Circle back to the past and ride the historic Balboa Park Carousel! Almost all of the animal figures are original from 1910, as are the hand-painted murals on the center panels, the outer rounding boards, the military band organ, the motor, and the famous brass ring game. Fifty-two animals — ranging from horses to giraffes to zebras — and four chariots, are hand-carved and intricately and colorfully painted. Rides, set by an old-fashioned egg timer, last 5 minutes, with a top speed on the outside ring of 13 miles per hour. Take a spin and make new memories on this treasured attraction, celebrating its 101st anniversary in 2023. The Carousel is open 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m. weekends in the fall. Balboa Park Carousel
family-friendly events
No tricks here – it’s all about treats when you visit a County park in October. From fall festivals with costume contests to spooky trails and movies after dark, we’ve brewed a magical cauldron brimming with park memories that are sure to get a hoot, howl or holler from your inner monster.
The first activity takes place Oct. 8 with a kick-off to the season at the Fall Festival at San Dieguito County Park from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. This event includes costume contests, zero-waste activities and crafts, games, interactive nature education and a chance to meet real birds of prey that are part of our Hawktober tour!
Our 19th annual Hellhole Canyon Spooky Trails event takes place Oct. 14, from 4 to 8:30 p.m. Visitors can take a short trek through scary scenery, participate in costume contests, play games and win prizes, and cap the evening with an outdoor showing of Puss in Boots: The Last Wish. PARTY PERKS: The Hawktober crew will be stopping by at 4:30 p.m. and the first 100 kids at the event will receive a free pumpkin!
Park staff and volunteers will be your spirit guides on a dark and macabre (yet completely safe) Haunted Trail at Oakoasis County Preserve on Oct. 14 from 6 to 8 p.m. Wear comfortable shoes and dress in layers if you dare to travel with us!
Those in Ramona can get in on the haunted trail action the following weekend, at Dos Picos County Park on Oct. 21 from 5 to 9 p.m. Anyone lurking about in south county can get spooked by their own eerily lit path at Potrero County Park on Oct. 21 from 4 to 8:30 p.m. Rangers at both parks have added extra not-so-scary activities to their party plans to thrill and fulfill park guests – so plan to make a night of it.
Get dressed in your alter-ego best because our community and teen centers are hosting their own Halloween-themed parties. No RSVP is needed to have a ghoulishly good time enjoying the music, food, games, giveaways and costume contests at these thrilling locales:
- Oct. 20, 4 – 7 p.m. – Halloween Festival at Lakeside Community Center
- Oct. 27, 5 – 7 p.m., Halloween Spooktacular at Spring Valley Community Center
- Oct. 28, 3:30 – 5:30 p.m., Halloween Festival at Fallbrook Community Center
- Oct. 30, 3 – 6 p.m., Haunted REC at Lakeside Teen Center (members only)
- Oct. 31, 3 – 6 p.m., Haunted REC at Spring Valley Teen Center (members only)
Come “pick” a perfect pumpkin by the bay to keep and decorate at the Waterfront Park Pumpkin Patch! The event is back Oct. 22 with free pumpkins for kids (while supplies last), music, inflatables, crafts, games, food trucks and other seasonal festivities! The pumpkin patch will be open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and public transportation is encouraged.
Dia de los Muertos—the Day of the Dead—is returning to Rancho Guajome Adobe in Vista Oct. 28 at Rancho Guajome Adobe from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Peruse decorated altars, try your hands at papel picado and other crafts, enjoy food, listen to music, cheer on Ballet Folklorico dancers, and be awed by the Catrin and Catrina parade!
There are also quite a few movies taking place in parks – the final films in the Summer Movies in the Park series. Titles include Hocus Pocus, E.T., Frankenweenie, The Goonies and The Nightmare Before Christmas. Learn more by visiting summermoviesinthepark.com.
Inclement weather may cancel any of the abovementioned events. Consider calling parks ahead of time to confirm details.
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Throughout October, Flagship Cruises & Events is proud to welcome children aboard for a free cruise around San Diego Bay. Kids 12 and under can ride the scenic San Diego Harbor Tour for free with paying adult companion. Enjoy a fun, educational family outing in San Diego at an unbeatable price.
• Choose 1-hour North or South route or 2-hour Full Bay
* Up to two children per full-fare adult
Book here. Flagship also offers harbor tours, brunch, cocktail and dinner cruises. Enjoy 15% Off a Cruise Here
Circle back to the past and ride the historic Balboa Park Carousel! Almost all of the animal figures are original from 1910, as are the hand-painted murals on the center panels, the outer rounding boards, the military band organ, the motor, and the famous brass ring game. Fifty-two animals — ranging from horses to giraffes to zebras — and four chariots, are hand-carved and intricately and colorfully painted. Rides, set by an old-fashioned egg timer, last 5 minutes, with a top speed on the outside ring of 13 miles per hour. Take a spin and make new memories on this treasured attraction, celebrating its 101st anniversary in 2023. The Carousel is open 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m. weekends in the fall. Balboa Park Carousel
October is the BEST time to be a kid in San Diego! The San Diego Museum Council has announced the return of the popular Kids Free San Diego program, presented in partnership with the San Diego Tourism Authority and with support from First 5 San Diego. From Oct. 1-31, children ages 12 and under can enjoy free admission to dozens of museums and other family-friendly attractions throughout San Diego County. With more than 50 participating locations (like the USS Midway Museum (pictured), there is something for every age and interest, including art, science, history, cultural heritage, nature, wildlife, trains, ships and much more. A list of participating museums can be found on the San Diego Museum Council website (with additional locations still being added). Coupons for each museum can be downloaded from the SD Museum Council website. Kids Free San Diego
Get ready for an action-packed movie night! Join the San Diego Air & Museum on Oct. 6 for a screening of “TOP GUN: Maverick.” It’s a high-flying adventure you won’t want to miss. Best of all, it’s free with your evening admission. Tickets
• On Oct. 14, witness the magic of a solar eclipse and dive into the excitement of the Museum’s Annual Pumpkin Chunkin‘ event! It’s a day filled with science, wonder, and fun. Watch as the moon eclipses the sun and, afterward, enjoy the thrill of launching pumpkins through the air! More information
• The countdown is on for the International Hall of Fame Celebration on Oct. 21! Don’t miss this extraordinary event honoring aviation and space legends. Secure your tickets now for an unforgettable evening of inspiration and celebration. Join us as we pay tribute to these remarkable individuals and their contributions to the world of flight and space exploration. Tickets
The museum is open from 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Enjoy $4 off regular adult admission here: San Diego Air & Space Coupon