Thanksgiving is a time of togetherness for family and friends.
Legend has it that the Pilgrims made it through their first winter in the New World thanks to the Native Americans who provided food and shared their means for survival in a harsh climate.
Traditional Thanksgiving fare includes mashed potatoes, stuffing, yams and other vegetables, cranberry sauce, ham, and of course, the main attraction, the Thanksgiving turkey. This is all followed by pumpkin or apple pie (or both, in my family) topped with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Wow, I’m salivating for that meal already, but it’s still more than a week away.
Wait, isn’t it Christmas already?
No, you say?
But everywhere I go, I see Christmas garlands strung across store aisles, Christmas tree farms are throwing open their gates, inflatable snowmen have replaced their jack-o’-lantern counterparts, and Santa has set up camp at the mall.
When I was younger, I remember that after Halloween, I would continue to see autumn-themed decorations and other trimmings wherever I went; it was basically Halloween décor minus the scare factor.
It was still autumn and everyone was celebrating the “Harvest Season.” Thanksgiving was always a nice, smooth transition into the “Christmas Season.”
Now with retail taking more and more of a chunk of our attention to the holidays, The “Christmas State of Mind” needs to start earlier and earlier to feed the gift-giving frenzy of a confused populace who keep thinking Christmas is right around the corner, forgetting that speed bump called Thanksgiving.
Why squeeze out a holiday that is totally non-denominational, brings family and friends together for delicious food, and reminds us to show gratitude for all our blessings?
So I’m here, with a defense of Thanksgiving—let’s slow down and enjoy November, its fiery show of leaves going out in a blaze of glory, the countdown to the Thanksgiving Feast, the constant reminder to “give thanks” inherent in the name of the season.
And to those who wish to rush, don’t panic. As soon as you finish that last bite of turkey and stuffing, you may don your ugly sweater and play those Christmas carols. You still have an entire month, after all.
Jen Kathrina-Anne is a blogger, freelance writer, and graphic designer. When she’s not writing or designing, she enjoys spending time outdoors in the California Bay Area where she resides with her husband and two fearless daughters. Find her at www.hautemommyhandbook.com.
When it comes to all things fall, corn mazes are on every family’s list. It’s a chance to be outside, solve a puzzle as a family and enjoy all the perks farms have to offer during the harvest season. So if you’re looking for your next fall adventure, take the kids to one of these Boston corn mazes on a sunny day.
For an educational and interactive maze, head to Marini Farm. The 8-acre corn maze, that takes about 90 minutes to complete, puts families in the middle of an interactive game. You get the game sheet before heading in and then seek out answers at 18 different stations as you make your way through the maze. If you’ve got tots, the one-acre mini maze (that takes about 20 minutes to complete) is a great alternative. Once you’ve made it through, it’s time for hayrides, tube slides, duck races, cow trains and a 70-foot jumping pillow that’s irresistible to kids.
Good to know: Flashlight nights are Fridays and Saturdays, starting at 6 p.m.
Insider tip: Families will find a few new activities this year including two play structures, one fire engine themed the other a tractor. Plus, Farm Basketball.
Dates: Now through Oct. 31, 2021 Hours: Fri., 6-10:30 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m.-10:30 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Plus Mon., Oct. 11, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Cost: $15/person; Free, kids under 2 (with paying adult)
259 Linebrook Rd. Ipswich, MA 978-356-0430 Online: marinifarm.com
Just west of the city, you’ll find Hanson’s Farm and the 4.5-acre corn maze that’s a fun challenge for kids of all ages. On weekends, families can hitch a hayride to the field to make it extra special. No matter when you visit, everyone will get to see the farm animals and take one home sugar pumpkin for each person in the group (both are include with maze admission). The ice cream bus is usually open when the maze is, so don’t forget to stop by before heading home.
Good to know: Hanson’s popular Haunted Hayride is not running this year.
Insider tip: As an added bonus, make your way through the sunflower maze. As of publication, the sunflowers are starting to bloom and will hopefully be ready to go in October for some extra photo opp fun.
Dates: Now through Oct. 31, 2021 Hours: Mon.-Sat., 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun., 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Cost: $15/Adults; $10/Kids, 6-12; Free, kids 5 & under
Plan a full day at this farm that’s south of the city. You’ll find everything you need to keep the kids outside and active including two fantastic corn mazes and a pumpkin patch. After you’ve had your fill of these fall farm staples, it’s time to ride the cow and bee trains, bounce on the jumping pillow, race ducks, play on the zip lines and jump in the corn boxes. Pick up a few apple cider donuts before heading home and call it a win.
This year at the Davis Mega Maze, Waldo’s on the loose and your job is to find him among the 8-acres and 3-miles of puzzling pathways in the maze. This corn maze is known for its complexity, so plan to be in there a while (there’s a reason porta-potties and a snack shack are in the maze). If you get stuck, just look for a Maze Master to point you in the right direction. What makes this maze a bit different is its gamer appeal. You’ll find games within the maze too—like the slingshots, hammer bells, field goal kick, Kids Quest and more. And tech features like Mobile Mazing and Geo Questing set Davis Mega Maze apart from the rest.
Insider tip: Beyond the maze, families can enjoy zip lines, laser tag, cannon blasters and a paintball shooting gallery. Just pick up your tickets at the ticket booth.
142 Redstone Hill Sterling, MA 978-422-8888 Online:davismegamaze.com
Crescent Farms
Shannan Rouss
The 15-acre corn maze at Crescent Farms is one of our favorites for families with little kids in tow. While the maze is challenging, it’s not overwhelming, and there’s an exit halfway through if your kiddos are getting tired of the twists, turns and dead ends. Plan to take about 40 minutes to complete this puzzle. If your tots are dead-set on a hayride with their corn maze experience, Crescent Farms offers scenic rides on the weekends.
