Whether you need a Halloween costume for 8-year-olds, a dinosaur costume or maybe you just want to know what the popular Halloween costumes are this year, there’s no better place to start than Amazon. You’ll find tons of costume ideas and any accessories you might need as well. Plus, if your kids are anything like ours and decide at the last minute he or she wants to be a ninja, not a firefighter, those quick shipping and free returns perks will be game-changers. Scroll down to see the best kids’ Halloween costumes on Amazon. 

Skeleton

The ever-popular skeleton can be scary or it can be sweet and we like the latter. This cozy shirt and pant set is perfect for a Halloween at home. 

Sizes: 5Y-12Y

Buy it here, $8.99 & up. 

Peppa Pig

Your toddler or preschool kid will love dressing up as Peppa Pig. We just love those striped stockings! 

Size: 2T-4T

Buy it here and here, $24.28 & up.

Unicorn Costume

Unicorn's are still a favorite with little kids, and this adorable costume comes in six different color combos! The horn headband is included. 

Sizes: 1Y-6Y

Buy it here, $21.95 & up. 

Pumpkin

Even the youngest person in your family can get in on the action with this classic pumpkin Halloween costume. 

Sizes: 12 months-7Y

Buy it here, $16.99.

Elsa

Would it be Halloween without seeing a few dozen Elsa’s out and about? We think not. This awesome set comes with everything your Ice Queen will need to look the part, and there’s even a blond ponytail included. 

Sizes: 2T-11Y

Buy it here, $26.89.

Dressing up as a first responder is always a big hit with young kids. This Melissa and Doug firefighter costume will stand up to pretend play for months to come.  

Sizes: 36 months-6Y

Buy it here, $25.99.

Wonder Woman

Wonder Woman 1984 is still expected to premiere in October of this year, so it's perfect timing for your own Wonder Woman. She'll get plenty of wear out of this sweet costume that comes with a dress, belt, gauntlets, tiara, and even shin guards. Halloween night may be the first of many times she saves the neighborhood.

Sizes: S, M, L

Buy it here, $20.73n & up.

 

Super Mario

You've been gaming '90s-style with your kids since March, so how about this spot-on Super Mario costume, complete with hat, mustache, gloves and a one-piece jumpsuit? And, yes, that is an inflatable belly! This makes a great buddy costume, too, if you have a Luigi in the house! Plus, you can’t beat the price.

Sizes: S, M, L

Buy it here, $19.97.

Scarecrow

How adorable is this scarecrow costume? All the accessories you see here are included (except the tights and shoes), so you’ll be all set when Halloween night arrives. 

Sizes: 3T-6T

Buy it here, $20.83 & up.

Gekko

A popular choice for preschool kids, this Gekko costume is listed as an Amazon’s choice and a #1 bestseller, and with over one thousand reviews, we think this is one a winner when it comes to Halloween costumes for kids. 

Sizes: 2T-6T

Buy it here, $21.01

Hermoine Granger

Harry's smart and spunky BFF is a huge hit with girls who are reading the Harry Potter series. This robe is affordable, has the Gryffindor crest on the front and is offered in three sizes. You'll need to buy the accessories to complete the look, like this tie and this wand

Sizes: S, M, L

Buy it here,  $11.78.

Popular Poppy

Trolls World Tour was a huge hit this year, which means Poppy, Branch, Bridget, and DJ Suki will be trending this Halloween. This darling Poppy dress may get some wear all on its own, and she’ll definitely want to put her hair up for fright night!

Sizes: 3T-12Y

Buy it here, starting at $21.32.

Ninja

Dressing up like a martial arts master is always a big hit on Halloween. This costume comes with the black jumpsuit and hood, ninja star and belt. 

Sizes: S, M, L (ages 4-9)

Buy it here, $23.34.

Mal

Descendants 3 fans will love this Mal costume! While the wig is not included, you’ll get the gloves, the moto jacket, the jumpsuit and a vest. Will your kid defeat the Queen of Mean this Halloween? 

Sizes: 4T-12Y

Buy it here, $30.23.

