Get your family fall festival fix at one of these must-go fairs taking place around San Diego this month and next
Living in San Diego doesn’t mean we bypass the change in seasons, it’s just that our moderate temps offer an opportunity to engage in autumn activities with clear blue skies and fewer clothing layers. Whether you’re looking for apple picking, want to witness some epic fall foliage, pumpkin picking or want to experience something more lively like yodeling and dancing in the streets—San Diego’s fall festivals are all about family fun. So, grab your calendar, your little pumpkins and celebrate the (slightly?) cooler temperatures with some fun at one (or all) of these kid-friendly local fall festivals and fairs.
Fiestas Partrias: Immerse yourself in Old Town San Diego this fall to celebrate Mexican Independence Day. The festivities begin with a traditional bell ringing, and then let the dancing begin with historic and lively music. Kids and parents alike will enjoy the 19th century crafts in the gardens of La Casa Estudillo including paper flowers and creating cacarones—colorful confetti-filled eggs. More games and early settler information demonstrations will be throughout the park. Then eat a taco or enchilada at the famous Fiesta De Reyes and explore all the cool shops. One kid favorite is the Miner's Gems and Mineral shop, where they can pan for precious stones for a fee.
When: Sept. 17; noon-3 pm Cost: Free admission. Bring money for food, drink, rides and vendors
Old Town San Diego 4002 Wallace St. San Diego Online:parks.ca.gov
Bates Nut Farm Pumpkin Patch: Fall fun! Head to Bates Nut Farm for handmade arts and crafts where up-cycled, recycled, restored, vintage, antique, and handmade wares will be offered along with a large variety of jewelry, woodworking, candles, soaps, fine art, and more. Additionally, the famous Pumpkin Patch will be open so little ones can take a tractor hayride, run through the straw maze, hop on the pony rides, pet the animals, and eat up the many food choices. You can also score fall decorations and food to take home with you.
When: Sept. 17 - Oct. 31; 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Cost: Free admission. Parking is $8. Bring money for food and vendors.
Pacific Islander Festival: Aloha! Experience the culture and customs of Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia with entertainment, food, music, and specialty crafts at the Pacific Islander Festival. From BBQ short ribs and chicken to giant slushies and banana donuts, you'll love the specialty food at this fun festival.
When: Sept. 24 & 25; 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Cost: Free admission. Bring money for food, drink, and vendors.
Mission Bay's Ski Beach Vacation Rd. San Diego Online:pifasandiego.com
Encinitas Oktoberfest: Break out your lederhosen and prepare to dance in the streets! Young movers and shakers can don their chicken hats and flap their wings to the sound of music. Even little wallflowers will join the merriment because everyone looks silly doing the Oktoberfest chicken dance. You'll find fall food favorites like giant pretzels and German beer (for grownups, of course!) with plenty of other eats. Also, there's face painting, crafts, a fun zone for half-pints, and over 200 vendors selling their wares.
When: Sept. 25; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Cost: Free admission. Bring money for food, drink, and rides
El Cajon Oktoberfest: Kick up your heels to the oom-pah music at this traditional fest, where you’ll polka and waltz and do the chicken dance. Put on by the German American Societies of San Diego, this is the most traditional Oktoberfest in town. Enjoy classic fares like bratwurst, potato pancakes, and sauerkraut alongside a large variety of German beers. Littles can nosh on pretzels, play festival games and create crafts in the Kid Zone. Sunday is chicken hat day. So wear your most outrageous chicken hat (obvi) and join in the fun.
When: Sept. 30, Oct 1-2 & Oct. 7-9; Fri., 4-10 p.m.; Sat., noon-10 p.m.; Sun., noon-9 p.m. Cost: Fri. & Sat., $15/adult; Sun., $5/adult; children are free. The ticket price includes a meal plate and two beers on tap.
La Mesa Oktoberfest: Let the good times roll! The largest San Diego Oktoberfest has a Kinder Karneval for little festival-goers with a giant Ferris wheel, a toddler obstacle course, a rock climbing wall, and an inflatable slide. You'll find a brat-eating contest and interactive art, a stein-holding contest, and scavenger hunts to watch and play. Over 50 food vendors for will be available for eats, including pizza, bratwurst, and Philly cheesesteak sandwiches. Finally, visit Dachshund Village and watch the wiener dog races, a dog fashion show, a howling contest, and more.
When: Sept. 30-Oct. 2; Fri., 4-10 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun., 12 p.m. -8 p.m. Cost: Free admission. Bring money for food, drink, rides, and other vendors.
Carlsbad Oktoberfest & Family Fall Festival: The Carlsbad Rotary Oktoberfest is a family tradition among locals. Join the revelry and eat apple strudel, visit the pumpkin patch, enter the yodeling contest and Halloween costume contest. You'll also enjoy face painting, a bounce house, a fire engine, and a stage dedicated to children's music.
Good to Know: No pets are allowed in the park.
When: Oct. 1; noon-8 p.m. Cost: Free to enter. Presale tickets for food/drinks are available online. Pumpkin patch tickets are available for $5 and must be purchased at the entrance to the event.
Rendezvous in Poway: Stroll back to the 1800s as history comes alive at the annual Rendezvous at Old Poway Park. Cowboys and pioneers put on family-friendly reenactments of gun fights and train robberies. Pan for gold and ride the speeder train. An old-time craft fair, the Nelson House, and the Heritage Museum are open to exploring as well.
When: Oct. 1-2; Sat., 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sun. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Cost: Free, nominal fee to ride the train
Old Poway Park 14134 Midland Rd. Poway Online:poway.org
Harvest Festival Original Art & Craft Fair: Are you a gift-giving diva? Find unique gifts and get your holiday shopping off to an early start at the Harvest Festival in Del Mar. Browse through hundreds of artisans selling jewelry, ceramics, toys, and art. Strolling musicians, a cowboy on stilts, and free crafts will entertain the kiddos. You’ll find many food options with shaded seating outside the exhibit halls.
When: Oct. 7-9; Fri. & Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Cost: $9/adults; $4/kids (12-17 years); kids 12 and under free; There is a fee for parking
Del Mar Fairgrounds 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd. Del Mar Online:harvestfestival.com
Alta Vista Botanical Fall Fun Festival: Get the whole family into nature and share a day filled with art and music. Little ones will love relay races, bobbing for apples, a drum circle, and face painting. A scarecrow decorating contest is a time-honored tradition at this event. For $2, families can create their own unique scarecrow to add to the Garden's fall ambiance and win fun prizes. In addition, there's live music, a huge plant sale, and the Garden's extensive art exhibits for the adults. Ample parking is available in the adjacent Moonlight Amphitheater parking lot.
Horse Heritage Festival: Got a unicorn-obsessed little one at home? For a few dollars, you can enjoy a day outdoors horsing around with the next best thing—horses. San Marcos’ Horse Heritage Festival offers pony rides, a petting corral, and frontier games. There are also horsemanship demonstrations and a pumpkin patch. You’ll feel good knowing that funds raised during the event support the Horse Heritage Conservancy, connecting people and horses year-round, and helping animals in times of emergency.
When: Oct. 16; 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Cost: There is a fee for rides
They’re back! And the Washington State Fair is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to family-friendly fall festivals. These 18 fests feature everything from farm animals and U-pick pumpkins, to celebrations that highlight cultures, music, even LEGO bricks. Scroll down and get ready to fill your calendars!
Editor’s note:As safety measures continue to evolve due to the Delta variant, please remember to follow local and state guidelines regarding masks, social distancing and more, and double check information for last-minute changes before heading out with the kids.
Harvest Festival at Nelson Farm
Whether you've got a Suncadia stay planned for the fam (lucky you!) or you're just heading up for the day to enjoy the mountains, the Harvest Festival at Nelson Farm puts all things fall at your fingertips. If you haven't picked out your pumpkin yet, stroll through the Nelson Farm patch to find the perfect one. Stay to enjoy a wagon rides as a family, live music and a vendor market. Your kids will love wandering through the hay maze, climbing the hay pyramid, getting their faces painted and meeting animals at the petting zoo. Plus, everyone can take aim at the archery range. You've got two weekends to make it happen!
