20 fun fall activities for kids

Looking for some fun fall activities for kids? This list is focused in the Orange County area, but has ideas for all moms beyond the local apple picking and visiting the pumpkin patch.

I’ve rounded up some of our favorite ideas to get creative with the kids this year!

Disclaimer: thatocmomlife is not making any guarantees or promises regarding the accuracy, reliability or completeness of the information presented. This blog contains my opinions and doesn’t reflect the opinions of any organizations I might be affiliated with. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

happy fall!

1. Visit the ENC

The ENC stands for the environmental nature center. It is located in Newport Beach and entrance is free. there is no better place to learn about fall then out in nature! The kids feel as if they are far away and enjoy safe trails, lots of birds, leafs and wildlife.

You can also mark your calendars for the 44TH ANNUAL FALL FAIRE & PUMPKIN PATCH which is October 13, 2019; 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

2. Bake pumpkin muffins

Baking something really simple like mini muffins is really fun for the kids! (Find my favorite recipe here). This year, we made so many muffins we packed them into cute little treat bags and delivered to all of our neighbors! This was so much fun for my kids to walk around and pass out!

3. Arts and crafts

There are so many fun arts and crafts you can do with the kids to get them in the fall spirt. This year I wanted to make decorations that were cute enough to use around the house too!

4. Frozen Fever

Frozen 2 comes out this November! Put it on the calendar and take the kids to see this amazing new movie to kick off the holiday season

5. Harvest Fest

Harvest Fest has become our favorite event for families to enjoy in the Fall. Calvary Chapel Old Towne is thrilled to be bringing this event back to our Church Parking lot! Join us for this FREE* annual community-wide family event!

The event is free, along with Petting Zoo, Photo booth, Pony Rides, Face Painting, Games, Candy, Inflatables and so much more.

6. Halloween SPOOKTACULAR

Friday, October 26th 4-7pm

Located at the Grant Howlad park in CDM, this is the 3rd annual Halloween Spooktacular. Featuring a trunk or treat, a haunted maze, games, bounce houses, food trucks, costume prizes, and more. You have to pre register online for the trick or treating! (Do that here)

7. Sawdust festival, Laguna Beach

The winter exhibits starts November 23 and runs through Christmas time! Open 10am-7pm

If you have older kids (ages 14 and up) you can do fun art classes year-round. Check the schedules here

8. Youth fall campout

WHEN: Friday – Sunday October 18 – 20, 2019

WHERE: Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park, San Juan Capistrano, CA

COST: $50

9. Take family photos for your holiday cards

Need a good family photographer? My favorite this season is Mcall Miller Photography who is offering mini sessions and private shoots. If you can’t snag a spot with her, search on the facebook moms group for photography and you’ll find hundreds of other leads for local photographers offering mini sessions!

10. Visit Zoomars Petting Zoo

ZOOMARS PUMPKIN PALOOZA starts
Oct. 1st and goes through Oct. 31st.

Bring your family this autumn
and experience a full pumpkin patch
on their historic farm.

11. Go apple picking in Julian

Julian is just a short 2-hour drive from Orange County and the perfect mountain getaway for families. It also is known for the best apple picking farms!

12. Visit Oak Glen

There is so much to do in Oak Glen! Try some of our favorites while you are here:

Apple picking at Riley’s Farm

Animal park and petting zoo

Eat at apple Annies

Parrish Pioneer Ranch

13. Volunteer somewhere with your kids

Family Volunteering provides children and their families a simple and organized way of building volunteerism into their daily lives. There is no better season to get involved! Check out the list below of the best places in Orange County to volunteer with kids!

14. Fall Movie Night

Nothing puts ya in a fall mood quite like a classic fall movie! Order a projector (here) and then display it on your garage door or empty wall space at dusk. Invite neighbors and friends to have an outside movie night!

15. Make Chili in a crock pot

Follow the midwest living blog and get the 28 best recipes for fall chili! It is so fun to perfect your chili and try new creations.

16. Make Carmel Apples

buy organic apples without any wax coating! Insert a wooden chopstick firmly into the bottom of each apple for a handle.
make your own caramel or keep it easy and just buy it here.
Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and let the apples cool after you dip them in caramel.

17. Visit Tanaka Farms

Monday-Friday they are open from 9am-6pm – Parking is FREE Monday through Friday. On weekends you have to reserve and pay for a parking space online!

Enjoy Wagon Rides, Barnyard Educational Exhibit, Corn Maze, and U-Pick Vegetable Patch, they also have games, ATV rides, arts & crafts, and the Pumpkin Cannon!

18. Weekend Getaway

If you want to really experience fall book a weekend getaway in a place that has beautiful fall weather and falling leaves! Get an Airbnb to really enjoy the space and read here about my favorite places to visit during the fall!

19. Visit the Irvine Park Railroad pumpkin patch

Irvine Park Railroad’s Pumpkin Patch in Orange County is fun for the entire family. Come out and enjoy the many activities for kids of all ages. The Pumpkin Patch is located just behind the train station and admission is FREE.

20. Roast pumpkin seeds

Roasting pumpkin seeds isn’t exactly the hardest thing to do, but there are some easy ways to guarantee great flavor!

The secrets: Dry your pumpkin seeds before roasting them in the oven, and lightly coat them in oil to help the seeds toast evenly and get a delicious, crisp, finish.