Eat & Mingle with Ol’ Kris Kringle This Holiday Season

by Beth SheaNovember 2, 2018

Kids longing for more than a quick snapshot with Santa? We’ve got the scoop on where to go to mingle with Kris Kringle for longer than a flash. Have breakfast with the big guy or enjoy extended festivities in his company at these fun events where Santa is the centerpiece. From the beach to the winery to the nut farm and the lake, read on for where to catch up with jolly Old Saint Nicholas all over San Diego this holiday season.

Santa Brunch & Holiday Festival at Hotel del Coronado

Hotel del Coronado

Join The Del for a merry start to the holiday season! Spend time in Santa’s Village and enjoy a professional ice skating show, carnival games and prizes, s’mores on the beach, fireworks, a holiday performance by Coronado's schools, visits and photos with Santa and much more.

Date: Nov. 28
Time: 4-7 p.m.
Cost: Varies based on activities; photos with Santa are $15/photo

The Del also offers a Sunday Brunch with Santa! Kids of all ages are invited to meet St. Nick in the Crown Room during this festive brunch. Parents, be sure to bring your cameras to take photos of your little ones catching up with Mr. Claus.

Date: Dec. 2, 9, 16, 23
Cost: Adults/$105; Kids 6-12/$40; Kids under 5/free

1500 Orange Ave.
Coronado, CA 92118
619-435-6611
Online: hoteldel.com

Santa by the Sea, Del Mar

Del Mar Village

Santa Claus is coming to Del Mar Village! Before the big meet and greet, kids can create holiday crafts including Rad Hatter Holiday hats and write notes to be delivered to Santa's workshop while enjoying cookies and hearty soups. Dr. Seuss’s The Grinch and Candy Land’s Mr. Mint will join in the fun. Revelers are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy to benefit children in need.

Date: Sat., Dec. 2
Time: 3-5 p.m. (tree lighting is at 5 p.m.)
Cost: Free

L'Auberge Amphitheater
Camino Del Mar & 15th St.
Del Mar, CA
Online: santabythesea.com

Santa Breakfast, Bernardo Winery

Wake up, smell the coffee and enjoy a mimosa and brunch while the kids mingle with Kris Kringle at Bernardo Winery. In addition to face-time with Santa, kids will also enjoy face painting, balloon animals, cookie decorating and ornament making and animal encounters with creatures from Wild Wonders. Book your reservation soon because the tickets go fast.

Dates: Dec. 17-22
Time: 9:30 a.m.-noon
Cost: Presale only––no tickets day of event

13330 Paseo Del Verano Norte
San Diego, CA
858-487-1866
Online: bernardowinery.com

LEGOLAND's LEGO Santa

LEGOLAND

Do you have a LEGO fanatic in your house? If so, a photo op with the LEGOLAND brick Santa and the reindeer pulling his sleigh will be a super fun option this year. Plus, you're at LEGOLAND! Check out the 30-foot tall LEGO Christmas tree, then head to Heartlake City for the LEGO Friends holiday show and the new show in Fun Town: The Yule Tides. Don't miss the yummy seasonal holiday treats including peppermint milkshakes and holiday cookies

Dates: Nov. 17-Dec. 31
Cost: Admission to park

1 Legoland Dr.
Carlsbad, CA
877-376-5346
Online: legoland/holidays

Christmas in the Valley, Bates Nut Farm

Bates Nut Farm Facebook page

Your little helpers will be amazed as Santa arrives by fire truck. Then they get to take a Polar Express ride to visit Old Saint Nick himself. There are also crafts, carols and plenty of holiday fun. Bonus: you can check a few people off your holiday gift list at the cute shops. And if you have a little singing dove in your fam there will be a singing contest called "The Christmas Voice!"

Dates: Dec. 7 & 8
Time: Fri., 3-8 p.m.; Sat., 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

15954 Woods Valley Rd.
Valley Center, CA
760-749-3333
Online: batesnutfarm.biz

Santa Breakfast, San Diego KOA

San Diego KOA

Make your reservations today for a camping trip and full breakfast buffet with Santa (additional cost) at the San Diego KOA. Santa will be looking for your pixies to hear their wish lists and for the whole crew to take a happy camper Santa pic. The day before Santa's visit, little elves can decorate cookies and eat them with hot cocoa while watching the evening entertainment. This event sells out, so book now.