The folks at West End Creamery are ready to take families out to the ballgame with a Worcester Red Sox-themed maze to celebrate the WooSox inaugural season. It’s sure to be a hit with your baseball-loving crew. They’ll also love the pedal carts, wagon rides, cow train, barnyard jump and corn crib—all hot spots for tots. If you’ve got older kids (or kids who want a challenge) Fridays are light maze nights on the farm. Bring your flashlight and see if you’ve got what it takes to make it through the maze. When all is said and done, stop by the Creamery to get some ice cream. Your little navigators have earned it!
Insider tip: Add something different to your corn maze experience with a pony ride ($6).
1. Please remember to check COVID policy and safety for each farm before visiting so you know what to expect.
2. Some of these farms require advanced tickets for corn mazes and other farm activities. Be sure you’ve got yours before heading out.
Tips & Tricks for a Successful Experience:
1. Last entry into the corn maze is usually an hour before closing, so plan accordingly. Many corn mazes have an estimated time for completion that’ll help you choose the right one for your fam.
2. Remember to wear sturdy shoes, especially on little feet. Corn maze fields can be muddy and are usually uneven. Pack sunscreen on a sunny day and water bottles just in case.
3. Babies in backpacks or carriers usually work better than babies in strollers as you wind your way around the narrow, uneven paths of the corn maze.
4. The buddy system is always key and pairing an adult with each group of kids is a fail-proof way to make it out of the maze without tears. That is, unless, your kids are better at getting through the maze than you are, in which case, the tears may be on your part!
5. Nighttime corn mazes can be super fun or super scary, depending on your kiddo. Maybe save this one for a date night.
6. Teach older kids to use the sun position to keep themselves oriented in the maze–have them take notes of where the sun is when they enter the maze (at their back, for instance) and hopefully it will help them from going in circles or doing unnecessary back-tracking as they go.
Good to know: Many of Boston’s U-pick pumpkin patches also offer fun mazes. Check out our Pumpkin Patch Guide for even more a-maze-ing options!
Fall is here! Just a short drive from the Bay Area are some of our favorite spots to welcome fall. Take in the changing scenery, get lost in these fabulous corn mazes and pick up your decorations from these pumpkin patches while you discuss potential Halloween costumes! We’ve got you covered with all the details below so you can just hit the road!
Editor’s note: Many towns are open for recreational visitors with social distancing requirements in place. Please check the cancellation policies before you book. Follow county requirements for COVID-19 including wearing a face mask. Keep our community safe!
Wine Country
Istock
Gorgeous browns, reds and oranges take over wine country come fall. There are a number of farms in the area that offer apple picking this time of year like Gabriel Farm and Apple-a-Day Ratzlaff Ranch in Sebastopol. For tips on family-friendly wineries and other activities in the area, check out this story.
Where to stay: The glamping spot Wildhaven Sonoma is the perfect option for families looking some fall fun in Healdsburg. They have upscale glamping tents right on the Russian River so you can enjoy the lingering warmth well into the fall. Cook up some burgers on the communal grills or head to PiZzando for some tasty take-out pizza. Bonus: They just added some Riverside Tent Cabins with larger porches and more privacy, as well as outdoor showers for rinsing off after a day in the river.
This coastal Bay Area town goes all-out for giant orange pumpkins every fall. Head to one of the many pumpkin farms in the area that offer fields of pumpkins to pick and photo opps galore. Try something new at one of our fav spots—Lemos Farms with their petting zoos and rides for kids and goat yoga. This year's Safeway World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off will be on Oct 11.
Where to stay: There are tons of vacation homes available for rent in Half Moon Bay with water views and privacy. This villa sleeps 5 and has a fire pit that you'll definitely want to hang out at after a day at the beach. If you have a bigger group, this 3-bedroom home sleeps 9 and is a quick walk to the beach.
Between Sacramento and Lake Tahoe you'll find the quaint Gold Rush town of Auburn. We love to stop here for lunch on the drive to Tahoe but it's also a great destination itself especially on fall weekends.
Families can begin their day by taking in the fresh air and hiking one of the many scenic trails in the Auburn State Recreation Area. As hikers enjoy the beautiful scenery, they can then venture to the vast American River and find the iconic ForestHill Bridge.
After hiking, head to town to grab a bite from the artisan bread bakery and cafe The Baker and The Cakemaker, offering delicious sandwiches and salads that are tasty for both adult and child palettes. The Auburn Alehouse is another family-friendly option with huge pretzels and burgers on the menu.
Autumn days bring harvest season in this gorgeous coastal region north of San Francisco. Ride a horse along the shore or visit the African hoofstock at B. Bryan Preserve where a drive-through car safari tour ends with giraffe feeding. Be sure to stop by Frankie's Ice Cream and Pizza for a slice of mushroom pizza followed by a cone topped with candy cap mushroom ice cream when you are in downtown Mendocino. Read up on our Covid friendly Mendocino Micro-cation and you are all set!
Where to stay: Reserve a cottage at the Point Arena Lighthouse to hear the waves crashing off the cliffs nearby and possibly see migrating grey whales offshore. If a private vacation rental is more your speed, check out this oceanfront home with hot tub that sleeps 8.
Before the snow doubles the driving time, head to Tahoe for some fall family time. You'll be rewarded with gorgeous vistas, perfect hiking weather and lots of seasonal activities. Scarecrows take over downtown Tahoe City businesses during the fall and you can take advantage of the weather and check out the many recreational activities that are available like stargazing and fishing. Nearby Reno doubles the fun of any Tahoe trip with a gorgeous downtown full of public art, restaurants and parks. Read all our Reno recs here.
