If you are looking for a new (and free!) adventure, take your kids to explore our local tide pools—it’s a fantastic way to get outdoors and learn about sea life at low tide. Grab your ground-gripping shoes and head out to nimbly navigate our rocky shores to get close looks at crabs, sea stars and other ocean dwellers. Parenting Pro Tip: Check the tide charts before you visit so you can time your adventure (nothing worse than a tide pool day ruined by high tide). PS: The next California King Tides (the highest and lowest tides of the year) will be December 23-24, 2022 and January 21-22, 2023. Mark your calendars to explore the coastline during the lowest tide of the year—exposing sea life that is normally hidden.

1. Cabrillo National Monument

Come for the tide pools, stay for the photo-ops. The Point Loma tide pools at Cabrillo National Monument surround you with breathtaking views. Located on the windy ocean-side of the point, little adventurers will spot a large and diverse amount of sea critters in this multi-leveled tidal zone area. Bonus: Sometimes docents are available to answer questions.

Good to Know: To reach the tide pools you must travel 1/4 to 1/2 miles down a dirt path with approximately 100 feet of elevation change.

Cost: $10/per vehicle

1800 Cabrillo Memorial Dr.
San Diego
Online: nps.gov

2. Shell Beach

Grab the crew and head down to Shell Beach during the low or minus tides and you're 'shore' to find giant sea anemones and skittering crabs. Even more, you’ll see plenty of seals here too. Also, good to know that if low tide occurs near sunset, this is the spot to be to catch a magnificent view!

1000 Coast Blvd.
La Jolla
Online: californiabeaches.com

3. Swami’s State Beach

You’ll need to hike down a long set of stairs to access this beautiful beach––before finding tons of sea critters at low tides. Look for the 45 million year-old oyster fossils in the rocks (which is called tabletop by the locals). You’ll spot starfish and hermit crabs, sea hares and cucumbers. Head down at minus tide to explore! Note: there's a small parking lot that’s free and also street parking.

1298 S. Coast Hwy.
Encinitas
Online: parks.ca.gov

4. Scripps Beach Dike Rock

New to tide pooling? This winter, connect with the Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institute to search for sea life at Dike Rock, or if you can't wait, you can explore on your own. Crouch down and be still to see scampering hermit crabs and gently touch a sticky sea anemone. If your timing's right and you hit the extreme low tides, you may get a glimpse of sea stars and sea hares ensconced in the rocks. To access this spot, park near El Paseo Grand St., then start walking north on the beach (just past the pier).

Good to Know: The closest bathrooms are at La Jolla Shores Beach parking lot.

El Paseo Grande St. & La Jolla Shores Dr.
La Jolla
Online: californiabeaches.com

 

https://www.instagram.com/p/CTFr6lSvpoc/?hidecaption=true

5. Carlsbad Tide Pools

Park along Pacific Coast Highway (just South of Cannon Rd.) and go down the stairs, located at the last house. Once on the beach, head one block and you’ll find this hidden gem of a tide pool (only viewable at extreme low tides). Free to park, no restrooms, but worth the trip to find loads of hermit crabs, sea anemones and other critters skittering around in the water.

Pacific Coast Hwy. & Shore Dr.
South Carlsbad
Online: californiabeaches.com

6. False Point La Jolla

A quiet little gem in La Jolla to find sea anemones and other little creatures. To get to the rocks at low tide you’ll need to go down a steep staircase. You’ll see hermit crabs and sea anemones, sea urchins and lobsters (if lucky!). The best time to go is during a minus tide. The rocks are slippery, so remember to put the crew in the right shoes to navigate this terrain.

Sea Ridge Dr. & Linda Way
La Jolla
Online: govisitsandiego.com

7. Tourmaline Surf Park

You’ll love the fact that this small surf beach is easy to get to and has a laid back vibe. Your little sea stars can spy cute critters from snails and star fish to barnacles and limpets. The parking lot is a breeze to find, and there are basic beach bathrooms. Head north of the surfing area to find the tide pools, then, stay and watch the surfers and the sunset.

