Ron Dell’Osso continues to channel his inner child.
This year’s 27th edition of what is arguably the largest annual attraction in the Northern San Joaquin Valley features a treehouse as one of its latest additions.
And it’s not just any treehouse. It’s the Dell’Osso Family Farm Pumpkin Treehouse.
The one-of-a-kind treehouse made by a Paso Robles firm is awaiting those attending the Dell’Osso Family Farm Pumpkin Maze opening Saturday, Sept. 30, and running through Oct. 31 in Lathrop off of Interstate 5 just north of the San Joaquin River.
The 67-year-old farmer — who along wife his wife Susan opened part of their farm 27 years ago to what was then the second corn maze every offered in California for Halloween — said the treehouse endeavor was inspired by his childhood on the family farm.
“We built treehouses in the walnut trees and tried to swing using ropes like Johnny Weissmuller did on “Tarzan’,” Dell’Osso said.
Dell’Osso said his efforts at treehouses were less than optimum compared to ones his cousins had in the Stockton area.
On their farm, his cousins had an elaborate system of pulleys, ladders, and such that allowed them to move from treehouse to treehouse.
While there are no pulleys or rope swings, the pumpkin treehouse is designed to encourage kids to bun off energy when they visit Dell’Osso farms.
It incudes two eucalyptus tree trunks where passage ways have been carved out.
The attraction is next to slide hill and across from Tiny Town. It — like most attractions from the corn maze to haunted house — is included in the general admission.
The treehouse is also right across from the new Halloween costume sure that features 900 different costume options.
Dell’Osso Farms had 200,000 attendees last year. It is on track to surpasses 5 million visitors this year since it first opened 27 years ago.
There are more than two dozen attractions from a carousel that once graced Coney Island and a haunted house to train rides, children’s shows, mini golf and more.
There is also a massive pumpkin patch — arguably the largest in the area — where kids of all ages can search for the perfect pumpkin.
In addition to the food court, there is a country store with fresh baked goods such as pies and apple spice doughnuts, as well as fudge, cookies, and other treats.
And to top off the perfect date night there’s Cider Hill. It features craft beers, hard cider and homemade pizza.
Most of the attractions are included with admission. The maze opens at noon Mondays through Fridays and at 10 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. The last admission is 7 p.m. nightly while attractions start closing at 8 p.m.
Admission is $19.95 Monday through Thursday, $24.95 Friday, and $28.95 on Saturday as well as Sunday. Children 2 and under are free. Parking is free.
Not included in the general admission is gem mining, $10; pumpkin blasters, $8; carousel, $4; pony rides, $10; and pumpkin painting, $5.
For more information go to pumpkinmaze.com.
To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@mantecabulletin.com
