Carving fun into Halloween
October 26, 2016
As October comes to a close, there are many family-friendly events to attend. From pumpkin patches to carnival games, these local events are within budget and can guarantee to wrap up your fall season with a blast:
Cal Poly Pumpkin Patch
Every year, Cal Poly holds one of the largest pumpkin patch festivals in California. Open through Oct. 30, the fair offers adult admission for only $4. Thousands of pumpkins are laid out on the farm and you can pick your own for $5. There will also be a petting zoo, with small animals like goats and sheeps, that will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. until Oct. 29. Horse rides are also available for just $5. In addition, for $3, you can go through a mile long Corn Maze filled with corn over 12 feet high. To top it all off, food trucks providing barbecue, tacos, pumpkin pie, funnel cake, and more will be available.
Frosty’s Forest Pumpkin Patch
Located in Chino, Frosty’s Forest Pumpkin Patch is great for small children and adults, offering plenty of activities. Each individual activity requires tickets, which can be purchased for a $1 each. For $8 you can enter a four-acre corn maze, and for $12 you can enter the haunted corn maze at night. A petting zoo with llamas and goats will be open, and pony rides will also be available for $8. In addition, there are a variety of giant inflatable slides and bouncers set up. Frosty’s provides a special activity where you can enter a huge inflatable ball and float across water. With a carnival-like theme, there will be a concession stand where you can purchase snacks such as roasted corn, shaved ice, and kettle corn. In addition, they have plenty of pumpkins to purchase and take home.
City of Chino
On Halloween night, instead of going trick or treating, you can stop by the Chino Spectrum to receive your candy. In the Spectrum Marketplace, from 4 to 8 p.m., participating stores and restaurants will be giving out candy. In the food court patio, there will be free face painting and balloon art. The city of Chino will provide carnival games, giveaways, art projects and costume contests. The first 1,000 kids will receive a free Halloween bag at the carnival entrance.
Irvine Park Railroad
A 30-minute drive from Diamond Bar, the Irvine Park Railroad, located in Orange, is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends. Open until Oct. 31, there will be wagon rides, train rides, inflatable bouncers and small racer cars available as activities. In addition, there will be carnival games, such as panning for gold and face painting. The event provides free activities including a haunted house and a giant hay maze. At the park, they also have recreational activities such as bike rentals, paddle boats and pony rides.