600 Tourmaline St.
La Jolla
Online: sandiego.gov/northpb

8. Cardiff State Beach

Although it's a pay parking lot, it’s just a few steps to this sandy shore that's full of treasures. Seaside Beach (the South end of Cardiff State Beach) is a sweet tide pool spot at low tides. So grab the stroller, pack a lunch, leash up the dog and soak up the sunshine while exploring the creatures this coast reveals. This tide pool has quick and easy access, with restrooms in the parking lot. Bring cash for the parking fee.

South Parking Lot
Pacific Coast Hwy.
Cardiff-by-the-Sea
Online: parks.ca.gov

 

What You Need to Know about San Diego Tide Pools Before Going

According to the National Park Service, "Late fall and winter are the optimum times for a visit to the tide pools. Unlike the summer months, when low tides occur in the middle of the night, the good low tides—including the outstanding negative low tides—in fall and winter occur during daylight hours. A general rule of thumb is that the tide pools can be visited approximately two hours before low tide time (when the tide is receding) and two hours after (when the tide is coming back in)." This doesn't mean that tide pooling during the summer is for naught—you will still be able to explore the wonderful coastline and its creatures—you may just have to adjust your expectations.

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Here in the Pacific Northwest we’ve never let rain stop us from playing outside, but sometimes it’s a lot easier (and a lot less mess) to find an indoor space to let the kids get the wiggles out. With all the rain ahead, we found low-cost options that won’t break the bank but still get your clan out of the house. Scroll down to learn more.

photo: SE Indoor Park Facebook 

Southeast Indoor Park
Since 1978, this membership-based co-op has been providing Portland families with a casual, friendly environment for kids to play together. Ride-on toys, climbing structures, and tumbling mats give active toddlers and preschoolers plenty to do, with quieter corners set aside for baby swings, reading, and art-making. Everyone pitches in to set up and break down the play areas, and someone always brews a pot of coffee for parents to sip while chatting and keeping an eye on their little ones.

Southeast Indoor Park
Daylight basement of Trinity Methodist Church
3915 SE Steele St.
Portland, Or

Ages: 0-5
Hours: Mon. & Thu. 9–11 a.m., Oct.-May
Fee: $5/drop-in; family memberships $60 full-season, $35 half-season, (plus prorated monthly options if you join late in the year)
Online: playinside.org

photo: NE Indoor Park 

Northeast Indoor Park
This play space is a great choice for extra wiggly kids, with plenty of slides, playhouses, riding toys, cars, and trucks– and even a climbing dome. Open to all families of children up to age eight, it’s also a friendly, welcoming environment for parents and caregivers to connect while their children play.

Basement of Central Lutheran Church
1820 NE 21st Ave.
Portland, Or
503-284-2331

Ages: 0-8
Hours: Mon.-Thurs., 9 a.m.- 3 p.m.; Fri. 9 a.m.-noon., year-round
Fee: Drop-in $3/child; $5 for 2 or more children; or $12/ month
Online: facebook.com/pg/NorthEastIndoorPark

Play Park at Piedmont Presbyterian Church
An indoor play space for children and their parents and caregivers. Enter through the side door on Cleveland Avenue. Store strollers on indoor landings, in the Fellowship Hall, or inside Play Park.

Piedmont Presbyterian Church
5760 NE Cleveland Ave.
Portland, Or
503-285-5348

Hours: Mon.-Thurs. 9 a.m.-noon
Ages: 0-5
Fee: .50/child suggested donation; space is limited to 25 children.
Online: piedmontpresbyterian.org

Photo: Oak Grove Indoor Play Facebook Page

Oak Grove Indoor Play
This play space features several different “studios” with ball pits, ride-on toys, climbing structures, large foam stacking blocks, and smaller toys. It’s also a popular choice for party rentals. Be sure to bring cash for drop-in play!

