From apple picking to running through corn mazes, Fall is the perfect season to go outside and do something fun, especially when you live in California. There are many Fall-themed activities, but sometimes the most fun ones are those you can do with family. Whether you are looking to try something new or just trying to take the perfect Instagram picture of your little ones, here are some family-friendly activities you can try throughout Southern and Northern California.
1. Tanaka Farms Pumpkin Patch
September 22 – October 31 | 9 AM – 6 PM Daily
Located in beautiful Irvine, California, Tanaka Farms is the best local farm to take your family to experience fun activities and make some memories. The pumpkin patch is the perfect place to pick your own pumpkins, take adorable family photos, and even meet Hello Kitty! There is also a corn maze, petting zoo, and tractor rides around the farm where you can learn about the different fruits and vegetables that the farm harvests. Parking can be limited so be sure to buy a parking pass before you go! You can also check Tanaka Farm’s social media pages for updates regarding the weather and any farm closures.
2. Apple Picking
Apple picking is a classic Fall activity that the whole family can participate in and enjoy. There are many beautiful California farms where you can pick your own apples and even turn them into cider or pie. Below are some of our local favorites!
Southern California
Riley’s Farm
October 1 – 27 | 10 AM – 4 PM Weekdays | 9 AM – 5 PM Saturdays | Closed Sundays
Yucaipa, CA
Willowbrook Apple Farm
October 6 – End of Fall (Subject to Availability) | 10 AM – 4 PM Saturdays & Sundays
Yucaipa, CA
Northern California
Clearview Orchards
Open until October 28 | 10 AM – 4 PM Saturdays & Sundays
Watsonville, CA
Apple-A-Day Ratzlaff Ranch
Check Their Facebook Page for Updates | Usually Sunday – Monday 9 AM – 5 PM
Sebastopol, CA
3. Haunted Little Tokyo
Every Weekend in October | Little Tokyo, Los Angeles
Little Tokyo is set in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles and offers both cultural and festive activities to add to your Fall to-do-list. There is an adorable pumpkin patch and kabocha corner, haunted walking tours of the area, and even a classic Japanese horror film festival. The festivities run all month long, so there is always something fun to do every weekend! Be sure to check out their website and social media pages for reminders and updates on what will be featured each weekend.
4. Halloween Night in San Jose’s Nihonmachi (Japantown)
October 31 | 4 PM – 8 PM
Spend Halloween evening in the heart of San Jose’s Japantown! The streets will be closed to allow children and families to safely walk around the area and trick-or-treat from the many businesses along Jackson Street. The J. Morey Company’s very own Mary Jo will be handing out candy at our San Jose office for a couple of hours in the beginning of the night – be sure to stop by and say hi!
5. The 95th Anaheim Fall Festival & Halloween Parade
October 27 | 11 AM – 5 PM | Parade Begins at 6 PM
For almost 100 years, the Anaheim Fall Festival has brought people together in the Southern California community. Residents and visitors can enjoy the children’s costume contest, a Pooch Pawrade, and the annual Halloween Parade. This is the perfect family fun day where you can enjoy both Fall and Halloween all wrapped into one!
6. Host a (Scary) Movie Night in Your Backyard
Would you rather stay at home instead of venturing out and dealing with the crowds? Hosting your own movie night is an easy way to get the family together and enjoy a nice Fall evening. All you need is large white sheet, a projector, some pillows and blankets, and any Fall-inspired snacksto get into the spirit (anything pumpkin spice flavor will do). Movie options can range from Monsters Inc. to Hocus Pocus to Texas Chainsaw Massacre depending on what mood you are in!
Share your own favorite Fall activities with us in the comments section!
Photos courtesy of Google Images and Unsplash