Dates: Dec. 7-9
Time: All weekend
Cost: $41-$75/day per campsite

San Diego KOA
111 N. 2nd Ave.
Chula Vista, CA
619-427-3601
Online: sandiegoKOA/events

Santa at Santee Lakes

Santee Lakes

This amazingly festive winter event is not to be missed! Santa will be at 'snow hill' at Santee Lakes and look-out––there may even be a snowball fight! Your little helpers can get their face painted, ride a pony, make crafts and enjoy character meet and greets with some awesome guests. Snap a shot with the big guy before the merrymaking begins. Good to know: the line for Santa can be a long wait.

Date: Dec. 9
Time: 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Cost: Parking is $10/Tickets are $1 each and activities & rides range between 1-7 tickets

Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve
9310 Fanita Pkwy
Santee, CA
619-596-3141
Online: santeelakes.com

Jungle Bells, San Diego Zoo

San Diego Zoo

What's cooler than seeing wild animals at nighttime? Head out to Jungle Bells fun at the San Diego Zoo. Find a seat next to Santa for that holiday photo op. Little revelers will love seeing the seasonal decorations, costumed characters, lighted displays and live entertainment including the Zoo's zany Dr. Zoolittle and Santa himself. Kids can also watch as animals enjoy unique enrichment treats, while sampling delicious indulgences of their own from the Zoo’s many restaurants and food stands. Don’t miss out on holiday shopping at the Zoo’s retail locations, or the holiday happy hour at Albert’s Restaurant—Happy Holidays Happens—with discounted drinks and appetizers available from 3 to 5 p.m. each day of Jungle Bells.

Dates: Dec. 14-Jan. 6
Cost: Jungle Bells activities and attractions are free with Zoo admission or membership. Parking is free. (Santa photos cost extra).

San Diego Zoo
2920 Zoo Dr.
San Diego, CA
619-231-1515
Online: sandiegozoo.org

Santa Breakfast, Safari Park

Mirna E. via Yelp

Santa Claus is coming for breakfast at the Safari Park and would love to take a picture with the whole family. After the snapshot, gather together at the scenic Kilima Point for a hearty breakfast buffet with Santa himself. Stay for the winter festivities and wild animals at the park.

Call 619-718-3000 to reserve your spot.

Dates: Dec. 8 &; Dec. 9
Time: 9-11 a.m.
Cost: $29.95/adult; $18.95/kids ages 3-11; Plus Safari Park admission

San Diego Zoo Safari Park
The Grove
15500 San Pasqual Valley Rd.
Escondido, CA
619-718-3000
Online: sdzsafaripark.org/diningevents

photo: Mirna E. via Yelp

Holiday in the Village, La Mesa

anjanettew

Santa is waiting at this charming festival, so grab your camera and be ready to get that perfect picture for holiday memories. Walk downtown and warm your hands by the fire pit, let little ones create some festive crafts, explore the kids' area, watch holiday movies and enjoy the sights and sounds of caroling and merriment.

Date: Dec. 7 & 8
Cost: Free

Downtown
La Mesa Blvd.
La Mesa, CA
Online: lamesa/christmasinthevillage

Santa's Village in San Marcos

Head to Santa's Village and Tree Lighting at San Marcos Civic Center. This free event includes all-day fun for the whole family, from spending some quality time at breakfast with Santa and his helpers ($5/person) at 9 a.m. to the holiday parade, Santa's Village merriment including crafts and activities, vendors selling wares and entertainment in the courtyard, to the tree lighting at 5:30 p.m., your little elves will be tuckered out in the best way from all the festive fun!

Breakfast with Santa runs from 9-11 a.m. and tickets may be purchased here.

Date: Dec. 1,
Time: 9 a.m.-7 p.m.
Cost: Breakfast $5/person

San Marcos Civic Center
40 W. San Marcos Blvd.
San Marcos, CA
Online: san-marcos.net

––Nikki Walsh & Beth Shea

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9 Petting Farms & Zoos to Visit with Your Wild Child

by Nikki WalshAugust 12, 2018

If your little bunny wants to walk with the animals and talk with the animals… or even touch, pet, feed and hug them too, we’ve got just the ticket for a hands-on safari. From ponies, pigs and talking parrots to goats, camels, alpacas and so many more amazing creatures, your little tyke will go wild for these petting zoos. Read on for the details.