16101 SE McLoughlin Blvd.
Milwaukie, Or
503-560-5860

Ages: 1-5
Hours: Tues. & Thurs. 9 a.m.-noon
Fee: $3/child; $2/each additional child. $25 for 10-Play Punch Cards.
Online: oakgroveindoorplay.com

Photo: Indoor Park at MJCC

Mittleman Jewish Community Center Indoor Park
This thrice-weekly indoor park uses a portion of the side turf on an indoor soccer field inside the JCC’s “sportsplex,” a big green dome held up by air. Caregivers and kids can  build forts in the gymnastics area, practice crawling and walking on the spring floor, play on the trampoline, and use a number of toddler cars and slides. Once a month, both members and non-members can enjoy a special FREE indoor park called Chai Baby (pronounced like “high,”) which includes a story time and snacks.

6651 SW Capitol Hwy.
Portland, Or
503-244-0111

Ages: 6 months-5 years (but a babe-in-arms is okay if you have an older kid)
Hours: Mon., Wed. & Fri. 10 a.m.-noon., Sep.-Jun.
Fee: $5 drop-in; free to members (available for people of all faiths)
Online: oregonjcc.org/camps-childcare/indoor-playground

Upper Westside Play Gym
An affordable drop-in option for westside families, this play gym has drop-in family play hours focusing on different ages and stages. Choose from baby & toddler open play as well as drop-in hours for kids under 5. With a wide range of additional classes and activities, this location has a lot to offer every week.

1509 SW Sunset Blvd.
Portland, Or
503-246-2292

Ages: 0-5
Hours: Varies by age group and activity; check calendar online
Fee: $5 drop in/ child; $2.50/ each additional child (bring cash or check to avoid a $1 card fee)
Online: upperwestsideplaygym.com

Photo: St John’s Swap n Play Facebook

St John’s Swap n Play
This award-winning membership-based swap-n-play features several distinct play areas, including use of the popular Imagination Playground, a mobile play system of blue blocks in different shapes and sizes. Members have access to both indoor and outdoor play areas, as well as classes and events, while non-members can drop in on Monday mornings during open play to see what membership is all about.

7535 N. Chicago Ave.
Portland, Or
971-251-007

Ages:
Hours: Drop-in play Mon. 10 a.m.-noon.; Member hours Mon.–Fri. 8 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sat. 8 a.m.-1 p.m.
Fee: $10-$40/month; limited sliding scale memberships; $70-$170 punch cards
Online: swapnplay.org

Woodlawn Swap n Play
Located below the popular Village Ballroom (which hosts regular performances from well-known Portland “kindie” musicians and mother-oriented exercise classes), the Woodlawn Swap n Play has use of two indoor play areas. During regular swap hours, members have access to the main facility downstairs, while twice a week the ballroom space opens up for ride on toys and other gross motor play options. Members also enjoy the benefits of the honor-based goods-exchange model that makes swap-n-plays a popular choice for eco-conscious and budget-wise families.

704 NE Dekum St.
Portland, Or
503.269.4943

Ages: 0-5 (recommended; all ages welcome)
Hours: Mon.–Sat. 8 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sun. 1 p.m.-8 p.m., year-round
Fee: $75/ 3-month session membership, + $20 joining fee/ family. (Includes co-op responsibilities, ~ 20 min./week)
Online: www.woodlawnswapnplay.org

Photo: Hammer + Jacks

Hammer + Jack’s
Small but mighty. At 680 square feet, this is the smallest play space on our list, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in warmth and a focus on community. The indoor play space– located at the back of an impressively-curated toy store– features a large, whimsical wooden slide and climbing tunnel, with plenty of smaller toys below. A row of picnic tables is available for enjoying snacks from home or Henry Higgins Bagels next door. Be sure to check out the calendar for a list of upcoming performances, classes, and events.

6416 SE Foster
Portland, Or
503-894-9150

Ages: 0-5 (plus drop-in play for non-walkers on Fridays)
Hours: Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m – 6 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Fee: $4 drop-in; $6 all-day pass; call ahead as space is limited
Online: hammerandjacks.com

Photo:  SWCC

Portland Parks & Recreation Indoor Parks
Portland is home to a wealth of community centers, and each one has several indoor play options for children. From baby gym and family park to indoor parks geared toward homeschooling families, there is truly something for everyone. Check the catalog of your neighborhood center for hours and themes, and don’t be afraid to try out a new location a bit further from home. All community centers are accessible by public transit.

