Patch Parents: 5 Family-Friendly Things To Do On The First Day Of Fall In CA
CALIFORNIA — Sunday is the first day of fall, but family-friendly fall activities are already in full swing across California.
Apple picking season, in fact, started Labor Day weekend for many farms and orchards throughout the state. It’s an activity that should be at the top of your family’s fall bucket list, according to officials with Apple Hill Growers Association, which represents more than 50 family farms near the Sierra foothill town of Placerville in El Dorado County.
“The kids can run through an apple orchard, explore various kid-related activities, and pick out a pumpkin for Halloween, while parents can sample some wine and stroll about enjoying the fall colors,” said Seana Hartsell, a local grower and spokesperson for Apple Hill Growers Association.
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Apple picking season started on Labor Day and runs through December at Apple Hill, which draws more than a million visitors to the region each year. In the fall, ranches offer fresh mountain-grown apples and treats made from the fruit such as cider, juice, donuts and pies.
A handful of the Apple Hill ranches offer u-pick apple picking. Some of the ranches are open year-round and offer other produce such as blackberries, blueberries, peaches and pumpkins.
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“All our ranches have been working hard growing apples and making treats to share with the families that visit us each year,” Hartsell told Patch. “Our ranches offer a family-friendly environment that is like visiting your friend’s farm for the weekend to enjoy fall treats.”
In addition to apple picking and apple treats, Apple Hill hosts a variety of harvest and Halloween events in the fall. Kids can enjoy gem mining, gold panning, hayrides, face painting, scavenger hunts and other festive fun.
“The Apple Hill Growers look forward to sharing their farms with you this fall,” Hartsell said. “October is the busiest time to come, so maybe try to come in September or November or on weekdays to avoid the crowds.”
Another popular apple picking destination is Julian, a charming town in the Cuyamaca Mountains in San Diego County. The community, located just an hour east of San Diego, is known for its bountiful apple harvest, and especially, its locally made apple pies.
Apple season in Julian can be anywhere from the end of August through parts of November, according to Eva Elmblad, general manager of Julian Farm and Orchard. Typically, most u-pick growers have varieties that are harvested in September and early October, but visitors should check with their local u-pick orchard of choice.
“There are tons of different varieties of apples,” Elmblad told Patch. “Each variety has its own tentative harvest date. Harvest dates fluctuate due to weather.”
At Julian Farm and Orchard, u-pick apples are only available for visitors with apple tour reservations. The farm’s apple crop is limited and there is a high demand for u-pick apples.
“Apple picking is a very high-demand activity and there’s a limited supply. Many trips to Julian are made on a whim, but a little planning beforehand allows visitors to have a more pleasurable experience,” Elmblad said.
She recommended visitors check the weather and dress accordingly. Visitors should also look up business hours and make reservations, if necessary. Also research attractions ahead of time to plan your trip.
“Julian is a very popular tourist destination from September through the New Year, on holidays, school breaks, and when there’s snow,” Elmblad said. “If you visit during these times, expect large crowds with additional traffic. Please be kind to those working at local establishments. We are all doing our best to serve the large crowds in a timely manner.”
If you’ve already picked your apples for the season, there are a variety of other family-friendly things to do this fall across California. Here are four more festive activities for the first day of fall — and all season long.
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Go pumpkin picking.
Apples aren’t your thing? Pick out a pumpkin at a pumpkin patch. Although Halloween isn’t until next month, many pumpkin patches open this weekend for the season.
Go to a fall festival.
Celebrate the changing of the seasons at a fall festival.
A few of the popular festivals in Southern California include Solvang Danish Days, which is slated this weekend in Solvang, not far from Santa Barbara. There’s also the Apple Butter Festival in Oak Glen, California Avocado Festival in Carpinteria, the Calabasas Pumpkin Festival in Calabasas, and the Pismo Beach Clam Festival in Pismo.
In Northern California, don’t miss Johnny Appleseed Days in Paradise, which is dubbed the oldest harvest festival in the state. There’s also Sonoma County Harvest Fair in Santa Rosa, Elk Grove Giant Pumpkin Festival in Elk Grove, and Lambtown Festival in Dixon.
Get lost in a corn maze.
Challenge your family with a corn maze. Yes, corn mazes exist in California. In fact, the state is home to what was once the world’s largest corn maze.
Cool Patch Pumpkins in Dixon, near Sacramento, is known for its massive corn maze and pumpkin patch, making it an iconic fall attraction. The corn maze was featured in the Guinness Book of World Records in 2007 and 2014. In 2014, the 63-acre maze gave Cool Patch Pumpkins the world record.
The maze is different every year, according to the pumpkin patch, which scaled back its maze after a number of people got lost and called 911 during the 2014 season. This year’s maze opens Saturday.
Go on a scenic drive to see the fall colors.
No, you don’t have to go to the East Coast to see the leaves change color. Many state parks up and down the state showcase the colors of fall.
Three places in California made the Top Places to See Fall Foliage in All 50 States list on SmokyMountains.com. The list included mountain town Julian, Letts Lake in Mendocino National Forest, and Yosemite National Park.
CaliforniaFallColor.com features a fall color map that shows locations of reported color. According to the map, fall color has already been reported in a few areas, namely the High Sierra in eastern California.
Patch Parents is written by Patch Editor Kristina Houck, a mom of three boys. Have a story idea? Email [email protected].
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