Get ready for the return of a beloved fall tradition in San Diego! The Pumpkin Station at Del Mar Fairgrounds is returning from September 27 to October 26, 2025, bringing family fun and seasonal activities for everyone to enjoy. This annual event has been entertaining San Diego families since 1999 and continues to be a must-visit destination during the autumn season. With its perfect mix of pumpkin picking, exciting rides, and festive atmosphere, it’s the ideal place to create lasting fall memories.
The Pumpkin Station offers extended hours to accommodate different schedules, opening from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM on Fridays and Saturdays for those evening adventures and 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM all other days. One of the best parts? Both parking and admission are completely FREE, making it an accessible outing for families looking for seasonal fun without breaking the bank. Just show up, park your car, and start exploring all the fall festivities waiting inside!
- The vast pumpkin fields at Del Mar promise a bountiful harvest for visitors to explore. Source: delmarfairgrounds.com
The focal point of the Pumpkin Station is, of course, its pumpkin patch, where visitors can browse through numerous pumpkins to find their perfect Halloween companion. Walking through the pumpkin patch costs nothing, with pumpkins individually priced based on size, allowing you to select anything from small decorative gourds to massive carving pumpkins. Beyond the patch, the event features a variety of mechanical rides that will thrill children of all ages.
For just $5 per ticket per attraction, visitors can enjoy rides including a classic Ferris Wheel offering panoramic views of the fairgrounds, a charming Train Ride exclusively for children, an exciting Swing Ride, the Sky Fighter Ride, a Car Ride, and the fun Tubs of Fun Ride. The Antique Carousel is another highlight, also priced at $5 per child, with no charge for adults accompanying their little ones. Two Giant Slides provide exhilarating fun for $5 per person (remember to bring socks, as they’re required!), and the Play Center offers additional entertainment for younger children at the same price point.
- Exciting rides and attractions for all ages at the Pumpkin Station. Source: pumpkinstation.com
Finding the Pumpkin Station is easy! Simply exit Interstate 5 at Via De La Valle and head west, then make a left turn onto Jimmy Durante Boulevard. The event is located in the East parking lot of the San Diego Fairgrounds, conveniently situated next to the driving range. This central location makes it accessible for families coming from all parts of San Diego County, with plenty of free parking available for all visitors.
The attraction operates on a straightforward pricing model, with each activity costing one ticket ($5) per person. Some attractions have specific requirements – for example, adults need to purchase tickets if they want to go down the Giant Slides, and socks are mandatory for everyone using the slides. The petting zoo is another popular attraction costing $5 per person, where children can interact with friendly farm animals in a safe environment. For those looking to bounce off some energy, the Train Jumpee inflatable is available for children at $5 per ticket.
- Entrance to the Del Mar Fairgrounds, the home of Pumpkin Station – easily accessible for all visitors. Source: pumpkinstation.com
The Pumpkin Station isn’t just for weekend family outings – they also offer special programs for school groups. Educational tours provide a wonderful opportunity for students to learn about fall harvest traditions, pumpkin growing, and farm life in a fun, interactive setting. These school tours can be scheduled during weekdays and offer a structured yet entertaining experience that combines learning with seasonal activities.
Additionally, the Pumpkin Station is a fantastic venue for birthday parties and group celebrations. With its variety of attractions and festive atmosphere, it creates the perfect backdrop for special occasions during the fall season. Having served as a San Diego family tradition since 1999, the staff is experienced in helping create memorable experiences for groups of all sizes. Follow their adventures on Instagram @pumpkinstationsd and see what fun awaits you this fall! Have you visited the Pumpkin Station before? Comment below with your favorite memories or what you’re most looking forward to this year!
- Families enjoying delightful special programs at the Pumpkin Station, a beloved San Diego tradition. Source: pumpkinstation.com
