l l a F of ys a D 31 n u F n e e ow l l a &H
Natalie Dal Pra
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Organize a neighborhood scavenger hunt for kids and their friends. Some items to search for: things that are brown, a rake, spider webs or scarecrows. Or, use our free, printable Halloween Scavenger Hunt at www.sandiegofamily.com/for-thekids/crafts-for-kids/halloween-bingoscavenger-hunt. Hand out themed prizes from the dollar store.
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Grab a package of glow sticks and play an epic game of glow-inthe-dark tag.
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Generate Halloween excitement by making a black and orange paper chain to count down the days until Oct. 31.
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Have a fall-themed day in Julian. Start off by apple picking at an orchard, eat lunch on Main Street, then pan for gold at Eagle Mining Company. End your afternoon at Julian Cider Mill for tasty treats like fudge, candy and apple butter.
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Take a hike at Palomar Mountain to enjoy fresh air and fall colors. Feeling even more adventurous? Camp out with the family at the state park.
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BOO your neighbors! Participate in this kind hearted activity by leaving surprise treats for friends. Get all the details (and free printables) at www.sandiegofamily.com/ things-to-do/seasonal-happenings/ boo-neighbors-free-printable.
Who says you can’t spot fall foliage in San Diego? Check out maple trees at the Japanese Friendship Garden in Balboa Park for some excellent leaf peeping.
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Take a trip to a local pumpkin patch, such as Pumpkin Station (five locations), Carlsbad Pumpkin Patch or Family Christmas Tree Farm Pumpkin Patch in El Cajon. Turn to page 28 for more. Many offer tractor hay rides, petting zoos and more.
20 • SanDiegofamily.com • October 2021
Whip up a yummy batch of hot chocolate. Top your drinks with addins such as white chocolate chips and candy corn. Or, order hot chocolate bombs from a local maker and watch the contents burst open in your cup! Feeling ambitious? Learn to make spooky eyeball cocoa bombs at www.theseasidebaker.com. Have a kid-friendly Halloween movie night with your crew. Family classics such as “Halloweentown,” “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” and “Hocus Pocus” are streaming on Disney+. Make it a Día de los Muertos celebration with the movie “Coco.” Don’t forget the popcorn!
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Bake all things pumpkin with the kids—pies, breads, milkshakes, even mac ‘n’ cheese—the possibilities are endless! Find these recipes and more in our round-up of Pumpkiny Goodness: www.sandiegofamily.com/things-to-do/ dining-and-recipes/pumpkin-recipes.
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Fall is a great time to be outside! Pack a picnic and take it to a nearby park. We’re big fans of the green space at Morley Field in North Park and Waterfront Park downtown.
Photo credit: @SanDiegoFamilyAdventures
Ready for a fabulous month of autumnal fun? Here are 31 days of ideas for your family this October.
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Once you’ve picked the perfect pumpkin, get to carving. Be sure to set aside some seeds to roast for a yummy and nutritious snack. Not a fan of cleaning up gourd guts? Painting pumpkins is just as fun and (slightly) less messy. Find great no-carve pumpkins ideas at www.sandiegofamily.com/things-to-do/seasonalhappenings/no-carve-pumpkin-decorating.