Locations, ages, and hours vary
Fee: Generally $1-$2 drop-in
Online: portlandoregon.gov/parks

Creative and Mostly Free Alternatives to Organized Indoor Parks
Set up a play date at the Lloyd Center or Clackamas Mall, which open at 7 & 6 a.m., respectively, for mall walkers (stores open at 10 a.m.) There are play areas, elevators and escalators, and plenty of room for your new runner to, well, run. Or take the kids to Ikea, where you can enjoy $1 coffee in the café and watch planes take off from the airport. Cruise the kids’ section nearby and let them explore the nylon tents, big kid beds, and rocking chairs—all their size.

Libraries are another good option, with free story times for kids of all ages and many branches to choose from. In addition to Portland’s Central Branch, the Central Vancouver Library has a huge kids’ floor with sensory exhibits and multimedia center, all for free. Or take advantage of a Discovery Pass from your county library system to attend local museums and cultural events for free. Passes may not be immediately available, and you can only check them out twice per calendar year, so plan ahead for this one.

What are your go-to spots during Portland’s rainy season? Join the conversation by adding your ideas in the comments!

—Melissa Poulin

 

Whether your daughter is two months or ten years old, getting her ears pierced can be a big moment, so it’s important to make sure you’re tykes tiny ears are in the right hands. We polled a whole host of LA moms, and the consensus seems to be that the pediatrician’s office is the best place to get it done. However, some doctors don’t offer this service, and some kids want this rite of passage to feel like a special occasion. So we’ve rounded up the best non-doc spots to meet this fashionable milestone.

Sharon Wollaston Ear Piercing
All the doc, none of the office!  If your own pediatrician doesn’t offer piercing (or you want this experience to  feel more special than an annual physical) but you still want to use a doctor, try Dr. Sharon Wollaston, a board-certified pediatrician who has 15 years of experience with piercing ears for children specifically. She is a certified Blomdahl Piercer, which means she uses a medical grade piercing gun and earrings. Dr. Wollaston offer’s a calm, relaxed environment in her home office, with a playroom to keep kids entertained.

Details: Piercings are done on weekends by appointment only. The fee is $140, which includes earrings.

11549 Chiquita St.
Studio City
818-522-7763

Body Electric Tattoo and Piercing
Besides the pediatrician’s office, tattoo parlors are a close runner-up as best place to get your kid’s ears pierced in LA. While it may not seem like a place to bring kids, they take their sterilizing seriously! This spot has been around long enough that you may have even gotten your own piercing or tattoo here back in the pre-child era. This place blows every mall stand piercing shop out of the water in coolness factor alone, but it’s also impeccably professional, especially when it comes to handling kids. You won’t find any piercing guns here, only sterile, hollow-pointed needles and a great selection of top-grade jewelry. The piercers, including the owner himself, will really take their time to get the placement right and make sure kids are comfortable. The decor and clientele is definitely eclectic, however, so be prepared to answer some questions if your kids haven’t been exposed to the tattoo world.

Details: The starting price for babies is $180, which includes standard titanium studs and aftercare products. For kids, the cost is the same as adults, $130 .The shop is open daily from noon to 9:30pm. You can walk-in, but we recommend calling in advance to set an appointment. Weekdays are best since weekends can get pretty packed. Make sure to bring cash if you plan to tip, as they won’t add it on to a card charge. Parking can be a tough, like most every place on Melrose.

7274 1/2 Melrose Ave.
Fairfax District
323-954-0408
Online: bodyelectrictattoo.com

ear-piercing-envy
photo: Envy Body Piercing

Envy Body Piercing
If you want to bypass the tattoo-side of things, then a professional piercing shop is another great choice. The piercers at Envy are all friendly, professional, and CPR certified. They have a huge selection of earrings and all the materials are medical implant grade. They will talk you and your little one through the whole process, giving you plenty of safety information.  We love that they suggest a follow-up visit to make sure that everything is healing properly.