Where to Stay: You will love the hygge vibe at this cozy cabin in the Tahoe Donner community where you'll find room for 10 and a fire pit for nights under the stars. Or, go for this woodsy A-frame with three bedrooms, two bathrooms and a loft that has a wrap around deck where you'll want to enjoy some coffee.
Head north past Redding and you'll make your way to the tranquil county of Siskiyou that extends to the California-Oregon border. Here you'll find gorgeous hikes like the Hedge Creek Falls Trail in Dunsmuir and the McCloud Falls Trail. Spend some time fishing for trout and exploring all of the outdoor adventure that the area has to offer. Read all our area recs here.
Where to stay: The brand-new LOGE Mt. Shasta is the perfect home base for families visiting from the Bay Area. Book their "Whole Crew" room and you'll have a king-sized bed and pull-out couch in the main room, and a separate bunk bed room for the kids (plus, an in-room hammock!). We also love the vintage cabooses turned into sleeping compartments at Railroad Park in Dunsmuir.
Characterized by the rolling hill terrain with 360-degree panoramic views of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, Rocklin is the perfect stop for an outdoor family day. Visitors can take in the picturesque setting of Rocklin at Quarry Park, which is filled with entertainment for families and plenty of wide-open space for visitors to social distance. Mini adrenaline junkies are sure to find it a big hit! Read our review of Quarry Park here.
Where to Stay: Families will love this Fair Oaks guesthouse with access to a pool. This family-friendly farmstay in Lincoln offers another great option and you can even help milk the cows and make cream-cheese!
Just over three hours from the Bay Area, sits the often-overlooked Alpine County, just south of Lake Tahoe. We love this destination for fall as there are ample hiking and fishing opportunities that are perfect for families.
Where to stay: The newly-renovated Wylder Hotel Hope Valley is the perfect home base for your Alpine County adventures. Wylder Hotel Hope Valley has tons of different lodging options for families. From cabins that sleep up to eight people to campsites, yurts and even a vintage Spartan, you'll find something that suits your family's travel style, for sure. Cabins share outdoor spaces with hammocks, swings, picnic tables and fire pits. Read our review here.
Just two hours south of San Jose lies one of the lesser known National parks with sheer cliffs, condors and hiking trails that go through caves. The park gets its name from the rock pinnacles that are truly gorgeous and the balconies trail is totally doable at 2.6 miles with the kids.
Hike the Balconies Cliff-Cave Loop from Chaparral (West Pinnacles) clockwise with the Cliffs first, so that you’re mostly climbing up the cave steps rather than down and bring a headlamp to enjoy the hands free spelunking experience. Also watch out for climbers attempting the sheer climb on the cliffs.
Where to stay:
Hollister SVRA is open for camping and the bonus would be that you could get your fall fix at the Swank Farms complete with pumpkins, picture perfect photo ops, sunflower fields and something for just about everyone. About 20 minutes away from the Pinnacle National Park is The Paicines Ranch which is another wonderfully serene option. It's an active farm with vineyard, animals, food cultivation and lots of hiking area with the bonus of a beautiful night sky.
Monterey Bay
Monterey Bay Aquarium
South of the Bay area, this gem offers miles of outdoors activity with beach vistas and lots of culture. Do the walking tour of John Steinbeck's cannery row, get your vacation photograph's clicked by professionals for some fabulous memories, take an electric bike tour of the scenic 17 mile drive along the coast or just enjoy the beach. The famous Monterey Bay Aquarium is also open (requires prior booking as tickets are not sold in person).
Where to stay:
There are partner hotels near the Monterey Bay Aquarium or you can book a historic house near the aquarium with all the old world charm and the views for the entire family.
An all time favorite, there's tons to be done around Santa Cruz. Outdoor fun, lots of beautiful sightseeing options and beaches galore. A trip to the Año Nuevo State Park, which is the site of the world's largest mainland breeding colony for the northern elephant seal, is a treat indeed. If you are feeling like an eco-adventurous, the Mount Hermon Zip Line over the redwoods is a must try! Enjoy shopping and dining at the outdoor mall in downtown Santa Cruz and end the day enjoying the microbreweries that Santa Cruz has to offer.
Where to stay:
For a beach retreat, stay at the small town of La Selva beach in this garden oasis with its jacuzzi and beautiful outdoor grill. For more of a mountain feel, check out the town of Felton with this lovely cabin. If Santa Cruz is more your feel, this beach house boasts a deck, hot tub and bikes that you can take to the Boardwalk and wharf down the street. Another option is this kid-friendly home opposite the Natural Bridges State Park.
This fall, enjoy harvest season at a local farm where you can peek at the pigs, gawk at the geese, or even harvest a bushel for yourself. From agriculture to agri-tainment, you can take your city slickers to one of these nearby spots to get down on the farm. Keep reading for our favorite places to make like Farmer Brown.
Farm tours begin at Glo-Crest Dairy and they are “udderly” cool! On your farm tour, you will be able to see the baby calves in the nursery, witness the cows being milked in the milking parlor, milk “Janie” (the pretend cow), learn about cows and how the ones at Glo-Crest are treated like the ladies they are, explore exhibits in a dairy facility, and learn about the benefits of dairy in your diet. From there, travel 2 miles to Mountain Fresh Creamery, learn all about the bottling process that takes place when the milk leaves the dairy, and sample whole milk and chocolate milk, as well as have an opportunity to try fresh ice cream with a coupon to use that day at “The Silo.”
Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Sunday 1-6 p.m.; Farm tours start at 10 a.m.
This is a heritage farm, which means that you'll find guided walking tours of the 19th-century home of Captain James Nichols, Calvin Hunnicutt, and former Gov. Lamartine Hardman. There is also a gazebo-topped Indian Mound, and you can mosey through the spring house and former horse barn on the site. As the site of a former dairy, you can also learn—but not witness, as it's no longer an operating dairy—about how milk was processed and transported.
