HALLOWEEN
BASHES & FALL FETES
WHERE THE PICKIN’S GOOD!
OCTOBER'S GUIDE TO HALLOWEEN HAUNTS & HARVESTS
sacramentoparent.com
October’s Guide to By Michelle Kopkash
Take a look at this month’s round-up of the around Sacramento. Prepare to be thrilled..
WHERE THE PICKIN’S GOOD – PUMPKIN PATCHES & MORE Pickin’ at an “Apple Hill” Farm Open Now. There are a variety of farms & orchards to pick from; check the website for details. Going to Apple Hill to pick apples and pumpkins during the fall months is a family tradition for many, and its breathtaking views are worth the drive. Apple Hill offers a number of different farms to choose from (check the website for details). KIDS Inc. – located in Camino, CA – is an apple pickin’ favorite for families. www.applehill.com/apple-hill-growers/ pumpkins Machado Apple Festival Saturday, October 17th, 100 Apple Lane, Auburn – 9 AM to 6 PM Once a year, Machado Orchards opens its grounds to the public for its annual Apple Festival so that folks can have fun picking a variety of apples off the trees, sample delicious apple recipes, listen to live music and check out work from local artists. A face painter, Maria’s Tacos and Kool Kettle Corn are among some of the vendors participating in this year’s festival. 530-823-1393 www.placergrown.org/machado-orchards The Pumpkin Farm October 2nd - 31st, 7736 Old Auburn Rd., Citrus Heights – 9 AM to 6 PM, Closed on Mondays This charming pumpkin farm offers a variety of activities for kids including an amusing hayride through its festively decorated fields, a haunted barn, corn maze, huge slides, a petting zoo, train and a humongous pumpkin patch filled with pumpkins and gourds of all sizes. 916-726-1137 | www.pumpkinfarm.net
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Roemer Pumpkin Patch Now - October 31st, 6851 Hedge Road, Sacramento – Times vary; closed Mondays. Roemer’s Pumpkin Patch touts over 30 acres of land, including 13 acres of pumpkin patches, a 5 acre corn maze, hay rides, face painting fun, picnic spots and more. Check the website for hours; times vary each day. 916-381-4331 | www.roemerpumpkinpatch.com Fog Willow Farms October 1st - 31st, 11011 Cecatra Drive, Wilton – Times vary; check website for details. Features hundreds of pumpkins to pick from, pony rides, hay rides, a petting zoo, a picnic area with shade and a shack that sells sweet treats. There are said to be over 100 farm animals on the property. Fog Willow Farms is just a short drive from Old Town Elk Grove. 916-687-4547 | www.fogwillowfarms.com Bastiao Farms Goblin Gardens Pumpkin Patch October 1st - 31st, 3845 El Centro Road, Sacramento – 10 AM to 7 PM Between the traditional pumpkin patch and corn mazes, a haunted barn (available on weekends), a small-scale Western town, scenic hay rides and a gift shop, there are a variety of family-friendly attractions at this Sacramento pumpkin patch. 916-925-2947 www.bastiaofarmsgoblingardens.com Cool Patch Pumpkins Now thru November 1st, 6585 Milk Farm Rd., Dixon – 9 AM to 9 PM Maze enthusiasts will get chills when they attempt this year’s 44-acre corn maze. This patch has over 50 different kinds of pumpkins and gourds, boasting “tens of thousands” of them for you and your family to pick from, and also includes kiddie mazes and a family-friendly fun zone with adult tricycles and a pool filled with hay and corn. 530-746-8725 | www.coolpatchpumpkins.com
The Flower Farm October 3rd - 31st, 9280 Horseshoe Bar Road, Loomis – 10 AM to 4 PM, closed Tuesdays Kids can run free in this petite, country-feeling pumpkin patch, which includes a haystack pyramid for children to climb on and pumpkins that have been decorated to look like people. Weekend activities feature face painters, farm animals and hands-on activities for kids. The Flower Farm sits on a beautiful piece of land in Loomis and shares its property with Le Casque Winery. 916-652-5650 | www.flowerfarminn.com Bishop’s Pumpkin Farm Sept. 19th - November 1st, 1415 Pumpkin Lane, Wheatland – 9 AM to 6 PM This is a traditional pumpkin patch on mega vitamins and your kids will love it! As with many patches, your child will be able to pick from a variety of sizes in an extensive and scenic pumpkin field. But unlike others, you can take a hay ride out to one of the pumpkin fields for a more entertaining hunt that’s worth the ride. This farm also has pumpkins that are bigger than small children. Other entertainment includes pony rides, miniature train rides, a petting zoo, corn maze and sunflower maze slides. 