We love Fall in Sacramento —temperatures cool down enough to enjoy the outdoors, sweaters come out of the closet, pumpkin-flavored treats start to pop up everywhere and there are plenty of special events in the pipeline.

Our round-up of the best things to do in Sacramento this season will keep your family busy through Thanksgiving. Have fun creating new memories together!

 This Fall Fun Guide includes:
Pumpkin Patches, Fall Festivals & Activities, Apple Hill Feature,
Fall Hiking, and Halloween Parties & Spooky Fun!

 

Pumpkin Patches, Corn Mazes & Hayrides

AUBURN

Poppy Lane Christmas Farm
12110 Poppy Lane, Auburn, CA
(530) 906-6988
Open 9/26 – 10/31. Hours: 9am – 7pm Daily

CITRUS HEIGHTS

The Pumpkin Farm
7736 Old Auburn Road, Citrus Heights, CA
(916) 726-1137
Open 10/2 – 10/31. Hours: 9am – 6pm Tuesday – Sunday

DAVIS

Impossible Acres
26565 Road 97D, Davis, CA
530-750-0451
Open 10/1. Hours TBD

DIXON

Cool Patch Pumpkins
6586 Milk Farm Road, Dixon, CA
(530) 304-0163
Open 9/19 – 11/1. Hours: 9am – 8pm Daily

Silveyville Pumpkin Farm
6248 Silveyville Road, Dixon, CA
(707) 678-1823
Open 10/1. Hours: 10am – 6pm Daily

ELK GROVE

Keema Family Pumpkin Patch
6532 Point Pleasant Road, Elk Grove, CA
(916) 684-2334
Open 9/26 – 10/31. Hours: Tues – Fri 11am – Dusk, Saturday 9am – Dusk, Sat – Sun 10am – Dusk

FOLSOM

Zittel Farms
6781 Oak Ave, Folsom, CA
(916) 989-2633
Open 9/26. Hours: Weekdays 9am – 5pm, Weekends 9am – 6pm

LATHROP

Dell’ Osso Family Farm
501 S. Manthey Road, Lathrop, CA
(209) 982-0833
Open 10/3 – 10/31. Hours: 10am – 8pm Daily

NATOMAS

Bastiao Farms Goblin Gardens Pumpkin Patch
3845 El Centro Road, Sacramento, CA
(916) 925-2947
Open 10/1 – 10/31. Hours: 10am – 7pm Daily

SACRAMENTO

Roemer Pumpkin Patch
6851 Hedge Road, Sacramento
(916) 381-4331
Open 10/1. Hours: Tues – Fri 2pm – 5pm, Sat – Sun 9am – 5pm

WEST SACRAMENTO

Dave’s Pumpkin Patch
3010 Burrows Ave
West Sacramento, CA 95691
(916) 849-9450
Open 9/26 – 10/31. Hours: Sun – Thurs 10am – dusk, Fri – Sat 10am – 9pm

WHEATLAND

Bishop’s Pumpkin Farm
1415 Pumpkin Lane, Wheatland, CA
(530) 633-2568
Open 9/19 – 11/1. Hours: (September) Daily from 9am-6pm (October) Sundays – Thursdays 9am-7pm, Fridays & Saturdays 9am-8pm

WILTON

Fog Willow Pumpkin Farm
11011 Cecatra Drive, Wilton, CA
(916) 687-4547
Open Wed 10/1 – 10/31. Hours: Mon – Fri 12pm – 6pm, Sat – Sun 9:30am – 6pm

MORE…

You can also find pumpkin patches at many of the Apple Hill ranches!

 

Fall Festivals & Activities

October

Giant Pumpkin Festival
When: October 3-4; 10am-5pm
Where: Elk Grove Regional Park
What: Giant pumpkin weigh-off, pumpkin regatta, kids zone, live entertainment, and more.
Cost: FREE; parking $10

Fall Toddler Time
When: Mondays and Tuesdays in October; 10:30-11:30am
Where: Nimbus Fish Hatchery Visitor Center, 2001 Nimbus Rd, Gold River
What: Nature-themed stories, songs, crafts and activities designed especially for children ages 5 and under!  Each week they explore a different theme.
Cost: FREE