Details: The shop is open daily from 11 a.m.-9 p.m. and no appointment is necessary, but if you want a specific piercer (we suggest Yesi or Stephanie, who are great with kids) or don’t want a long wait it’s helpful to call in advance. You will need to bring identification in the form of a birth certificate. The fee varies based on the earrings you select, but the piercing service itself is $25 plus the cost of jewelry.

2615 West 190th St., Ste. 107
‪Redondo Beach
‪424-400-1650
Online: envybodypiercing.com

ear-piercing-ancient-adornment-2
photo: Ancient Adornments Body Piercing

Ancient Adornments Body Piercing
As his nickname suggests, Roger “Rabbit” Rodriguez, the owner and head piercer at Ancient Adornments is full of character and spunk that sets all his clients, especially young kids, at ease. The space is immaculate and clean, you’ll feel more like you’re walking into a super-hip doctors office than a piercing studio. No piercing guns here, they pierce with needles only and take their time to talk you through the process, measure and make sure the piercings are well-balanced. They have an awesome selection of tiny studs so your mini fashionista doesn’t have to be stuck with plain ones for the three-month healing period.

Details: Both locations are open Sunday-Thursday from 1 p.m.-9:30 p.m., Friday & Saturday from 1 p.m.-10:30 p.m. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian and present a birth certificate in order to be pierced. They accept walk-ins or appointments. The cost of piercing is $32 plus the cost of earrings, which start at $50 for studs.

Two locations, in West Hollywood and Westwood.
323-515-5996
Online: ancientadornments.net

Rothstein Jewelers Beverly Hills
If tattoo parlors and piercing shops aren’t your style, you can opt for something a little more traditional and make an appointment with Janet Rothstein at Rothstein Jewelers. Janet has pierced hundreds of children’s (and adults, including a few celebrities) ears over the last 20 years and you can tell in how well she handles nervous tots and makes the whole process painless (literally and figuratively). She uses a piercing gun and medical grade surgical steel studs covered in 24 karat gold. If your piercing novice is feeling anxious, check out the awesome video of a girl happily getting her ears pierced on the Rothstein website to give an idea of what to expect.

Details: Piercing is by appointment only on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. They book up quickly, but maintain a waitlist in the event of cancellations. The price is $49 including most of their earring options.

8950 W. Olympic Blvd., Ste. 209
Beverly Hills
310-858-3805
Online: rothsteinjewelers.com

 

Not sure how to spend your next weekend in San Diego? If you’re looking for some family fun that’s just off the beaten path, spend a day at the famous Kobey’s Swap Meet. Swap meets are a fun way to treasure hunt with your cuties, and a great chance to teach about recycling, reusing and handling money (if they are old enough), all while feeling the thrill of a scavenger hunt and the score of a deal.

Kobey’s Swap Meet
Kobey’s is the ultimate stop for swap meet swag. It has many pint-sized bargain-hunting treasures. Scour the tables and bins for LEGO, Polly Pocket dolls and accessories, Barbies and more. There are both swap meet and garage-sale style booths for your little ones to explore. Set an amount they can spend (let them learn to budget), then send the little pirates off to scour the terrain for their bountiful loot (with mom or dad’s supervision, of course).

Sweet Treats
If the little swashbucklers need a bite to eat, there are lots of places to take a bit. Traditional hamburgers and hot dogs are available (a little on the expensive and greasy side). But we recommend saving the money and appetites for the other treats. Popcorn is a hit with the pint-sized type and snow cones are big and fun to eat (especially on hot summer days). There’s also a mini-donut stand where kids can watch them make the sweet treats.

