Fall is a time when families and friends come together to enjoy fun activities, cooler weather, and the spirit of Halloween. Many students shared their favorite places to visit and ideas to make our community even better.

Our 9th grader counselor San Junana Gonzalez talked about a pumpkin patch off Highway 152 that students loved last year. She also recommended Hunter Farms Pumpkin Patch because it is family-friendly, has tractor rides, photo spots, and even dinosaurs. Other places are Pumpkin Grove in Sanger, where you can go with friends, take pictures, and enjoy apple cider. Mrs. Gonzalez added, “An idea is suggesting that Los Banos should host a Halloween event at the fairgrounds so everyone can have fun close to home.”

Jocelyn Gonzalez (12) mentioned that Los Banos has small downtown events where kids can show off costumes, but most people travel out of town. Gonzalez recommended Great America’s Halloween Fest in Santa Cruz for its entertainment and family fun. Great America’s Halloween Fest in Santa Cruz has spooky decorations, live shows, fun rides, and family activities like trick-or-treating areas and costume contests that make it exciting for everyone to enjoy. 

The city’s annual Halloween Fest featuring trunk-or-treat, games, and pumpkin-painting for families; and Frightmare Farms near Merced, a haunted attraction perfect for those looking for a scarier Halloween experience. These locations together make Los Banos and its nearby areas fun and festive places to celebrate the Halloween season. These are great places to visit during the fall and Halloween season. Each spot has something special to offer, from fun rides and pumpkins to family activities and tasty treats.