There are so many fun Fall activities in and around the Orange County area to participate in with the whole family. From pumpkin patches to haunted houses and hay rides, here are some of the highlights that you won’t want to miss this fall.
Apple Picking in Oak Glenn
12201 S. Oak Glen Road, Yucaipa, CA 92399
Labor Day – Thanksgiving Weekend
Tuesday-Sunday 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Not in Orange County, but about an hour’s drive takes you to Oak Glen where you can enjoy one of the best fall tradition – apple picking. Riley’s Farm is the original destination for this activity and they have more than just apples. Visitors can participate in a variety of activities (for a fee) including tomahawk and knife throwing, cider pressing, and archery. Enjoy a delicious lunch on weekends at the snack bar with BBQ chicken apple sausage, apple pie, sub sandwiches, cider floats, and raspberry shakes. Riley’s also features a gift shop and native wood for sale so you can stock up on logs for cozy fall evenings by the fireplace. There are several other ranches, orchards, and restaurants in the area to explore including Riley’s at Los Rios Rancho with picnic grounds and nature trails to explore.
Discovery Cube OC’s Annual Pumpkin Launch
TBA
Every year, Discovery Cube OC teams up with Cal State Fullerton for a smashing STEM event. Pumpkin Launch contestants use their engineering skills to build trebuchet machines that launch pumpkins into the sky at the Cal State Fullerton Athletic Field. In addition to watching pumpkins launch and smash into targets, spectators will enjoy a variety of fun challenges and hands-on activities. Food trucks will be on site for visitors to purchase food and drinks at this fun annual event.
Great Park Balloon Jack-O-Lantern
6950 Marine Way, Irvine, CA 92618
September 26, 2018
Hocus Pocus Halloween Boutique at Roger’s Gardens
2301 San Joaquin Hills Rd., Corona del Mar, CA 92625
August 31-October 21, 2018
Roger’s Gardens in Corona Del Mar is transforming into the Hocus Pocus Halloween Boutique where visitors can wander through a magical school for wizards and witches. There will be plenty to explore including the Headmaster’s Study, a Potions Classroom with magical experiments, and a room full of oddities. Come see what mythical creatures are lurking on the grounds of the castle and get into the Halloween Spirit at Roger’s Gardens.
Irvine Park Railroad Pumpkin Patch
1 Irvine Park Road, Orange, CA 92869
September 15-October 31, 2018
Weekdays 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Weekends 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Every year, the Irvine Park Railroad transforms into the Great Pumpkin Patch. This popular family event draws crowds from all over Southern California. There are a variety of free activities including a (not so) Haunted House and a Hay Maze. Wander the huge pumpkin patch and pick your favorite pumpkin to turn into jack-o-lanterns for Halloween. Prices for pumpkins vary based on size. Purchase tickets for $5 each or a book of 15 tickets for $60 to use for a variety of exciting paid activities including the train ride, moon bounce, face painting, ring toss, carnival games, hay ride, panning for gold, cookie decorating, and John Deere races. Capture the moment at one of the many fall and Halloween-themed photo stands throughout the area. Don’t miss the Great Pumpkin Weigh-Off on Saturday, September 22 at 10:00 a.m. to see who has the biggest pumpkin!
Spooktacular Fun Days at the Orange County Great Park
6950 Marine Way, Irvine, CA 92618
October 13-14, 2018
9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
The Orange County Great Park will host the annual Spooktacular Fun Days. This fun family event will include a treat town, petting zoo, pumpkin patch, entertainment, crafts, inflatables, face painting, community booths, carnival games, food concessions and more. Organizers of the event ask participants to bring donations of non-perishable food items that can be donated to local organizations Community Action Partnership of Orange County’s (CAPOC) Orange County Food Bank and Second Harvest Food Bank to help fight hunger. Bring the kids in costume and enjoy the Spooktacular fall festivities.
