Bates Nut Farm

The little store next door, Farmer's Daughter is great too. Goat food only 50 cents now I believe (or 75?) anyway it doesn't get better for a real cheap day out with the kids. When I'm low on funds that's one of the places we go. Always fun to feed the animals and wander around, tends to be colder out there than other places though, so bring a sweater. more

bates nut farm is awesome around fall/ halloween time. They have a HUGE array of pumpkins, a petting zoo witph ducks, pigs, goats etc. They have hay rides and also have pony rides. My 2.5 yr old loves it there, we have gone every year and he loves the petting zoo most of all. It is in valley center so if coming from south county a bit of a hike, but worth it during the holidays since they have so many things to offer and kids love it. beware that weekends are BUSY, but weekdays they usually have school classes visiting for field trips so they can be just as busy. fun for the whole family! more

This is a wonderful country farmer's market. They have a great country store and well as animals. I take my family to this farm during Halloween as well as Christmas. They decorate it for the holidays, have lots of activities for the kids and shopping for the adults. They also offer school field trips. more

Autumn makes me think of Bates Nut farm. This is the BEST place to go for pumpkin gathering and makes for a really nice family annual outing. They have fields of pumpkins that you can go out and pick your own pumpkin from; they will even loan you a wheelbarrow to haul them in. They also have pre-picked pumpkins lined up for you to choose from. There is a quaint little country store where you can buy gift foods such as nuts, dried fruits, candy, etc. Also on the grounds there is a Country decor store. Bring the kids, don't forget the camera. This will become your annual outing. Bates also has other events throughout the year....craft shows, antique auto shows. It's always a fun place to visit. For me, it's not autumn until we get the trek to Bates for our pumpkins though! more

My first trip to Bates Nut Farm was when I was about 8 years old, with my girl scout brownie troop. I am now 30 years old and look forward to returning every October to pick out my pumpkin. My husband also greatly enjoys our annual trips. We do not yet have children, but look forward to taking them someday too, pushing them in the wheel barrels and watching them climb the haystacks! Over the years we have taken several friends and family who now enjoy taking their families each year. This is a must visit place for families or anyone who enjoys beautiful scenery and the beginning of the holiday season! more

Bates Nut Farm is a great little gem hidden away in Valley Center, CA. It is set in a beautiful farm setting where you and the family can picnic and play in the park areas. There is a farm zoo area where the kids can feed goats, sheep, ponies,and a variety of fowl. Farm antiques and tools line the walls of the Bates store that is filled with fresh, delicious nuts, candies, dried fruits, chocolates, fudge and gourmet delights. During the fall they have numerous festivals and craft fairs. The pumpkin patch in October is always a big hit where you can pick out your pumpkin or your Big Mac. more

Bates Nut Farm is a great little gem hidden away in Valley Center, CA. It is set in a beautiful farm setting where you and the family can picnic and play in the park areas. There is a farm zoo area where the kids can feed goats, sheep, ponies,and a variety of fowl. Farm antiques and tools line the walls of the Bates store that is filled with fresh, delicious nuts, candies, dried fruits, chocolates, fudge and gourmet delights. During the fall they have numerous festivals and craft fairs. The pumpkin patch in October is always a big hit where you can pick out your pumpkin or your Big Mac. more