Fun Fall Events for the Family {East Valley, AZ}

Even when I lived back home in Minnesota, my favorite season was fall. The colors were beautiful.

Living in Arizona, I don’t get the colors, but I do get cooler weather and fun fall events for the family!

Chandler Halloween Spooktacular – The City of Chandler puts on the Halloween Spooktacular every year for the kids and I have found it to be a great place to take the younger kids.

The Spooktacular is held Friday, October 30th from 5:30pm to 8:30pm and is free admission.

They offer games (be sure to bring your trick or treat bag because prizes are candy for every child); trunk or treating (more candy!); a costume contest; activities (some cost); snacks, food and drinks (that cost) and even a haunted house that is suitable for young children (I would say depending on your child’s personal preference of being scared, but I believe mine were 4 and older when they first went.)

It is definitely a family friendly activity!

MacDonald’s Ranch in Scottsdale runs the entire month of October from 9am to 6pm (closed on Tuesdays and closes at 3pm on Halloween.)

There is a fee for children over the age of 1, as well as adults; plus an additional cost for pumpkins; pony rides; food and rinks; vendors; face painting; and feed for the petting zoo.

There is a hayrides, activities, and photo opps galore!

This is definitely what I would call the desert. It is hot during the day and incredibly dusty so be prepared.

Shnepf Farms – Starting October 1, the Pumpkin and Chili Party at Schnepf Farms in Queen Creek kicks off!

The Pumpkin and Chili Party are Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday and has a cost for admission. Additional costs are needed for food and drinks; train rides; pony rides; pumpkins; and some crafts.

There is a petting zoo; hayride; amusement rides; jumping pillows; road rally; rock climbing; mini golf; bonfires; marshmallow roasting; corn maze; pig races; BMX sports show; and a dog show all included in admission. There is definitely something for everyone!

And don’t worry if you aren’t a fan of chili! There are plenty of food options to choose from!

Vertuccio Farms – I think this one is by far my favorite place to visit every fall. I don’t think we have missed going to Vertuccio Farms in the past several years.

Beginning September 26th through November 1st, Vertuccio Farms is open 7 days a week (and I have to mention that they also have a cute little ‘store’ on property that is open year round that offers great produce!)

Vertuccio Farms Corn Maze and Fall Festival is paid admission with a ton of fun things to do for the whole family.

Admission includes 7 acre corn maze; giant jump pad; extreme air pillow; giant tube slide; mini hay maze; hop-along-ponies; spider web climb; duck races; pedal carts; 1 barrel train ride (if memory serves me you can purchase additional rides); 1 tractor train ride; and petting zoo.

Snacks and drinks are available for purchase, and pumpkins are priced on size.

Vertuccio Farms is another dusty place and remember to protect yourself from the mosquitoes if you go at night!

Salt River Fields Balloon Spooktacular – I love hot air balloons and I love that Salt River Fields has been hosting the Balloon Spooktacular what will be the 5th year!

The Balloon Spooktacular is a 2 day event and is paid admission, but of all the events, I really feel this one has a lot of bang for your buck.

The vendors and balloons give the “trick or treaters” candy; there is live music; food and beverage (at additional cost); a Kids Zone with typical fair activities (at additional cost); vendor market (purchases are additional and not all vendors can take plastic so you might want to bring some cash!); tethered balloon rides (additional cost); a haunted house; fireworks; and more.

It gets busy quick so you may want to get their early, but it really is a lot of fun.

Do you live in the East Valley and have some favorite events you attend in the fall? I would love to check them out! Be sure to leave me a comment!