Families in Washington have been "doing the Puyallup” for over 100 years, and after last year's hiatus everyone is excited it's back. This year's state fair opened Labor Day weekend and will be open daily (with the exception of Tuesdays and Wed., Sep. 8) through September 26. If you want to see and do it all, you’d better plan on waking the kids up early. In addition to returning favorites that families love, like The Farm at SillyVille and Outpost 47 (the family-friendly, free concert stage), you and your crew will want to catch the Budweiser Clydesdales at the Western Rodeo Cattle Drive & Parade or in the Pierce County Arena during draft shows (Sep. 10-16) and the new Hall of Heroes exhibit that immerses visitors in the world of crime fighters, superheroes and spies. Plus enjoy the amusement park rides and games, fair food (Hello, fair scones!), 4-H animals, arts and crafts and hundreds of vendors.
Dates worth noting: Stay for fireworks on Fridays (starting at 10 p.m.); watch master pumpkin carver, Russ Leno create masterpieces at the fountain (Sat. & Sun.); enjoy Animals of the World (Sep. 9-13); and cultural days like Asia Pacific Cultural Center day (Sep. 11), Fiesta Patrias (Sep. 19) and Native American Days (Sep. 22 & 23).
Dates: Sep. 3-26, 2021 (excluding Tuesdays and Sep. 8) Times: Varies (see website) Cost: $11-$15/person; Free, kids 5 & under. Parking is $12 Mon.-Fri. and $17 Sat. & Sun.
Washington State Fair Events Center 110 9th Ave. S.E. Puyallup, WA 98371 253-841-5045
Music that's good for your soul. That's the vibe of this good-time street festival that features brass bands of all shapes and sizes, plus African and Brazilian drum and dance, too. Sixteen bands will make music throughout the day at this outdoor festival, and the whole shebang ends with a community jam at 7 p.m. Get ready to tap your feet and cheer on these phenomenal musicians. And don't forget those ear plugs for the kids!
Editor's note: The Sep. 18 festival in Gig Harbor has been canceled due to weather.
Celebrate ChuSeok, the Korean Harvest Moon Festival, in the South Sound in 2021. The Asia Pacific Cultural Center is making it easy for families to get in on the celebration by hosting two events (one in Gig Harbor and one in Tacoma the following weekend) guaranteed to double the fun. We know your kids will love watching the Mun Dance Team and UW student-led K-POP group, The Kompany. Then wander the grounds in search of your favorite Korean eats, cultural presentations, Tae Kwon Do demos and a thrilling drum performance by Thunder and Wind.
Dates & Times: Sep. 18, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. in Gig Harbor; Sep. 25, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. in Tacoma Cost: Free
Fiestas Patrias is an expression of Latino culture including music, dance, food, folklore and more. The annual two-day event will be celebrated virtually and in-person this year. Families can enjoy a livestream presentation on September 18, starting at noon, in partnership with Seattle Festál. Then on September 19, there will be an in-person health fair (including a vaccine event) at the Sea Mar Community Center in the South Park neighborhood.
Take the whole fam to Remlinger Farms for a super-fun fall outing. In addition to a hay maze, corn maze and pony rides ($5), there will be plenty of mini-carnival rides—25 to be exact—including a roller coaster and Ferris wheel, electric cars, flying pumpkins and a horse carousel. If that’s not enough excitement, head over to the barn to visit with the farm animals, pick the perfect jack-o-lantern at the U-pick pumpkin patch (included with your ticket price) and enjoy plenty of yummy food and apple treats (think pies, turnovers and caramel apples) at the farm market.
Good to know: If your little wrangler has their heart set on a pony ride, be sure to reserve your spot in advance.
Dates: Sat. & Sun., Sep. 25-Oct. 31, 2021 Times: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. (admission gate closes one hour prior to closing) Cost: $24.95/person; Free for kids under 2
Remlinger Farms 32610 N.E. 32nd St. Carnation, WA 98014
Enjoy a night of fab food, live music and entertainment and more at the Chinatown-ID Night Market. Located in Seattle’s Chinatown-International District, the Night Market is where your family can feast on variety of international food items from street vendors and local restaurants, and stroll through the outdoor market to browse local handmade goods, fresh-cut flowers, Asian-inspired items and more. Psst! Don't miss the all ages dance party.
Date: Sept. 25, 2021 Time: 1-9 p.m. Cost: Free
Chinatown-International District Seattle, WA 98104 206-382-1197
Be a part of this floating festival that bring light, hope and a sense of connection to families across the country. The Water Lantern Festival will be back at Green Lake this year for another launch. Families can enjoy food, games, activities, vendors and music as they work to create and then decorate their own floating lanterns. Then as the sun begins to set, everyone gathers to launch their message of hope, peace, health and happiness along the shores as participants Light the Water. Take time to enjoy the glow!
This annual festival, produced by Northwest Folklife, is returning in its virtual format again this year! Last year's event featured a virtual smorgasbord of kid-favorite activities including music, dance, stories, educational programming and more, paired with a virtual passport. Although details are still being worked out for this year's festival, families can expect the same thoughtful programming that brings fun and a sense of community home.
Fox Hollow is bringing the fun to fall this year with two different festivals families can attend. During the day Fall Fun event, families can meander through the adventurous trail that leads them through a hay maze, along the Issaquah Creek, ending at a pumpkin patch, full of gord-geous pumpkins waiting to go home with you. The trail takes about 35-45 minutes to complete and you'll need to purchase tickets (for a two hour window) online before heading over. If you've got older kids, give the Haunted Hollow trail a try on Saturday nights. Thousands of twinkling lights, bonfires and torches will light the way along the path and there will be s'mores waiting for you at the end. Tickets are also needed for this event.
Good to know: Fall Fun runs Fridays through Sundays until Oct. 3 when it moves to Wednesdays through Sundays. Haunted Hollow is Saturdays, starting September 25.
Insider tip: Put Fox Hollow’s Halloween Carnival on your calendar for Oct. 30. It’s a chance for kids to don their costumes and treat bag and make their way around the farm gathering candy goodies.
Dates: Sep. 17-Oct. 29, 2021 Times: vary (check website) Cost: $55/car (6 people or less)
Fox Hollow Farm 12123 Issaquah Hobart Rd. S.E. Issaquah, WA 98027
Since 1988, Festa Italiana has been a labor of love from a community of Italian American volunteers providing this free event of Italian food, arts and culture at the Seattle Center. And this year, the event coordinators are thrilled to announce it's the first in-person event at Seattle Center in nearly two years. Highlights of the two-day fest include cooking demos by celebrity chefs, a bocce tournament, a grape stomping competition, kids' activities and the hugely popular group pizza toss.
Your family has been invited by the Lord of Camlann to go back in time and attend his Michelmasse Festival with demonstrations of fresh cider pressing, puppetry and music by Jacob Priestly’s Troop Man in the Moon. Plus experience long bow archery, sheep petting and fascinating demonstrations of wool dying, blacksmithing, spinning and pottery making. You and the kids will get to imagine (and experience) what cottage life would be like in 1376 in the colorful world of Chaucer’s England. Join in the fun by renting fine attire and taking in the Michelmasse Feast. Psst! Don't forget to stop by the Scribe Shop where you can purchase books, gifts and replica pottery with medieval art to take home as keepsakes.
Dates: Sept. 25 & 26, 2021 Times: noon–5 p.m. Cost: $10/Adults; $8/Youth (6-12) and Seniors (60 & older); Free for kids 5 & under. Feast & festival tickets are $50/person.
