Pumpkin Painting in Corona Del Mar

Bring the family to enjoy the beautiful Sherman Gardens of Corona Del Mar to kick off Halloween festivities. Local artist Erna Van Dyk will be teaching how to create a watercolor painting of pumpkins using step-by-step techniques. This fun, relaxed class takes place before the garden is open. Grandparents and favorite adults are welcome too! No experience necessary and all materials will be provided.

Sherman Library & Gardens: 2647 East Coast Highway, Corona del Mar. Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Tickets: Members $25, Non-members $30. For tickets.

Anaheim Halloween Parade and Fall Festival

For a free day of family holiday fun, join in on Anaheim’s 99th anniversary of its iconic Halloween Parade and Fall Festival! Festivities include “kiddie” and “doggie” costume contests, along with delicious food from fresh local vendors, live entertainment, games, and much more. Guests can also take pictures at the festival’s “Halloween Tree,” decorated with thousands of orange lights and exactly 99 jack-o’-lanterns, recognizing the Halloween Parade’s 99th anniversary. The signature parade will start this year at City Hall and proceed west via Center Street and Broadway.

Anaheim City Hall: 200 South Anaheim Boulevard, Anaheim. 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Free. For information.

Books For Kids: ‘Story Time In The Galleries’

Light up your children’s imaginations with a storybook reading in the galleries followed by a simple, fun art project that they will love! Every last Saturday of each month, the Bower’s Museum hosts a special book reading for children of all ages, featuring a surprise reading and art project to help bring their creativity and inspiration to life! All are welcome to participate.

Bowers Museum: 2002 North Main Street, Santa Ana. Saturday, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Free for children under 12, $12 students and seniors, and $15 general admission. For tickets.

The Missions of Alta

Love history? Want to learn more about the early stages of the vibrant California missions?

In his special lecture, art historian Jean Stern will discuss and illustrate the beginnings of the California Missions, focusing on the principal missions along El Camino Real. He will show numerous paintings of the missions and shed light on the complicated history behind the mission system. Not only will guests discover how unique California culture was shaped by the missions, but they will also see how relevant missions history is today. Attendees are encouraged to pre-purchase tickets, as the event is expected to sell out. Those not able to attend in person can steam the event online.

Bowers Museum: 2002 North Main Street, Santa Ana. Saturday, 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Tickets $5 to $15. For tickets.

Castle Peak and Thunder Railroad in Anaheim

Local Family and Disney connoisseurs Dave and Francis Sheegog have transformed their garden into a Disney-themed adventure land, with a miniature Disney Castle and replica of the park’s “Thunder Railroad” ride! With numerous Disney and Pixar films showcased around the garden, guests are also invited to join the “scavenger hunt”, where they try to locate all the Disney film characters and symbols hidden throughout the railroad pathway. Refreshments will be served. This event is part of the Fall 2022 Open Houses.

Home of Dave and Frances Sheegog: 968 South Ladan Lane, Anaheim. Saturday and Sunday, 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Free. For more information.

Discover Upper Newport Bay Kayak Tour

Adventurers ages 8 and up are invited to enjoy the tranquil waters of Newport Bay every Saturday. As guests gently paddle along, they will have the opportunity to see wetland wildlife while the group’s naturalist guide stops occasionally to rest and talk about the ecology and natural history of the bay. Feel free to ask questions at any time during your tour! Lucky kayakers may catch a glimpse of a silver mullet fish jumping out of the water or a stingray gliding below. Each tour is unique with startling differences in the birds and other wildlife depending on the season and the state of the tide. According to organizers, most participants favor the winter kayak tours over other seasons.

Newport Aquatic Center: 1 Whitecliffs Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660. Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Tickets $25. For tickets.