Astronaut

Do you have a kid that’s obsessed with outer space? Then this Astronaut suit is just the thing! Choose from three different colors (orange, white and pink) and each suit comes with authentic NASA patches, a cap, and ankle cuffs with adjustable velcro straps. 

Sizes: 6 months-14Y

Buy it here, $29.99.

Baby Owl

Whooo will be the cutest baby on Halloween night? Yours, if you order this adorable owl costume. Not only do the colors pop, but it’s comfy, cozy, and has leg snaps to make diaper changing easy.

Sizes: 6 months-18 months

Buy it here, $30 & up.

Black Panther

This one is bittersweet after the loss of actor Chadwick Boseman, but what better way to pay homage than dressing up as his iconic character Black Panther? One of the most important and popular superhero movies ever made, we think this one is going to be a popular choice this year. 

Sizes: S, M, L

Buy it here, $28.99.

 

Dinosaur

Another very popular choice when it comes to costume ideas is a dinosaur. This fun version is bright and cheerful and looks super warm for a cold Halloween night. It even comes with the plush egg. 

Sizes: 12-18 months, 18-24 months, 3T, S, M

Buy it here and here, $23.99 & up.

—Gabby Cullen

All images courtesy Amazon

Editor’s note: At the time of publication, all items were available for purchase. 

 

RELATED STORIES:

20 Halloween Costumes for Twins (Older Siblings & Parents too!)

The Most Popular Halloween Costumes for Kids in 2020

First-Ever Adaptive Disney Halloween Costumes Now Available on shopDisney.com

20 Halloween Costumes from the ’70s, ’80s, & ’90s That We Miss … Kinda

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health hasn’t cancelled Halloween, but they are recommending that door-to-door trick or treating “not happen” and prohibiting most festivities—both inside and out—because of the pandemic. Fear not, though! LA’s top impresarios have come up with a solution: spooktacular drive-thru Halloween experiences. So get dressed in full costume, hop in the car, buckle up and get ready for a scary-good time!

Hauntoween

Courtesy of Hauntoween LA

What do you do when your daughter turns 5 on Halloween, but trick or treating and other in-person fun is off limits? If you're Jasen Smith, the COO of Experiential Supply, you create a massive drive-thru Halloween celebration that's fun for all ages. For three weeks, Experiential Supply will host the first ever Hauntoween, a 20-25-minute experience that includes pumpkin picking, "door-to-door" trick or treating (with plenty of candy, of course), costumed actors, musical performances and a jack-o-lantern tunnel—all to be enjoyed from the safety of your car. 

Cost: $70 per vehicle

Dates: Fri., Oct. 9- Sun., Oct. 31

6100 Topanga Canyon Blvd.
Woodland Hills
Online: hauntoweenla.com

Nights of the Jack Drive-Thru

Courtesy of Nights of the Jack

Discover a Halloween wonderland filled with larger-than-life pumpkin creations and gourd-geous depictions of your favorite movie stars, sports heroes and animated characters. You'll cruise by thousands of hand-carved Jack O’ Lanterns and have a chance to immerse yourself in what's sure to be one of the year's most Instagrammable Halloween experiences. 

Dates: Thurs.-Sun., Oct. 1-Oct. 25; daily, Oct. 26-Nov. 1

Cost: $69 per vehicle

King Gillette Ranch
26800 Mulholland Hwy.
Calabasas
Online: nightsofthejack.com

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by The Gentle Barn CA (@thegentlebarn) on

A Gentle Halloween Drive-Thru

Little ones can get dressed up and head to the Gentle Barn for a behind-the-scenes tour of the animal sanctuary, that includes plenty of Halloween-themed decor, plus a chance to "trick or treat," drive-thru-style. 

Dates: Sundays, Sept. 27-Nov. 1

Cost: $28 per person (two person  minimum per car)

15825 Sierra Highway
Santa Clarita
Online: gentlebarn.org

Haunted Highway

Cocoparisienne via Pixabay

Hosted by the city of Santa Clarita, this free family-friendly experience (taking place just two days in October) allows you to celebrate all the tricks and treats of Halloween from the comfort and safety of your own vehicle. You will start with a drive through Scarecrow Alley before arriving at Haunted Highway. As you make your way down the spooky stretch, the story will come to life through set pieces, props, live actors, lighting, sound and visual effects. And for an extra treat? Each vehicle will receive a single goodie bag with candy, crafts, and more at the end of the drive-thru.