Go to Jaemor for the huge farm market, pumpkin patch, corn maze, and special events. This fifth-gen family farm has bakery treats you'll be dreaming about for weeks, including fried pies and homemade ice cream made from the season's bounty.
If you missed the Sunflower Festival this summer, don't worry. The corn maze in the fall, and pig races, gem mining, and kid-delighting activities year-round mean that you'll find plenty to do at this farm, created especially for kids and families. While you might not learn a lot about crop rotation at this one, you'll have a blast shooting the pumpkin cannon.
Southern Belle Farm is total storybook farm. You'll find a big silo, a bright red barn, plus a giant jumping pillow, cow train, pedal carts, and over 30 other activities offered on this 330-acre family farm.
Enjoy homemade peach ice cream and grab a rocking chair on the porch while the kids play on a farm-themed playground with real tractors. Stroll through a huge indoor roadside market filled with farm fresh peaches, pecans, strawberries and apples when in season, as well as other fresh seasonal produce, gourmet treats, local wines and craft beers. Enjoy breakfast or lunch at the Peachtree Café or take a seasonal field trip to the Farm.
Pick your own blueberries in June to pumpkins in the Fall, and cut your own Christmas tree at Berry Patch Farms. While you're there, be sure to enjoy a picnic and hayride, and a visit to the barnyard to see the baby animals.
It’s (nearly) fall, ya’ll! If you want to give your house a little harvest love this season, look no further. We searched everyone’s favorite online marketplace and found plenty of things to give your abode cozy vibes in no time. From soft snuggly blankets to charming wall signs, scroll down to see the best fall decor you can find on Amazon right now.
Glasshouse Fragrances Trick Or Treat Pumpkin Pie Candle
While this candle is technically Halloween-inspired, we are definitely on board burning this candle the entire fall season. With notes of coconut, orange, pumpkin, nutmeg, cinnamon, clove, cumin, maple, caramelized sugar, musk and vanilla, this pumpkin pie scented candle will burn for up to 65 hours.
These little pumpkins can go right out in September and stay out all the way through November. Use them on your mantlepiece, or on your dining room table as a centerpiece or Thanksgiving decoration.
Who wouldn’t want to snuggle down under this cozy-looking blanket? The warm color is the perfect accent for all your other fall decor, and the pom-poms add a little extra pop.
How adorable would these little guys look on your kitchen island? Or as hostess gifts? The succulents are not included, but that leaves room to plant other items, too.
If you need to stock up on battery-operated candles, now is the time! This nine-pack comes with varying sizes so you can spread around the house or use together and make a statement. But either way, creating a cozy (or eerie!) glow is part of the fall fun.
Don’t forget your front yard! These adorable scarecrows are perfect for welcoming guests to your humble abode during the fall season. Prop them up with pumpkins against your front door or put them in the ground in the yard, either way, they’re perfect for fall!
There's nothing quite like burlap for fall decor, and we love this banner! Adorned with maple leaves and the words THANKFUL, this banner can brighten up a living room, add flair to a holiday party and more.
This heirloom veggie poster is not typical fall decor, but the vintage vibe is charming, and it can work in your house all year long or just for the harvest season.
If you’re going to use paper plates and napkins for your harvest celebration, these adorable pumpkin and sunflower plates fit the bill and the adorable vintage truck napkins complete the package.
It’s easy to get a farmhouse look for fall with these cotton stems. Pair it with mini pumpkins and a burlap runner, and you’ll have a Pinterest-inspired table in no time.
An easy way to get that that autumn feel? Simply swap out your couch pillows for this fun set of four. Farmer’s Market inspired, with plenty of colors, these are something you’ll love to pull out year after year.
This fall-colored table runner comes in three different sizes: 16”x72, 16”x90 and 16”x108 or as a tablecloth! It’s got hints of green, and the plaid print is on trend for fall 2020.
Last, but not least is a comforting fall scent. If pumpkin spice isn’t your jam, may we suggest this apple/orange/cinnamon scent instead? Your house will still have those spicy fall undertones but with a twist.
It’s hard to believe that crisp fall days and sweater weather are lurking around the corner. Resist the urge to mourn another summer in the books and look ahead to those sweet-spot autumn temps that are perfection for outdoor exploring. Over half of Wisconsin is covered in forest, making it an ideal place to view the stunning colors of the harvest season. Take a quick day or weekend trip to partake in the beauty of Wisconsin and enjoy everything from pumpkin patches to train rides.
Orange or white, short and squatty or tall and slender, pumpkins come in all shapes and sizes. You'll have your pick at one of Wisconsin's numerous pumpkin farms.
Waldvogel Farm starts its season Sep. 18 and being the biggest in the state, you won't be at a loss for activities. You'll find more than 60 attractions, including the world's largest inflatable pumpkin. Have you ever tried pumpkin bowling? If that's a no, here's your chance. Burch Barn lets you try your hand at knocking down some pins before you start searching for your take-home pumpkin. And at Mommsen's Harvel Hills in Rice Lake, you can catapult pumpkins 300 feet into the air with their medieval trebuchet catapult.
After pumpkin-picking, wind your way through a corn maze and then rest up at one of the rented bone fire areas at Schuster Farm in Deerfield. For those who prefer to do their corn-maze-conquering in the dark, the farm keeps the 20-acre maze open until 11 p.m.
In a mash-up of art, outdoor game and social experiment, Treinen Farm's unique corn mazes have a specific theme each year, with an entire experience built around that theme. Once you enter the maze, you'll be handed a map with missing pieces that are gathered as you make your way to different stages that take you to the finish line. This year's theme is Cat and Other Thought Experiments.
