This weekend kicks off the Arizona State Fair, Penguin Awareness Week at OdySea Aquarium and pumpkin patch central throughout the Valley. Check out our picks for a fun-filled family weekend, Oct. 5 to Oct. 7.
FRIDAY:
Pumpkin Patches in the Valley
What’s October without a visit—or five—to a pumpkin patch? Here are our local favorites.
The Outbreak at Schnepf Farms
Have teens looking for a fright? Guests enter Base Camp Ray at Schnepf Farms and are intensely immersed in the training against the zombie infestation. A team of soldiers will create an unforgettable experience for new recruits while they board war rigs and embark on top-level missions across unknown zombie wasteland to help save Schnepf Farms and the human race. Each recruit will be issued a Tippmann 98 custom paintball gun to suppress the onslaught of zombies. Tickets are $22; The Outbreak at Schnepf Farms takes place every Thursday through Sunday, from Oct. 4 to Oct. 28 from 7 to 10 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 7 to 11 p.m.
Image courtesy of Visit Phoenix.
Arizona State Fair
Corn dogs, cotton candy and carousels, oh my! The Arizona State Fair is back with crazy fair food, rides, games and exciting events at the Grandstand and Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum. The fair kicks off Oct. 5 and ends Oct. 28.
Friday Family FUNdays at Jake’s Unlimited
On Fridays only for $25.99 per person, the Friday Family FUNday deal at Jake’s Unlimited in Mesa includes unlimited buffet until 8 p.m., rides and attractions, laser tag, non-redemption video games, bowling (including shoe rental) and one game of mini-bowling. Sounds like a killer way to start the weekend for the entire family.
SATURDAY:
Penguin Awareness Week at OdySea Aquarium
In celebration of International African Penguin Awareness Day on Oct. 13, OdySea Aquarium will be celebrating Oct. 6 to Oct. 13 with penguin-themed fun all week long. (Think a penguin parade, special educational and interactive talks about penguins, penguin painting sessions, specials at the gift shop and more.) There is also the opportunity to purchase and decorate a “penguin foot” for $1 in support of rescue organization, SANCCOB (South African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds). The penguin feet will be available for purchase at Ticket Windows, the Concierge Desk and Discovery Desk.
The Phoenix Children's Hospital 5K
The Phoenix Children's Hospital 5K at CityScape in Phoenix is a family-friendly 3.1-mile run/walk for devoted runners, weekend joggers, families looking to do something fun (including a 100-yard kid’s dash) or simply those who want to make a difference. The event raises funds for Phoenix Children's Hospital. Pre-race activities start at 6:30 a.m.; 5K race at 7:30 a.m.; kid’s dash at 8:30 a.m. (kids 12 and younger). $40 5K registration for adults; $20 for kids; $15 registration for kid’s dash.
Seventh Annual Fall Concert Series at Scottsdale Quarter: Crown Kings
Unwind at Scottsdale Quarter for the seventh-annual Fall Concert Series, a free concert series taking place in The Quad. Live music from the band Crown Kings can be enjoyed from 5 to 7 p.m. and will run at the same time every Saturday through Oct. 27 (a different music group will be showcased each week).
National Seat Check Saturday at Larry H. Miller Dealerships
If you’re a parent of a young kiddo, you’ll definitely want to check this out. On National Seat Check Saturday (Sept. 29), Larry H. Miller Dealerships, in partnership with Safe Kids Arizona and local first responders, will kick off a series of free Saturday events to help Arizona parents ensure their car seats are properly installed. This weekend's event will be held Saturday, Oct. 6, from 8 to 11 a.m., at Larry H. Miller Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram Surprise.
SUNDAY:
Ultimate Game Fest Event
Fortnite fan? Guests are invited to OdySea in the Desert for the free Ultimate Game Fest Event on Sunday, Oct. 7, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event will take place in the outdoor courtyard and feature a Game Zone with hourly Mario Cart tournaments and a free play area that will offer an assortment of video games. Prizes will be awarded throughout the day during live hosted family games including pop culture Bingo, life-sized board games and more.
Make-A-Mega-Mess with FOAM at Children’s Museum of Phoenix
Get ready for a limited-time PopX experience at Children’s Museum of Phoenix: Make-A-Mega-Mess with FOAM! Let loose and get as messy as you'd like; the folks at the museum will take care of clean-up (pack an extra set of clothes for the little ones). All guests must purchase general admission tickets to enter. #GetMessy through Nov. 18. Click here for tickets.