10320 Kelly Rd. N.E. Carnation, WA 98014 425-788-8624
Leavenworth's beloved annual Oktoberfest will have a significantly different vibe this year, but there's still every reason to visit this themed mountain village this fall. Families will love the "street fair" vibe and casual feel of this year's festival that focuses more on local shops and makers than it does on beer. Lining the streets of downtown Leavenworth, you'll find 100 vendors, crafters and artists showcasing their wares. But families can still expect the special Kinderplatz area with activities kids will love. The upside of the changes? There's no cost to attend the event.
Issaquah’s Salmon Days is a celebration of the return of salmon to their "birth-waters” as well as the city’s history, culture and diversity. Each year, the festival attracts hundreds of artists and crafts people and presents live music and entertainment, plus sporting events, a carnival, a huge food court. Much of this year's festival is still in the planning stages, but families can rest assured that the salmon will be welcomed in style this year too.
Celebrate fall (and everything it brings with it) at Kelsey Creek Farm again this year. That's right, one of the Eastside's best fests is back for 2021! It features a variety of old-time activities and plenty of farm fun. Look forward to animal encounters, a petting zoo, 4-H animal demonstrations, interactive children’s activities and food, plus heritage demonstrations and activities by the Eastside Heritage Center, tractor-pulled wagon rides and more!
Good to know: As there is limited parking, there is usually a shuttle that runs from Wilburton Park & Ride and Banner Park.
Who says LEGOs are just for kids? BrickCon is an annual convention put on by adult LEGO hobbyists that runs every year (except for 2020) during the first week of October. During the last two days of the convention, the public is invited to see what these creators of colorful bricks have come up with at the Seattle Center Exhibition Hall. And this is no ordinary LEGO store display. Here, you will see hundreds of builders with their models that feature tens of thousands of pieces. Some will even be on hand to share their love of brick building with you and will give out a few pointers as well. Plus, you can find cool sets, parts and minifigs at the Brick Bazaar.
Good to know: No strollers are allowed.
Dates: Oct. 2 & 3, 2021 Times: 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Cost: $25/person. Tickets are good for one 2.5 hour window and can be purchased online.
Seattle Center Exhibition Hall 301 Mercer St. Seattle, WA 98109
At this annual event, now in its 16th year, families can expect to find all things German (think: beer, brats, authentic entertainment), plus wiener dog races, fab family entertainment like the Chicken Dance and May Pole dance, a Family Fest Zone & Kinderfest with arts and crafts, a root bier garden, pumpkin decorating, dance lessons, games, face painting and much more!
Dates: Oct. 8-10, 2021 Times: Fri., noon-midnight; Sat.,11 a.m.-midnight; Sun., 11 a.m.-6 p.m. (All ages until 6 p.m. on Fri. & Sat., and all-day Sun.) Cost: $12-$17/Person (12 & under free all weekend). Half-price tickets on Sun.
Washington State Fair Events Center 110 9th Ave. S.W. Puyallup, WA 98371
Celebrate Día de los Muertos (a.k.a. the Day of the Dead), a Latin American holiday honoring relatives who have passed away, at the Phinney Neighborhood Association. This year's celebration includes a community procession and dedication of a traditional altar for offerings to the deceased (bring your offerings!). Plus, families can enjoy live music and dance, do arts and crafts, nosh on delicious food and warm up with a cup of Mexican hot chocolate.
The days are getting shorter; you’re dreaming about the chilly temps of fall, and best of all, it’s nearly time to celebrate the best that autumn brings. We’ve brushed off our list of the best fall festivals in the country, and this year you’ll find everything from the Leavenworth Oktoberfest to the Half Moon Bay Pumpkin Festival—basically, the ultimate list of festivals you should visit at least once with the kids.
**Editor’s note: COVID safety precautions vary from event to event. Please check the websites for updated information.
Balloon pilots from all over the county fly in to be a part of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. As the largest ballooning event in the world, it features over 500 hot air balloons. Adding to the fun will be special balloon glows, a special shape rodeo, laser light shows, chainsaw carvings, fireworks, a car show and plenty of musical entertainment.
The Maryland Renaissance Festival - Crownsville, MD
Maryland Renaissance Festival
Revel Grove is your “passport to merriment” say the folks at the Maryland Renaissance Festival. Here you’ll experience events and shows that you won’t see anywhere else: jousting competitions, jugglers, artisans performing works of Shakesphere in just 20 minutes, mimes, dancers and more. Feast on such delights as Macaroni and Cheese on a Stick, Beef Fingers with White Peppered Gravy and Steak on a Stake. If you want to get in on the act, costume rentals are available.
Dates: Aug. 28 - Oct. 24th, 2021 (weekends and Labor Day Monday)
Come to Stone Mountain Park at night to experience special not-so-spooky glow-in-the-dark fun. “Play by Day” enjoying the regular attractions and special fall entertainment. Stick around after dark to “Glow by Night” by taking a journey through classic storybook tales that come to life in 10 themed areas featuring 40 scenes with glowing lights, massive carved pumpkins, bubbles, fog and more. New in 2021 is the party parade!
The famous Pumpkin Village (featuring 90,000 pumpkins, squash and gourds) is in a new location this year, just beyond the Johnsson color garden! You'll find larger-than-life insect topiaries, bugged-out pumpkin houses and a maze that'll thrill the youngest of visitors.
Willkommen! You won't want to miss one of the largest Oktoberfests in the country and this year, it celebrates 42 years of fun. Held at River West Festival Park, this event brings together international German bands, Bavarian delicacies, authentic arts and crafts as well as games and competitions for the entire family. Don't miss the Dachshund Dash and the Costume Parade!
The Salmon Days Festival is 52 years in the making, and this year's theme is "Keep on Swimming." This annual event is a celebration of the return of salmon to their “birth-waters” as well as Issaquah’s history, culture and diversity. Each year the festival attracts over 200 artists and craftsmen, live music and entertainment, sporting events and even a section of virtual events.
Since 1903, the Circleville Pumpkin Show has seen people come from miles around to see the largest pumpkins on display (In 2014, a 1,964-pound pumpkin was here. It's tough to beat that one!). You'll also find the largest pumpkin pie, various parades featuring over 40 floats and over 50 bands, live entertainment, the chance to partake in the pumpkin toss and enjoy many pumpkin spice-flavored treats.
The Annual North Carolina Pecan Harvest Festival features the Pecan Run, the Columbus Cooks pecan cooking competition (with a focus on young cooks), the festival parade, live entertainment, the Tri Beach Cruisers car show, a lot of craft vendors, an art show, an antique tractor show, of course, pecans galore!
If you’ve never seen anyone sit inside a giant pumpkin and then race it across a lake dressed in costume, then you obviously haven’t been to the West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta. This free, one-day festival is jam-packed with fun, including the weigh-off of the giant pumpkins and other monster-sized vegetables; performances by magicians, clowns and musical acts; a costume contest; a pumpkin pie eating contest; pumpkin bowling and pumpkin golf; food trucks and the giant pumpkin race.
The 27th annual Appleupmpkin Festival is held in conjunction with Kapnick Orchards Apple Festival, so you get two festivals in one! Not only will you find midway rides, carnival games, bounce houses and craft stations, you’ll also be treated to a tractor show, a straw maze, helicopter and monster truck rides, an entire scarecrow-making tent and more. There’s also an antique street fair and flea market, and an arts and crafts show if you want to get a little shopping in.
Olvera Street is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Los Angeles and for good reason. From the legendary Mexican marketplace to the historic buildings, it's a wonderful place to immerse yourself in another culture. Every year they have a Dios de los Muertos celebration that starts with a traditional procession that includes Aztec dancers and a parade of "Living Muertos," where people dress up like skeletons and don colorful costumes. There's also a chance to have your face painted up to look like a Calavera!
The festivities at this famous fall event will look a little different in 2021, but there is still fun to be had. The traditional Oktoberfest celebration won't happen, but there will be a huge focus on local businesses and artisans, creating more of a Harvest Fest vibe. There will be over 100 vendors over the three weekends, you'll still be able to eat all your favorite Oktoberfest foods and of course, the Kinderplatz kiddie area will still be open!