It doesn't get any more midwest-fall than picking apples. Eau Claire's The Glass Orchardis a combo orchard and glass blowing studio. After picking apples, take a peek at their shop where customers can find glass-blown pumpkins and ornaments. While you're in the area, stop by Dixon's Autumn Harvest Orchard and Winery that offers free hayrides and mazes for kids on the weekends.
If you're looking for something more than apples, Ecker's Apple Farm grows Wisconsin peaches in the fall and offers local brews at Hog's Back Brew Farms, a unique beer garden nestled among the apple trees.
Make your harvesting fun uniquely special and view the fall foliage aboard a historic train ride with Mid-Continent Railway. They offer a Pumpkin Special ride that lets riders hop off to pick their pumpkins halfway through at Quartzite Lake.
You can also ditch your four wheels and sit back with East Troy Railroad, which stops at the Elegant Farmer, a popular apple orchard know for its paper bag-baked apple pie.
Press your own apple cider using historic traditional equipment from the Washington Island Farm Museum at the Fall Fun Fest & Cider Pressing Party. While you're there, sip on local cider while the kids snack on freshly dipped caramel apples.
Did you know Wisconsin has a state fruit? Yep, it's cranberries. The Warrens Cranberry Festival, Sep. 24-26, includes a guided tour of the surrounding cranberry marshes that provide fresh local cranberries.
Cedarburg's Wine and Harvest Festival, Sep. 18-19, will delight the adult palates in the group, but kids will be entertained watching the pumpkin carving demonstration, pumpkin regatta, grape stomping contests and the giant pumpkin weigh-in.
Orchards from across the county come together for the Bayfield AppleFest, Oct. 1-3 as a celebration of fall, nature and agriculture. The apple peeling contest is always a highlight, as is the crowning of the Apple Queen. There are more than 15 apple orchards within a few miles of the city limits, making it the perfect place for an orchard visit. Be sure to stop by Superior View Farm, a 100-year-old orchard that is home to the one-of-a-kind Merlot apple that was started right there on the farm.
Picking out fruit and veggies at the store is so old school. Busy families know joining a Seattle CSA is the easiest way to get farm-fresh produce, eggs, flowers, and more onto your family’s table. And that can help with weeknight meal prep or healthy lunches for your crew, whether you’re heading out on a picnic playdate or getting the kids ready for school. Plus, opening your weekly box is like the parent version of your kid’s favorite unboxing vids (trust us, it’s just as exciting). These local farms can make your “eat local” dreams come true.
Skylight Farms
Skylight Farms
At this family-owned small farm in Snohomish, farmers Petrina and Jonathan aim to be good stewards of the land, and their focus on what's sustainable, ethical and ecologically sound is at the heart of their farming practices. They have an abundance of farm-to-table options to choose from, including fruit, flower, and egg shares, in addition to their veggie CSA (psst... you can also try a market-style CSA if you'd rather shop at the farm). Their season runs from May through November and families can order share per season (spring, summer and fall) or commit to the whole 27 weeks when they subscribe to this Seattle CSA.
Local Color Farm & Fiber has its roots on Bainbridge Island, where Emily Tzeng started farming back in 2013. In 2018 the farm was moved to Puyallup, and it’s where farmers Emily and Brian grow food, flowers, and fibers now. The Seattle CSA runs for 30 weeks from May through December and offers families a few options to choose from. You can decide whether weekly or bi-weekly pick-up works best for you (they've got two Seattle pick-up locations), and if you need a small share (feeds one to two) or a large that feeds a family of four. Expect loads of farm-fresh veggies in each box (plus a newsletter with recipes and cooking tips), with an emphasis on Asian heritage vegetables.
Good to know: They also offer flower and egg shares for the season.
If you’re looking for a curated selection of fresh veggies, fruit and locally sourced breads, wines and other pantry items, try Kinfood’s weekly Produce & Pantry bag. It’s filled with gorgeous produce sourced from small, nearby farms, and its easily customizable add-ons mean you can support local women and minority-owned businesses plus skip that re-stock trip to the store. Try it out as a one-time thing or have your bag delivered weekly or bi-weekly for added convenience.
Good to know: If your kids eat fruit like it’s going out of style, try the weekly seasonal fruit box ($20).
Carnation’s Goose and Gander Farm is newer to the local farm scene (and the Seattle CSA scene), but has quickly blossomed into a vibrant farm dedicated to feeding our community responsibly grown produce. Every year, Goose and Gander Farm delivers 22 weeks of farm fresh produce to its shareholders for pick up at locations around Seattle. Each share contains seasonal produce grown on the 6-acre farm, and families can expect to feed two adults with a standard share and a family of four with a large. Shares are filled 24-hours before delivery to ensure the freshest seasonal produce. Add honey, eggs, and poultry to round out your weekly share. Don’t forget to stop by the farm stand or u-pickle patch (for pickling cukes) and say hi to the farmers.
For over 25 years, Helsing Junction Farm has been providing flavorful, nutrient-rich produce to its members. Each week during the 20-week season, members will receive a box of fresh, seasonal produce. Everything in the box is grown on the farm and then delivered to CSA members. Depending on the size of box you select, you’ll receive 7-14 items each week. Helsing also supplies its members with 20+ healthy and flavorful recipes, customized to the wide variety of items you receive over the course of the season. An abundance of cooking inspiration will never leave you guessing what to do with your veggies. And with over 30 drop sites and home delivery offered around Seattle and the Eastside, Helsing Junction makes it easy and convenient to get your veggies.
Good to know: A few other shares to note include their bulk, canning and storage shares that help families eat fresh all year round.