Cost: Free (tickets must be reserved in advance)

Dates: Thurs., Oct. 29 & Fri., Oct. 30 (Friday's event is currently sold-out)

George A. Caravalho Santa Clarita Sports Complex Gymnasium
20870 Centre Pointe Parkway
Santa Clarita
Online: eventbrite.com

Urban Legends of Southern California

NeONBRAND via Unsplash

WARNING: This drive-thru is truly terrifying and not recommended for kids under 13. But if you have older children (or just love a good scare yourself), Urban Legends is a must. The 45-minute drive-thru haunt experience is taking over the parking lot of the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa. Be sure to roll up your windows and lock your doors... mwahahahaha!

Cost: starting at $60 per car

Dates: Wed.-Sun.; Oct. 1-Nov. 1.

88 Fair Dr.
Costa Mesa
Online: urbanlegendshaunt.com

–Shannan Rouss

RELATED STORIES: 

LA Pumpkin Patches Open for Safe Pre-Halloween Fun

11 LA-Inspired Halloween Costumes for Kids

21 Not-Too-Spooky Songs for Your Halloween Playlist

Autumn wouldn’t be complete without a family jaunt to beautiful Julian. What better way to spend a day with your curious explorers than by taking a one-hour road trip to this quaint mountain town? Known for its homemade apple pie, picturesque apple picking, gold panning and old-fashioned flair, channel the simpler times of yesteryear by taking the kids to enjoy several autumnal activities they’ll love. From raspberry picking and feeding camels to gem mining, family camping and grape stomping, read on for what you must do in Julian this fall.

photo: Annie Spratt via Unsplash

What Not to Miss

1. Enjoy Berry Picking at Julian Farm & Orchard
From now through October, you can go to Julian Farm & Orchard for fresh berry picking fun on Saturdays and Sundays from noon-3 p.m. Here you’ll find a 25-acre farm filled with U-pick raspberries and blackberries that are ripe for the pickin’. This harvesting experience is perfect for little ones because the berry bushes are thornless and the farm uses organic farming methods. At a cost of only $5 per pint, this is bushels of affordable fun. If a weekday visit better suits your schedule, call or text 951-312-9940 for appointment availability.

Stay tuned to the Farm & Orchard’s events because they’re also open for apple picking, a pumpkin patch and more fall activities beginning Sep. 21 through Halloween.

Online: julianminingcompany.com

photo: Lauren F. via Yelp

2. Go Apple Picking
Nothing says fall like ripe, delicious apples––and there are so many luscious varieties of the fruit to choose from in the many locations that offer apple u-picking in Julian. Read our guide for where to take your little blossoms to pick a peck of apples––but don’t delay, because farms only stay open until all the apples are gone.

3. Do Kids Apple Crafts
When in Julian, make a keepsake apple craft to remember the trip. On Sep. 14 between noon-3 p.m., stop by Julian Town Hall so your kids can enjoy an easy apple craft. Crafting is free, but if you’d like to make a donation to the Julian Country Christmas Celebration, it’s appreciated.

photo: Kaydee W. via Yelp

4. Miner’s Day
Travel back in time to Miner’s Day at Julian Mining Company. This event takes place from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturdays and noon-5 p.m. Sundays from now through October. Kids will love panning for gold, gem mining, axe throwing and searching for artifacts in a dig pit.

5. Julian Grape Stomp Festa
Sep. 7, kick off your shoes, roll up your pant legs and indulge in the age old tradition of stomping grapes at the Julian Grape Stomp Festa. Local wineries, breweries and cideries will be offering sips to sample and there will be food and shopping, great music and dancing. It will be a party to remember!

photo: bighornplateau1 via Flickr

6. Volcan Mountain Foundation’s Family Discovery Day
Sep. 28, join the fun of the Volcan Mountain Foundation’s Family Discovery Day! Come by VMF’s Volcan Mountain Nature Center with your friends and family to learn about the unique ecosystems and wildlife on Volcan Mountain. There will be fun educational nature activities throughout the day, including creating a rainstorm effect on a 3D watershed relief map, making a shelter from branches, and going on a gentle guided plant walk on VMF’s Watershed Trail. You’ll also have the opportunity to enjoy “wild” refreshments. This event is free. All ages welcome. No registration required. Bring water, snacks or lunch and sunscreen.

