Marin pumpkin patches kick off fall season

Pumpkin patches are beginning to emerge as the Halloween season gets underway.

In western Novato, the Grossi Family Farm patch is set to open Saturday with 4-acre array of gourds. The patch is at 3666 Novato Blvd. near Stafford Lake.

The site will include a hay maze for toddlers, a hay pyramid and a mini-pumpkin slingshot launch.

Food and drinks will be available on weekends.

The patch is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends through Halloween.

At the Nicasio Valley Pumpkin Patch in Nicasio, activities are planned every weekend through October. Hay rides, face painting, a petting zoo, children’s crafts and educational hands-on experiences with antique tractors and farm equipment are planned.

Fresh barbecue and shaved ice will be served. Live music, including music for children from 11 a.m. to noon, will be part of the weekend lineup.

The pumpkin patch is at 5300 Nicasio Valley Road. Its hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends through Oct. 31.