals to golden-hour hikes, there is a reason families love it here. Sam has helped hundreds of families find their perfect home in SCV. Let him help you find yours.
Sam@SamSilverHomes.com · CalDRE #01412755 · Equity Union Real Estate