7. Build a Scarecrow
Fashion a scarecrow as a fam at Wynola Junction Antiques & Collectibles. There are multiple time slots available on Oct. 5, Oct. 19 and Nov. 2. Get your tickets now because this experience sells out fast. You can either build a scarecrow for free and leave it at Wynola Junction as decor, or pay $10 per family to take your scarecrow home with you. All supplies are provided, but you’re encouraged to bring special items like a shirt or hat to jazz up your creation.

photo: Johnny K. via Yelp

8. Eat Fresh Baked Apple Pie
No visit to Julian is complete without treating yourself to a slice (or whole!) apple pie. You’re spoiled for choice of bakeries and restaurants in the small town, where you can order up a delectable taste of Julian’s heavenly dessert. We’re partial to Julian Pie Company’s caramel Dutch apple pie topped with a heaping serving of whipped cream.

If apple pie isn’t your cup of tea, you’ll also find pie flavors including blueberry apple crumb, peach, boysenberry, cherry, rhubarb and more!

photo: Oasis Camel Dairy

9. Canoodle With Camels on Your Way to Julian
Make a pitstop at Oasis Camel Dairy on your way to Julian for their “Camels Love Apples” event. Their Animal & Bird show starts at 1:30 p.m. and features talking parrots, gobbling turkeys, lovable farm dogs and of course, camels. After the show, meet, greet, and feed camels a sweet, crunchy apple treat. There will also be camel rides for the kids, a mini-sheep feeding, exotic bird exhibits, a game and activity area and shopping in the Camel Dairy’s unique gift shop. Prices vary depending on activities you choose to do.

Aug. 31 and Sep. 1 from 1-4 p.m. (Gates open at 12:45 p.m. and last entry to the farm is 3:45 p.m.)

Online: cameldairy.com

10. Harvest Weekend Family Camp 
Turn your trip to Julian into an entire weekend of fall fun. Camp Stevens offers a Harvest Weekend Family Camp Oct. 11-13 that your whole clan will love. Featuring seasonally-themed activities and food, past camps have included offerings like pretzel baking in a wood-burning cob oven and scarecrow building. You can also navigate camp classics like the climbing wall and enjoy cozying up by the campfire.

Online: campstevens.org

––Beth Shea

featured photo: Camp Stevens via Yelp

RELATED STORIES:

The Best U-Pick Apple Orchards

Where to ‘Fall’ in Love with Autumn in San Diego

The Great Pumpkin: San Diego’s Best Pumpkin Patches

Follow the yellow brick road—to cuteness, that is! In celebration of The Wizard of Oz’s 80th birthday, Pittsburgh’s West Penn Hospital (which is part of the Allegheny Health Network) dressed four adorable newborns as the iconic film’s beloved main characters.

The oh-so-cute kiddos tackled the roles of Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Cowardly Lion and the Tin Man.

Even though we’re pretty sure the families of these newborns ooh’d and aah’d over the photos, the hospital posted super-sweet pics of the babies in costume on its Instagram page for everyone to see.

Along with the photos, the post included the caption, “Our hope for our patients is that the dreams that they dare to dream really do come true.” And we totally agree!

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: West Penn Hospital via Instagram

 

RELATED STORIES

Why Did Kristen Bell Take Her Daughter to the ER?

Moms Create Beautiful Rainbow Photo to Celebrate Their Babies

9 Nurses Who Work Together Just Had 9 Babies & the Pics Are Adorable

Who doesn’t like something for free? Um, everyone does! Well, your kiddo can get a free LEGO set at LEGO Stores in October.

So how can your LEGO-loving kiddo score a free model? The answer is easy—register for the Monthly Mini Model Build. Every month LEGO stores across the country offer free events for kids to build seasonal or themed models. And they get to take home what they build, without an added charge.