530-633-2568 | www.bishopspumpkinfarm.com Impossible Acres October 1st - 31st in Davis – 9 AM to 6 PM Located at ‘Grandpa’s Barn,’ this family-owned farm opens its pumpkin patch to the public each October. It offers an expansive view of farm land for miles around and children can pet the farm animals. Because school groups visit in the morning, it may be best to visit in the afternoons. On the corner of Road 31 and Road 98 in Davis, CA. 530-750-0451 | www.impossibleacres.com Poppy Lane Christmas Tree Farm and Pumpkin Patch September 26th - October 31st, 12110 Poppy Lane, Auburn – 9 AM to 7 PM Pick pumpkins from a traditional pumpkin patch and then play in the bounce houses, take a tractor ride, be a cowgirl or cowboy on a pony ride (available on weekends only) and jump over haystacks. 530-906-6989 www.poppylanechristmasfarm.com
Halloween Haunts & Harvests
best pumpkin patches, fall festivals & bewitchingly fun events in & .. Branco Farms and the "Biggest Little Pumpkin Patch” October 7th - 31st at Fountains at Roseville – Open until 9 PM Fountains at Roseville is excited to welcome Branco Farms and the "Biggest Little Pumpkin Patch" to the corner of E. Roseville Parkway and Reserve Dr. The pumpkin patch will feature fun for the whole family, from face painting to bounce houses, pony rides and more. Open Mon - Fri from 12 PM to 9 PM and Sat - Sun from 10 AM to 9 PM. 916-786-2679 | www.brancofarms.com Dave’s Pumpkin Patch September 28th - October 31st at 3010 Burrows Ave, West Sacramento – Times vary Dave’s Pumpkin Patch has lots of exciting new activities and events going on this year with all of your favorites from years past. Open Sun - Thurs from 10 AM to Dusk and Fri - Sat from 10 AM to 9 PM. 916-849-9450 | www.vierrafarms.com Haunted Houses & Frighteningly Fun Tours Haunted Nature Trail October 23rd – 31st at Grandpa’s Cellar in the heart of “Apple Hill” – 10 AM to 5 PM Kids will have a bewitchingly good time while walking through the haunted nature trail at their own pace. Stay to have a picnic or a sweet apple treat, which can be purchased from the bake shop. This is suitable for children of all ages. 530-644-2153 | www.grandpascellar.com Spookomotive Train Ride Saturdays & Sundays, October 17th thru November 1st at the California State Railroad Museum, Sacramento – 11 AM to 4 PM This not-so-spooky train ride is great for all ages. Appreciate the fully decorated train, enjoy a Halloween story along the ride, bop to Halloween music and receive a special treat from the train’s “skeleton” crew (kid’s only). General: $20 for adults, $10 youths (ages 6-17), ages 5 and under ride free. 916-445-5995 | www.csrmf.org Sacramento Halloween River Cruise Saturdays & Sundays, October 17th – 31st, L Street Dock in Sacramento – Twice daily Hop aboard the Hornblower in Sacramento for a special Halloween treat. Highlights include a picturesque one-hour cruise along the Sacramento River, fun Halloween music, Halloween coloring activities and party favors for children. $18 per person. 888-467-6256 | www.hornblower.com
Lantern Tours at Sacramento Historic Old City Cemetery October 16th 17th, 23rd and 24th, 1000 Broadway, Sacramento – Times vary Sign-up in advance for a lantern tour at night through Sacramento’s oldest cemetery, built in 1849. This guided tour will take you through a bit of Sacramento’s history, if you can pay attention to the details while ducking under cobwebs…ah ha ha! 800-838-3006 | www.brownpapertickets.com Ghost Tours at Sacramento History Museum Fridays & Saturdays, October 9th – 24th at Sacramento History Museum, Sacramento – Times vary Treat your family to a very unique Halloween experience. Over the course of a 1-mile guided walking tour through the streets Sacramento, you’ll learn about the eerie tales of folks who first settled in Sacramento during the Gold Rush days. You may stumble upon spooky murder victims, miners and other peculiar characters during your journey. Not recommended for kids under 8 years old. 916-808-7059 www.sachistorymuseum.org/tours/ghost-tours Heartstoppers Haunted House Fridays & Saturdays, October 2nd – 31st at 2300 Mineshaft Lane, Rancho Cordova – 7:30 PM to 11:30 PM With four heart-stopping attractions, all with seriously deranged themes, chilling state-of-the-art effects, disturbing actors and a venue that’s rumored to be truly haunted, this experience will give you a run for your money. Check the online schedule for dates and times. 