Looking for something to do with the family this weekend? Here are ten family-friendly ideas across Orange County and Los Angeles County for Friday, October 9 through Sunday, October 11, 2026. There are free festivals, pumpkin patches, a movie night in the park, and a stargazing party.
Prices, hours, and ticket rules can change, so check each event’s official page before you go.
Free Festivals and Open Streets
Irvine Global Village Festival (Saturday, October 10)
The festival celebrates its 25th anniversary at Irvine Great Park from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Expect international food, cultural performances, art, shopping, and family activities. The City of Irvine lists admission and general parking as free. Food and purchases cost extra.
Costa Mesa Scarecrow Festival (Saturday, October 10)
Head to Lions Park, 1845 Park Ave., from 2 to 6 p.m. for trick-or-treat stations, a scarecrow contest, a kids’ costume parade, entertainment, and fall photo spots. The festival has been free in past years. See the City of Costa Mesa event page for this year’s details.
Placentia Heritage Festival and Parade (Saturday, October 10)
Placentia is celebrating its centennial at Tri-City Park from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with a parade, classic cars, entertainment, food trucks, and a kids’ zone. Admission is free, and food and purchases are extra.
CicLAvia: Heart of LA (Sunday, October 11)
From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., more than six miles of Los Angeles streets close to cars so people can walk, bike, skate, and explore. The route runs through Chinatown, Little Tokyo, the Arts District, Boyle Heights, and Echo Park. It is free and no reservation is needed. Kids under 18 need a helmet on anything with wheels, and Metro is easier than parking. Details are on the CicLAvia event page.
Pumpkins and Halloween Fun
Fallstivities Pumpkin Patch at Los Cerritos Center (Friday to Sunday)
The pumpkin patch at Los Cerritos Center in Cerritos runs through October 31, with pumpkin picking, seasonal photo spots, kids’ activities, and a young entrepreneurs’ marketplace on Saturday and Sunday. Activity prices run from about $5 to $25. Call (562) 402-7467 to confirm hours.
Pumpkin Palooza at Discovery Cube (Saturday and Sunday)
Discovery Cube in Santa Ana is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with Halloween dance parties, spooky science, interactive pumpkin activities, and trick-or-treat stations. An additional ticket is required and parking is $10.
Pumpkinzania at Cal Poly Pomona (Saturday and Sunday)
Cal Poly Pomona’s PumpkinFest opens with its Pumpkinzania weekend on October 10 and 11, with pumpkin-themed activities, hands-on demonstrations, and crafts led by students. Tickets are sold in advance, so check the Cal Poly Pomona announcement for this year’s prices and hours.
Free Halloween Coloring Contest for Kids (From Home)
Want a Halloween activity the kids can do at home? Our free coloring contest is open to kindergarten through 6th grade, and everyone is welcome to enter. Three winners each get a $50 Amazon gift card. See how kids enter.
After Dark
Halloweentown Movie in the Park (Saturday, October 10)
Bring blankets and lawn chairs to Penn Park in Whittier. The evening starts at 6 p.m. with free crafts and lawn games, and the movie starts at dusk. Concessions are $1, and the event is free.
Starr Party at Caspers Wilderness Park (Saturday, October 10)
This family stargazing night runs from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. in San Juan Capistrano, with telescopes, astronomy experts, and hands-on activities. The program is free, vehicle parking is $5, and OC Parks asks families to register.
Carved at Descanso Gardens (Friday to Sunday)
Walk through glowing pumpkins and illuminated Halloween art in La Cañada Flintridge from 6 to 10 p.m. Tickets range from $12 to $52 depending on the type, so book ahead for the best price.
Why Weekend Outings Matter When You Live in Southern California
One of the best things about living in Orange County and Los Angeles County is how much is within a short drive. A free festival in the afternoon and a movie in the park at night makes a full weekend without a long trip. If you are thinking about where to live next, spending time in a community is the best way to know whether it fits your family.
Looking Ahead
For more October ideas close to home, see our guide to things to do in Cerritos this October. Planning a family movie night? Our Halloween Movie Calendar sorts picks by scare level.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some free family events in Orange County this weekend?
The Irvine Global Village Festival, the Costa Mesa Scarecrow Festival, and the Placentia Heritage Festival and Parade are all on Saturday, October 10, with free admission.
What family events are happening in Los Angeles County this weekend?
CicLAvia: Heart of LA on Sunday, October 11 is free. Halloweentown Movie in the Park in Whittier on Saturday is also free, and Carved at Descanso Gardens in La Cañada Flintridge runs Friday through Sunday with tickets.
Where can we find a pumpkin patch near Cerritos or Orange County?
The Fallstivities Pumpkin Patch at Los Cerritos Center runs through October 31. Pumpkin Palooza at Discovery Cube in Santa Ana and Pumpkinzania at Cal Poly Pomona are also open this weekend.
Is there anything fun for families in the evening?
Yes. Try Halloweentown Movie in the Park in Whittier, the Starr Party stargazing night at Caspers Wilderness Park, or Carved at Descanso Gardens.
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