Spooky Meets Cozy: Family Fun & Fall Magic
Hi Parents,
Happy (almost) Halloween! I’m sure you’re all set to take the kids trick-or-treating around the neighborhood. It’s going to be a busy Friday, and if you’re like me, you might want to keep it low-key the rest of the weekend.
For parents looking for things to do, I’ve curated some places you can take the kids or enjoy the Día de los Muertos celebrations happening around. I’ve also included a few easy spots to take the kids to burn off that sugar!
For those who’d rather stay in, Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Bread & Muffin Mix is back on the shelves for the family to bake together, or try a simple fall craft (shared below) using leaves you can gather on a family walk.
Enjoy!
🎃 Friday, Oct 31
Witches’ Tea at Filoli
12:30–1:30 pm or 2:30–3:30 pm | 📍Filoli, Woodside
Dress-up friendly tea with sweet treats and story-time magic - a delightful pre-trick-or-treat outing.
Ages 4–10 | Cost: Ticketed | Event Details & Tickets
Trunk-or-Treat on 25th Ave
4:00–6:00 pm | 📍Downtown San Mateo
Cars become candy stops in this family favorite - local shops join the fun for a safe, stroller-friendly trick-or-treat route.
All ages | Free | Event Details
Hiller Aviation Museum – Haunted Hangar (Final Day)
10:00 am–5:00 pm | 📍San Carlos
Costumes welcome! Explore aircraft among spooky décor and scavenger hunts in this not-so-scary aviation adventure.
All ages | Museum admission | Event Details
Webb Ranch Pumpkin Patch – Closing Day
10:00 am–6:00 pm | 📍Portola Valley
Last call for pumpkins, pony rides, and farm fun before the season wraps.
All ages | $15 per kid (3–12), Adult: $5 w/ paid child | Event Details
🍁 Saturday, Nov 1
TheatreWorks: “A Driving Beat”
2:00 pm, 8:00 pm | 📍MVCPA, Mountain View
Music-infused, teen-friendly play about a road trip - great pick for older kids or a parent night out.
Age: 12+ | $49 | Tickets
College of San Mateo Farmers’ Market
9:00 am–1:00 pm | 📍College of San Mateo
A lively Saturday market full of seasonal produce, flowers, and easy breakfast bites.
All ages | Free | Details
Lemos Farm Pumpkin Patch
10:00 am–5:00 pm | 📍Half Moon Bay
Trains, ponies, pumpkins, and endless smiles - this classic coastal farm makes fall picture-perfect.
All ages | Ticketed | Tickets & Details
💀 Sunday, Nov 2
Redwood City Día de los Muertos Festival
4:00–9:00 pm | 📍Courthouse Square, Redwood City
A beloved community celebration with music, dance, art, and colorful altars that light up downtown.
All ages | Free | Event Details
San Mateo County History Museum – Día de los Muertos Celebration
11:00 am–4:00 pm | 📍Redwood City
Family-friendly Día de los Muertos celebration with live music, dance, crafts, face painting, and community altars honoring loved ones.
All ages | Free | Event Details
Glider Discovery Day (Hiller Aviation Museum)
11:00 am–12:00 pm | 📍San Carlos
Watch a live glider demo and learn the science of silent flight — part of Hiller’s family aviation programs.
All ages | Cost: Included with admission | Event Details
🍂 Burn Off the Sugar - Low-Key Ways to Play
Hidden Villa – Trails & Picnic
Tue–Sun | 9:00 am–dusk | 📍Los Altos Hills
Gentle farm trails, picnic spots, and a chance to wave to the goats - easy outdoor reset for little ones.
All ages | $10 parking | More Info
Palo Alto Junior Museum & Zoo
Tue–Sun | 10:00 am-5:00 pm | 📍Palo Alto
Interactive science and animal exhibits are sized perfectly for curious toddlers and preschoolers.
Ages 0–8 | Ticketed | More Info
Stanford Dish – Family Walk
Daily | 📍Stanford Foothills
Iconic 3.9-mile paved loop with golden views and stroller access - the perfect sugar-burner after Halloween night.
All ages | Free | More Info
🎨 Craft Corner: Fall Leaf Lanterns
A simple, cozy craft that bridges spooky and seasonal while leaving the output to your imagination. All you need is glass jars, glue, tea lights & fall leaves.
Collect fall leaves on a family walk.
Brush glue on a jar and press leaves around it.
Seal with another glue layer and pop in a battery tea light.
Perfect for a calm evening after a busy weekend.
That’s the lineup! Whether you’re trick-or-treating, leaf-peeping, or winding down with cider, may your weekend feel a little lighter and brighter.
If you try the craft or attend an event, tag us or let us know!
Know a parent who’d love this guide? Forward it and help them find the magic nearby.