Dates: Mid Jun.-mid Oct. Cost: starting at $33/week
Get creative in the kitchen by subscribing to a box of fresh produce from Carnation’s Jubilee Farm this summer growing season. A family-run farm since 1989, Jubilee offers a diverse selection of nutritious fruits, vegetables and meat, all of which are grown and harvested using organic farming practices. CSA members are encouraged to spend time on the farm. You can bring a picnic and enjoy the u-pick fields. Throughout the season, you’ll find berries, flowers, herbs, beans, tomatoes and more. Summer Seattle CSA boxes run for 20 weeks and come in three sizes: full, three-quarter and half shares. Choose to pick up your box at the farm or at delivery depots located around the Seattle area.
Full Circle is passionate about growing and sourcing delicious, organic produce. For over 20 years, the North Bend farm has been promoting sustainable farming practices and delivering delicious produce to your door throughout the year. Full Circle partners with local farms and artisans to deliver a variety of box options featuring the season’s best mix of certified-organic produce and specialty farm products. Choose from a tradition CSA, mixed fruit and veggie or organic snack box when you sign up. Enjoy the flexibility, choosing the size of the box you receive, as well as the delivery frequency to fit your lifestyle. If you’re feeding picky eaters, fill out their “Never Send List” to exclude items you don’t want in your box. You can also swap out fruits and veggies or add on other products like eggs, dairy, jams and honey.
Dates: Weekly & year-round Cost: Boxes start at $27.95
Stanwood’s Klesick Farms is not your average CSA, delivering organic produce and other add-ons year-round directly to your door. Klesick’s Box of Good is filled with high quality, competitively-priced organic produce. Each week, a wide variety of fruit, cooking veggies and salad items, sourced locally from area growers, arrives on your doorstep. With your delivery, you’ll receive a newsletter with fun and inspiring recipes and helpful tips on how to use any new or unusual produce items. Klesick’s grows potatoes, spinach, carrots, beets, winter squash, green beans, fresh herbs and more, as well as raises all natural beef, lamb and pork. Add-on to your order by purchasing grocery items including eggs, coffee and snacks. Klesick’s delivery area spans from Bothell to Whidbey Island.
Dates: Weekly & year-round Cost: starting at $28.50/week
Nestled in picturesque Snohomish, Lowlands Farm is a small vegetable and flower farm dedicated to organic and sustainable farming practices. Lowland Farms offers a 24-week CSA season, filling boxes with produce handpicked by the farmer each week to highlight what is freshest at the farm. Boxes feature a variety of greens, root vegetables, herbs and snackable veggies. Flower and egg share add-ons are available. Flexible options make it easy for families to participate in the CSA. Sign up for a 24-week weekly share, a 12-week bi-weekly share or a flex share that runs for 20 weeks.
When you become an Oxbow Farms CSA shareholder, you support organic growing practices and the farm’s mission to build a thriving, sustainable ecosystem. CSA members receive a 20-week share that includes enough produce to feed two to three people. As the summer months go on, boxes increase in quantity and variety, but always feature the freshest food available. Oxbow’s market-style boxes let you choose the produce you most enjoy each week. Round out your healthy meals with add-ons from other local producers including honey, eggs and organic fruit. Pick up your box at the farm or in Issaquah or on Mercer Island.
Good to know: CSA shareholders get exclusive access to u-pick veggies, orchard fruit, berries, plus free u-pick flowers and herbs.
The Root Connection is Washington’s original CSA farm, growing local, chemical-free food in the Sammamish Valley for over 30 years. During the harvest season, members receive seasonal vegetables, herbs and flowers with superior flavor, texture and nutrition. The farm prides itself on freshness, offering veggies to its members just hours after they are picked from the ground. You can also pick-up your box at drop sites in Seattle and Lynnwood. In addition to a bountiful weekly share, members can u-pick dozens of types of greens, herbs and flowers for free at the Redmond-based farm, adding even more value to your share.
Dates: Jun.-Oct. Cost: starting at $991/full share; $495.50/half share
Good to know: If you want to support farmers and local farms beyond your Seattle CSA share, try Eat Local First to find farm stores, farm stays and restaurants serving farm to table food.
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.
Fall is on its way (despite the lingering warm weather) and that means just one thing—fall festival season! So grab the kids, dress them up as Elmo or a friendly vampire and head to one of these Bay Area pumpkin, fall or Halloween festivals. And don’t forget to pick up a pumpkin pie to take home!
San Francisco
Scare Grove at Stern Grove
Be here or be square! The most atmospheric Halloween event around, Scare Grove (from SF Rec and Park) is popular among older kids and teens for its genuinely frightening haunted house (they show horror movies on the walls!). There’s plenty for tots, though, like the tamer haunted house, incredible jumpy houses, live music and magic shows, hayride through the woods, and awesome crafts. Go early to avoid the crowds.
Friday, Oct. 23
3-9 p.m.
Enter at corner of Ocean Boulevard and 19th Avenue
San Francisco, Ca
Admission: $8
Online: sfrecpark.org
SuperNatural Halloween at the California Academy of Sciences
The Cal Academy is always more fun at night, and it gets downright creepy at this annual Halloween event. Bring the kids in costume to check out the skulls and specimens and to trick-or-treat their way through the museum. Also features dancing, magic, live animal shows, face painting, and a photo booth.
Friday, Oct. 23
6:30-9 p.m.
55 Music Concourse Dr.
San Francisco, Ca
Admission: $50/adults and $35/child ($45/$30 for members). (Purchase tickets in advance.)
Online: calacademy.org
JAMBand Family Halloween Festival The popular Charity and the JAMBand wrap up their free fall music series at Park Chalet with a Halloween-themed concert. In addition to the usual two hours of tunes on the grass (complete with mosh pit for the kids and dance moves for every song), there will be a costume parade half-way through.
