Fun Things to Do in LA in October with Your Family
There’s something magical about October in Los Angeles. The temperatures finally start to cool down (just a little), pumpkin patches pop up all over, and families start looking for fun ways to make memories together before the busy holiday season arrives. This has always been my favorite time of year, as a photographer I’ve always loved it, the leaves falling from trees, the golden colors so warm and cozy, but even as a child I loved walking home from school and hearing the red and yellow leaves crunching under my feet, the excitement of this time and the run up to Christmas. Now as a mom of two little ones I find myself looking for all different events and fun things to do around the city to add to this magical time of year. Read on for some fun things to do in LA in October.
Things to do in LA in October
Visit a Pumpkin Patch
Nothing says fall quite like a trip to the pumpkin patch. Kids love running through the rows of pumpkins, climbing hay bales, exploring corn mazes, and enjoying rides and games.
Some local favorites include Underwood Family Farms; So many fun things to do and lovely animals to pet and feed. Mr. Bones Pumpkin Patch, and Tina’s Pumpkin Patch. Bring your camera, because there are so many adorable photo opportunities. Plus, you’ll come home with the perfect pumpkin to carve together.
Go Apple Picking
If you’re up for a little day trip, head out to Oak Glen for apple picking. It’s a wonderful way to spend a fall day outdoors, and kids love picking apples straight from the trees. Many of the farms offer fresh apple cider, homemade pies, petting zoos, and seasonal activities that make the experience even more special. The last time we went we purchased the most delicious Chicken Pot Pie that we still talk about. I can’t wait to go back to get another!!
Enjoy Family-Friendly Halloween Events
October is packed with family Halloween events throughout Los Angeles. From daytime trick-or-treating and pumpkin decorating to kid-friendly haunted houses, there are plenty of ways to celebrate without anything too scary. My son hates anything scary so we look for fun events that don’t include the “scare” aspect. I usually just look these up at the time for a current list of events. We all really enjoyed Nights of the Jack last year. And I’ve heard great things about Boo at the LA Zoo.
Spend Time Outdoors
One of the best things about living in Los Angeles is that October weather is still beautiful enough for outdoor adventures. Take a family hike, visit Griffith Park, explore the LA Arboretum, or The Huntington. You can even spend an afternoon at the beach before the cooler weather arrives. These simple family outings often become the memories our children cherish most.
Things to do in LA in October
Have a Family Fall Photoshoot
Of course, I couldn’t write a list of October activities without mentioning one of my favorites—a fall family photoshoot!
October is one of the most popular times of year for family photography. The light is gorgeous, the foliage colors are beautiful and the weather is comfortable. A family photoshoot isn’t just about creating beautiful images for your walls, it’s about pressing pause on the busy schedules, spending time together, laughing, cuddling, and capturing your family exactly as you are in this season of life.
Your children are growing faster than you realize. The little smiles, missing teeth, tiny hands reaching for yours, and the way they look at you right now are moments that deserve to be remembered. Suddenly they’re teens and I’m capturing the last few years before they go off to college and it’s harder to get everyone together at one time. Years from now, these photographs will become some of your most treasured possessions.
I offer Fall Family Mini Sessions in October each year. They do tend to book quickly, so if you’ve been thinking about updating your family photos, this is the perfect time. The images are stunning keepsakes, gorgeous Christmas presents for family members and stunning Christmas cards to send out. If you’d like more info on these mini sessions, please do get in touch.
Whether you’re spending your weekends pumpkin picking, exploring fall festivals, or simply enjoying the beautiful LA weather, I hope you take time this October to slow down and make some memories with the people you love most. Because these are the moments worth remembering.
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