Harvest Festival
When: Saturday, October 10; 11am – 3pm
Where: Golden Valley Charter School, Orangevale
What: Live Music, Storytelling, Crafts, food and more.
Cost: Free admission, some activities $5-10

Going Batty
When: Saturday, October 18; 1:30pm
Where: Effie Yeaw Nature Center
What: Explore the mysteries of bats. Discover why these creatures are so misunderstood.
Cost: FREE

Auburn Community Festival
When: Saturday, October 18; 9:30am – 4pm
Where: Recreation Park, Auburn
What: Costume contest and parade, live music, food, and more.
Cost: FREE

November

Lakeshore Crafts
When: Saturdays in November; 11am – 3pm
Where: Lakeshore Learning, Roseville
What: Make a Scarecrow Puppet, Harvest Headdress, Family Picture Tree, or Giving Thanks Centerpiece.
Cost: FREE

Sacramento Harvest Festival
When: November 20-22; 10am – 6pm
Where: Cal Expo
What: the best Holiday shopping, showcasing hundreds of vendors, exciting entertainment, unique food inspiration for Thanksgiving, and much more. Throughout the weekend there will be high-energy live entertainment, featuring Fargo Brothers Band and Sister Swing. There will also be strolling entertainers – Mama Claus & Eddie the Elf, Fables of the West, and WC Willy dressed as Santa hovering high above the festival on his stilts.
Cost: Adults $9.00, Kids 12 & under free

Fairytale Town Free Admission Day
When: Friday, November 27; 10am – 4pm
Where: Fairytale Town
What: As a special thanks for visiting throughout the year, Fairytale Town offers free admission to visitors who bring in a canned good to donate the day after Thanksgiving! All goods collected will be donated to the Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services, Spirit of Giving Holiday Drive. Enjoy free play inside of Fairytale Town, plus free arts and crafts activities. Puppet Art Theater Company will also be on hand to present a special holiday version of The Boy Who Cried Wolf, at 12:30, 1:30 & 2:30PM in the Children’s Theater.
Cost: FREE admission to visitors who bring in a canned good to donate; Puppet show tickets are an additional $1 for members and $2 for nonmembers.

Apple Hill

A fall tradition for many Sacramento families is a visit to Apple Hill! This group of more than 50 ranches is located just an hour from Sacramento. There is a map of the ranches/farms below that you can print out and use as a guide. They are open all year round, but the best time to go is in the fall. October tends to be more crowded, but the changing colors of the leaves makes it so beautiful! October is also the best time for picking apples. November is still a good time to go as it has cooled off and it is more comfortable than the sometimes hot October days.

With so many ranches to choose from, it is important to take a look at the activities available and check out the map before you go with your kids!  Having it planned out will make all the difference and enable you to have a full day of fun.

Tips and extra info:

• My number one tip for you is to either go early in the day on the weekend or go on a weekday if at all possible.
• Apple Hill put together a list of 50 Things To Do when you visit.
• Check out our review of Apple Hill and see the 3 different farms we visited…and loved!
• Download the new official Apple Hill app for Free! It is a user-friendly app and will help you navigate the Apple Hill Farms, local dining, recreational areas, stay-over options, events, and more.
• Activities & Events in Apple Hill for October & November.

Apple Hill Growers Association
(530) 644-7692

Click on map for pdf version with a farm list.

Fall Hiking

These are all favorite family-friendly hikes and nature trails.

Cosumnes River Preserve Nature Trails – Galt

Effie Yeaw Nature Trails – Carmichael

Gibson Ranch Trail – Elverta

Hagan Park Wooded Trail next to the American River – Rancho Cordova

Hidden Falls Hike – Auburn

Miners Ravine Trail – Roseville

Nimbus Fish Hatchery  River Trail – Gold River

Quarry Trail – Auburn

The Oaks Nature Trail – Folsom

UC Davis Arboretum – Davis

Zen Garden Hike – inside Black Chasm Cavern Park

Halloween Parties & Spooky Fun

Free Library Halloween Events
Crafts, puppet shows, pumpkin carving, and more.