Following a flock of sheep may sound like something out of a nursery rhyme, but did you know it’s also one of the most beloved fall festivals in the United States? Celebrate the history of sheep ranchers in Idaho at this five-day event filled with non-stop fun: multicultural performers, storytelling, cooking classes, sheepdog trials, folklife fair, weaving demos and over 50 local artisans selling crafts and art. The spotlight event (of course) is the Big Sheep Parade, where you and your family will view the spectacle of over 1,500 sheep wandering down Main Street in Ketchum.
Good to know: The Parade Picnic at Irving’s Hill is a great spot to enjoy local fare and watch the sheep make their annual trek.
Stillwater Harvest Festival and Pumpkin Weigh-Off - Stillwater, MN
iStock
This bucolic little town on the shore of the St. Croix River not only gets a ton of gorgeous fall color this time of year, but it also hosts one of the best fall festivals around. Kids can come in costume and join in the Costume Parade which takes the children trick-or-treating to all the local downtown businesses. There's a chili cook-off and microbrew tasting, craft and food vendors and a ton of pumpkin-themed activities. Cheer on local businesses as they compete in the Pumpkin Pull (imagine being hooked up like an ox to haul giant pumpkins) and the Pumpkin Regatta—a race up the St. Croix in giant hollowed-out pumpkins for boats.
Good to know: Locals know to stick around 'til the end of the fest for the giant pumpkin drop: prize-winning pumpkins are hoisted on a crane and dropped to the sidewalk below. You can scramble in and get your share of giant pumpkin seeds for your own garden!
It's one of the state’s most popular festivals for a good reason: the Angry Orchard 5K, tons of amusement rides, a pie bake-off and pie-eating contest, a petting zoo, road races, a beer garden and pony rides. Literally, something for everyone.
This three-day smorgasbord of food and entertainment will feature over 50 local restaurants and musical acts performing on six stages. It’s kind of a big deal. Here you can sample wines, learn about local beers and watch some great chefs showing off their skills. Admission is free, and you can get a sheet of 10 “taste tickets” for just $5. Be sure to take the kids to the T-Mobile Kids’ Area too to try out the Wacky Slide, swings and to visit Toddler Town.
Over 100 hand-crafted scarecrows show up at the Scarecrow Festival in downtown St. Charles every year, and while some are designed to spook, most are charming for all ages. Visitors have a hand in the awards (vote-as-you-view in five categories), and after voting, there's enough family-friendly entertainment to last an entire weekend. Now in its 36th year, there's more than just scarecrows to admire. There's a family zone, the scarecrow stroll, live music, a professional pumpkin carver and of course, the popular scarecrow in a box.
Pioneer Farms will glow with Jack-o’-lantern grins for a whole month! At Pumpkin Nights, you will venture along a half-mile walking path, where you’ll discover the Forbidden Pumpkin City, a pirate’s cove, and more fantastical lands built using over 3,000 hand-carved real and artificial pumpkins. The celebration continues with entertainment and games in Pumpkin Central, the festival area. There’s also food, beverages, screenings of A Nightmare Before Christmas and other activities for the whole family.
Apples are a fave fall, and southern Pennsylvania has been celebrating since 1962. At this two-weekend event, you’ll find apples cooked up in more ways than you’ll have thought possible: apple cider, applesauce, pies, jellies, pancakes, syrup, candied apples and much more. Work up an appetite at the Kid Country Barn where your tiniest festival fans will enjoy face painting, harvest magic shows, and apple pie-eating contests. There are hayrides, pony rides, Native American dance expos, puppet shows, an antique auto show, over 300 arts and crafts vendors and a ton of family-friendly live music performances.
Good to know: Your money goes to a good cause. All proceeds (after expenses) go back into the community and to other local, state and national charitable organizations.
There are 14,000 acres of commercial pear, apple, cherry and peach orchards in Hood River County, so it’s no surprise the biggest fall festival in the Columbia River Gorge happens here. For three days in October, attendees enjoy a giant pumpkin carving contest, live music, a fruit pie-eating contest, family activities, seasonal produce, food, wine, cider, beer and local arts & crafts from nearly 120 vendors on the scenic Hood River waterfront. Kids will love the activity area, complete with bouncy houses, face painting and other activities.
Looking for the world’s largest cranberry festival? You’ll find it in Warrens, WI—over 120,000 people show up each year. Wander through 850 arts & craft booths and enjoy contests like Guess the Weight of the Largest Pumpkin, Best Scarecrow, Biggest Berry, Marsh Medallion Hunt and more. Tasty eats are everywhere and include unusual offerings like cranberry cream puffs and deep-fried cranberries on a stick. One of the coolest things to do at the festival is to take a tour of the cranberry marshes. You’ll visit two local marshes, walk into a cranberry bed, and learn all about the growing process. Local eats including fresh cranberries, wine and other products can be bought at the end of the tour!
The 48th Annual Harvest Festival in Santa Fe is held at El Rancho de las Golondrinas—a living museum similar to Williamsburg, VA—and there are 200 acres to explore. Wander through over 30 buildings, see ponds and waterways, spot animals, and check out agricultural fields that produce traditional crops like corn, squash and peppers. During the Harvest Festival, visitors encounter “villagers” going about their daily routine: crushing grapes, stringing chilies, making tortillas, weaving cloth. Traditional Southwestern music and dance is also a festival highlight, as well as an artist market with New Mexican crafts, mule-drawn wagon rides, and more. Rated one of the best harvest festivals in the country, families will learn about the rich culture of the Southwest.
The Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival - Half Moon Bay, CA
The self-proclaimed World Pumpkin Capital gives other harvest festivals a run for their money with the combination of a small seaside community and pumpkins, pumpkins everywhere! This year it's going to be a mini-fest, on one day and scaled-down festivities. You'll still find top crafters and artists from around the country, the 43rd Annual Pumpkin Run, the famous pumpkin weigh-off, a costume contest, a pumpkin carving, a pie-eating contest, and plenty of good food. Be sure to bring cash so you can get a picture with the winning pumpkin!
Everything’s bigger in Texas, and when it comes to festival royalty, Queen Tunaep and King Reboog (yup, peanut and goober spelled backward) are no exception—since the late '30s the festival court has donned be-jeweled and be-ribboned gowns and capes that make Queen Elizabeth look like an amateur. But the glamorous get-up of the Bohemian Blooms Court is not the only fun for families in Floresville during the festival. There’s the Goober Games, which is filled with kid faves like sack races, peanut toss, and musical peanut; the parades are worth a watch too.
Fall wouldn’t be the same without the changing of the leaves. The tree-covered hills in southern Ohio are the perfect spot to capture the view, and since 1968, thousands of folks have gathered for three days of fun. There are four skyline drives to take in the beauty of the leaves: Buckskin Loop, Paint Vista Loop, Pike Lake Loop and Redbush Loop. Kids will love both the live pet show and the stuffed animal pet show (with categories such as largest, smallest, most unusual, most lovable), and the kiddy tractor pull. Adults will love the flea market, tribute bands, 5K run and more.
This year marks the 11th annual event taking place under the Oktoberfest Bigtop at Smith Fields. If you’re a kid age 12 and under you get in for free; anyone over the age of 12 needs to chip in $7. You’ll be entertained with great German music and a few crazy contests including log sawing, keg throwing, stein holding, and for the kids, a chicken dance-off. Lots of beer, bratwurst, sandwiches and soups too. The kids will especially enjoy the hot dog with mac & cheese plate.
