The farm utilizes high-density planting techniques to allow for U-pick access at multiple vertical levels.
The location is situated in the Di Giorgio area, historically significant for specialized citrus and fruit production in Kern County.
Murray Family Farms has transitioned from a traditional commercial produce shipper to an experiential agri-tourism destination.
The onsite petting zoo includes a variety of rescue animals integrated into the farm's educational programming.
The farm operates its own bakery utilizing produce harvested directly from the surrounding fields.
The Big Red Barn at Murray Family Farms is a multi-generational agricultural attraction located in the San Joaquin Valley. The site features an extensive U-pick orchard program allowing visitors to harvest seasonal stone fruits, berries, and vegetables. The attraction includes a permanent petting zoo, educational farm tours, and a playground area focused on agrarian themes. The facility serves as a major regional hub for harvest-themed festivals, including notable pumpkin patches and corn mazes during autumn. The property maintains a large retail market selling farm-fresh preserves, dried fruits, and baked goods produced on-site. Visitors can access various specialized attractions like the train rides and pedal carts depending on the seasonal rotation.
The elevated viewing area overlooking the main orchard rows with the Big Red Barn structure in the background.
Check the official harvest calendar online before visiting to see which fruits are currently ready for picking.
Wear sunscreen and wide-brimmed hats, as the majority of the farm and orchards are exposed to direct sunlight with minimal shade.
Bring a cooler to store any produce or baked goods purchased to maintain freshness during the drive home.
Attempting to harvest fruit from trees or rows that are not marked as open for picking, as this disrupts the farm's commercial rotation.
Operations are highly seasonal; the farm frequently adjusts availability based on harvest cycles and may close certain sections during extreme weather or off-peak months.
Closed-toe shoes are recommended for walking through dusty, uneven orchard rows; follow all posted signage regarding animal interaction in the petting zoo.
