A full-October HarvestFest with u-pick pumpkins, corn maze, hayrides, farm animals, and children's games appeals to families seeking comprehensive activity variety in the Willamette Valley.
E.Z. Orchards Farm Market operates a month-long HarvestFest throughout October in the Salem area, south of Portland in the Willamette Valley. Hours vary by day: Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed Sunday.
The farm is positioned as a comprehensive fall festival destination rather than a simple u-pick patch. Activities include u-pick pumpkins, a corn maze, hayrides, farm animals, and children’s games.
U-pick pumpkins, a corn maze, hayrides, farm animals, and children’s games—a diverse activity menu. Unlike minimal patches with just a maze and pumpkins, E.Z. Orchards layers in structured entertainment.
For families with young children who want multiple engagement options without leaving one farm, this variety is valuable. You’re not paying a gate and then paying again for rides; the model is comprehensive access.
Calling October’s operation a “HarvestFest” signals a festival atmosphere. That means more staffing, more activities, higher energy, and likely higher attendance than a simple u-pick patch.
Early October is less crowded than mid-to-late October. Mid-week visits (Mon-Fri) are quieter than weekends. If you want a less-frenetic experience, a Tuesday 11 a.m. visit beats Saturday afternoon.
The record lists “farm animals for children” but doesn’t specify which species. Typical Willamette Valley farms have sheep, goats, rabbits, or chickens. Calling (503) 393-1506 clarifies what’s currently on site and whether kids can interact (petting, feeding) or just observe.
Listed as an activity but not detailed. Common farm-based games include ring toss, cornhole, face painting, hay jumps, or bean-bag tosses. Some farms offer these free with admission; others charge per game. Confirming specifics and costs by phone helps budget for the visit.
Included with admission. The record doesn’t specify size or difficulty, so calling ahead helps you know whether a 5-year-old can solve it solo or whether it requires adult navigation.
A draw for multi-generational groups and young children. The record doesn’t detail routes, timing, or capacity, so clarifying by phone helps you plan timing.
Closed Sundays. Open Mon-Fri 9-6, Sat 9-5. This matters if you’re planning a weekend trip—Saturday hours are shorter than weekdays. If you want a full-day farm outing, a Friday visit gives you 9 hours of operation; Saturday gives you 8.
The Willamette Valley is productive farmland with genuine working farms, orchards, and seasonal operations. E.Z. Orchards fits that character—it’s not a display-only patch but a real farm market offering seasonal activities.
This appeals to visitors interested in supporting working agriculture or teaching kids about real farming operations.
The record doesn’t detail pumpkin varieties or sizes. Calling the farm clarifies what’s typically available by week and season.
On-site farm parking; typical rural conditions. Accessibility for maze, hayrides, farm animals, and children’s games requires direct conversation with the farm.
With five activity types (maze, hayrides, animals, games, u-pick), this farm supports a 3-4 hour visit. Budget time accordingly.
October across the Willamette Valley can shift from mild to cool and rainy as the month progresses. Early October is warmer and drier; late October carries higher rain likelihood. Dress appropriately. The “HarvestFest” model means better staffing for activities, but also more families. Early-week morning visits offer quieter conditions than Saturday or late-afternoon slots.
Specific details on farm animals (current species, interaction policies), children’s games (types, individual costs, age recommendations), and corn maze difficulty all require phone confirmation.
Admission pricing isn’t listed in the record. This is a paid-entry, activity-heavy destination, so confirming 2026 rates matters.
For Willamette Valley families or visitors south of Portland, E.Z. Orchards offers comprehensive fall entertainment within reasonable drive distance. The activity variety appeals to multi-child households and multi-generational groups. The month-long HarvestFest model means you can visit October 1 or October 30 and find a similar experience (though crowds vary).
The closed-Sunday schedule is worth noting if you typically plan weekend family outings for Sundays.
Call (503) 393-1506 to confirm: current farm animals and interaction policies, children’s games details and pricing, corn-maze difficulty recommendations, hayride capacity and scheduling, admission pricing, parking, and accessibility details.
Confirm exact hours if you’re planning a Saturday visit (shorter hours than weekdays). Mid-week morning visits (Tue-Thu, 10-11 a.m.) offer the quietest experience and best activity staffing.
Plan for 3-4 hours to experience the full range of activities. Bring hand sanitizer if kids will be interacting with farm animals.
Mid-October for peak pumpkin size and coolest weather; avoid late Saturday or Sunday afternoon when crowds are heaviest.
3-4 hours to experience the corn maze, hayrides, animal areas, and pumpkin selection.
Weekends draw families; mid-week visits are quieter. Saturday midday and Sunday afternoon are peak crowding windows.
On-site farm parking; typical rural conditions.
Farm animals, hayrides, and children's games accessibility not fully documented. Call (503) 393-1506 to discuss your group's needs.
E.Z. Orchards sits in the Salem area of the Willamette Valley. If you're combining farm visits, Fir Point Farms (Aurora, south of Portland) and Davis Family Farm (Corvallis) are both in the same region.
The record mentions 'farm animals' for children but doesn't specify which species or interaction policies. Call (503) 393-1506 to ask what animals are present and whether kids can touch/feed them.
Not specified. Common farm-based games include ring toss, cornhole, face painting, or hay jumps. Call the farm to ask what's available and whether games have separate costs.
The record doesn't specify size or difficulty. Call to ask whether it's suitable for young children, teens, or adults.
The record indicates it's an October-long event with multiple activities. It signals a festival atmosphere rather than a simple u-pick patch—expect more entertainment-focused activities and likely higher attendance.
October 1 – October 31, 2026. Daily. Hours: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Mon-Fri), 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Sat), Closed Sunday.
Admission pricing was not published when we last checked.
5504 Hazelgreen Rd NE, Salem, OR 97305, in Marion County. It is one of 6 patches we track in Willamette Valley.
We track 6 patches in Willamette Valley. The farm has not published a gate price, so it cannot be compared on cost — call before you budget.
Its season runs about 31 days against a regional average of 33, so it is broadly in line with the rest of the region.
There are 6 other patches we track in Marion County. All Willamette Valley patches →
Checked August 2026.