Surfside Ranch

Reach out and touch a chicken, goat, pig or a llama. To start, it's free if you just want to take a look... or pay a nominal fee to pet and feed the animals. Also, there's no age requirement at this zoo, except little tykes four and under need to have a grown-up with them. Even more, if you love this local ranch they offer birthday parties, pony rides, summer programs and more. Let your little one pet the animals and check out the ranch!

Insider's Tip: Wear long pants and closed toed shoes.

Cost: petting zoo, $3/person for 15 minutes
Hours: Mon.-Sun., 9 a.m.-dark

Surfside Ranch
2225 Hollister St.
San Diego, Ca
619-443-3517
Online: surfsideranch.com

Sugar Sweet Farm

It's a family affair! Invite the grandparents too. Further, be ready for a bunny snuggling, chicken feeding, pony-riding adventure. For one fee, everyone's (siblings too!) invited to this local farm in Encinitas for a full-hour of barnyard fun. Even more, splurge and have your little farmhand (three and older) take a pony ride. There will be plenty of great photo-ops on this private farm tour.

Insider's Tip: Wear long pants and closed toed shoes.

Hours: By appointment only.
Cost: $80/family; $40/person for a half hour horse ride

Sugar Sweet Farm
Encinitas, Ca 92024
760-815-6616
Online: sugarsweetfarm.com

Children's Nature Retreat

It's day trip time! This gorgeous, serene retreat is about a 40-minute ride (from downtown San Diego) and it's well worth the drive. You'll see and touch an amazing array of animals. Even more, each entrance fee includes a big bucket of grass for feeding the animals. You and your fam will interact with horses, llamas, pigs, chickens, cows, zebras, camels, tortoises (yes!) and more. Prepare to be in awe of nature.

Read our full review of Children's Nature Retreat here.

Insider's Tip: Pack a lunch to eat at the picnic tables by the great oak tree.

Cost: $25/adult; $15/child; free for kids under two
Hours: March-Oct., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Nov.-Feb., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Children's Nature Retreat
5170 Japatul Spur
Alpine, Ca
619-320-4942
Online: childrensnatureretreat.org

Pony Land

Giddy up to South San Diego and pet a pig, hug a cow or ride a pony. You'll find a plethora of animals at this working farm that your little one can pet and snuggle. After the animal encounters, kiddos can play in Dodge City or the Western-themed play area. Also, half-pints ages 2-8 can take a pony ride (three laps around the corral) hand-held with an experienced guide.

Insider's Tip: You can go during the week if you make an appointment.

Cost: $10/person for petting zoo; free for kids under two; $5/pony ride
Hours: Sat. & Sun., 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Pony Land
2606 Hollister St.
San Diego, Ca
619-947-3952
Online: ponylandsandiego.com

Free Flight

Birds of a feather flock together! Say hello to the parrots and they say hello or sing to you too! Even more, feed your feathery friends and gently pet them on the back. The docents provide information and help. Also, little ones love to check out the giant koi fish as an extra treat. This small non-profit bird sanctuary makes a fun and unique day outing for the crew.

Good to know: Free Flight is small, but a visit makes for a great afternoon.

Cost: $7/adult; $3/child (under 13 years old)
Hours: Daily, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.; except Weds., 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

2132 Jimmy Durante Blvd.
Del Mar, Ca
858-481-3148
Online: freeflightbirds.org

Petting Paddock

This is a first-rate place for future veterinarians to interact with the animals and it’s educational too. Go into the petting paddock (it’s in the Children’s Zoo) and your little animal-lover may let out a tiny “whee” of excitement while petting and brushing the soft sheep. These baa-u-tiful creatures love small-hands giving their back a soft sweet stroke. You can ask your wee ones to compare the feel of a wooly sheep’s coat to a pygmy goat’s hair. You’ll also appreciate the cool playground and other learning experiences outside the petting paddock.

Hours: Open daily, hours vary by day
Cost: $54/adult; $44/child (includes zoo admission)

San Diego Zoo
2920 Zoo Dr.
San Diego, Ca
Online: sandiegozoo.org

Zoomars

Bunnies and guinea pigs? Sound like smiles are close at hand. Your little bunnies will love to meet theirs (bunnies, that is). Not only is there a huge walk-in corral fabulously-filled with bunnies and guinea pigs, your little peeps will get a kick out of feeding the goats, sheep, llamas and donkeys too. This hands-on place has plenty of options for small-critter fun. Just be prepared for activity fees. We’re giving you a good ol’ heads-up so you can manage your little farmers’ expectations.