Celebrating the rich agricultural history of pecans (the harvest goes all the way back to pre-colonial times) the Louisiana Pecan Festival has grown from a Frontier Days theme in the early ‘70s to a three-day festival filled with fun for the whole family. The weekend kicks off with Children's Day. There are arts and crafts booths, a cooking contest, carnival rides, great food, musical entertainment, the Grand Parade and a fireworks show on Saturday night is followed by the Street Dance. Be sure to hit up The Country Store, where you can pick up homemade pecan pies, pralines, jams, jellies, local honey and of course, pecans.
Editor’s note: At Red Tricycle, we stand for justice, humanity and equal rights. We stand with Black families, co-workers, partners and the community to speak out against racism. We also stand for education and connection. Our writer, Ayren Jackson-Cannady, offers us not only perspective here but real, actionable ways to make positive change.
…and what to do when you just don’t have the words.
Last year, when my husband and I took our kids to a state fair, it was the first time our son was tall enough to ride a “scary” ride. Of course, the ride he chose (hello, Kamikaze!) was also the most popular with an estimated 30-minute wait time. Just when I was ready to throw in the funnel cake and find a new thrill ride, a family of stilt walkers—a mom, dad, and two kids—toddled towards us, stopping nearby for a quick performance.
They did karate kicks and jumping jacks. They hopped on one foot and then the other. They did a very elaborate chicken dance. The mom stilt walker even hula hooped…while juggling!
My attention quickly shifted from “this line is never going to move” to “how in the world are these people (these kids!) maneuvering with those things tied to their feet?”
So it goes with race and injustice.
Being Black in America is like being a stilt walker.
In order to get from point A to point B, it’s necessary to maintain a very specific amount of balance. Leaning too much to one side or the other—being too loud, too quiet, too educated, too uneducated, too this, too that—can be detrimental.
And, it doesn’t matter how skilled you are. It doesn’t matter how far you climb the corporate ladder. It doesn’t matter how much joy you bring into the lives of others or how AWESOME you are. When you miss a beat or skip a step (or go jogging…or birding…or shopping…) the bumps in the road of injustice can bring you down—and bring you down hard.
Question: Have you ever seen a stilt walker get back up on their own after a tumble? Nope. Because, guess what? They can’t. Stilt walkers rely on helpers on the ground to dust them off and lift them back up. White Americans who don’t have to walk on the stilts of inequality have the ability—the privilege—to be the helpers for communities of color.
Stepping out of the shadow of privilege is making someone else’s struggle your struggle.
It’s kicking those pebbles of racial injustice out of the way to prevent the tragic wrecks. And when Black moms, dads, and kids start to wobble, it’s steadying them by grabbing a stilt until balance is found.
And if the words never come. That’s okay, too. Sometimes—er, all the time—actions speak louder than words. Here are some things that you can DO with your kids that will help to open their eyes to race and injustice:
Read with them.
Even if they’re 10 and think they’re grown and too old to be read to…there are a bajillion books out there that address the topic of bias, diversity and injustice in a way that kids get. Start here:
Sure, you might have to do that virtually now. But when it’s safe for everyone, get together to serve other families in your community that might need help. Remember: It’s all about steadying those who are walking on stilts.
Play!
Surround your kids with toys and playthings that help cultivate appreciation and acceptance for people that don’t look like them. These are fun:
Crayons from Crayola and People Colors that represent every skin tone on planet earth.
Watch films or TV shows that help educate on the topic of race and inequality.
If your kids have been watching a lot of television lately, they’re not alone. The next time they’re begging to turn on the TV, put one of these on for them:
This “stilts” example of how I envision race and injustice working may go completely over your kids’ heads (full transparency: I tried to explain it to my five-year-old and I completely lost her at the hula hooping mom). But I share all of this to say that the key to being able to talk to our kids about the injustices that have happened and continue to happen to Black people in the United States is to try to fully understand them ourselves. Once we know our history (because, news flash, Black history is everyone’s history) and we can comprehend the complexities of injustice, then we can openly and honestly communicate it to our kids.
You give it a little wave when you’re passing thru to catch a flight at Chicago O’Hare, but have you ever jumped off the exit lit up by the Fashion Outlets of Chicago to see what Rosemont is all about? It only sits about 20 miles northwest of Chicago, but Rosemont has developed into a major destination that offers a lot of the excitement you’ll find in the city in a super convenient suburb setting. Read on to hear about those outlets we teased you with, dining options the kids will be excited to explore and dates you should most definitely add to the family calendar.
photo: Kings Bowl via Maria Chambers
Where to play, play, play!
Make the fun old fashioned by lacing up your bowling shoes and hitting the lanes at Kings Dining and Entertainment. This isn’t your grandma’s dusty and dimly lit bowling alley, they have 20 ten-pin bowling lanes, over 50 HD TVs, pool tables and a pretty sweet sound system. Use their Dine Then Bowl reservation system to be moved to the top of the bowling priority list when each member of your party orders an entree or equivalent.
It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s your kid! Yes, really — that’s your kid taking flight! Skip the terrifying jump from a plane to feel the rush of skydiving by planning a visit to iFly Rosemont. A 12-foot diameter wind tunnel powered by electric motors simulates freefall conditions, recreating the wind effects of actual skydiving. Slip into those flight suits and soar like an eagle!
photo: Fashion Outlets of Chicago
Where to stock the closets
Bring along the plastic for a shopathon at Fashion Outlets of Chicago. Stores like Carter’s, The Disney Store, Claire’s, Gymboree, Nike, Forever 21, Converse (and much more!) will get the kiddos excited for we’re-already-back-to-school (but still have shopping to do) shopping. Tap the concierge for stroller rentals, to get your Fashion Outlets Savings Pass with up to $800 in savings from participating stores or for help making restaurant reservations. Don’t forget to stop by Godiva to watch them make . . . and then you eat . . . their scrumptious chocolate-covered strawberries.
photo: Chicago Wolves
Where to get sporty
The Blackhawks may have sparked hockey fever in Chicagoland, but the Chicago Wolves offer an opportunity to bring your young fans to see live action at an affordable price (tickets start as low as $10) at Allstate Arena. With pregame shows filled with fireworks and laser shows, a chance to try your best slap shot in the Kids’ Zone and post-game autograph sessions, you can be sure this will be an event the whole family will remember. Regular season home games run October-April.
photo: Sugar Factory
Where to refuel
Even the sweetest tooth will be satisfied when meal time leads you to Sugar Factory. With nearly a 40-page menu, there’s no need for a separate kid’s menu, but several food options can be prepared in smaller portions if you ask. Kids will think they’re on a trip to heaven with drinks served in goblets — with and without alcohol for the parents — candy galore, milkshakes, ice cream, chocolate fondue and, oh yes, the insane milkshake that includes a chocolate covered glass and anything from a burger to a Twinkie on top.
You’ll be in Rosemont, but you’ll feel like you’re in Germany when you step into Hofbräuhaus Chicago. The sister location to the legendary original in Munich is surprisingly family friendly on weekend afternoons. Their menu is packed with kid-favorites, including mini pretzel bites (yum!), chicken tenders and burgers, as well as traditional German go-tos like potato pancakes, sauerkraut bites and schnitzel.
