There’s no goblins, guts or gore – but “Jurassic Fright” will have plenty of spooky vibes and skeletons for the Halloween season.
The unique pumpkin patch attraction recently launched in Costa Mesa at Hana Field by Tanaka Farms, where attendees are greeted by life-size, roaring dinosaurs in a corn maze, which is also in the shape of one of the prehistoric creatures.
The dino addition is the brainchild of Anthony Marcotti, who owns the Camp Store at the Carlsbad State Beach campgrounds, and has a lifelong fascination for the extinct species. He first set up just a handful of the dinosaurs around the coastal campsite, dubbing it “Jurassic Beach.”
Earlier this year, Marcotti bought more to put around the Outlets in San Clemente, just in time for the film “Jurassic World Rebirth,” drawing fascinated onlookers who stopped to admire the animatronic dinosaurs, which move and roar on a timer.
The latest venture this fall, along with a simultaneous collaboration with the Carlsbad Strawberry Company, is his biggest exhibit yet and features about 30 dinos between the two venues.
Hana Fields has 18 – everything from the fan-favorite T-Rex to stegosauruses – set around 11 zones with different themes, such as a Volcanic Apocalypse, Cornfield Carnage, Haunted Island and the Lost Temple of Bones.
“There’s nothing like it,” Marcotti said, though he noted there is a pumpkin patch in northern California that features dinosaurs, but none set in a maze. “No one has done it. The feedback has been incredible.”
Admission includes the maze with the dinosaurs, the pumpkin patch and other entertainment set around the farm.
“There’s all sorts of stuff to do,” he said.
And it’s kid friendly, he noted. The dinosaurs are less spooky than traditional Halloween props, but still on-theme with bones and a slightly scary vibe.
“There’s no blood, guts or gore,” he said. “It’s mainly just a lot of bones. That’s it. No zombies. There’s nothing scary.”
The Pumpkin Patch has acres of pumpkins ready for choosing and there’s also a barnyard experience, where attendees can learn about farm animal. There are also mini ATVs that kids can navigate, arts and crafts, “pumpkin blasters” used for targets, live music and food trucks on hand.
“Hana Field is creating its own identity here in Costa Mesa. While we are part of the Tanaka Farms family, this space lets us reach new communities and connect with families across more cities. Our goal is to make seasonal traditions fun, accessible, and memorable all year round,” said Kenny Tanaka, general manager for Hana Field.
Hana Field is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesdays through Thursdays, cost is $25, children ages 3-12 are $14, children 2 and under are free. For Fridays through Sundays, hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., ticket prices are $31 for adults, children $21, 2 and under free.
For more information: hanafieldoc.com.