Jessica Chenoweth 
Today is the first official day of fall! And while it still might feel like summer in San Diego, there are plenty of fall happenings to plan for this fall.
Apple Picking
Nothing says fall like picking apples! Luckily, there are plenty of nearby orchards where you can do just that right in Julian.
Crosscut Farm and Orchard
1209 Farmer Rd. (just below Volcan Mountain)
crosscutfarmandorchard.com
Julian Mining Co.
4444 Hwy. 78
julianminingcompany.com
Ranchita del Reo
1711 Highway 78 – across from Julian High School
facebook.com/peapickinheart
Peacefield Orchard
3803 Wynola Rd.
3803wynolaroad.com
Apples and Art Orchards
1052 Julian Orchards Dr.
applesandartorchards.com
Julian Farm and Orchard
4381 Julian Hwy.
julianfarmandorchard.com/apple-tours
Volcan Valley Apple Farm
4444 Hwy. 78
1284 Julian Orchards Dr.
Pumpkin Patches
There are SO many pumpkin patches in San Diego with a ton of activities for the whole family. We’ll have a full list soon, but here are a couple of our favorites:
Oma’s Pumpkin Patch. Wagon rides, petting zoo, pumpkins and more. Sept. 26-Oct. 28. Tues.–Sat., 10 am–7 pm. 14950 El Monte Rd., Lakeside. Online reservations required: omasfamilyfarm.com
California Farm Life Pumpkin Patch. Pumpkins, activities and more. Sept. 15-Oct. 31. Mon.–Fri., 2–6 pm; Sat. & Sun., 10 am–6 pm. $5–$30. 18409 Rangeland Rd., Ramona. californiafarmlife.com
Pumpkin Patch at Bates Nut Farm. Tractor hay rides, straw maze, pumpkins and more. Sept. 16-Oct. 31. Sept. hours: Mon.-Sun. 9 am- 5 pm; October hours: Mon.–Fri., 9 am–5:30 pm; Sat. & Sun., 8:30 am–6 pm. Oct. 13, 20 and 27 open until 6:30 pm. Sept. 30 and all weekends in October: parking: $10. 15954 Woods Valley Rd., Valley Center. batesnutfarm.biz
Halloween Activities for the Little Ones
Spooky season is here and with it a ton of different local amusement and theme parks having great activities for kids of all ages.
LEGOLAND Brick-or-Treat
This is by FAR our favorite theme park Halloween event in Southern California! There is so much to do and see at LEGOLAND and that is certainly the case during Halloween. With themed food, shows and plenty of trick-or-treating, there is a ton to do during this event. It has become so popular that they have now expanded it into Sundays in October.
Halloween Spooktacular at SeaWorld
Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday through October 29, SeaWorld is throwing their annual Halloween Spooktacular. There are shows, a hay maze, scavenger hunts and, of course, trick or treating! Big bonus, in the month of October kids can get in for free with a paid adult. seaworldsandiego.com
HalGLOWeen at the San Diego Zoo
On Friday, Saturday and Sundays in October, the San Diego Zoo will come alive at night with their annual HalGLOWeen celebration. There will be a ton of performers to enjoy as the zoo stays open late during this event. Kids 11 & under are free when accompanied by an adult admission. sdzwa.org
Spooky Events For the Big Kids
If you have an older child that is into all things scary, or maybe for a parent’s night out, there is plenty to do this fall!
SeaWorld Howl-O-Scream
This is the third year for the SeaWorld Howl-O-Scream event and it’s bigger and better than ever! With 5 haunted houses and 5 scare zones, they are gearing up to be one of the biggest haunted events in San Diego. seaworldsandiego.com
The Scream Zone
After taking a couple years off, The Scream Zone is finally returning to the Del Mar Fairgrounds this year in its former glory. Beyond the traditional haunted houses, this year they will also have a full midway with games, rides and food. thescreamzone.com
The Haunted Trail
Located in Balboa Park and featuring TWO haunts, The Haunted Trail is a stroll through the park you will never forget. The eXperiment Maze will have you screaming your way through 3500 square feet of Horror only to be sent through the mile long Trail next. hauntedtrail.net
Old Town Haunted Walking Tour.
Looking for real life creeps? Explore Heritage Park, The Whaley House and more. Thurs.–Mon., through Oct. 28. 7 & 9 pm. Price is $42 per person. hauntedsdoldtowntours.com
