Fun Fall Activities in San Diego
I’ve compiled the best list of local and fun fall activities in San Diego to do with your kids. I’m so happy that it’s officially fall now! Bring on the cozy sweaters, chilly beach walks, and roasting s’mores by the fire pit. Our family loves to make the most of this season, and fill our calendar with festive activities. Doing fall things as a family makes the season feel so much more magical. Read on for my list of favorite and fun fall activities in San Diego:
Go To The Pumpkin Patch
We love taking the boys to our local pumpkin patches. Our favorites are Bates Nut Farm, and Oma’s Pumpin Patch! They love trying to pick up the heaviest pumpkins, and choosing ones we will take home. Pumpkin patches also usually have a petting zoo, a corn maze, and tractor rides – perfect for kids! Visiting a pumpkin patch is definitely top on the list of fun fall activities in San Diego.
Apple Picking in Julian
Apple picking only happens during a short window at Julian. We love to bake homemade apple pies with the apples we bring home! It’s a great way to teach your kids about how things grow, and basic cooking techniques.
Paint pumpkins
Painting pumpkins instead of carving them is a lot easier for little ones to participate in. It’s usually less messy too! Have your little loves pick out a few small pumpkins, and have a painting party in your backyard. Invite neighbors over and make it into a family hangout! Bonus points for including s’mores roasting by the fire while the pumpkins dry.
Disneyland During Halloween Time
During the holidays, Disneyland transforms into an even more magical experience. There are incredible Halloween decorations up everywhere, and a Halloween theme across the park. The Haunted Mansion ride gets made over into the Nightmare Before Christmas, which is spooky fun for older kiddos. Disney Characters walk around in their Halloween attire, and there are more Disney villains out too! Find out more about Halloween Disney events here.
Fall Festivals
We took our boys to the Fort Cross Autumn Jubilee in Julian last fall, and they loved it. There was pumpkin painting, a tree swing, candle dipping, a hay ride, and so much more! Tickets for this event are found here.
Go on a nature hike
Nature hikes are such a favorite pastime of ours. My boys love to collect fall leaves, hunt for bugs, romp along the trails, and enjoy the outdoors. Being outside in San Diego is doable all season long, since we it doesn’t ever get too cold outside. Find a trail near you, and have a family nature walk day!
Bake an apple pie.
My boys love being in the kitchen with me. And, they are always so proud of themselves when what they helped me bake turns out delicious! The smell of a warm apple pie fresh out of the oven is the epitome of fall.
Go Camping
Early Fall in October the weather in San Diego is still gorgeous and the summer crowds from tourists have died down. Camping in the Fall is one of our absolutely favorite things to do! Lake Cuyamaca is one of our go to spots. Here’s why:
- It’s only about an hour and a half outside of North County, San Diego and feels like you are worlds away.
- Great spot to fish! It is stocked with 38,000 pounds of trout a year.
- It is a great area for viewing wildlife which the boys love! Right after sunrise or just before sunset you can see deer, bobobcats, skunks and raccoons at state park meadows area just south of the lake.
- There’s a great little restaurant on the lake that has good foods, drinks, and a beautiful view of the lake.
- Lots of great areas to hike that are kid friendly.
Don’t forget to stop at Mom’s in Julian for a slice of apple pie on your way home!
What are your personal favorite fall activities in San Diego? Let me know in the comments below!