916-5-SCARED | www.scaredyou.com Fright Planet Weekends, October 2nd – 31st at Cal Expo Gate #9, Sacramento – Opens at 7 PM Come to the haunted park for a night of terror, if you dare. Nine frightening interactive exhibits and other spook-worthy entertainment make this a must-see. Though all ages are welcome, it’s more appropriate for older kids who can handle the unnerving nature of the night. 916-678-0266 | www.frightplanet.com
Slipknot’s Scream Park Sacramento October 2nd – November 1st, 4909 Auburn Blvd., Sacramento – Opens at 7 PM Deemed the “best haunted attraction in the West” by Forbes, this truly terrifying experience will leave you quivering for hours. With several petrifying haunted houses and other attractions, the park is best explored by those with a strong heart. 530-794-8511 | www.screamparkcalifornia.com Callson Manor Haunted House October 2nd – 31st, Placer County Fairgrounds, 800 All America City Blvd., Roseville – 7:30 PM to 10 PM Looking for a good scream this Halloween? Callson Manor is back this year with added attractions that will send chills down your spine. The theme park is open Friday – Sunday through October 31st and a few extra days leading up to Halloween. Check the website’s calendar for dates & times. 916-295-0002 | www.callsonmanor.com Monster Mini Golf October 1st – 31st, 12401 Folsom Blvd., Rancho Cordova – Times vary. Nobody does October better than Monster Mini Golf, Monsters Rock! Throughout the entire month of October, wear a costume to Monster Mini Golf and receive a prize. 916-294-0000 | www.monsterminigolf.com continued on page 33
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Spooktacular Halloween October 24th & 25th
• FREE Ride Tickets* • Safe Trick or Treating ($3 per person) • Hay Maze (all month long) • Magical Magician • Visits from the Snow Queen & Spiderman • A Happy Little Pumpkin Patch • Crafts, Vendors & More *with donation to River Oak Center for Children. Learn more at funderlandpark.com
BUY 1, GET 1 FREE
For more specials, visit us on
TRICK OR TREATING $3 PER PERSON
Offer valid during promotion period only. Cannot be used in combination with any other offers. Limit one coupon per customer. Must surrender coupon. Valid 10/24-10/25 only.
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SP
or at funderlandpark.com 1350 17th Ave, Sacramento, CA 95822
HALLOWEEN BASHES & FALL FETES Elk Grove Giant Pumpkin Festival Saturday & Sunday, October 3rd & 4th at Elk Grove Park, Elk Grove – 10 AM to 5 PM Attractions include a giant pumpkin weigh-off (currently the World Record holder for the average Top 10 Giant Pumpkins), the Elk Grove World Pumpkin Pie Eating Championship, a pumpkin derby, kid’s zone, live entertainment, an art walk, a scarecrow making contest and more. Admission is free; parking is $10. 916-405-5600 www.yourcsd.com/pumpkinfestival Zombie Halloween Friday, October 16th at Skatetown Ice Arena, Roseville – 7 PM to 10 PM Join Skatetown Ice Arena for their 13th annual Halloween costume ice skating party. Entertainment includes a live DJ, light show and family-friendly games. 916-783-8550 | www.skatetown-roseville.com 7th Annual Antelope Crossing Spooktacular Saturday, October 17th at Antelope Crossing Commercial Center, Citrus Heights – 10 AM to 4 PM This free event is good for families of all ages and features carnival games, a 3 PM costume contest, raffles, a pumpkin patch, face painters, over 50 local vendors and live performances on the main stage throughout the day. 916-729-1100 | www.antelopecrossing.net Sacramento Children Museum’s Monster Bash Saturday, October 17th at the Sacramento Children Museum, Rancho Cordova – 6 PM to 8 PM Come dressed in costume and enjoy an evening of fun Halloween music and interactive Halloween activities, a costume parade, dancing and play time in the museum. 