Calendar • October
PUMPKIN PATCHES
Find more at www.sandiegofamily.com/things-to-do/seasonal-happenings/pumpkin-patches-in-san-diego.
FREE Pumpkin Station. Giant slides, rides, a petting zoo and thousands of pumpkins. Through Oct. 31, visit website for hours and ride ticket packages. Five San Diego County locations (see back cover). www.pumpkinstation.com
Carlsbad Pumpkin Patch. Pumpkins, corn maze, apple cannons and tractor rides. Through Nov. 8. Sun.–Thurs., 9 am–7 pm; Fri.–Sat., 9 am–10 pm. $5; 5 & under free. Additional fee for activities. Carlsbad Strawberry Fields at Cannon Rd. & I–5. www.carlsbadstrawberrycompany.com
Pumpkin Express. Ride decorated vintage railcars, then walk through the Display Building featuring Halloween scenes, a pumpkin patch, ghosts and ghouls. Saturdays & Sundays, Oct. 9–31, 10:30 am, 11:45 am, 1:30 pm & 2:45 pm. $14–$18. Visit website for tickets. Campo Railroad Park & Museum, 750 Depot St. www.psrm.org Mechanics Alive! Explore small, surreal worlds through mechanical sculptures in this interactive experience that combines science, technology, engineering, art and math. Visit website for times and tickets. Fleet Science Center, Balboa Park. www.fleetscience.org
sunday | 10 FREE Star Walk XIII. Learn beginner astronomy concepts, facts and principles. 6–7:30 pm. Double Peak Park, 900 Double Peak Dr., San Marcos. www.san-marcos.net FREE San Marcos Harvest Festival. Mile long marketplace, food, kids’ zone, live bands and more. 9 am– 5 pm. Along Via Vera Cruz & Commerce St. www.sanmarcoschamber.com Don’t forget to call to confirm dates, times and admission prices.
28 • SanDiegofamily.com • October 2021
FREE Family Christmas Tree Farm Pumpkin Patch. Hayrides, pumpkins, a maze and more. Fri.–Sun., 9 am-9 pm, through Oct. 31. 300 Pepper Dr., El Cajon. www.familychristmastreefarm.com
FREE Pumpkin Patch at Bates Nut Farm. Pumpkins, hayrides, a straw maze and more. Through Oct. 31. Open daily, 9 am–5 pm. Visit website for parking and activity fees. 15954 Woods Valley Rd., Valley Center. www.batesnutfarm.biz FREE Mountain Valley Ranch Pumpkin Patch. Corn maze, pony rides, corn cannon, petting zoo, pumpkins and more. Through Oct. 31. Daily, 9 am–6 pm. 842 Hwy. 78, Ramona. www.mountainvalleyranch.com
saturday | 16 Autumn Festival. Wildlife encounters, entertainment and culinary comforts. Saturdays & Sundays, 9 am–7 pm. Through Oct. 31. Kids free all October. Visit website for tickets. San Diego Zoo Safari Park, 15500 San Pasqual Valley Rd., Escondido. www.sdzsafaripark.org FREE Fall Fun Festival. Kids’ crafts and activities, live music, a scarecrow contest and more. 10 am–3 pm. Alta Vista Botanical Gardens, 1270 Vale Terrace Dr., Vista. www.altavistabotanicalgardens.org FREE Taste of the Philippines. A unique cultural experience celebrating Philippine and Filipino American arts, culture and history. 10 am–8 pm. Waterfront Park, 1600 Pacific Hwy., downtown. www.tasteofthephilippines.org
Oma’s Pumpkin Patch. Giant slide, animal corral, wagon ride and more. Through Oct. 30. Tues.–Sat., 10 am–7 pm. Admission tickets ($9 and up) must be purchased online before arrival. 14950 El Monte Rd., Lakeside. www.omasfamilyfarm.com FREE U-Pick Pumpkin Patch at The Farm Stand West. Through. Oct. 31. Visit website for times. 2115 Miller Ave., Escondido. https://thefarmstandwest.com FREE Pumpkin Patch at Summers Past Farms. Pumpkins, a corn maze and hay fort. Through Oct. 31. 15602 Olde Hwy. 80, Flinn Springs. www.summerspastfarms.com
FREE Family Sunday: Day of the Dead. Learn about piñatas, then craft and decorate your own. 12–5 pm. Mingei International Museum, 1439 El Prado, Balboa Park. www.mingei.org FREE Fallbrook Harvest Faire. Petting zoo, pony rides, food, handmade crafts and more. 9 am–4 pm. Main Ave., downtown Fallbrook. www.fallbrookchamberofcommerce.org FREE Grand Avenue Festival. Handcrafted gifts, international cuisine, live entertainment and more. 9 am–5 pm. Grand Ave. from Escondido Blvd. to Ivy, Escondido. www.escondidochamber.org
friday | 22
sunday | 17
Haunted Aquarium. Ghosts, goblins, mermaids and sharks? Meet slimy sea creatures, learn about mysterious animals from the sea and get up close with spooky science. Costumes, especially those that are ocean-themed, are encouraged. Oct. 22–24, 6–9 pm. $25–$30, 2 & under free. Birch Aquarium at Scripps, 2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla. Reserve your tickets at www.aquarium.ucsd.edu.
Fall Family Swap Meet. 8:30 am–12 noon. $2. Torrey Pines High School, 3710 Del Mar Heights Rd. For information email info@sandiegoparent.com
Friday Night at the Drive In: “Coco.” Gates open, 7 pm; movie, 8 pm. $20 per vehicle. High Tech High parking lot, 5331 Mt. Alifan Dr. www.clairemontchamber.org
Antique Engine & Tractor Exhibit. Pumpkin patch, model trains, tractors, engines, cars, and more. Oct. 16–17 & 23–24, 9 am–4 pm. $3–$5; under 6 free. Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum, 2040 N. Santa Fe Ave., Vista. www.agsem.com