Insider’s Tip: Take a potty-break before you get there (the restrooms are outhouses).

Hours: Daily, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Cost: $12/adult; $10/child ($3 train ride; $5 animal food, $6 pony ride)

Zoomars
31791 Los Rios St.
San Juan Capistrano, Ca
Online: zoomars.com

Petting Kraal

Not only will the kiddies get a little giddy, they might also let out a small “baa-baa” when they get a gander of the Zoo Safari Park’s petting kraal. The perfect-place for timid toddlers to reach out and gently feel a goat’s hair or a sheep’s wooly-softness, little farm-hands will also delight in brushing the animals too. Enter a large fenced-in area with plenty of space and introduce your little one to first-hand farm-fun. An extra bonus is watching the newborn animals (located right before you enter the petting kraal).

Read our Insider's Guide to the Safari Park here.

Hours: Daily, 9 a.m-5 p.m.; longer hours in the summer
Cost: $54/adult; $44/child (includes park admission to the park)

Zoo Safari Park
15500 San Pasqual Valley Rd.
Escondido, CA 92027
Online: sdzsafaripark.org

Bates Nut Farm

Head north up the 15 freeway to Valley Center and you’ll find Bates Nut Farm is a sweet stop for some rustic romping. Not only can little farm-helpers shout a hee-haw to mini donkeys and hand-feed the goats and sheep, they also get a look-see at the llamas, pigs, emus, chickens, peacocks, ducks and geese and a tortoise. The animals will eat from your hand and bags of animal feed can be purchased for 50 cents. Wrap up the morning with a byo-picnic (bring your own) under the big shade trees. Let the littles run, blow bubbles, bounce balls and they’ll be ready for that afternoon nap. Head on home with the happy tank—full.

Good to know: The farm zoo has lots of farm animals, but you don’t actually get in the pen with them.

Hours: Daily, 9 a.m.-5 p.m
Cost: .50 cents for animal feed. Farm & parking free. (Except: $5 parking October)

15954 Woods Valley Rd.

Valley Center, Ca 92082
Online: batesnutfarm.biz

Don’t forget to always wash your hands after petting the animals!

—Nikki Walsh

The Most Amazing Animal Encounters in San Diego

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Hayrides and Corn Mazes: The Best Fall Festivals

by Kate LowethSeptember 17, 2015

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.

Saturday, Sept. 26
10 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Admission: $25/adults; $8/children ages 5-17
86 Cañada Rd.
Woodside, Ca
Online: filoli.org

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.

Friday & Saturday, Oct. 23 & 24
Fri., 6 p.m.-10 p.m.; Sat., 4:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m.
701 Paloma Ave.
Burlingame, Ca
Admission: Free
Online: mckinleyharvestfest.com

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

–Kate Loweth & Emma Bland Smith

4 Ways to Start Your Own Family Holiday Traditions

by rtroxanneholmesNovember 26, 2014

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, yet the steady stream of sale flyers and myriad of holiday activities may leave you feeling a bit overwhelmed and sympathetic to Mr. Grinch. That’s why we put together a few suggestions for your family to create fun traditions that will make your heart grow three sizes this holiday season.

Photo Credit: Home Depot Kids Workshop Facebook Page

Get Crafty
Turn your kids into Santa’s elves by helping them build their own holiday craft. Visit your local home improvement center to take part in fun and free workshops designed for kids. Little builders receive a craft kit, apron and extra goodies at these two workshops.

Build a Holiday Train Engine
Lowes Build and Grow Workshop
Dec. 13, 10 – 11 a.m.

Create Holiday Yard Steaks
Home Depot Kids Workshop
Dec. 6, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Photo Credit: Bates Nut Farm Facebook Page

Festivities on the Farm
Some of your favorite places to visit transform during the holidays. Enjoy fresh air (and a fresh perspective) on these local farms with celebrations geared to bring out the kid in all of us.

Christmas in the Valley
While you may be familiar with Bates Nut Farm during the fall, be sure to visit them in December for offerings that go beyond their famous pumpkins. The 3rd annual Christmas in the Valley event features live entertainment, storytelling, Christmas carols and a Polar Express hayride to visit Santa.

