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Your Family Guide to Fall Fun in Oceanside, North County San Diego

Pumpkin Patches, Hay Rides, Corn Mazes, Apple Picking and more in Oceanside, North County San Diego

By Lovedy Carroll, Macaroni KID Oceanside September 13, 2023

Fall is an amazing time for family, friends and fun. My family and I love Autumn with crisper weather, fun decorations, and Autumn traditions. There may not be falling leaves in San Diego County but there are so many attractions, events, and activities to celebrate the Fall Season in San Diego county. Some are within driving distance to Oceanside, in a nearby mountain community, or right in here in Oceanside. This Fall Fun Guide includes the North County areas of Oceanside, Camp Pendleton, Bonsall, Carlsbad, Escondido, Fallbrook, and Vista, but we've included some events and activities as well in Julian, Valley Center and San Diego. Enjoy this local guide for all the apple picking, leaf peeping, pumpkin pickin', hay ridin', trick-or-treatin', and cider sippin' enjoyable time. There is something for everyone -- Macaroni KID Oceanside (MKO) has all the details for you and your family to make the most of Fall in Oceanside!* 

*Just a friendly reminder to verify event details before heading out! We do our best to get all of the information but ultimately please check with the organization or venue for your exact questions and information.*

We will continue to update our Macaroni KID Oceanside Fall Fun Guide with events as they are posted, so check back often!



Click on the image above to print a free Fall Fun List

Local Fall Events:

If you have a fun Fall event that you want to submit.  Click here.  

Macaroni KID Oceanside is adding fall events regularly as we find them, so check back often for updates! 

September: 

Sunday September 24th
Kids 12 and younger are free

 October: 

Friday October 6th from 5pm to 8pm
*Base access required


Saturday October 7th from 9am to 3pm

Free to attend, pumpkin purchase additional cost. 

MKO says "Picturesque photo opportunities - our family had a great time at this event last year."




Sunday October 8th from 9 am to 4 pm
 Family friendly celebration of geology treasures. Free admission.


Sunday October 8th starting at 10 am
Eco-friendly celebration of the natural world Creepy Crawlies


Saturday October 14th from 10 am to 3 pm

Don't miss the scarecrow contest with supplies available for pick-up before the event. The kids do a great job!


Saturday October 14th at 5 pm

Trick or Treating in Heritage Park along with a showing of 
 "The Addams Family" (2019) around 6:30pm. Admission: $7 per person and children 3 and under are free! Children and adults are welcome to dress up for this event.


Saturday October 21st from 9 am to 12:30 pm

Designed for new parents and their children; 
however all ages are welcome.
Free to attend, registration required.

MKO says: 

"MacKID Oceanside will be at this event - see you there!"


Sunday October 22nd from 9 am to 4 pm

Fallbrook Harvest Faire


Autumn themed fall family and events from the Fallbrook Chamber of Commerce. Make sure to visit the link for the variety of family-friendly contests, including pumpkin carving and children's costume contest


Sunday October 22nd from 10 am to 5 pm
A Latin cultural celebration to honor the beloved deceased, hosted by Por Siempre Car Club. Chalk cemetery and altars along with entertainment located near the Civic Center.  


Saturday October 28th from 11 am to 2 pm
Free to the public and no reservation required!


Saturday October 28th starting at 9 am
Artisan Faire, Cornhole Tournament, Brew on Tap and 
Kids Area in River Village, Bonsall


Saturday October 28th from 2pm to 5pm

This event is in need of Trunk volunteers! 

Sign-up via above link

Free Trunk or Treating hosted by Oceanside Parks and Rec at Mance Buchanon Park for Children 12 and under are welcome at this FREE event between 2pm and 5pm. This event also features a craft booth, inflatables, and kids group games!




