Peltzer Farm Pumpkin Patch in Temecula California

The Temecula Wine Country is full of excitement all year round, but one of the seasonal attractions that happen in the Temecula Wine Country is the Pumpkin Farm at Petlzer Farms in Temecula, California.

The Peltzers have a very long history of farming in their roots.  It all started with Charles T. Peltzer back in 1913, when he loaded up his truck, with his wife and nine children, and left his 960 acre farm in Kansas and headed for California.  He purchased a small farm of about 20 acres that had citrus trees on it in Anaheim, which his son Victor farmed on until he sold the land to Walt Disney.  The Anaheim Peltzer farm then became part of what is today, Disneyland. 

Victor Peltzer then moved further east in Anaheim and continued in the farming business specializing in citrus.  In 1963, the third generation of farmers hit the scene with Charles T. Peltzer II, as he joined his dad Victor in farming the first Peltzer pine farm also in Anaheim.  Then in 1996, Charles T. Peltzer III started farming pumpkins on one of his dad’s tree farm locations, and has been doing it ever since.  Moving from his location in Anaheim four years ago, “Farmer Charlie” and his wife Carrie now run the Peltzer Pumpkin Farm in the beautiful wine country of Temecula.

Not only does “Farmer Charlie” grow fantastic pumpkins, he has many varieties of squash and gourds that can be used for Fall decorating available at his farm too.  He also sells corn stalks and hay bales.  Don’t miss out on his really big pumpkins weighing in at over 100 pounds  when you go to visit.  These specialty pumpkins are available for the Fall decoration enthusiast!

Wouldn’t that just make one giant Jack-O-Lantern? 

The Peltzer Pumpkin Farm has tons of fun activities going on during their Fall harvest. They have a giant corn maze that is 1 acre big, and is over 10 feet in height. It is open daily from 9a.m. to 8p.m. and is absolutely free of charge. Make sure to bring a flash light for a nighttime adventure.

Who says Oklahoma is the only place where the “corn is as high as an elephants eye”?

More fun attractions at the Peltzer Pumpkin Farm are the daily pig races and pony rides, which are both free to the public. Watch as “Pumpkin Pig” tries to run past his worthy contenders, “Jenifer Hamiston” and “Brad Pigg” to reach is Oreo Cookie Prize at the finish line.

Are you in love with John Deere Green like me? If you are, the Peltzer Pumpkin Farm also houses an extensive John Deere Tractor Collection. This display of rare, restored John Deere Tractors is open to the public absolutely free of charge. Make sure you bring some cash with you though, because you might want to pick up one of the rare John Deere hats they have for sale too. Bring your children to Peltzers Pumpkin Farm for a great picture on a John Deere Tractor, you couldn’t find a better photo op!

As if there is not enough going on at Peltzers Pumpkin Farm, you can also catch a ride on The Petlzer Railroad.  The Peltzer Railroad has a 12 passenger train that takes you on a ride through the live pumpkin patch. Listen for the train whistle and watch the smoke billow from the tower as the train makes it way past the corn maze and pumpkins.  The train runs Monday through Friday 3p.m. to 8p.m. and on Saturday and Sunday from 9a.m. to 8p.m., the cost is $4:00 per person, with children under 2 years old free with a paid adult passenger. 

Another favorite attraction for kids is the Peltzer Petting Farm.  The farm has baby pigmy goats, Nubian goats, sheep, bunnies, chickens with their chicks and many other gentle farm animals to enjoy.  There are coin operated feeders available to purchase food to feed the hungry critters, but that is the only food that you are allowed to give them.  The Peltzer Petting Farm is open daily from 9a.m. to 8p.m. and the cost is $4.00 per family.

You could even schedule your child’s birthday party at the Peltzer Farm. This is a great place to celebrate without having to clean up the mess at home.  The party facility is free of charge, in a shaded picnic area.  The party activities include all of the activities available at the farm, pony rides, petting farm, train rides, pig races and the corn maze.  To do all of these activities it would be $10.00 per child.   Just bring your own food, minus any alcoholic beverages, and barbeques, a tablecloth, and your own eating utensils.  The tables are available on a first come basis, so get there early to reserve them.

Looking for a great place for a school field trip? The Peltzer Farm offers that option too. Each tour includes:

1.Corn Maze Visit.

2.Petting farm fun and educational visit .

3.Educational tour through the live pumpkins, gourds, sunflowers and specialty squash.

4.A rare glimpse at our antique John Deere Tractor collection.

5.A Jack-O-Lantern size pumpkin to take home .

6.A 16-page informational and fun book to take home .

7.Shaded picnic area for snacks and lunch.

For tour pricing check out their website.

So, if you are looking for a fun Fall activity for the entire family head on over to the Peltzer Pumpkin Farm in Temecula, but don’t wait too long, it is only open between September 22 to October 31, daily from 9a.m. to 8p.m.

It is a great place to buy your holiday pumpkins too!