I went to Stanislaus County pumpkin patch packed with fall fun. How I spent $25
Fall is my favorite season of the year.
From the crisp mornings to the burst of color in the trees, there’s something undeniably magical about autumn.
For me, nothing captures that feeling quite like a visit to the pumpkin patch.
In Stanislaus County, there are several spots to soak up the season — including the Resendiz Family Fruit Barn.
As part of The Modesto Bee’s On A Budget series, I stopped by to see just how much fall fun I could enjoy with just $25 to spend.
Here’s what I got on a budget at the Resendiz Family Fruit Barn:
BEHIND THE STORY
MOREWhy we did this story
Let’s face it, living in Modesto and going out can be expensive. That’s why Modesto Bee service journalism reporter Angela Rodriguez is bringing you along on her budget-friendly adventures. Born and raised in the Central Valley, Angela wants to help her fellow residents navigate life in the region (and have fun) without breaking the bank.
Where can I find pumpkin patches in Stanislaus County?
Pumpkin patches and corn mazes are in full swing across the Modesto region this fall.
Families can enjoy a variety of seasonal attractions — from haunted mazes and hay rides to pumpkin cannons and pig races — at several local farms, including:
- Fantozzi Farms in Patterson
- Hunter Farms in Atwater
- Irwin Acres in Hilmar
- R.A.M. Farms in Turlock
- Dell’Osso Family Farm in Lathrop
- Dutch Hollow Farms in Modesto
Each location offers fall fun, from spooky adventures to family-friendly activities. Admission prices and hours vary by farm.
Where is Hughson pumpkin patch? When is it open?
You can find Resendiz Family Fruit Barn at 4342 Geer Road in Hughson.
The pumpkin patch is open 4 to 7:30 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
It will run every day until Halloween, Friday, Oct. 31.
What’s for sale at Resendiz Family Fruit Barn?
To make the most of my $25 budget, I wanted a pumpkin patch that was easy on the wallet.
That’s why I chose Resendiz Family Fruit Barn for my budget-friendly adventure. Admission to the Hughson farm is free.
To my delight, the farm also offered free parking, making it an affordable spot for a fall outing.
Before exploring the pumpkin patch and other attractions, my two daughters, my sister-in-law and I stepped into the barn to see what was for sale.
The shop was packed with options.
Fresh fruit ranging from juicy peaches to sweet plums was priced from $2.99 per pound to $5.99 for three pounds. Nuts came in nine-ounce containers — including almonds, peanuts, cashews and pistachios — that cost $6.99 each or three for $18.
In addition to produce and nuts, the store sold homemade jams, salsas, kettle corn and other snacks, with prices varying by item and size.
How I spent my $25 budget at Stanislaus County pumpkin patch
Since we arrived late in the afternoon, my sister-in-law and I were in need of a little pick-me-up.
The bakery immediately caught our eye.
Drink options included smoothies, coffees, teas, juices and lemonades. You could also grab a scone for $2.49, a cookie for $2.99 and a slice of cake or pie for $5.45.
Craving something seasonal, I asked the cashier for a recommendation. She suggested the iced chai oatmilk latte with pumpkin spice syrup, caramel drizzle and cinnamon.
I ordered a 20-ounce cup for $6.99, while my sister-in-law went with a 20-ounce iced mocha latte for $5.49.
One sip of my drink, and I was instantly wrapped in the cozy spirit of fall. It tasted like autumn — in the best, most comforting way possible.
With our drinks in hand, we headed out to explore the pumpkin patch and the rest of the farm’s attractions.
There was so much to see and do.
The pumpkin patch featured a small zoo with goats, chickens, peacocks and turtles that was free to view. My oldest daughter, who is 3, loved looking at the animals and imitating their sounds.
The farm also had a hay maze, a go-kart track, a playground and bounce houses.
You can purchase a wristband for unlimited access to those four attractions for $25 on weekends or $15 Monday through Thursday. Children 2 and under get in free.
Other attractions, including pony rides for $15 and train rides for $10 per person, are not included with wristbands.
My toddler wanted to join in the fun, but paying $30 for two wristbands would have blown my $25 budget.
Luckily, we found extra-large spinning tops where she could sit and spin for free. Though simpler than a train ride or bounce house, she enjoyed herself for almost half an hour.
Time flew by. Before we knew it, the farm was nearing closing time, so we made our way to pick out pumpkins.
Much like everything else at Resendiz Family Fruit Barn, prices varies at the patch by size.
Small pumpkins start at $2, while the largest cost $8. During our visit, the farm had a buy-two-get-one-free deal, so we grabbed three medium-sized pumpkins for $8.
With $10 left from my $25 budget, I headed back into the store for a small, fall-inspired treat for us to enjoy and cap off our pumpkin patch adventure.
When I was researching Resendiz Family Fruit Barn, I noticed that many visitors raved about the pie crisps. I decided to try them.
A container of the farm’s “world-famous pie crisps” cost $10.99.
As we watched other guests roll their pumpkins to their cars and take one last spin on the train, we dug in.
The crisps, dusted with cinnamon and sugar, were perfectly crunchy and utterly delicious — a sweet ending to a fun-filled day.
Is Resendiz Family Fruit Barn affordable?
Resendiz Family Fruit Barn can be an affordable for family-friendly fun, especially with free parking and admission.
Activities including the hay maze and bounce houses cost $15 to $25 for a wristband. Pony and train rides are extra.
Pumpkins range from $2 to $8, with a buy-two-get-one-free deal, and the store offers treats, including baked goods and drinks, starting at $2.
I got a 20-ounce chai latte for $6.99, three medium-sized pumpkins for $8 and a container of pie crisps for $10.99.
After taxes and fees, my grand total came out to $26.24.
Though I went about a dollar over my $25 budget, the visit was fun, and free attractions made the experience enjoyable.
We will definitely be back next year for more fall fun.
Where should I go next?
Have any ideas for where I should go next in or around Modesto? I’m exploring the area on a $25 budget.
Send your suggestions to arodriguez@modbee.com or fill out the form below.
Can’t see the form? Go to tinyurl.com/3euwab47.
