Located in Half Moon Bay, Lemos Farms is a year around family destination for the little ones, but really goes off in September and October. First off, if you have an irreverent sense of humor, you absolutely must ride the Ghost Train. Really just a series of golf carts tricked out to look like a train, this ride takes you around the park and through Ghost Town. Don’t take the first cart unless you like deisel fumes. Ghost Town is a series of half sized dioramas populated with ever piece of Salvation Army and Halloween Store closeout oddity imaginable. Nothing makes any sense. Girl’s dolls...

Newark (the one in San Jose) is dead serious about providing affordable aquatic recreation to its citizens. This place is the Rolls Royce or indoor swim centers. The first thing you’ll notice are the lifelike brass sculptures of children playing. They decorate the outside of the building as well as the lobby. The second thing you’ll notice is the huge glass windows that give you your first glimpse of the swim center. It’s so beautiful you’ll nearly pee your pants (although you’ll probably save it for the pool). And as you wait to pay, your kids will be convulsing with...

If Disney were to make a pumpkin patch it would be Arata Pumpkin Farm. The second you get your first panoramic view as you approach the entrance, you know you’re in for a great time. Free admission but there’s  a modest fee for the maze, haunted barn and hay ride. The maze fee is good all day so do it as many times as you want with a single admission. Decent prices on snacks and food as well. So what can you expect? How about best straw maze in the world. Unbelievable. Find the Minotaur and he’ll give you a golden pumpkin! Giant iron hinges support secret movable doors that hide and...