If you’re looking for something a bit more fancy, make a reservation at Fogo de Chão, a traditional Brazilian steakhouse. The meat . . . It. Just. Keeps. Coming. And, boy, is it amazing. They have a mango salsa Chilean sea bass that is incredible, if you prefer seafood. Also, do yourself a favor and grab the biggest plate you can find and fill it with the spicy bacon on the salad bar. Then, go back for a second plate of bacon. Because, you can do that at Fogo. Good news about this restaurant is the experience is free for kids under the age of 6 and half price for ages 7-12.
photo: The Ashburn
Fans of flight will totally dig The Ashburn at Loews Chicago O’Hare. Borrowing inspiration from Chicago’s first airport, Ashburn Flying Field, The Ashburn celebrates the heritage and tradition of aviation in their decor, but their food includes unique twists and modern interpretations of classic American cuisine in a gastropub setting. Just one quick conversation with the Chef, Jose “Tiny” Garay, and you’ll fall in love with the cuisine and his passion for serving up quality, fresh dishes made from locally sourced products whenever possible.
photo: Loews Chicago O’Hare
Where to stay
There’s so much to do in Rosemont, why not make it a staycation? You can’t go wrong with packing an overnight bag and laying your head down at the Loews Chicago O’Hare. You are literally (and we ARE using the word literally correctly here) minutes from everything you could possibly want to do, and you get the bonus of feeling like you’re in a luxury downtown Chicago hotel, without the hassle of parking and traffic. Their signature Loews Loves Kids program is designed to make overnights fun with a complimentary activity book, a “Kids Closet” full of toys, books, car seats, strollers, nightlights and self-contained DVD players with age-appropriate DVDS, a children’s menu with healthy options, cribs, roll-away beds and child-proof kits. Pssst . . . the concierge will help with babysitting services if you want to sneak in a date night! Wait, we’re not finished, for a $120 fee you can even bring along the family pet!
photo: Hofbräuhaus Chicago via Kelly Aiglon
Dates to jot down Sept. 13-Oct. 31 — Looking for a family-friendly place to celebrate Oktoberfest? Look no further than Hofbräuhaus Chicago. In a grand dining hall packed with communal tables, you can get excited about a rotating array of European musicians that play oompah music on stage (brace yourself for the chicken dance). There are also kids’ parades and games, and you might even see an aplhorn, a longhorn used by Swiss mountain dwellers. Come hungry for traditional German grub.
Oct. 27 — Families are invited to Halloween Kinderfest to celebrate the spookiest time of the year with children’s costume contests, parades, live music, face painting, Halloween-themed arts and crafts stations, $5 kids meals and more.
Find out more about everything Rosemont has to offer: rosemont.com
These Socal restaurants up the ante on pre-meal fun so you can dine out without a meltdown
You crave a nice family dinner, but you’re worried your little sidekicks may get too squirmy waiting for the food to arrive. We hear you. That’s why we’ve found a bunch of restaurants with entertainment where kids can play and get their wiggles out from drinks to dessert. Pre-meal distractions like giant swings, arcade games, and a giant foosball table will keep your darlings dazzled while they wait for their brunch, lunch, or dinner.
Nate's Garden Grill is located in San Diego's largest organic nursery, City Farmers. Here you and the kids will feel cozy and welcome dining on the rustic patio while listening to local musicians play toe-tapping tunes daily. Kids will love the fresh, house-made biscuits and jam they can enjoy while jamming to the music. The folks at Nate's say, "It is the perfect setting for relaxing with family and friends and enjoying good quality food, beverages and music." Sounds perfect to us!
Based on the age-old notion of gathering around the fire to share good food with friends and family, Campfire has a hospitable vibe and even invites kids to play and relax in the teepee on their patio. They'll feel like they're camping right in the city with water poured from a canteen into metal mugs. Grown-ups will be pleased to find artisanal cocktails including a variety of fiery combos. The kids' menu is a simplified version of the regular menu, but most kids will opt for the gooey grilled cheese. Everyone will delight in the desserts, including, you guessed it, s’mores.
Swings, a seesaw, and tasty Italian food––that's amore. It's a parent's paradise when kids can play on the playground before and after dinner. Even more, the pizza and pasta dishes are homemade and the menu is huge. Also, you can sit outside on the heated covered patio with a full view of the play area.
What's not to love about giant swings with a view and fun games like bean bag toss? Without a doubt, this craft brewery has a picturesque view of the San Dieguito Lagoon, with good beer and a delicious menu to boot. Try the Backyard burger, truffle fries, and burrata kale salad, which all deserve a shout-out. Further, dogs are welcome (on the patio) too!
Del Mar Neighborhood 2201 San Dieguito, Suite D San Diego Online:viewpointbrewing.com
Whether it's Sunday brunch or afternoon eats, this local brewery's koi fish pond keeps the littles entertained. Get a seat outside on the patio, which is perched upon the expansive pond that's filled with fishies to admire. We appreciate the kids' menu with items like mac n' cheese, grilled chicken breast, and a root beer float. Also, you can order a craft brew flight and you can't go wrong with the fish and chips. On the other hand, it's a perfect Sunday brunch spot where it's loud enough for kid noise and you'll find items like pancakes, eggs, and a carving station. Whatever you do, be sure to put this eatery on your list of places to go.
Kids' meals and plane watching! Grab the lunch combo after checking out the museum. Little aviation experts love digging into grilled cheese (with apples or chips) while watching planes fly over. The view is beautiful and you can have a glass of wine too. Notably, plan on making a day of it since you must visit the museum (or pay admission) to get to the grill.
Balboa Park San Diego Air & Space Museum 2001 Pan American Plaza San Diego Online:sandiegoairandspace.org
Hello Betty Fishhouse
After ordering, little surfers can run to play in the dune buggy (right in the middle of the restaurant). More still, the pinball machines are tons of fun. You'll eat up the Baja fish tacos and peel-and-eat shrimp. Likewise, kids will dig the chicken fingers or cheeseburger (off the kids' menu). Make it a family date night with a walk to the nearby theater or Oceanside Pier.
Watch the fishing boats dock with the day's catch while eating fresh fish. Also, the seagulls and seals in the water make for great entertainment. You'll find a little guppy menu with fish and chips and a cheeseburger. If kiddos need to move around, there's a small beach next to the restaurant. In short, we recommend this place for the fresh seafood and the views of the seals, ships, and boats.
Punch Bowl Social is a whopping 23,500-square-foot restaurant, bar, and entertainment destination that families will love. It boasts two bocce courts, private karaoke rooms, eight bowling lanes, shuffleboard, Bonzini, an arcade, a custom-built 360-degree bar with televisions galore for sports enthusiasts, and numerous lounging and gathering spots. The kids' menu features tyke-friendly fare ranging from a cheeseburger or enchiladas to a lemon waffle or banana almond butter sandwich. Adults can sink their teeth into delectable salads, burgers, fried chicken, and additional comfort foods with elevated flair––and it's great that they also offer tantalizing vegetarian and gluten-free items. Punch Bowl Social's made-from-scratch food is described as an "American diner with a fresh, modern take on Mexican cuisine."
Good to know: After 10 p.m., Punch Bowl Social is open only to the 21 and older crowd.
This kid-friendly and dog-friendly 8,000 square-foot multi-level, plaza-style complex fuses dining, lounging, and sipping in a playful, relaxed community-inspired ambiance. Kids can roam around or plop down on the astroturf, play the giant Connect Four game, or bean bag toss. There's open-air seating, cozy fire pits, and many ways to eat. You can grab a cup of coffee and a donut or eat a bigger meal like pulled pork, chicken, or salmon.
Good to know: Park 101 also hosts many family-friendly events including trivia nights, movie nights in the park, and Mom's Who Mimosa to name a few.
One of our favorite brunch spots, Farmer & the Seahorse, has an expansive play area complete with several corn hole games, balls, and frisbees that kids can throw on the lawn, a grassy area to run and play tag or to use hula hoops or a parachute or stack the large outdoor Jenga game. The restaurant also has a rotation of indoor board games such as Scrabble to enjoy. Be sure to check out their lunch and brunch menus.
Order up a healthy sandwich or salad at the counter of this charming eatery and let the kids enjoy the indoor and outdoor play spaces. They'll find a foosball table and corn hole on the front patio and giant chalkboard walls for drawing and playing tic-tac-toe in a nice-sized nook for kids inside. You'll love the vegan Banh Mi sandwich, they'll love the grilled cheese.
Del Mar Heights Neighborhood 12873 El Camino Real Del Mar Online:mendocinofarms.com
Head to Corvette Diner for some good, old-fashioned 1950s nostalgia. This Liberty Station restaurant practically screams family-friendly. It’s an old-school style diner with tasty eats and ice cream shakes. The best part is the huge arcade where you can buy a swipe card and have a blast. The employees offer some great entertainment too. Dressed in their best 1950s attire, the wait staff has been known to perform Grease classics and The Chicken Dance right in front of your table. If you’re there at the right time, kids will enjoy watching a magician perform tricks and a balloon artist make some fancy creations. Plan for a wait on the weekends; but remember you can pass the time in the arcade.