Savvy Swap Meet Tips

  • Sunblock is key. Even on overcast days, be prepared to spray and wear a hate. Brining a bottle of water is also recommended.
  • Vendors don’t take credit cards. So bring cash. Smaller bills will be appreciated.
  • Bring your own canvas bag to stash all your goodies.
  • While the swap meet is open all weekend, Sunday is the best day to score treasures.
  • Go online and print a coupon for $1 off adult admission.
  • You can rent a single stroller ($6) or a double cool cart ($7) to wheel your little munchkins around.
  • The bathrooms are located at the back of the meet near the food stand. While they are porta-potties, there is an attendant on duty and a place to wash hands.
  • Parking is free!

Hours: Fri. – Sun., 7 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Cost: Fri.: $1/Adults; Sat. & Sun., $2/Adults; Free/Kids under 11

3500 Sports Arena Blvd.
San Diego, Ca 92110
Online: Kobeys.com

— Monique Walsh (photos too)

“Big dogs, little dogs, red dogs, blue dogs….“ Dog parks aren’t quite as happening as P.D. Eastman’s Go, Dog. Go!, but they’re still quite a Dog Party. If you’ve got a pooch and a kid (or multiples of either), we’ve rounded up the best places around the city to spend the day with the fam, tails ‘n’ all. Flip through the gallery to get the poop, er scoop.

Off Leash Area Edmonds (OLAE)

The OLAE is a fave of pooches and kids alike - dogs can take the plunge into beautiful blue Puget Sound, run, jump and play on a driftwood-strewn beach, and try their paw at an agility course. This dog park is on the Whale Trail, so you can do some whale-watching while your pooch is squirrel-watching. There’s a grassy spot nearby, perfect for picnicking, and a small playground for younger kids (with no less than three slides). Afterwards, take those sandy paws and sneakers for a walk along the Edmonds Boardwalk, where kids can spot different kinds of boats and marine life and pooches can spot squirrels.

Good to Know: If you have more than one grown-up on hand, you can also explore the non-dog park part of the beach. You’ll need that extra grown-up to keep an eye on the dogs though, as Edmonds beaches are marine sanctuaries (no dogs allowed).

Insider Tip: If your little one is a train buff, this is the dog park for him or her – a train track runs right by the park and kiddos can get a close-up view of freight trains, the Sounder and Amtrak.

Off Leash Area Edmonds
498 Admiral Way
Edmonds Wa 98020
Online: olae.org

photo: Helen Walker Green

Dog Park Etiquette for Kids
Kids and dogs can have a very special relationship, but please use caution in the dog park. Remember that this is the pooches’ park and little ones need to know how to behave around dogs. Here are some tips to keep everyone in your brood safe and happy:

1. Never bring food or toys to the park (dog toys are fine, or course).

2. Keep a close eye on your kids, especially tots.

3. Discourage your kids from running, dogs may think they want to play chase.

4. Teach your tyke to always ask the dog’s human if it’s OK to pet their dog.

5. Dog parks are not the place to help your little one get over their fear of dogs – there’s too many dogs, and most are in that rambunctious,”Hey, wanna play?” mood. Setting up a quiet meeting with a friend or family member’s mellow dog is a much better place to start.

Where is your favorite off-leash area? Tell us about it in a comment below.

— Helen Walker Green

By now you’re likely knee deep in pumpkins, costumed creatures and candy, but there is one more San Diego event to add to your Halloween bucket list. The Boulevard’s BOO! Parade & Carnival is a San Diego tradition and the only Halloween-themed parade in town. So bring the kiddos and get a little bit more use out of those costumes before they get tossed in the closet for another year.

Hauntingly Fun Parade
The BOO! Parade begins at 10 a.m. and is held on El Cajon Blvd., between 59th St. and Rolando Blvd. It is here you will see vintage cars, galloping horses, marching bands, costumed characters, and San Diego State University student organizations and floats. Be sure to arrive early to get a great seat on the El Cajon Blvd. parade way.

AfterBOO Community Carnival
Following the BOO! Parade is the day-long carnival located at College Ave Baptist Church. The day includes kids rides, live music, games, food, and crafts. Carnival highlights include inflatable play structures and a free photo booth where kiddos can take spooktacular photos.

