If you are looking for fun for the entire family this fall, Bates Nut Farm has something for everyone. Last weekend we had the opportunity to invite Amy’s niece and her daughter to join us for a day at Bates Nut Farm. Bates Nut Farm is located at 15954 Woods Valley Rd, Valley Center, California. We were honored to be part of the first blogging group invited to visit the farm. We appreciate the owner, Sherrie Bates Ness, taking the time to walk us around to give us a behind the scenes tour.

During our behind the scenes tour, we learned that Bates Nut Farm started with walnuts, but they now purchase nuts from all over the world. Pistachios, pecans, cashews, peanuts, pignolias, sunflower seeds and much more can be purchased on the farm. The nuts come to the farm raw, roasted, some spiced up and unsalted. To ensure quality and freshness they roast and package the nuts right there on the farm.

We also fed the animals, enjoyed a barbeque lunch at one of the picnic tables, walked through the pumpkin patch, watched the tractor parade, held the baby chickens, and Amy’s nieces’ daughter jumped in the bouncer. They also had hayrides, straw maze, and pony rides.

Tractor Parade

“Celebrating Farm Life” weekend was an educational event with members of the agriculture community sharing their passions and talents. The Early Days Gas Engine and Tractor Association were also at the farm with historic tractors and equipment. They also celebrated the day with a tractor parade.

Farm Zoo and the Petting Zoo

We visited with the animals in their farm zoo and the petting zoo that they had for the weekend events. You can visit with mini-donkeys, goats, sheep, llamas, pigs, emus, chickens, peacocks, ducks, geese, pigs, a tortoise & more! Bring your quarters if you want to be able to feed the animals.

Behind The Scenes Tour

While we were behind the scenes, we learned that they also made homemade fudge. We were told that the Birthday cake fudge is a favorite of the littles that visit the farm but I personally loved the pumpkin fudge.

Bates Nut Farm General Store

After the tour, we then walked through the general store. There is something for everyone inside the general store. They sell all kinds of nuts, their homemade fudge, Christmas decor, fall decor, unique gifts, accessories, and so much more.

Pumpkin Patch

We then went to pick our pumpkin.

Photo Opportunities Throughout the Farm

Pumpkins, Squash, Gourds, All Shapes & Sizes

Your family can grab a wheelbarrow and choose from a variety of pumpkins: Big Macs, Ghost, Cinderella, Jack O’ Lantern, minis, squash, ghourds, and other fall décor.

Events at Bates Nut Farm

There are so many different weekend activities.

Face Painting
Kids ‘n Paint
Bounce & Slides
Rock Climb
Ice Cream, Snow Cones, Kettle Corn & Cookies
Funnel Cakes
What’s Cookin’ BBQ
Food Trucks
The VC Optimist Tacos & Quesadillas

Weekends at Bates also include live entertainment from 12:00 -3:00. See below for additional calendar details.

The 2018 Pumpkin Patch – Saturday, September 22, 2018 to Wednesday, October 31, 2018
Smartphone Photography Class – Sunday, October 7, 2018 to Monday, October 8, 2018
Friday Nights on the Farm – Friday, October 12, 2018
Weekend Entertainment – Bayou Brothers – Friday, October 12, 2018
27th Annual Scarecrow Contest – Saturday, October 13, 2018
Weekend Entertainment – Crimson Crow – Saturday, October 13, 2018
Weekend Entertainment – Nitro Express – Sunday, October 14, 2018
Friday Nights on the Farm – Friday, October 19, 2018
Weekend Entertainment – Blue Creek Band – Friday, October 19, 2018
Annual Costume Contest & Parade – Saturday, October 20, 2018
Weekend Entertainment – Calico Ridge – Saturday, October 20, 2018
Howl-O-Ween Doggie Costume Contest & Parade – Sunday, October 21, 2018
Weekend Entertainment – Steal Dawn – Sunday, October 21, 2018
Weekend Entertainment – Crimson Crow – Friday, October 26, 2018
Weekend Entertainment – Not 4 Hire – Saturday, October 27, 2018
Weekend Entertainment – Heidi and the Hurricane, Sunday, October 28, 2018
Christmas Arts, Crafts & Vintage Market – Saturday, November 10, 2018 to Sunday, November 11, 2018
Valley Center Community Yard Sale – Sunday, November 11, 2018
Santa’s Coming Arts, Crafts & Vintage Market – Friday, November 23, 2018 to Sunday, November 25, 2018
Christmas in the Valley – Friday, December 7, 2018 – Saturday, December 8, 2018
Christmas Voice Contest at Christmas in the Valley – Friday, December 7, 2018 to Saturday, December 8, 2018

For more information on the events listed above, please visit the Bates Nut Farm Events Page here.

More information on Bates Nut Farm

Bates Nut Farm
15954 Woods Valley Road
Valley Center, CA 92082
(760) 749-3333
* $5 Cash Only Parking on October Weekends.
* Dogs on a leash are welcome at the farm.
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For more information, check out the website here.