Fall can still be fun with these activities and events in the Los Angeles area
Beanies and pumpkin spice lattes begin to appear as the weather transitions into cooler temperatures. Keeping the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines in mind, activities such as drive-through haunted houses, visiting a pumpkin patch and apple picking are some safe fall festivities for you to take part in. Gather your family members and friends and see what’s available for you this fall, and don’t forget your mask!
Drive-In Movie
With Halloween quickly approaching, it’s no shock that scary movies are making their seasonal appearance on movie screens. But the closures of California movie theaters forced the public to look elsewhere for their movie date locations. Drive-in movies are becoming the popular alternative. The Electric Dusk Drive-In in Los Angeles has remained open during the pandemic and continues to follow CDC guidelines. Guests are able to watch retro, popular and seasonal films from their car that will get you ready for the spooky season.
Apple Picking
From September to November, the Oak Glen area of Southern California blooms with delicious apples waiting to be picked. Small groups can gather to pick apples. Face coverings are required to walk around the apple picking grounds. Riley’s Apple Farm has the choice to pick from different varieties of apples for around $3 per pound. All are welcome to take part in the annual harvest event, artisan crafts and other forms of autumn fun that will all take place outside this year. Social distancing guidelines are in action and all must wear a face covering upon entry.
Fall Foliage
Witness the many colors of fall at Descanso Gardens in La Canada Flintridge. This wondrous place features multiple seasons of blooming gardens. You can walk through the gardens and spend time exploring the courtyard. This October, the gardens will present Sasanqua camellias, roses and fall foliage. Be sure to check their website to view what will be blooming month-to-month. Changes have been made to accommodate social distancing guidelines and upon entry you must wear a face covering.
Pumpkin Patch
Picking out the right pumpkin is an important tradition for fall festivities. Los Angeles offers multiple pumpkin farms that will be open this fall. Tanaka Farms in Irvine is featuring two forms of pumpkin picking this year. From Monday to Friday, you can take part in a socially distanced wagon ride ($25) that includes a ride around the 30-acre farm and stops midway, giving you the opportunity to pick out a pumpkin. On weekends, you can find a similar experience ($20) but it would be in your own car, giving you a more personalized ride around the farm.
Drive-Thru Haunted House
Haunted houses this year will have a new twist to them. To follow social distancing guidelines, you will have the chance to experience the horror of a haunted house right from the safety of your car. In Costa Mesa, the Urban Legends Drive-thru Halloween Haunt will feature a 45 minute drive-thru where you will experience scary scenes and story-telling along the way. There will also be live performances with lots of lights, sounds and even monsters. Grab a group of friends to get spooked.
Fall Treats
Gather up some ingredients and bake a tasty fall treat right from your home. From a creamy pumpkin pie to a sweet caramel apple, the choice is all yours when you’re in the kitchen. Pinterest is one option for finding all the fall inspiration. With recipe ideas and food decorations, you can bake something yummy in as little as an hour of your time.
One recipe to get you in the spirit of fall is Halloween brownie cupcakes. Including only seven ingredients, this yummy treat takes only 30 minutes to make. Another tasty food is peanut butter popcorn. Nothing says fall like the colors of red, orange, yellow and brown. Gather up some colored M&M’s, melt half a cup of peanut butter and mix in the popcorn. This is the perfect late night treat.
This season is one to look forward to as you enjoy the festivities, as long as you follow CDC guidelines. Get out there and welcome in the season of fall!