Overview
Lemos Farm has been running on the coast side of Half Moon Bay since 1942, and the scale is exactly right for young kids — small enough to feel manageable, dense enough with activities that two hours disappears fast. Pony rides, a miniature train through a western-town set, hay rides, a petting zoo with baby goats and pigs, bounce houses, and a farm slide cover the full age range from toddler through early elementary. The coastal location means real country air and, reliably, a wind chill that surprises everyone who drove over from the warm side of the hills.
How to Do It
From Highway 1 in Half Moon Bay, turn onto San Mateo Road (Highway 92 east) — Lemos Farm is at 12320 San Mateo Road, about a mile in from the coast. Parking is free on-site. The farm is compact enough that you don't need a map once inside; everything fans out from the entrance. The pony rides and train have their own queues, so hit those first if the group is pony-obsessed — lines build up by mid-morning on weekends. The petting zoo, barn jumpers, and farm slide have shorter waits and are better as midday activities. The hay ride runs on a schedule and gives a good break in pace — the route goes through the parts of the ranch not accessible on foot. Coin-operated rides are scattered around the property and take quarters only, so bring a small roll if you want to avoid the scramble. The concession stand and Barn Kitchen offer pizza, sandwiches, hot dogs, and ice cream, and there are picnic tables if you want to pack lunch.
Tips & Tricks
The pony ride weight limit is 70 pounds — kids over that threshold cannot ride, regardless of age. Gold Pass ($35) includes pony rides; Silver Pass ($30) does not. If you have one rider and one non-rider in the kid group, you'll need one Gold and one Silver, so plan accordingly. The circle ring pony ride is the only format available during the September–October pumpkin season; the hand-led rides happen in the off-season when it's less crowded.
The pumpkin patch season (late August through mid-November) is the busiest period by far, especially in October when the farm is open daily. If you want a quieter visit with shorter lines, aim for a Saturday in April, May, or June — the farm still has all the animals and rides but without the fall crowds. Weekdays during summer are also significantly calmer than weekends.
The Dig Zone hydraulic excavator (a child-sized machine that actually moves a mechanical arm) costs extra and is not included in any pass, but it's one of the more genuinely impressive attractions for the 4–7 set. Budget an extra $5–$8 for it if you have a kid who likes heavy equipment. The gem mining sluice is similar — add-on cost, but kids take home what they find.
Coastal weather is not optional to plan around. The farm sits at the base of the Santa Cruz Mountains where the marine layer pushes through, and even a 70-degree day in the South Bay can be 55 and windy at Lemos. Bring layers for every member of the group and a change of clothes for kids who'll get muddy in the petting zoo.
Planning
Gold Pass (includes pony rides): $35 per child. Silver Pass (all activities except pony rides): $30 per child. Adult pass: $18. Children 14 months and under are free. Walk-in tickets are subject to availability; purchasing online in advance is strongly recommended for fall weekends. The farm is open Saturday and Sunday year-round, 10am–5pm. During pumpkin season it expands to Wednesday–Sunday in September, daily in October, and weekends only in November. Closed Monday through Friday in the off-season. No admission fee required for the parking lot or to browse the farm store. Bring quarters for coin-op rides. Best months for a relaxed visit are April–June and September on a weekday. Avoid late October weekends unless you specifically want the pumpkin patch scene — it is very crowded.