The entertainment is also a sight to see! The BOO Parade Float Awards will be given out at 1 p.m. You can also check out the College Avenue Preschool performance (11:30 a.m.), MLK Community Choir (12 p.m.), and The Bobby Simmons Group (1:30 p.m.).

There are lots of cold drinks and food trucks to visit if your wee ones need a snack that doesn’t involve candy. Participating food trucks include Fat Boyz Pizza, Hot Dog on a Stick, GreenGo Grill, Rolling Taco, and Juice Wave. There will also be Twisted Kettle Corn, the College Avenue Preschool Bake Sale, and a Coke refreshment station.

Tips for a Boo-tastic Good Time!

  • Be sure to bring cash from rides and bake sale items. While some food trucks take debit cards, there’s no guarantee all of them will. There is not a cash machine at the carnival, but there are banks in walking distance in the neighborhood.
  • The carnival is a “rain or shine” event. Make sure to bring an umbrella if it sprinkles, and sunscreen if the sun in shining.
  • Not sure where to park for the parade? If you plan to stay for the carnival, park at the College Ave. Baptist Church, which is opening its lots for BOO! Parade parking.

The Boulevard’s BOO! Parade
Saturday, Oct. 24
10 a.m. — Parade begins

College Area
59th St. and El Cerrito
San Diego, Ca

AfterBOO Community Carnival
11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

College Ave. Baptist Church
4747 College Ave.

Cost: Free
Online: booparade.com

What are your tips for enjoying the Boo! Parade with your little ones?

— Leah R. Singer

Photos courtesy of The Boulevard’s BOO! Parade & Carnival’s Facebook page

In sunny Southern California finding ways to celebrate the changing seasons can be tricky. With kids going back to school in triple digit weather and utter lack of changing foliage, we all have to work a little harder to manufacture that fall feeling. So even though it’s not quiet sweater weather, why not take a day trip to an apple orchard? These u-pick orchards may be a bit of a trek, but once your munchkins take that first crisp bite, you’ll know it was worth every mile. Apple picking season generally runs September through October, but check with the orchard you plan to visit first as crop density and ripening vary season to season.

Oak Glen
The best places for apple picking in Southern California are centered on a six-mile area known as Oak Glen. Here you’ll find a general store, hand pressed apple cider and several orchards that offer a variety of apples. It’s a bit of a hike, about a two-hour drive from the Westside, but worth it for the complete orchard experience.

Riley’s Apple Farm, Oak Glen
12201 South Oak Glen Road
Oak Glen, Ca 92399
909-797-4061
An Oak Glen favorite, Riley’s is open for u-pick on the weekends only, but call them before you head out. You can schedule an appointment to pick on weekdays. They have fourteen different varieties of apple, including some hard-to-find heirloom varieties. Your little ones will love running from tree to tree filling their bushel.

Los Rios Rancho, Oak Glen
39611 Oak Glen Road #13
Oak Glen, Ca 92399
909-797-1005
At Rios you and your family will find apple trees heavy with fruit, some of the best apple pie you have ever tasted, and a beautiful spot for lunch. The orchards here are pretty hilly, so small toddlers may be better off in a carrier or a rugged jogging stroller. On weekends during apple season, this place gets crowded fast. Plan to arrive early. The lines for food tend to get long in the afternoon, so if you want to buy your lunch you may want to plan to eat early. They are open for apple picking Friday through Sunday, but hours may change as the season progresses so give them a call before you head out.

Raven Hill Orchard, Julian
1284 Julian Orchards Drive
Julian, Ca 92036
760-765-2431
This beautiful orchard, located outside of San Diego, is home to 8,000 dwarf trees, which should allow even your littlest apple picker a shot at some action.  Bring cash and call before you head out. This orchard is also dog friendly, so be prepared for some furry friends joining you between the trees.

Know any other great spots for apples this fall? Share your favorite u-picks in a comment below.

— Kate Felton

photo courtesy of Brian Birke & Robin B.