It's October... and that means apple cider, Halloween costumes and pumpkin patches!
While the weather may not feel like it, Fall has arrived, and along with it some incredible family fun in Orange County. If you're looking for ways to get in the spirit of Fall while waiting for the heat to dissipate, we have a list of fun ideas for you and your family!
Fritter Fridays
If you haven't been to SideCar Donuts in Costa Mesa yet, NOW IS THE TIME TO GO! They have several seasonal treats available (all of which are scrumptious) but Fritter Fridays are the best! These delicious apple fritters are only served on Fridays and are made from scratch with Granny Smith apples and topped with a homemade apple cider glaze. Can you say YUMMM?!
Photo from @tawny via @sidecardoughnuts on Instagram
Spooky Science Exhibit
Educational fun is some of the best kind of fun! During the month of October the Discovery Cube in Santa Ana hosts Monster Academy, a spooky journey into science lessons that include creative play, making your own slime, and visiting Frankenstein's laboratory.
Sooo Many Pumpkin Patches!
There is no shortage of interactive pumping patches here in Orange County! Tanaka Farms in Irvine, The Pumpkin Patch in Placentia, Enchanted Country in Brea, Johnson Brothers in Irvine, Pumpkin City in Laguna Hills and more. Pumpkin patches these days are more than just searching for the perfect pumpkin to carve, many of them have rides, petting zoos, costume contests, and other attractions sure to keep your little one busy! Most of the patches listed here are open daily but check their individual websites for dates and times.
Knott's Spooky Farm
While Knott's Scary Farm may be too frightening for your littles, the park has great lots of family fun available for younger ages. Knott's Spooky Farm in Buena Park takes place on the weekends in October. Activities include trick-or-treating, costume contests, Halloween themed rides & attractions, and live shows.
Great Park Balloon
You may have noticed a different look on the Great Park balloon... in celebration of Halloween, the iconic orange balloon is decorated as a jack-o-lantern. Head to the Great Park in Irvine to take pictures with the balloon or spend $10 to ride on the balloon itself (children under 18 ride free with a paid adult). Don't forget to take a ride on the carousel as well!
Oktoberfest
Halloween fun isn't just for the kiddos. Enjoy a date night out and celebrate the German tradition of Oktoberfest at Old World in Huntington Beach. Their 2-For Deal is a steal! 2 Beers, 2 Brats, & 2 admission tickets for only $40! This deal is available on their website for a limited time and applies to Friday admission only. Looking for a family friend option to celebrate Oktoberfest? Check out Kinderfest on Sundays! Kiddos under 5 are free!
Boo at the Zoo
Advertised as a "merry not scary" and family friendly event. Scheduled for the last two weekend evenings in October, the Santa Ana zoo is being transformed into a Halloween wonderland. Enjoy trick-or-treating, storytelling, games, a costume parade, and entertainment. Advanced tickets are available or you can purchase admission at the door.
Costume Party at Doulas of Orange County!
Week by week we watch your little ones grow. We love being witness to milestones and sharing in your joy and what is more joyful than babies dressed in costumes?! Our weekly New Mama Cafe is hosting a costume party on Tuesday, October 31st. Join us 11am-1pm on Halloween for some healthy & sweet treats, fall flavored teas, and baby playtime! New Mama Cafe meets weekly to foster community & friendship for new moms and babies in Orange County. Registration for our Costume Party is available on our website. Moms & Babies are encouraged to dress up!
With all of these events you are sure to get in the mood and evoke the spirit of Halloween and Fall. Hopefully the crisp, cool weather will soon follow! We love hearing about new & exciting events in Orange County, please share your own brand of Fall family fun with the hashtag #doulasoforangecounty on Instagram.