The Crack Shack offers food the whole family will love as well as a warm and inviting interior and a fun patio with outdoor seating that includes a sandbox for the kiddos. There's also a classy bar area for those who'd like a drink. Casual and local, this cool eatery in Encinitas is definitely worth a family trip.
If you’d love to go out for dinner but you’re worried your kids will be climbing the walls waiting for the food to arrive, fear not! We’ve found 10 restaurants with exciting and engaging play areas that will keep them entertained while you enjoy a night out on the town at some of the city’s hippest hot spots. Read on for indoor and outdoor restaurant settings where you and the fam can dine out and enjoy everything from bowling or playing arcade games to foosball and giant Jenga.
A recent arrival to the San Diego scene, Punch Bowl Social is a whopping 23,500-square-foot restaurant, bar and entertainment destination that families will love. It boasts two bocce courts, private karaoke rooms, eight bowling lanes, shuffle board, Bonzini, an arcade, a custom built 360-degree bar with televisions galore for sports enthusiasts and numerous lounging and gathering spots. Even board game lovers will be pleased to find an array of classic games to play. In addition to the endless fun to be had, the food and drink menus are also a hit. The kids menu features tyke-friendly fare ranging from a cheeseburger or enchiladas to a lemon waffle or banana almond butter sandwich. Adults can sink their teeth into delectable salads, burgers, fried chicken and additional comfort foods with elevated flair––and it's great that they also offer tantalizing vegetarian and gluten-free items. Punch Bowl Social's made-from-scratch food is described as "American diner with a fresh, modern take on Mexican cuisine."
Insider's Tip: Cool down with a boozy milkshake (kids can get a non-boozy version!) The Malted Maple Royale milkshake looks like the perfect treat to beat this summer heat.
Good to know: After 10 p.m., Punch Bowl Social is open only to the 21 and older crowd.
It takes a village! This kid-friendly and dog-friendly 8,000 square-foot multi-level, plaza-style complex fuses dining, lounging and sipping in a playful, relaxed community inspired ambiance. Kids can roam around or plop down on the astroturf, play the giant Connect Four game or bean bag toss. There's open-air seating, cozy fire pits and many ways to eat. You can grab a cup a coffee and a donut or a eat a bigger meal like pulled pork, chicken or salmon. Even more, there's a kids menu with choices like bbq pork sliders and kids get free cotton candy once they finish their meal!
Good to know: Park 101 also hosts many family-friendly events including trivia nights, movie nights in the park and Mom's Who Mimosa to name a few.
One of our favorite brunch spots, Farmer & the Seahorse has an expansive play area complete with several corn hole games, balls and frisbees that kids can throw on the lawn, a grassy area to run and play tag or to use hula hoops or a parachute or stack the large outdoor Jenga game. The restaurant also has a rotation of indoor board games such as Scrabble to enjoy. Be sure to check out their new lunch and brunch menus. Go indulge in their fresh Korean Picnic Salad while the kiddos play.
Insider's Tip: There's live music every Sunday for adults. You'll love the serene, open air setting on the relaxing patio.
Order up a healthy sandwich or salad at the counter of this charming eatery and let the kids enjoy the indoor and outdoor play spaces. They'll find a foosball table and corn hole on the front patio and giant chalkboard walls for drawing and playing tic-tac-toe in a nice sized nook for kids inside. You'll love the vegan Banh Mi sandwich, they'll love the grilled cheese.
12873 El Camino Real Del Mar, CA 858-436-0000 Online: mendocinofarms.com
School may be on holiday, but littles will beeline to the school bus that's adjacent to the patio to play while big folks chow down on French crafted menu items like porcini flatbread and grilled salmon. Dine inside or out. You'll find the basics for half-pints like chicken nuggets and quesadillas.
Insider's Tip: Call ahead to book a table near the repurposed school bus so you can take a breather while the kids play back to school.
Head to Corvette Diner for some good, old-fashioned 1950s nostalgia. This Liberty Station restaurant practically screams family-friendly. It’s an old-school style diner with tasty eats and ice cream shakes. The best part is the huge arcade where you can buy a swipe card and have a blast. The employees offer some great entertainment too. Dressed in their best 1950s attire, the wait staff has been known to perform Grease classics and The Chicken Dance right in front of your table. If you’re there at the right time, kids will enjoy watching a magician perform tricks and a balloon artist make some fancy creations. Plan for a wait on the weekends; but remember you can pass the time in the arcade.
Parent date night with the tots in tow? Yes! Landon’s is a fresh farm-to-table eatery that has kids care right in the restaurant! While you feast on delicious California cuisine, kids can go have a blast in the restaurant’s chic, supervised Playroom and opt to order a meal off the kids menu. Moreover, they can order a meal, read books, play with car racetracks and much more. Also, for older kids, there are video games, iPads and movies. Enjoy gourmet food and grown-up convo with your little tyke being cared for in the on-site playroom.
Read our full review of Landon's Gourmet Kitchen here.
San Marcos Neighborhood 1020 W. San Marcos Blvd., Suite 138 San Marcos, CA 760-798-0600 Online: landonsgourmetkitchen.com
Are your little ones wiggle worms? They can read, play games and kick back and relax or stay busy in the kids only special space at Waypoint Public. All while you dig in to the Hipster Hash and indulge in the "Orangealicious" brunch cocktail. Once they join you at the table, little eaters can chomp down the Cocoa Krispy French toast.
The Crack Shack boasts food the whole family will love as well as a warm and inviting interior and a fun patio with outdoor seating that includes a sandbox for the kiddos. There's also a classy bar area for those who'd like a drink. Casual and local, this cool eatery in Encinitas is definitely worth a family trip.
407 Encinitas Blvd. Encinitas, CA 760-230-2968 Online: crackshack.com
October is a great month to be a Chicagoan. Between the changing leaves, fall festivals and pumpkin patches popping up all over the city, there’s always something to see and do in the Windy City. Read on for our Editor’s favorite picks for family fun this month.
photo: Chicago Children’s Museum
(1) Seafaring Adventure Aboard Boats
October is your last chance to set sail on a high-seas adventure at the Chicago Children’s Museum Boats exhibit. Climb aboard lifelike boats of all kinds and don your captain’s garb for a little seafaring on Lake Michigan. Fill a bucket with fake night crawlers at the Bait & Tackle Shop then grab a fishing pole at the Dock. See how many faux fish you catch. Then head off to Ride-the-Wave Word Play, an afternoon event that blends story time and songs.
When: now through Nov. 1 Hours: Fri.-Wed., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Thurs., 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Where: Chicago Children’s Museum, 700 E. Grand Ave., Streeterville Cost: $14; free Thursdays & Oct. 4 Online:chicagochildrensmuseum.org
(2) Good Night Moon & The Runaway Bunny
Introduce the next generation of theatergoers to Chicago Children’s Theatre’s season opener, Goodnight Moon & The Runaway Bunny. Combining two beloved bedtime books from Margaret Wise Brown and Clement Hurd, this enchanting double-bill delights with innovative puppetry, striking effects and evocative original music.
(3) First-Ever Fall Fest at Lincoln Park Zoo
Usher in the harvest season with your animal friends at Lincoln Park Zoo’s first-ever Fall Fest, a family celebration complete with rides, activities and entertainment. An a-maize-ing corn maze, Ferris wheel, hay mountain, a giant 60-ft. burlap sack slide and hay wagon rides round out the fun. Pumpkins will be available for sale at the Pritzker Family Children’s Zoo pumpkin patch daily throughout October.
