Fall is here which means there are plenty of fun and exciting things to do to bring in the season. Although some annual fall events in Orange County are not being held this year due to the pandemic, there are still others that are starting up again. From pumpkins to bratwurst, you’ll find fun activities for the entire family.
Let’s take a look at some of the events you’ll want to put on your fall to-do list.
1. Tanaka Farms Pumpkin Patch
Fall means it’s time to pick pumpkins! At Tanaka Farms in Irvine, you can either pick your pumpkin in the U-pick Pumpkin Wagon Ride or you can take a ride in the drive-thru pumpkin farm. Either choice is bound to be fun for the entire family.
If you choose the U-Pick Pumpkin Wagon Ride, you’ll get a tour around Tanaka’s 30-acre farm. You’ll see the pumpkin cannon launched, and you can take a ride through the barnyard educational exhibit. There are sunflowers to see as well as a scarecrow contest. Of course, you also pick your own pumpkin.
The Drive-Thru Pumpkin Farm lets you stay in your car as you drive around the farm. There are pumpkin samples, a barnyard exhibit, a scarecrow contest, and more! You stay in your car unless you decide to pick your own pumpkin in the field. Both options require reservations so be sure to book ahead.
2. Irvine Park Pumpkin Patch
The Irvine Park Pumpkin Patch is another fun option to pick your own pumpkins. While you won’t be able to walk around to pick your pumpkin like in years past, you can still get a pumpkin while you’re there taking part in various activities. There are still train rides, hayrides, face painting, cookie decorating, and more. With so much to do for the entire family, you can make it a fun afternoon of fall activities.
3. Apple Picking in Oak Glen
Apple picking in Oak Glen will give you plenty of exercise walking through the fields to find the most delicious apples out there. Oak Glen is a five-mile loop of apple orchards as well as shops and family-owned restaurants. You’ll find them about one mile above the city of Yucaipa. The main apple harvest is going on now through Thanksgiving Weekend so be sure to get out there to get your apples. You can also grab some cider, donuts, and other fall treats. Dress warmly as well. It’s usually about 10-15 degrees cooler in Oak Glen than it is in the valleys.
4. Oktoberfest- Huntington Beach
From September 19-October 31, Huntington Beach will be hosting Oktoberfest. “German World Magazine” ranks this event as Southern California’s best and most diverse Oktoberfest. You can sample food like bratwurst, strudel, as well as imported German beers. There are also beer drinking and Stein holding contests. Wednesday through Saturday nights are designated as adult nights while Sundays are family days complete with Dachshund races. You can catch all the excitement at Old World Festival Hall in Huntington Beach.
5. Boo at the Zoo at Santa Ana Zoo
Boo at the Zoo takes gusts through a Halloween trail through the zoo during extended admission hours at the Santa Ana Zoo. Don’t worry, the decorations are not too scary so they’re appropriate for the entire family. Encourage your child to wear their Halloween costume (adults too) for a fun-filled time. There are even goody bags for each child as they leave. It promises to be a fun-filled evening for the entire family. Boo at the Zoo runs October 23, 24, 29, and 30th. Be sure to buy your tickets in advance online.
With so much to do and see in Orange County over the next couple of months, you’re bound to fall in love with the season!
