There are mornings in the Conejo Valley when the air smells like warm earth and something wonderful is about to happen. That is exactly the feeling that greets you when you pull into Underwood Family Farms, tucked just beyond the rolling hills that frame the northern edge of Thousand Oaks near Moorpark Road. This beloved working farm has been drawing families, foodies, and curious souls for decades, and every single visit feels like a small, joyful escape from the ordinary.
The moment you step through the entrance, the pace of life genuinely slows down. Rows of seasonal vegetables stretch out in every direction — brilliant orange pumpkins in the fall, jewel-toned strawberries in spring, sweet corn standing tall in summer. This is not a theme park version of farm life. It is the real thing, a multigenerational family farm that invites you to roll up your sleeves and actually participate. The U-pick fields are the heart of the experience, and there is something quietly satisfying about filling a basket with tomatoes or green beans you harvested yourself, still warm from the California sun.
Children absolutely lose their minds here in the best possible way. The farm features a barnyard full of friendly animals — goats, sheep, pigs, and chickens that seem genuinely happy to receive a gentle pat. There is a hay maze, a tractor-pulled wagon ride that loops through the fields, and a jumping pillow that will tire out even the most energetic kids. Meanwhile, adults can wander the farm stand, which is stocked with freshly harvested produce, homemade jams, local honey, and seasonal flowers that make for an effortlessly gorgeous kitchen table arrangement.
What makes Underwood truly special is how it changes with the seasons. Come in October and the entire farm transforms into a pumpkin wonderland — thousands of pumpkins of every shape and size fill the fields, and the festive atmosphere is completely infectious without ever feeling manufactured or overdone. Spring brings the strawberry harvest, which is arguably the most delicious reason to visit: warm, perfectly ripe berries eaten right there in the field, no grocery store on earth can compete with that.
Plan to arrive early on weekends, especially in fall, as the farm draws enthusiastic crowds and parking fills up. Weekday mornings are blissfully peaceful and a great option if you want a more relaxed stroll through the fields. Admission is modest and includes wagon rides, animal visits, and full access to the grounds. U-pick pricing is by the pound and completely reasonable, especially given the quality of what you bring home.
Pack a light jacket in the morning, wear shoes you don’t mind getting a little muddy, and bring a tote bag bigger than you think you need. You will fill it. This is one of those rare places where the simple act of picking a strawberry or feeding a goat reminds you why living in Southern California is such an extraordinary privilege. Underwood Family Farms is not just a farm visit — it is an afternoon that lingers warmly in your memory long after the last berry is eaten.