Bates Nut Farm
15954 Woods Valley Rd.
Valley Center, CA 92082
760-212-0738

Dec. 12, 4 – 8 p.m. and Dec. 13, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Cost: Free
Online: batesnutfarm.biz

Holiday at the Rancho
Swap out the partridge in a pear tree for a peacock in a palm tree when you visit the historic Leo Carrillo Ranch for Holiday at the Rancho. Holiday lights, decor, a snow hill, and their festive peacocks set the tone during this event. Kids can decorate holiday cookies, create crafts, enjoy holiday entertainment and pony rides. Face painting, an outdoor movie and a special visit by Santa are also included.

Leo Carrillo Ranch
6200 Flying LC Ln.
Carlsbad, Ca 92009

Dec. 6, 5 – 8 p.m.
Cost: $8 at the door; $5 pre-sale tickets (through Dec. 6); Free for kids 3 and under
Online: carlsbadca.gov/parksandrec

Photo Credit: WoodleyWonderWorks via Creative Commons Flickr

Recipe for a Tasty Tradition
What better way to come together as a family than over a delicious seasonal treat. Whether you are teaching your kids how to make a recipe that has been passed down over generations, or you are learning a new dish, cooking together is a tradition you can look forward to each year. If you’re looking for inspiration, try one of these cooking class options that are geared toward kids.

Williams-Sonoma Junior Chef Classes
Williams-Sonoma offers free classes that focus on teaching kids delicious recipes, from main courses to desserts and snacks. In December, the store offers a gingerbread house decorating class. Call your local store to save a spot; class size is limited.

Westfield’s UTC and Fashion Valley Mall

Dec. 6, 10 a.m.
Cost: Free instruction plus cost of materials
Ages: 5–13
Online: williams-sonoma.com

Olivewood Garden’s Family Dinner Night
Your family can work together to prepare a seasonal meal. Olivewood Gardens highlights age-appropriate, easy, wholesome recipes that everyone will enjoy. The Family Dinner Night is designed to allow families to create and converse over a delicious meal. RSVP to reserve a seat at this fabulous dinner.

Olivewood Garden
2525 N. Ave.
National City, Ca 91950

Dec. 4, 3:30 – 7 p.m.
Ages: 5 and up
Cost: $25/person
Online: olivewoodgardens.org

Photo Credit: Colby Stopa via Creative Commons Flickr

Create S’more Memories
Forget about chestnuts, this year s’mores will be roasting on an open fire during Bonfire Nights in Old Town State Historic Park. This fun and free event takes place on multiple nights throughout December, and features carols, performers and of course marshmallows, chocolate and graham crackers. So bundle up and head down to Old Town to create wonderful memories with your little ones around the warmth of the fire.

Old Town State Historic Park
4002 Wallace St.
San Diego, Ca 92110

Dec. 13, 14, 26–30, Dusk to 9 p.m.
Cost: Free

What family traditions does your family enjoy during the holidays? Tell us in the comments!

— Roxanne Holmes

Meet the Red Tricycle San Diego Writers & Discover Their Picks for Fall Fun

by Erin LemOctober 11, 2013

On the hunt for fall fun? Our Red Tricycle San Diego writers know where to find it. We asked the adventuresome editorial team to give you the scoop on their favorite thing to do with their family this time of year. From pumpkin patches (there’s one in particular everyone loves) to traditional San Diego activities, they’re all over it. Click through to meet our writers and discover their must-do’s.

Leah Singer

"Every fall, we embark on our annual visit to the Southern California’s famous pumpkin patch at Bates Nut Farm. What I love most about Bates is the Big Mac pumpkins and gourds are actually grown in the fields on site. So while I love all the farm activities taking place, what I look forward to most when I go to Bates is taking pictures in the fields surrounded by giant pumpkins. Of course, we also picnic, visit the farm animals, enjoy a hayride, shop at general store, and marvel at all the pumpkin and squash varieties. Then we go home and decorate the house for Halloween. It’s the perfect autumn day for my family."

Leah’s blog: leahsthoughts.com

What’s your family’s favorite fall activity (phew, say that five times fast!)?

ML Interest Tag: nut-farm

Eat & Mingle with Ol’ Kris Kringle This Holiday Season

Santa Brunch & Holiday Festival at Hotel del Coronado

Santa by the Sea, Del Mar

Santa Breakfast, Bernardo Winery

LEGOLAND's LEGO Santa

Christmas in the Valley, Bates Nut Farm

Santa Breakfast, San Diego KOA

Santa at Santee Lakes

Jungle Bells, San Diego Zoo

Santa Breakfast, Safari Park

Holiday in the Village, La Mesa

Santa's Village in San Marcos

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