To celebrate the fall season, Webb Ranch offers a haunted house, a corn maze, and a newly added wooden ball run. For its pumpkin patch and festive activities Webb Ranch, located in Portola Valley, opens its gates annually from Sept. 25 to Oct. 31.
Ranch manager Atlee Frachette ’03 M-A alum, grew up on the ranch and shared fond memories. “[I enjoyed] being able to go out and see all the fruits and vegetables growing every year, and getting to be a part of that growing and picking experience,” A. Frachette said.
Near the ranch entrance, children filled their wagons with pumpkins of all shapes and sizes. All of which are locally sourced, most from the ranch itself. “We grow about 20 acres here on the property,” Jonathan Frechette said. “We try to stagger when we plant them to when we pick them, so that we always have some here on the lot.” When that is not enough, they source additional pumpkins from Half Moon Bay.
“We offer a nice variety of pumpkins for all your fall shopping,” A. Frechette said. They offered pumpkins in many colors, from green and yellow to white and orange, and in sizes ranging from small enough to fit in your hand to large enough to require a wagon to reach the checkout line.
The corn maze was a highlight for lots of children. In the corn maze there were stacks of hay that kids could jump over, followed by a slide. Later on in the maze there are other obstacles like logs and big tires that kids must run around in order to make it through the maze. The hardest obstacle just before the tires was a rope that children had to use to swing across a mud puddle.
A new addition to Webb Ranch was the wooden ball run. It is a life-size wooden marble course. Before starting the marble run, participants must pick up a fist-sized wooden ball. Afterward, the ball travels along multiple tracks and completes a variety of challenges, including turns and jumps. “I kind of forced [my husband] into it,” A. Frechette said. “It’s been a hit with the kids, and it’s fun for the adults too.”
Community members not only enjoyed all the activities Webb Ranch had to offer but also the welcoming atmosphere throughout the ranch. “It [has] a traditional family farm feel, and we try to keep it that way,” A. Frechette said.
Overall, Webb Ranch is an adventurous place for families with young children who need a day out not too far from home. Kids enjoy Webb Ranch because it has a variety of activities that suit all different types of children and families. They have a petting zoo, pony ride and a tractor ride.