916-638-7225 | www.sackids.org 19th Annual Auburn Community Festival Saturday, October 17th at 123 Recreation Drive, Auburn – 10 AM to 4 PM The festival is filled with fun for the entire family – a giant pumpkin contest, costume contest & parade, a scarecrow contest, food and live music. Free. www.visitauburnca.com Safetyville’s Annual Halloween Haunt Saturday, October 17th at 3909 Bradshaw Rd., Sacramento – 11 AM to 4 PM Families attending the annual harvest festival will enjoy a magic show with Trevor Wyatt, a harvest maze, face painting, family games, raffles, live entertainment and more! Wear your costume for the parade. 916-438-3357 | www.safetycenter.org Folsom’s 7th Annual Night of 1,000 Pumpkins Friday, October 23rd in Historic Folsom on Sutter Street, Folsom – 6 PM On this truly magical night, the city lights up 1,000 carved pumpkins along the historic Sutter Street and families come out to trick-or-treat in costume. Bring a carved pumpkin to the event in order to be admitted. 916-985-7452 www.1000pumpkins.com
Fairytale Town’s 29th Annual Safe & Super Halloween Friday thru Sunday, October 23rd – 25th at Fairytale Town, Sacramento – 5 PM to 9 PM Trick-or-treat throughout the decorated grounds of Fairytale Town and come dressed for fun. With over 17 candy stations, a nightly magic show and costume parade and tons of kid-friendly activities, this is sure to be a hit. Check the website for pricing details. 916-808-7462 | www.fairytaletown.org Floating Pumpkin Patch Saturday, October 24th at Mike Shellito Indoor Pool, Roseville – 1 PM to 4 PM If you’re looking to celebrate Halloween in an original way, take your kids for a dunk in the Mike Shellito Indoor Pool to pick a floating pumpkin. You must pre-register by 10/19 in order to reserve a spot (event # 72227). 916-774-5200 | www.roseville.ca.us/events Funderland's Spooktacular Halloween Saturday & Sunday, October 24 & 25 at Funderland, Sacramento, CA – 10 AM to 5 PM Have a frighteningly fun time at this much-loved amusement park with safe trick-or-treating, magic shows, costume contests and rides for all ages. 916-456-0131 | www.funderlandpark.com Rocklin’s Fall Festival Saturday, October 24th at Johnson-Springview Park, Rocklin – 10 AM to 2 PM Rocklin hosts a wonderful, free event for the community each year where children trick-or-treat in costume at dozens of vendor stations, participate in Halloween activities and have fun with demonstrations. There will also be live entertainment throughout the day. 916-625-5215 | www.rocklin.ca.us Fall Festival Saturday, October 24th at Palladio, Folsom – 1 PM to 5 PM Afternoon festivities consist of hay rides, pumpkin and cookie decorating stations, a pie eating contest, face painter and other fun activities for the entire family to enjoy. 916-542-7408 | www.gopalladio.com/events Spooky Story Time Saturday, October 24th at Effie Yeaw Nature Center, Carmichael – 10:30 AM Join the Effie Yeaw Nature Center for a few spooky stories told by the Sacramento Storytellers Guild. Afterwards, set out to explore the beautiful grounds and the nearby American River. 916-489-4918 | www.sacnaturecenter.net Count Watts’ Spooktacular Saturday, October 24th at Roseville Utility Exploration Center, 1501 Pleasant Grove Blvd., Roseville – 10 AM to 2 PM At this SPOOKtacular event, children will meet the center’s Count Watts, carve pumpkins, play Halloween games and make crafts. They’ll bring home a few goodies in a limited-edition Count Watts trickor-treat bag. Come in costume. 916-746-1557 | www.roseville.ca.us/explore