Sunday, Oct. 25
3-5 p.m.
1000 Great Highway
San Francisco, Ca
Admission: Free
Online: jamjamjam.com
East Bay
Ardenwood Historic Farm Harvest Festival
Experience harvest time on the farm. Kids can help pick Indian corn and popcorn (to bring home) and fill the corncribs. Cider-pressing, magic shows, a climbable hay pyramid and old-time music and crafts will also be available.
Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 10-11
10 a.m.-4 p.m.
34600 Ardenwood Blvd.
Fremont, Ca
$8 for adults, $5 for children 5 and up.
Online: ebparks.org
Boo at the Zoo
The Oakland Zoo gets all decked out for the holiday. Ride the spooky Boo Train, join the costume parade, collect treats, have your face painted, and make treats for the animals. Bonus: Kids in costume get a free ride ticket.
Saturday & Sunday, Oct. 24 and 25
10 a.m.-3 p.m.
9777 Golf Links Rd.
Oakland, Ca
Admission: $17.75/ages 15 and up; $13.75/kids 2-14; Free with membership.
Online: oaklandzoo.org
Photo: Smith Family Farm
Smith Family Farm Pumpkin Festival
At this genuine family farm, kids can take a hay ride to the patch to pick out their own pumpkin, plus enjoy live music, a replica of a Miwok Indian village, a corn maze, barnyard animals, an observation beehive, an herb garden with explainer, and a country store. (Note: Some activities available only on weekends.)
The entire month of October beginning on Saturday, Oct. 3
9 a.m.-5 p.m.
4430 Sellers Ave.
Brentwood, Ca
Admission: $10/weekends; $9/Mon.-Fri. Admission includes pumpkins and all activities.
Online: smithfamilyfarm or facebook.com/smithfamilyfarms
Photo: Filoli
Peninsula
Autumn at Filoli Festival
If you haven’t yet been to Filoli, the stunning, European-style mansion and gardens in the hills of the Peninsula, make this your first visit. For adults, docents lead tours and offer tastings of apples from the orchard, while children will enjoy crafts and face-painting, a special bubble show, a visit from the San Francisco Zoomobile, and more.
McKinley Elementary Harvest Festival and Haunted Mansion
This nighttime Halloween extravaganza has become a tradition for families all over the Peninsula. Support a local public school while you check out the incredible games, decorations, food, and haunted mansion.
Half Moon Bay Art and Pumpkin Festival
Half Moon Bay is the pumpkin capital of California, and it defends its rep every year with this ultimate harvest festival. From the delicious pumpkin pancakes and ice cream to the famous parade and pumpkin weigh-off, this is the place to be in October. Tip: Go early to avoid the truly scary traffic, and stop at a pumpkin patch on the way home.
Saturday & Sunday, Oct. 17 & 18
9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Main St.
Half Moon Bay, Ca
Admission: Free
Online: pumpkinfest.miramarevents.com
Photo courtesy of Half Moon Bay Art and Pumpkin Festival
South Bay
San Jose Harvest Festival
This Black Friday, skip the big box stores and support local artisans instead. While you shop for holiday gifts, your kids will have buckets of fun at the KidZone, which features gingerbread decorating and eco-friendly art projects. Dance to jams from a Johnny Cash tribute band and take photos with strolling elves and other characters.
Friday-Sunday, Nov. 27-29
Fri., 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
San Jose McEnery Convention Center
410 Almaden Blvd.
San Jose, Ca
Admission: $9/adults; $4/kids 13-17; 12 and under free with adult
Online: harvestfestival.com
Calabash Gourd Fest
If gourds of all shapes and sizes are your thing, then head down to Gilroy for a weekend of fun at Uesugi Farm. Make your own gourd crafts, enjoy educational presentations and purchase all sorts of art items made from gourds.
Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 10 and 11
9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Uesugi Farm
14485 Monterey Road
San Martin
Admission: free, $3 parking fee
Online: gourdfest.com
Halloween Scary Boo and Spooky Zoo
Gilroy Gardens hosts this event that includes a hay maze, spider’s lair and spooky zoo. Kids are encouraged to wear their costumes for some trick r’ treating fun. Visit the pumpkin patch and take home a big one!
Saturdays and Sundays, October 3 – November 1
10 a.m. – 6 p.m. (except Oct. 31 and Nov. 1 which are 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.)
Admission included with park admission ($37 when purchasing online, children under 3 free)
Gilroy Gardens
3050 Hecker Pass Highway
Gilroy
Online: gilroygardens.org
Martial Cottle Harvest Festival
Learn about our valley’s rich agricultural heritage at this 1st annual harvest festival at the brand new Martial Cottle Park. Enjoy the Master Gardener Fall Garden Market which offers a bounty of winter vegetables and flower seedlings that thrive in our cool winter conditions and will keep your garden producing year round. There will be all sorts of entertainment available for the kiddies plus a watermelon eating contest and petting zoo!
Saturday, October 3
10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Martial Cottle Park
5283 Snell Ave.
San Jose
Admission: Free
Online: sccgov.org
Photo courtesy of Bates Nut Farm
Pumpkins in the Park
Celebrate fall and learn about the Guadalupe River Park at this harvest fair with an environmental component. Enjoy great food and fresh apple cider, a costume swap with the Children’s Discovery Museum and a costume parade. Kids will especially enjoy the carnival games and musical entertainment.
Saturday, October 10
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Guadalupe River Park
Woz Way and San Carlos
San Jose
Admission: Free
Online: grpg.org
Spooky Times
Head to Deer Hollow Farm for some spooky good fun! Explore the haunted barns and try your hand at creepy crafts. Plus, meet the residents of the Farm – sheep, goats, chickens, rabbits, pigs and Luna the cow.