Photo: Josh Hallett via Flickr

October’s mini build is the LEGO Scarecrow Witch model—because Halloween is right around the corner. Obviously, these monthly events are extremely popular. Again, kids get to build a model and take it home for free. And that makes it extra enticing. Due to the popularity, LEGO stores limit availability to 120 mini models per store.

If this sounds like something your child just has to do, the time to register is NOW. Registration for the monthly event begins on the 15th of the previous month at 9 a.m. EST. That means October’s registration opened on Sep. 15. Registration is limited to LEGO VIP card members only. If you aren’t currently a member, you can register for VIP card status first.

The Scarecrow Witch model event is set for Oct. 2 and 3, with these exceptions of the LEGO fashion Valley, Arundel Mills, Overland Park and The Mills at Jersey Gardens stores. These LEGO retail spots will hold their event on Oct. 9 and 10. The build is open only to children between the ages of 6 and 14.

According to the LEGO website, this is a building event. You will not be permitted to take the toy without building it in the store or pick up the set at a later date (if you don’t attend the event). Visit the LEGO website to register for the October build ASAP!

—Erica Loop

Featured Photo: Efraimstochter via Pixabay

 

RELATED STORIES:

We Need This LEGO Vacuum Like Whoa

Calling All LEGO Super Fans: LEGO Ninjago Is Casting Kids for New Commercial 

LEGO & Volvo Team Up to Make the Construction Toys of the Future

 

At Watkins Regional Park in Prince Georges County, you can follow the yellow brick road (literally) to a Wizard of Oz-themed playground that’s guaranteed to have your kids singing, “We’re off to see the Wizard, the wonderful Wizard of Oz!” But don’t take our word for it. This is one fun spot you’ll have to see to believe. Read on to discover this hidden gem.

Photo: Caity T. via Yelp

Somewhere over the rainbow…
As the latest addition to this popular family-fun filled park that features picnicking, trailblazing, camping, mini-golf, mini-train rides, old-fashioned carousel rides, and an animal farm, this super cute playground leaves nothing untouched when it comes to its Wizard of Oz theme. From the yellow brick road that begins at the park’s gates, you’ll walk under a rainbow of colors and pass by wood carvings of the Scarecrow and the Wicked Witch of the West, then make your way to two giant ruby red slipper slides that will have your little ones squealing with delight.

Photo: Kelly B. via Yelp

Lions, and tigers, and bears…oh my!
You can park yourself on a bench near the slippers and watch the kids dart from one colorful piece of equipment to the next. There’s the Emerald City, an enormous green structure with a climbing wall, slides, tunnels and bridges. The kids can explore Uncle Henry and Auntie Em’s barn and wonder through a poppy flower field. They can crawl into colorful Munchkin houses and check out Auntie Emm’s farm house. They can even spend some time in Toto’s dog house. The entire playground is encircled by a rainbow track where kids can run themselves ragged. A swing set is strategically placed to let them swing over the rainbow and back again. It’s a fabulous and fun time for everyone.

Photo: F Delventhal via Flickr

Insider tips
T
ake a picnic or snacks because there’s no food for purchase, and choose a day other than Monday to go if you want to combine the playground with a carousel ride or a game of mini-golf, because these activities are closed every Monday.

301 Watkins Park Dr. (Upper Marlboro, Md)
Cost: Parking and playground are free; $2-$2:50 for carousel and train rides; $5-$6.50 for mini-golf.
Online: mncppc.org

Have you visited this park yet? Tell us about it in the comments below.

–Jamy Bond

The Wizard of Oz  film is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year and the new Wizard of Oz exhibit at the Portland Children’s Museum not only brings back warm-fuzzies for grandparents and parents who have seen it, but it offers a glimpse into the film for little ones, as well. The exhibit is all fun, completely interactive and educational and runs now through January 18, 2015.

photo: Tornado Maker by Portland Children’s Museum

Just past the front desk at the Portland Children’s museum, keep your eyes on the ground n to follow the yellow brick road from the front of the museum, through the hallway, twisting up onto the walls and ceiling, past the fabric tornado, leading to all the way to replicas of Dorothy’s iconic ruby slippers.