Halloween Boo Bounce Wednesday, October 28th at BounceU in Roseville – 6 PM to 8 PM Kids will have a boo-tastic time bouncing the night away. A scavenger hunt, costume contest, crafts and treat complete the night. 916-783-4386 | www.bounceu.com/roseville-ca Wee Halloween Wednesday, October 28th at Crocker Art Museum, 216 O Street, Sacramento – 10 AM to 1 PM Children under 5 years of age will have a grand time at the Crocker Art Museum as Halloween approaches by decorating treat bags and participating in a guided walk through some of the exhibits to gather treats (kids will be greeted by ‘gentle surprises’ at each treat station). Dress in costume! You must register in advance. The tours take place between 10 AM and 11 AM. 916-808-1182 | www.crockerartmuseum.org Midway of Fun Carnival Thursday thru Sunday, October 29th – November 1st at the Sunrise Mall, Citrus Heights – Check website for times This 4-day carnival celebrates the fall season with a number of family-fun options – carnival rides, games, concessions and more. Ticket booths are on-site. 916-961-7150 | www.midwayoffun.com Family Fun Night Thursday, October 29th at Vernon Street Town Square, Roseville – 5 PM to 9 PM The pixies and pirates invite your family to Downtown Roseville for a night of fun including interactive Halloween activities, live entertainment, costume contests, trick-or-treating and vendor booths. Free. 916-774-5200 | www.roseville.ca.us/events Boo at the Zoo Friday & Saturday, October 30th and 31st at Sacramento Zoo, Land Park Drive & 16th Ave, Sacramento – 5 PM to 8 PM Kids will have a ghoulishly good time trick-or-treating between 25 different candy stations, watching the magic shows and participating in the costume dance party. The Spooky Train and Creepy Carousel will also be available at an additional charge. Best suited for children 10 years of age and under. 916-808-5888 | www.saczoo.org continued on page 34
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The Pumpkin Farm Harvest & Halloween Fun for the Whole Family
Open October 2nd - 31st 9am-6pm (Closed Mondays)
• Bounce House • Go-Kart Train Rides • Hayrides & Train Rides • Farm Zoo • Tower & Slide • Haunted Barn • Corn Maze • Hay Pyramid • Weekend Snack Bar • Large Pumpkins, Indian Corn & Gourds
Schedule Your School Tours Today! FREE Parking First Two Weekends & All Weekdays
$5 Parking
Only on the 3rd & 4th Weekend
Serving the Sacramento Area for 41 Years!
(916) 726-1137 www.PumpkinFarm.net
Trick-or-Treat in Old Sacramento Saturday, October 31st in the Downtown Mall and Old Sacramento – 12 PM to 4 PM This Halloween, children are invited to trick-or-treat at participating stores at the Downtown Mall in Sacramento and Old Sacramento. Start at the Old Sacramento Schoolhouse Museum for maps of participating stores and trick-or-treat bags. 916-442-8575 | www.oldsacramento.com Bayside Church’s Trunk-or-Treat Saturday, October 31st at the Westfield Galleria Mall Parking Lot, Roseville – 11 AM to 3 PM Dress in costume to “trunk-or-treat” at dozens of impressively decorated cars filled to the brim with Halloween candy. Stay to play in the bounce houses, participate in carnival games, listen to live entertainment and feast on grub from local food trucks in the food court area. Everyone is welcome. 916-791-1244 | www.baysideonline.com
Trick-or-Treat at Westfield Galleria Mall Saturday, October 31st, Roseville – 5 PM to 7 PM The Westfield Galleria Mall in Roseville invites families of all ages to trick-or-treat at participating stores. This is a great option for those who are looking for a safe, indoor Halloween experience. Wear your costumes! 916-787-2000 www.westfield.com/galleriaatroseville Trick-or-Treat at Sunrise Mall Saturday, October 31st at the Sunrise Mall, Citrus Heights – 5 PM to 7 PM Join the Sunrise Mall, in costume, to trick-or-treat with your family in a safe environment on Halloween. Dozens stores will be participating this year, rain or shine. 916-961-7150 | www.sunrisemallonline.com
Michelle Kopkash is publisher & editor of Macaroni Kid Roseville-Rocklin-Lincoln, a local site dedicated to helping parents find family-friendly events to entertain & educate their kids each week, www.rosevilleca.macaronikid.com.
7736 Old Auburn Road, Citrus Heights
NOW ENROLLING! City of Folsom Parks & Recreation
Kindergarten Readiness Come experience the fun of learning!
We help prepare your child for kindergarten in an enriching and supportive environment. Class is held 9 a.m.-noon, Monday through Thursday at the Hinkle Creek Nature Center in Folsom. This nine-month ongoing program is for ages 4-5.
For more details and to arrange a classroom tour, call
(916) 355-8355. 6
OCTOBER 2015 sacramentoparent.com
Elk Grove Oct. 3 & 4 - Elk Grove Park www.yourcsd.com/ pumpkinfestival (916) 405-5600
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