Saturday, October 24
10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Deer Hollow Farm
Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve
Los Altos
Admission: $7/person, $5/person in costume, kids under 1 are free
Online: deerhollowfarmfriends.org
Photo: Slide Ranch
Marin
Harvest Celebration at Slide Ranch
The educational farm Slide Ranch, stunningly located right on the rocky coast of Highway 1, opens up to the public every fall. Churn butter, spin wool, make a scarecrow, meet farm animals, and listen to music, all against one of the world’s most beautiful ocean backdrops.
Saturday, Oct. 17
10 a.m.-4 p.m.
2025 Shoreline Hwy.
Muir Beach, Ca
Admission: $30; Kids 2 and under/free. (15% discount when you buy four or more tickets.)
Online: slideranch.org
Tolay Fall Festival
Beautiful Tolay Lake Regional Park, outside Petaluma, is the setting for this wholesome harvest festival. No jumpy house here; instead, families can visit animals (including hundreds of rattlesnakes) in the historic Nighttime Creatures Barn, practice archery, and try their hand at traditional crafts such as candle dipping and making cornhusk dolls.
Saturday & Sunday, Oct. 17 & 18 and 24 & 25
11 a.m.-5 p.m.
5869 Cannon Ln.
Petaluma, Ca
Admission: $5/adults and teens, $3/children 12 and under.
Online: parks.sonomacounty.ca.gov
Photo courtesy of Emma Bland Smith
Marinwood Halloween Harvest Festival
This classic Halloween fair for kids 12 and under takes place on the grass outside the Marinwood rec center in San Rafael. Kids can carve pumpkins, decorate trick-or-treat bags, munch on a caramel apple, and even make potions. Food is available for purchase.
Friday, Oct. 16
5-7 p.m.
775 Miller Creek Rd.
San Rafael, Ca
Admission: Adults/free; $10 in advance and $15 at the door/ kids 2-12.
Online: marinwood.org
Goblin Jamboree at the Bay Area Discovery Museum
You’ll hardly recognize everyone’s favorite kids’ museum after its Halloween makeover. Visit the Haunted Cove and the glowing train table, or check out the pony rides, petting zoo, live entertainment, and the Witches and Wizards School.
Saturday & Sunday, Oct. 17 & 18
10 a.m.-4 p.m.
557 McReynolds Rd.
Sausalito, Ca
Admission: $16.95/general; $13.95/members; children under six months/free
Online: baykidsmuseum.org
Halloween is almost here! It is the perfect time to take the family out for some harvest fun and visit pumpkin patches, apple picking, fall festivals and more. And because Halloween falls on the middle of the week, that means you’ve got the whole weekend before to celebrate the highlight of the fall season. To find fun Halloween events in the San Francisco Bay Area, check out Red Tricycle’s events calendar for a full run down on family-friendly activities in the Bay Area.
1. Pumpkin Patches in the San Francisco Bay Area Pumpkin patches are magical because they combine all the smells, tastes, sounds, and sites of the season in one place the entire family can enjoy. Here’s a selection of pumpkin patches from across the Bay Area, where you’re sure to meet the future Jack-o-Lantern of your nightmares!
2. Start a Halloween “Boo Bag” Tradition
Haven’t heard of “Boo Bags”? It’s the Halloween craze that’s sweeping the nation–one neighborhood at a time. Check out the details on how you can get in on this boo-tastic tradition and start making your own boo bags for your friends and neighbors this Halloween.
3. Halloween Night Hikes in the San Francisco Bay Area
Designed with the family in mind, these slightly spooky hiking trails will get your little ones to explore parks and open spaces after sunset to learn about creatures that go bump and swoop in the dark.
4. Harvest Season Happenings in the Bay Area
Corn mazes, hay rides, and pumpkins, oh my! The Bay Area sure knows how to celebrate the Harvest season right. All of these events are kid-friendly, and many include music, games, parades and more!
5. Costume Shops in the Bay Area
Haven’t yet picked out the perfect costume? Don’t worry, we have plenty of ideas on where to shop for an awesome Halloween costume for your little one in the Bay Area.
6. 10 Halloween Tricks for Gluten or Allergy Suffering Kids
Does your child suffer from gluten or food allergies? From candy-swaps and toy barters, to collecting for a cause and candy experiments, here are 10 of our favorite tricks to help your little one enjoy some Halloween Treats.
7. Autumn Hikes
Let’s be honest, with the influx of candy you’re about to consume, a little hike will do your body good! Plus, fall is a great time to get some fresh air and enjoy the outdoors. There are lots of great places to explore, many of them less crowded because of the off-season. We’ve dug up 10 of the best spots in the Bay Area to take a stroll so take a look!
8. Where to Enjoy Fall Colors in the Bay Area
Fall in the the Bay Area is making its much anticipated arrival. The Bay Area offers some great spots to kick piles of colorful leaves, pluck autumn fruits off their orchards and watch big leaf maples don yellow colors with the season.
9. Spooky (And Thrilling) Haunted Houses
While we can’t say you’ll meet any ghostly apparitions at any of these haunted locations, they sure are spooky enough to give you and your kids a spine-tingling good time. Just the stories you’ll hear about these haunted houses will be enough to give the kids a thrill long after they’ve left the property.
10. 70 Things to Do With Kids in San Francisco This Fall
And if you’re still lacking ideas on what to do this Halloween and fall season, then take a gander at our list compiled by the Red Tricycle editors for 70 things to keep your kids happy, busy, and entertained during the always-wonderful autumn in the Bay Area.
Have a fun and safe Halloween! If you’d like to receive Red Tricycle’s FREE emails about cool products, stuff to do & parent-friendly news, sign up on our homepage.