Spookamotive Train Rides
When: Three weekends, October 17-November 1
Where: Central Pacific Railroad Freight Depot in Old Sacramento (located on Front Street between J and K Streets)
What: Halloween-themed Spookomotive trains decorated for the season depart from the Central Pacific Railroad Freight Depot in Old Sacramento. Join the Skeleton Crew for a fun and delightful (but not frightful) 40-minute ride along the Sacramento River.
Cost: Adults $12.00, Kids age 6-17 $6.o0, 5 and under free

Spooky Halloween River Cruise
When: Weekends in October
Where: Leaves from Old Sacramento L Street Dock
What: One-hour cruise on the Sacramento River, Halloween coloring/activity sheets for kids, music, party favor for kids.
Cost: $18.00 per person

Monster Mini Golf
When: Open year round; T-Th 2-9pm, Fri 2-10pm, Sat 12-10pm, Sun 12-8pm
Where: Monster Mini Golf, 12401 Folsom Blvd., Rancho Cordova
What: 18 holes of Indoor Glow-in-the-Dark Monster Themed Mini Golf.  Golf  in a costume in October and be eligible to win prizes.
Cost: Adults $9.00, Kids $8.00 (Click here for specials)

Halloween Fright Fest at Six Flags
When: Fridays, Saturday and Sundays through November 1st
Where: Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, Vallejo
What: Enjoy frightful fun and spine-tingling adventures. Watch as the park transforms from “Thrills by Day” to “Fright by Night.” Seasonally-themed shows, attractions and lots of kid-friendly activities during the daylight hours. There’s traditional trick-or-treating in Looney Tunes Seaport, an elaborate pumpkin patch with cookie decorating and a pint-sized hay maze. When the clock strikes 6:00 p.m., the sun goes down and the ghouls come out! Chilling new haunted maze, and scare zones that will have you looking over your shoulder (and everywhere else!) in Mt. Rotting Cemetery and Arachnid Alley.
Cost: $45.99 and up

Build a Haunted Birdhouse
When: Saturday, October 10; 10am
Where: Lowe’s – all locations
What: Build a wooden project and get a free apron, goggles, patch, and more!
Cost: FREE

Monster Bash
When: Saturday, October 17; 6-8pm
Where: Sacramento Children’s Museum, Rancho Cordova
What: Get those costumes ready for Halloween with a night of music, dancing, haunted hallway, refreshments, and museum play.
Cost: $15.00 per person, $10.00 per member

24th Annual Halloween Haunt
When: Saturday, October 17; 11am – 4pm
Where: Safetyville USA, 3909 Bradshaw Rd., Sacramento
What: Costume parade, face painting, magic show, 50 cent Games, food, family games, raffle, and Harvest Maze.
Cost: $6.00 general admission (includes a $2 food or game coupon), Free for kids 2 and under.  Games and most activities are 1-2 tickets.  Tickets 50 cents each.  (Kids receive prize for every game played.)

Haunted Factory Tours
When: October 20-31; 9am-4pm
Where: Jelly Belly Factory, 1 Jelly Belly Lane, Fairfield
What: Candy factory tours include the fun and kid-friendly haunted house. Tours detour through a decorated haven of halloween delights before heading into the candy factory. Not too scary! Learn about the making of Jelly Belly  jelly beans, candy corn, and more on 40-min. tours, samples follow. (See factory in production during weekday tours, on weekends you will have a tour guide and dvd’s showing factory production.)
Cost: FREE
Info: Click here or call 800-953-5592

Night of 1000 Pumpkins
When: Friday, October 23; 6-10pm
Where: Sutter Street in Historic Folsom
What: This one of a kind event features a large display of lit up carved pumpkins up and down Sutter Street, trick or treat at local merchants and family friendly Halloween movies outside under the stars on a giant movie screen!
Cost: FREE

Fairytale Town Safe and Super Halloween: Pirates
When: October 23-25; 5-9pm
Where: Fairytale Town, Sacramento
What: Trick or treat at 17 candy stations as you follow Jack Sparrow’s magic compass and search for the cursed treasure, discover the Flying Dutchman, and find the Fountain of Youth! A costume parade will occur nightly on the Mother Goose stage at 8:30PM and Sevilla Magic FX will also be performing Captain Scarlet and the Magic Treasure Chest, a pirate-themed magic and illusion show, each night at 6, 7 & 8 PM in the Children’s Theater.
Cost: Presale tickets $10.00; magic show $2.00

