Family Resources Newsletter - October 2024 | CDA

Dear CDA Families,

Fall is here, and it’s truly one of the best times of the year! The weather is cooler, the leaves are colorful, and the cozy evenings make it the perfect time to slow down and enjoy quality time with family. This season invites us to embrace the outdoors, get creative, and appreciate the joy of spending time together.

This October let’s explore fun and meaningful ways to celebrate the season that help us connect with each other and our communities. Whether your family loves visiting pumpkin patches, going on nature walks, crafting autumn decorations, or baking seasonal treats, fall has something for everyone. From local festivals and farmers’ markets to neighborhood gatherings and school events, there are many opportunities to come together and celebrate safely.

Here are some fun ideas to help your family celebrate:

Visit a Pumpkin Patch:

Take a trip to a local farm for pumpkin picking, hayrides, and fall fun. Many places also offer apple picking, corn mazes, and other kid-friendly activities.

Turn your pumpkin adventure into a family project by carving or painting them at home. Display them as decorations for Halloween or the fall season.

2. Enjoy a Nature Walk or Hike:

Fall is a beautiful time to explore the outdoors! Take a walk through a local park or nature trail to admire the changing leaves and cool breeze.

Collect leaves, pinecones, and acorns during your walk, and use them for fun, nature-inspired crafts back at home.

3. Get Crafty with Fall-Themed Projects:

Host a family craft day with simple, seasonal projects. You can create leaf rubbings, paint pumpkins, or make fall wreaths using items found in nature.

If your kids enjoy being creative, try making Halloween decorations together—cut-out bats, paper pumpkins, or spooky lanterns are fun and easy!

4. Cozy Up with a Family Movie Night:

Choose a few family-friendly fall or Halloween-themed movies, make some homemade snacks, and snuggle up together for a cozy evening in. Hot chocolate and popcorn make perfect fall treats!

5. Start New Fall Traditions:

Fall is the perfect season to create new traditions that your family can look forward to every year. Whether it’s baking pies together, hosting an annual game night, or spending a day at a fall festival, these traditions help build lasting memories.

6. Involve the Community:

Check out local fall festivals, farmers’ markets, or community events. Many neighborhoods offer safe, family-friendly activities like “trunk-or-treating,” harvest festivals, or outdoor movie nights.

If your family prefers quieter celebrations, you can organize a small get-together with close friends or neighbors, ensuring it’s safe and enjoyable for everyone.

7. Bring Fall Indoors:

Even if the weather keeps you inside, you can bring the spirit of fall into your home! Use the natural treasures from your walks—like colorful leaves or pinecones—to decorate your home. Have your kids help make fall garlands, centerpieces, or leaf collages to display.

Halloween Safety Tips:

Keep Trick-or-Treating Safe:

If your family goes trick-or-treating, make sure children wear reflective tape or carry glow sticks so they can be seen in the dark. Use well-lit streets and sidewalks.

Remind kids to look both ways before crossing the street and always travel with a group.

2. Costume Safety:

Choose costumes that fit well to avoid trips and falls and decide on flame-resistant materials.

Face paint is safer than masks, which can block vision.

3. Check Treats:

Before eating any Halloween candy, check all treats at home and throw away anything that’s not sealed.

Wishing you a wonderful October filled with festive fall activities and memories.

Online Resources:

Here are some great free fall activities and events happening in San Diego this October that you and your family can enjoy:

Kids Free San Diego (October 1-31, 2024):

Throughout the month, kids 12 and under can get free admission to over 50 San Diego attractions with a paid adult. This includes places like the San Diego Zoo, museums, and more. It’s a great opportunity for family fun without breaking the bank!

Santee Spooktacular (October 26, 2024):

Enjoy trunk-or-treating, food trucks, games, inflatables, face painting, and more—all for free at Santee Lakes. It’s a family-friendly event that promises fun for all ages!

Belmont Park Fall Fest (September 7 – October 31, 2024):

This free event at Belmont Park offers fun fall-themed activities like a pumpkin patch, trick-or-treating, and seasonal treats. It’s a great place for a family outing with plenty of free activities to enjoy.

Here are some pumpkin patches where you and your family can enjoy:

Pumpkin Stations

Let the adventure begin at one of our Pumpkin Station locations. Pumpkins, kiddie rides, giant slides, inflatable play centers, petting zoos, game zones, school tours and party packages.

Free Fallbrook Pumpkin Patch (through Nov. 2, 2024):

Located in Fallbrook, this pumpkin patch offers a variety of pumpkins, a corn maze, and more. It’s open Wednesday to Sunday, and admission is free.

Bates Nut Farm Pumpkin Patch (Valley Center):

One of San Diego’s most popular pumpkin patches, Bates Nut Farm offers a wide variety of pumpkins, a straw maze, tractor hayrides, and a petting zoo. Admission is free, though some activities may have a fee.

Family Christmas Tree Farm Pumpkin Patch (El Cajon):

A fun spot for the whole family featuring pumpkins, tractor rides, a hay maze, and more. Admission is $5–$7, but there are free activities like exploring the pumpkin patch and photo ops.

Make sure to check each event’s specific details for any updates.

Fun and Healthy Recipe: Spooky Banana Ghosts

These Spooky Banana Ghosts are a fun, healthy, and easy treat for Halloween! They make a great snack or dessert that kids will love to help create.

Ingredients:

3 bananas (cut in half)
1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (for eyes)
1/4 cup regular chocolate chips (for mouths)
Wooden popsicle sticks (optional)

Instructions:

Peel the bananas and cut them in half.
Stick a wooden popsicle stick into the flat end of each banana half (optional).
Place two mini chocolate chips on each banana half for the ghost’s eyes.
Use a regular chocolate chip to make the ghost’s mouth.
Serve immediately or freeze them for a cold treat!

These Banana Ghosts are a cute and spooky way to enjoy a healthy Halloween snack!

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