When: Oct. 2-4, Oct. 9-11, Oct. 12 & Oct. 16-18 Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Where: Lincoln Park Zoo, 2001 N. Clark St., Lincoln Park Cost: Free admission; $3/ride tickets Online: lpzoo.org
Photo: Nature Connects®: Art with LEGO® Bricks
(4) Nature Connects®: Art with LEGO® Bricks
Enjoy a day built on fun at Nature Connects Art with LEGO Bricks by Sean Kenney, who’s a “professional kid” and the first-ever LEGO Certified Professional. LEGO enthusiasts of all ages will be dazzled as they search for 13 larger-than-life, nature-inspired sculptures throughout the east side of the The Morton Arboretum. See if your kid’s little eyes can spy a 7-foot tall regal peacock, a grandfather and grandchild gardening, a giant corn spider (eeek!), a hummingbird sipping nectar from a colorful trumpet flower, an 8-foot dragonfly and more! Be sure to stop by the play-and-stay area where kids can get creative with LEGO bricks.
When: now through Nov. 1 Hours: 7 a.m.-sunset Where: Morton Arboretum, 4100 IL Rte 53, Lisle Cost: $14/adults; $9/ages 2-17; free for children 1 & under Online:mortonarb.org
photo: Hofbräuhaus Chicago via Kelly Aiglon
(5) Hofbräuhaus Chicago Oktoberfest
The sister location to the legendary original in Munich is surprisingly family friendly on weekend afternoons. In a grand dining hall packed with communal tables, you can get excited about a rotating array of European musicians that play oompah music on stage (brace yourself for the chicken dance). There are also kids’ parades and games, and you might even see an aplhorn, a long horn used by Swiss mountain dwellers. Come hungry for traditional german fare.
When: now through Oct. 31 Hours: Sun.-Wed., 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Thurs., 11 a.m.-midnight; Fri. & Sat., 11 a.m.-2 a.m. Where: Hofbräuhaus Chicago, 5500 Park Pl. , Rosemont Cost: Free Online: hofbrauhauschicago.com
(6) Trick or Trees
Come in your costume to play tricky games, fashion fall crafts and plant a tree seed to take home as a treat. Small pumpkins to paint will also be available for purchase.
When: Sat. & Sun. in October Hours: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Where: Morton Arboretum Cost: Free with admission Online: mortonarb.org
photo: Fischer Farm
(7) Fabulous Fall Fun at Heritage Day
Welcome the changing leaves and milder temps at Heritage Day, the annual fall celebration at Fischer Farm, where families and history lovers can explore the buildings, touch the artifacts, and connect with history. A $5 wristband will get your child a pumpkin, pony rides and unlimited access to the petting zoo. Along with a pig roast there will be plenty of fun activities like candle making and pumpkin painting, arts and crafts, a Bluegrass band, rug braiding, colonial reenactors and more!
(8) Cornbread From the Ground Up
With the help of Angelic Organics, make tasty cornbread from the ground up! Starting with ears of dried corn and eggs from the farm’s chickens, you’ll whip up a tasty snack. Families are welcome to take turns as they shuck, shell, winnow and grind the corn. Learn about the long history of corn, receive recipe tips and seeds and spend a wholesome day with the family.
(9) Splendid Spiders
Scary or spectacular – Morton Arboretum lets you be the judge. Find out where spiders live and how they help our gardens grow. They’ll even have spiders available for viewing.
(10) Siegel’s Cottonwood Farm Pumpkin Fest
Harvest memories with your family with a visit to Siegel’s Pumpkin Fest. Guests will find a petting zoo, hayrack rides to a u-pick pumpkin field, train rides, haunted barn, 2-acre corn maze, pony rides, zombie paintball ride, a climbing wall, gem mining and more! Don’t forget your Siegel’s Suds, homebrewed sodas in a special souvenir cup.
When: now through Nov. 1 Hours: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Where: Siegel’s Cottonwood Farm, 17250 S. Weber Rd., Lockport Cost: $15 Online: ourpumpkinfarm.com
Tell us in the Comments below what’s on your family’s agenda for October.
Flashback time: The lights are low. Your banana clip is perfectly coordinated with your Benetton shirt. The cutest guy in 7th grade shrugs at you and you giggle and take his hand for couples skate as “I’ve Had the Time of My Life” starts to play. Best. Day. Ever. Until now, when you can recreate the retro roller fun with your favorite dates of all time – your kids. Nestled on a corner of an industrial stretch of San Fernando Road, Moonlight Rollerway is one of those places you could drive by 1000 times, and never know is there. But roll up here on any day of the week and you’ll wonder if you’re the only one in town that didn’t know about this place: it’s hip, it’s happenin’, and it’s a whole lot of fun.
Blast From The Past
Skaters young and old have been zipping around Moonlight’s patina floor since 1950, although back then it was known as Harry’s Roller Rink . Today the place is owned by Dominic Cangelosi, a legend in the roller-skating world for his thirty-year career as a skating organist -some say the most famous in the world. Mix that up with the disco balls above your head and that psychedelic 80s carpeting below your feet, and you will indeed feel like you’ve just stepped back in time to your own vintage childhood.
Just For Kids
The very best time to come to Moonlight Rollerway with your kiddos is during Saturday morning Kids Skate from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm. Come a little earlier and they can take a children’s beginner class (parents welcome), which includes skate rentals and the skate session after class. During all weekend sessions you and your mini whiz-on-wheels can really get down with some old-school games like Red-Light-Green-Light, Four Corners, The Chicken Dance, and yes, you guessed it, The Hokey-Pokey. Try that on wheels. (And then get up, brush off, and try again.)
Stop by the snack bar for some pizza, corndogs, funnel cakes and other fun foods, or brake for some arcade games, although there are only a few: roller skating is the real star here, so lace up and roll on.
Skate-Date, Anyone?
Look, we weren’t going to mention it; we know you’re looking for cool things to do with the kids, but since you asked: Yes! This is a great place for a grown-up date too. Especially on Tuesday nights when you can skate back in time to the sounds of live organ music piping out across the floor. So get a sitter, find your banana clip, and go “Back in Time” (hum along with Huey Lewis now).
Skates and skills seeming a bit rusty? Brush ’em off and try the adult beginner class before the session – you’ll be up to speed in no time.
Roller-Skate Skinny: Know Before You Go
Check the schedule: Some skate sessions are adult only and the rink closes occasionally for private parties and maintenance. Be sure to check the website for details before driving over.
Leave the gum and cell-phones, cameras and head-phones in your bag: all are prohibited on the rink for safety reasons.
Parents can stay on the sidelines and watch for free; all other patrons must wear skates.
You can rent regular roller skates for an additional cost, or bring your own. Roller-blades and in-line skates are acceptable to bring, but not available for rent.
The first Oktoberfest was held 1810 as public celebration for a royal Bavarian wedding. In the ensuing two hundred years it has morphed into what’s been called the largest secular celebration on Earth. Its growing popularity has been fueled by pork, potato pancakes, the chicken dance, and lots of beer. As with other holidays, we Bay area residents put our own spin on the festivities. Here are six of the best local options:
Oktoberfest by the Bay
The area’s largest and most traditional Oktoberfest runs this Friday through Sunday. It boasts two alternating oompah bands, Bavarian folk dancers, sausages and related pork products, and an ocean of crisp Spaten. Friday and Saturday night sessions are 21 and older. If you want a guaranteed place to sit, easy access to food, a bar, and bathrooms, use the web site to order VIP tickets.
Oaktoberfest
Oakland’s 5th annual festival is held in the Dimond District which was a turn of the century oasis of German beer gardens and vacation resorts. Although Oakland’s free street fest has German beer, food and entertainment, its broad offerings reflect the city’s diversity. Most of the beers are from local craft brewers, local food vendors sell a variety of fare, and the music runs the gamut from Bavarian to world beat. Avoid the lines by using the website to purchase drink ticket packages….
To read more about where to throw back a few for Oktoberfest, click here!
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