The Haunted Fort at Sutters Fort
When: October 23-24; 6:30 – 9pm
Where: Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park, 2701 L Street, Sacramento
What: Amid the glow of campfire, daring visitors will go on guided tours through the darkened rooms and hear unusual and intriguing tales of how some of California’s early pioneers perished throughout history.  Some even believe many of the rooms at the Fort are still haunted by the spirits of past inhabitants!  Tours not be appropriate for children under 8.
Cost: Adults $8.00, Kids $6.00

Spooky Story Time
When: Saturday, October 24; 10:30am
Where: Effie Yeaw Nature Center, Carmichael
What: Gear up for Halloween with some spooky stories told by members of the Sacramento Storytellers Guild. Stories guaranteed not to cause nightmares! Suitable for all ages.
Cost: FREE, Parking $5.00

Spooktacular Halloween
When: October 24-25; 10am – 5pm
Where: Funderland Amusement Park
What: Dress up in your silliest costume and come trick or treat with us at 12 different candy stations, check out our magic show, take a photo with some special guests, take a ride on our spooky train, visit a vendor or two, and more.
Cost: Bring a new toy or art supplies for River Oak Center for Children and get FREE tickets (number of FREE tickets depends upon value of item donated).

Wee Halloween at the Crocker
When: Wednesday, October 28; 10am – 1pm
Where: Crocker Art Museum
What: Children ages 5 and younger and their grownups are invited to come in costume to the Crocker for this special event. Wee trick-or-treaters decorate treat bags before being gently guided in small groups through the galleries (departing every 10 minutes). Along the way, families encounter mini-performances in the form of music, stories, and dance. After these interludes, each child will receive a small gift for their treat bag. The stroll ends with a celebration featuring live music.
Cost: $15.00 adults and children, Under 18 mos Free (Advance registration required, sells out early)

Family Fun Night
When: Thursday, October 29; 4-8pm
Where: Vernon Street, Downtown Roseville
What: You are invited to a spooktacular Family Fun Night in Downtown Roseville. Hands-on activities, vendor booths, live entertainment, costume contests, a haunted house,  trick-or-treating on Vernon Street.
Cost: FREE

Boo at the Zoo
When: Thursday, October 30 & Friday, October 31; 5-8pm
Where: Sacramento Zoo
What: Two nights of ghoulish family fun, Friday or Saturday rain or shine. Kids can safely trick-or-treat around the lake at 25 different candy stations! Other activities include magic shows, costume dance party, and ghoulish games! You can also ride the Spooky Train or Creepy Carousel for an additional fee.
Cost: Advance tickets $10 general admission, Free for 1 and under; $12 at the door

Pumpkin Splash Patch
When: Saturday, October 31; 2-4pm
Where: El Dorado Hills Community Pool
What: Children 3 to 10 years of age should come wearing their swimsuits for this holiday hunt. Participants will hunt for their perfect pumpkin in the heated pool, decorate it and take it home. In addition, there will be open swim and the Marshall Medical inflatatable will be available. Price includes a pumpkin, decorating supplies, swim pass for the day and a special Trick-or-Treat goodie bag.
Cost: $8.00 per child; pre-registration required

Trick or Treat Night at IKEA
When: Saturday, October 31
Where: IKEA, West Sacramento
What: Stroll throughout the store and stop at various scary spots along the way for treats for your little goblins and ghouls. For kids ages 3 -12 years old.
Cost: FREE

Trick-or-Treat in Old Sacramento
When: Saturday, October 31; 12-4pm
Where: Downtown Mall and Old Sacramento
What: Trick-or-treat at participating businesses in Old Sacramento. Last year, more than 40 merchants participated! The Old Sacramento Schoolhouse Museum is a great place to start as maps and bags are available for interested participants.
Cost: FREE

Trick-or-Treat at Sunrise Mall
When: Saturday, October 31; 4-6pm
Where: Sunrise Mall, Citrus Heights
What: Kids under 12 are welcome to free treats from participating stores, No masks or excessive facial makeup please. Pick up your free Trick-or-Treat bag at Customer Service on October 31st from 4-6pm. While supplies last!
Cost: FREE

Trick-or-Treat at Westfield Galleria Mall
When: Saturday, October 31; 4-6pm
Where: Westfield Galleria Mall, Roseville
What: Trick-or-treat at your favorite Westfield Galleria stores.
Cost: FREE

Please continue to check back throughout the season, as I will be adding new events as I found out about them.