Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be a farmer? Not many people in Los Angeles have that opportunity. Underwood Family Farms is in Moorpark off Hwy 23 and supplies produce for many of the farmers’ markets here in L.A.
But it’s not a plain old farm
Underwood Family Farms is fun for the entire family throughout the year. You can stop by on your way to Ventura (taking the back route) to pick up fresh produce at its farm store. It also houses farm animals that kids can pet and special events such as its Springtime Easter Festival, Pick Your Own Roma Tomatoes, Fall Harvest Festival, and Christmas on the Farm.
The surrounding area is farmland and it’s gorgeous in spring when the flowers are in bloom.
Watch my video walking tour of the farm on YouTube
Fall Harvest Festival
I stopped by in October when Underwood Family Farm’s Fall Harvest Festival was in full swing. It runs from the end of September through Halloween each year. The weekends are the busiest so you must buy a ticket online but I went on a weekday and paid at the gate. Admission is $14 and $12 for seniors.
It’s a kid’s paradise
Groups of schoolchildren arrive in buses to enjoy the day. The area is quite large and there are pens filled with goats, sheep, ducks, alpaca, emu, and other creatures.
Pumpkins are on display everywhere and visitors are welcome to pick out their own in the pumpkin patch.
Some of the activities include pumpkin carving, face painting, and pig racing. Food trucks are set at the far end of the farm, although on the weekday I attended, only one was open. Everything is in full operation on the weekends.
Kids can ride bee and cow trains and picnic tables are set under tents so guests can enjoy a leisurely lunch.
The Farm Market
At the entrance to the farm is the produce market where you can shop for farm-grown fruits and vegetables. This is available year-round. Inside the Harvest Festival is a tent selling farm goods that include honey, jam, home decor, apparel, and gifts.
Sustainable farming
Underwood Family Farms practices sustainable farming but has chosen not to use the term “organic.” It incorporates farm techniques that are used in organic farming such as composting but also employs scientific methods and the least toxic chemicals so that it doesn’t negatively impact the consumer.
The farm’s goal is to maintain environmental balance and promote conditions that favor beneficial insects. None of the crops are GMO.
Christmas on the farm
Christmas on the farm runs from the beginning of December through Christmas Eve day. It includes the animal center, tractor-driven rides, photo ops, a holiday store, reindeer, and much more. All activities are available on the weekend but may be limited on weekdays. Fresh-cut trees are available to purchase as well as wreaths, garlands, and mistletoe.
Leave Fido at home
Because farm animals are on the premises, guests are asked not to bring their dogs. However, it is a lovely place to relax, interact with the animals, see what produce is in season, and enjoy the surrounding scenery.
The Reagan Presidential Library is nearby.
Moorpark Farm Center in Ventura County
3370 Sunset Valley Road, Moorpark, CA 93021
It looks like fun.
Looks like a seasonal delight, Rebecca!
Looks like a lot of fun. I love this time of year.
Fall in LA and Florida hits a bit differently.