Brookshire Farms, San Luis Obispo

Visiting Brookshire Farms is an annual autumn tradition for countless families. It's not hard to see why: in September and October, the farm transforms into an activity-packed harvest festival. The pumpkin patch boasts more than 50 different varieties of pumpkins, squash, and gourds, all pre-picked for easy selection. For this year's season, they've teamed up with Peanuts Worldwide to celebrate the 50th anniversary of seasonal classic "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown" with a 7-acre themed maze. Learn more about activities and events offered:

• Fall Farm Adventure: The event also features hayrides, inflatable slides, pedal karts, steer roping, duck races, swings, a corn cannon, and a kid-sized maze. Little ones can also watch the barnyard animals, whereas adults can peruse the gourd selection to jazz up their fall decor. Picnic tables play host to brought-from-home snacks, as well as kettle corn, roasted corn, and other treats. Finally, on select weekends the fearless can visit when darkness falls to traverse the Night Maze, where flashlights are all that lie between them and the ghouls around every cornstalk corner. Plus, their Haunted Maze features at the end of October.

• The rest of the year: Brookshire Farms is a working farm that produces seasonal vegetables throughout the year, as well as fresh free-range eggs. Shoppers stop by to take advantage of the natural bounty.