The Gale Farm
In one corner of the exhibit, sits the The Gale Farm with Dorothy’s askew bedroom. Kids can walk inside the room with a slanted floor and crooked artwork on the walls. Little ones can spin a couple of different steering wheels to make a tornado on the wall spin one way or a little house in the center the other way.

Just outside Dorothy’s house, kids can push a button to create their own tornado out of mist and wind in a vertical tunnel.  A sign inside the tornado maker reveals a few interesting facts about volcanoes.

Other parts of the farm section let little cowhands work as farmers, collecting eggs from the chickens, harvesting crops, sitting on a small cow statue, milking a cow, petting faux farm animal hyde and pushing buttons to hear animal sounds.

photo: Professor Marvel’s Wagon Portland Children’s Museum

Next up, it’s Professor Marvel’s Illusions and Sleight of Hand Wagon, where kiddos can peer into his wagon and spin steering wheels to create three separate optical illusions. There’s a hypnotic, black and white spiral, a bird in a cage and a vase that spins to reveal a face.

photo: Munchkinland Rainbow by Portland Children’s Museum

Munchkinland
Munchkinland is in the center of it all and appears to be a favorite with the real-life munchkins. Here, they can stack large vinyl-covered, foam cubes to create a rainbow – then knock it all down. The rainbow-building is definitely a team effort. The knocking down, not so much. There are also image-distorting mirrors and a funny, two-sided voice changing station that instantly transform kids bodies and voices into munchkins. Kiddos can also stack big foam disks to craft Glinda the Good Witch’s crown and use a loom to weave Dorothy’s dress.

photo: Cowardly Lion by Portland Children’s Museum

Crossroads
After Munchkinland, you’ll see the friendly face of the Cowardly Lion. Kids are encouraged to brush and comb his soft mane and invited to climb through a short, darkened tunnel with rubber fringes on each side. Inside are tiny pairs of lights that resemble sets of red eyes. This is probably the scariest it gets in the whole exhibit. Kids can show how brave they are by climbing through the tunnel to the other side.

Movie facts paired with an educational lesson are built into the exhibit via signs, called “Movie Moment Messages,” placed throughout the room. These are usually one part movie trivia and one part teachable lesson. The Cowardly Lion’s message talks about courage. Another one, near Dorothy’s house, talks about how Dorothy learns to face her problems rather than run away.

Then, it’s the Meet the Movie section where buttons will light up corresponding still frames from the movie. This is a good introduction to the film, for little ones who may not have seen it.  It’s also the only place the witch’s face appears. Her frames are small and honestly, you might miss them if you’re not looking.

The Tin Man offers the chance to pull magnetic gears and rearrange them to make them work, while the nearby Scarecrow section allows tiny designers to craft their own scarecrow faces from felt circles, squares, rectangles and fringe they can attach to blank scarecrow heads wearing grey hats.

Emerald City
In Emerald City, where kids can push buttons, change colors, distort their voices and create a little “fire” via a button that starts up orange lights and fabric blown by a little wind to change the Great and Powerful Oz’s scene.

There’s also the Horse of a Different Color station that lets mix masters change the projected colors onto a horse. Red, green and blue can be added at different levels and intensities to create a variety of colors.

The Witch’s Castle
The Witch’s Castle is at the back of the exhibit and gives kiddos a chance to scale a rock wall, climb around on a rope spider web and slide down from the castle on a mini slide.

The Witch’s Eye View lets one little witch stand and look at other kids through the crystal ball. On the other side of it, kids can see the little witch’s green face inside the crystal ball.

photo: Miss Gulch’s Bike, Portland Children’s Museum

Miss Gulch’s (stationary) bike lets kids climb aboard and pedal to spin a giant jewel-shaped object that, when spun fast enough, changes tiny silhouettes of Miss Gulch to a flying witch. Toto rides along in the bike’s basket too. Yes, Toto, too.

Kids of all ages will get a kick out of the music from the movie playing throughout and will love wandering through to learn trivia about the movie, as well as facts along the way. Especially if it’s been awhile, it’s hard not to want to watch the film again after you leave. 

“The Wizard of Oz”
Open daily through January 18, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Portland Children’s Museum
4015 SW Canyon Rd.
503-223-6500
Online: portlandcm.org
Free for museum members and children under 1
$10/person ages 1-$54; $9/person seniors

Have you checked out the exhibit yet? Let us know your thoughts in the Comments below!

