Tips for Pumpkin Patch at Irvine Park Railroad

Disclosure: We attended as media.

We are in full swing of Pumpkin Patch Season and the fun is just beginning. This year we are blessed with new babies in the family, and they're all celebrating their first Halloween. One of our favorite photos of the year is with the babies in a pumpkin patch. We sent them to Irvine Park Railroad's Pumpkin Patch, of course, because it's very different than being at a mall. You get more of an earthy or woodsy feel to your pictures instead of cars or a parking lot in the background. They loved it, but on the weekend it is super packed, and they had to wait in long lines to park.

Here's our first tip: Go on a weekday! Most new parents don't know that the best time of the day to go on a play date is 10 am to 12 pm. The kids are fully awake, fed, and not grumpy, because it's nap time. Which also means you have a good two hour window to snap away and play!

Of course, we know that going on a weekday is not an option for working parents. Tip #2: When you can't go on a weekday, go when it opens! The Irvine Park Railroad Pumpkin Patch is a popular event every year. Expect large crowds, photo bombers, and lines. If you must go on a weekend, be an early bird. Also, one of the popular attractions at the park is the train rides. If you see a short line, don't wait!

Tip #3: Sign up for most updated information (e-newsletters or Facebook)! For example, they recently sent out an email and shared on Facebook another event going on Saturday, October 18th. They even posted reminders to come after 11:30 am. If you came that morning, you might have missed all the announcements to avoid parking delays.

Post by Irvine Park Railroad.

Tip #4: Bring a change of clothes for the babies. The many times we've been to the park in October, it can be hot. Yes, bring costumes or their cute outfits, but if you want your babies to last, dress them in comfortable onesies until you're ready to snap away. Then change them back ASAP.

Tip #5: No one wants a crying baby in their pictures. You'll want pictures that will last a lifetime. This might be obvious, but make sure it's not feeding or nap time. 



Disclosure: We were provided with passes for reviewing purposes. All opinions are our own. All images are by LetsPlayOC.com. Information subject to change. Please visit their website for most updated information. 

Irvine Park Railroad Pumpkin Patch
Now through October 31, 2014!
(Located inside Irvine Regional Park.)
1 Irvine Park Road
Orange, California
www.irvineparkrailroad.com

ACTIVITY TICKETS: Tickets are $5 each. Book of 15 tickets are $60. (Save $15).

HOURS: 10 am - 5 pm Weekdays; 10 am - 6 pm Weekends (Please check website for most updated information!)

PARKING: $3 Weekdays; $5 Weekends

There are lots to see and do at the Pumpkin Patch! This year’s Pumpkin Patch activities include:

• Train rides, 
• Hay rides, 
• Panning for gold, 
• A child-friendly haunted house (free), 
• A hay maze (free), 
• A moon bounce, 
• Carnival games, 
• Cookie decorating, 
• John Deere tractor racers, 
• Face painting, 
• Guess The Weight of the Giant Pumpkin (free to enter),
• Fun picture stands (free) and more!

Note: Getting into the pumpkin patch is free (except for parking), however, various activities will require tickets.

Enjoy!
-Mary@LetsPlayOC