Getty Signature Images via Canva 

   

Pumpkin Patches

Hay rides, family pictures, corn mazes, bounce-houses, crafts, and sometimes spooky activities.  Who doesn't love an olde fashion pumpkin patch?  Below is a list of patches near Oceanside that are sure to delight your family.


Mellano Farms

Details: Mellano Farms Oceanside Fall Festival runs weekends on Saturday and Sunday, starting Saturday September 30th. Hay rides, bounce house MKO says "Our family and friends had a blast at this event last year. The corn maze was fantastic!"

More Information:  Click here.




Carlsbad Strawberry Company

1050 Cannon Rd., Carlsbad, Ca 92008

Details: Carlsbad Strawberry Company's Pumpkin Patch season is open starting September 22 through November 5th! Pumpkin patch, Corn Maze, Marigold Field, Sheep, Goats, Rabbits and More! The Haunted Corn Maze will be open starting October 6th. MKO says - "Good photo opportunities and fun hay ride. Good for younger children." 

More Information:  Click here.


Fallbrook Pumpkin Patch at Vineyard 1924

1924 East Mission Road Fallbrook, CA 92028

Details:  Small town pumpkin patch meets winery with photo ops, cider and beer tasting and more.

More Information:  Click here.


Bates Nut Farm

15954 Woods Valley Road Valley Center, CA

Details: A very popular North County farm destination for fall fun. A variety of farm type activities beginning in September and ending in November.  

More Information:  Click here.


Del Mar Pumpkin Station

15555 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar, CA  92014

Details:  Free admission and parking, Pumpkin Patch, swing rides, giant slides. Open daily September 29 through October 31 Sun.-Thurs. 9am-7pm and Fri.- Sat. 9am-9pm. MKO says "Great photo opportunities and pleasant animals. Good for younger children."

More Information:  Click here.





  

Pick Your Own Apple Farms

Apple picking season begins in September. Julian is an easy day trip for Autumn fun and delicious apples, including mouth watering apple pie. There are many you-pick apple orchards in Julian and Santa Ysabel. Plan accordingly - it can get very busy in Julian with visitors and traffic so we recommend checking Visit Julian You Pick Website for a complete farm listing and produce availability. Find some fun apple recipes here - Apple Nachos, Applesauce Bake, Make Your Own Apple Sauce


Volcan Valley Apple Farms

1284 Julian Orchards Dr., Julian, Ca 92063

More information: Click here


Apple Starr Orchard

1020 Julian Orchards Dr., Julian, CA 92036

Details:  Open Saturdays and Sundays until the fruit is gone.

More information: Click here


Julian Farm and Orchard

4381 HWY 78 Santa Ysabel

More information: Click here



Getty Images via Canva 

 

Other fall attractions near Oceanside open all season long:


Legoland's Brick-or-Treat

1 Legoland Drive, Carlsbad, Ca 92008

Trick-or-treating activities, meet-and-greet with characters, and building activities. 

More Information: Click here. 


SeaWorld's Spooktacular and Howl-o-Scream

500 Sea World Dr., San Diego, CA  92109

Weekends starting September 18th-October 31.  Treats and fun by day!  Candy, costumes, visits by your favorite furry Sesame Street characters.  For younger children.

More Information:  Click here.


HalGLOWeen at the San Diego Zoo

Glowing fun at the San Diego Zoo which runs Friday, Saturday and Sundays in October from 5:00pm to 9:00pm. Kids 11 and younger are free.

More Information:  Click here.


Autumn Festival at the Safari Park Escondido 

Four weekends in October with special Harvest themed entertainment and lighting. October 7-8, 14–15, 21–22, and  28–29. Included with admission. 

More Information:  Click here.





XiXingXing via Shutterfly

  


Event images shared with permission with no compensation or sponsorship required. Do you know of a 2023 family-friendly fall event or attraction in Oceanside that isn't listed here? Please submit your event here https://oceanside.macaronikid.com/events/submit and we will add it to our Macaroni KID Oceanside Fall Fun Guide!