— Suzie Ridgway

 

 

There’s no shortage of pumpkin patches around L.A., but there’s not another one like the family-run Lombardi Ranch in Santa Clarita. With far more than just pumpkins we’ve got five reasons you need to gather up the family, slather on the SPF and escape the city to the old-west style of Lombardi Ranch this fall.

Sunflowers and Scarecrows
Every year Lombardi hosts a community scarecrow contest, and folks here go all out. Unique and elaborate displays range from “The Krowdashians” (only in L.A.) to an entire puppy scarecrow house to everyone’s favorite snowman (see above). They live in Scarecrow Alley – a breathtaking sunflower patch with flowers that tower over you as you wind along its path. This area is great for photos.

The Grub
Grab a $1 treat from the bake sale benefiting local high schools and groups – faves are the banana bread and giant dipped marshmallows. If salty is more your speed, get a giant farm-grown ear of corn, sprinkle it with Parmesan, and check your pride at the door while you gnaw through that goodness. At the “Chuck Wagon” you’ll find typical festival fare like hot dogs, nachos, and drinks. There’s not only pumpkins raised here, it’s a working farm that’s been growing produce since the 40’s and offers seasonal vegetables you can bring home. They’re particularly known for their tomatoes, but also offer beautiful squashes, peppers, onions, and more.

Groovy Performances
From the live country music you’d expect to hear at a venue with hay bales for seats, the quality of bands Lombardi showcases is top notch. For example, Beer Truck Band which plays most weekends, is led by a prior Motown Records singer. There’s also live 50’s and 60’s music by band Pink Cadillacs and R&B by Teresa James & The Rhythm Tramps. A cute (shaded) dance-floor-slash-mosh-pit is set up in front of the band so you and your kids can get your groove on.

On weekends you can catch a performance by one of the talented local dance, band or cheer teams.

 

Baby Goats
Need we say more? Plus, there are even more animals to see from a cow to a llama to pigs. Only the goats and sheep are in the petting zoo, however. (A visit to the petting zoo is $3.50.)

 

The Farm Rides
The most popular ride at Lombardi is hands-down the train – a colorful (and comfortable) ride that meanders through the sunflower scarecrow patch. But don’t miss the horse drawn covered wagon ride. Led by two beautiful white horses with bells and with two friendly dogs (Judy and Roscoe) on board, the ranchers are wonderful to chat with as you ride old-west style through the large corn fields that overlook the valley. You’ll have a serious urge to strap on a bonnet after this ride. A train ride is $4.50, and a wagon ride will set you back $5.

There’s a large corn maze to conquer (warning: it’s harder than it seems!), and a free little kid hay bale maze complete with ride-on tractors for kids under six to enjoy.

What to Know Before You Go 

  • All activities, food and produce are cash only (there is an ATM on site).
  • Parking and entry are free. On Saturday mornings, get there by 9 a.m. for the best parking (and before it gets too hot).
  • Pick up a free wagon in the parking lot to for toting your pumpkins.
  • Do not get your car washed or wear your Sunday shoes to the ranch. It’s all dirt.
  • Use your most “off-road” stroller to deal with dirt paths and hills.
  • Don’t forget sunscreen and a hat.
  • You can bring your own food and drinks in.
  • Dress the part! There are few legit places in LA to wear your cowgirl boots – this is one of them.
  • Bring your camera – like your real one, not just your phone. There are photo ops galore: from a huge, hollow pumpkin to an antique red fire truck to a giant hay bale pyramid.
  • Bathrooms are on-site and port-a-potty style.
  • A covered picnic bench area can be reserved for birthday parties on the weekends. Cost: $100 for three hours.
  • Kids under 24 months are free for rides.

 

The festival is open through Halloween, Mon.-Sat. from 9 a.m.-.6 p.m. and Sun. from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Lombardi Ranch
29527 Bouquet Canyon Rd.
Saugus, Ca
Online: lombardiranch.com

-written and photographed by Shannon Guyton

Do you have a fall festival that’s a family tradition?  Share the inside scoop with us in the comment section.