If your family calendar needs a few ideas between Halloween and the December rush, November has some good ones. Think hands-on crafts, a short kids’ film program and a little holiday magic before the month is over.
November 2026 guide. Checked October 27, 2026. Some of these outings are free and some have paid adult admission. The booking notes will help you pick what works for your crew. All times are local to San Diego.
1. Let the kids lead at the Fall Back Festival
This children’s street fair is built around Old West-style games, music and entertainment. The courtyard activities and short museum visit make it a more kid-focused downtown option than a general shopping day.
- When: Sunday, November 1, noon–4 p.m.
- Where: Gaslamp Museum area, 410 Island Avenue, San Diego.
- Cost: Free event admission and free self-guided museum tours. Optional Food and Fun tickets add activities; food and paid-garage parking need their own budget. Check the family festival details.
2. Try Opera4Kids at Spreckels Organ Pavilion
The Enchanted Tail is the November 1 family program with Opera4Kids. Come at 1:30 p.m. for the hands-on “Build a Pipe Organ” activity, then stay for the 2 p.m. performance.
- Where: Spreckels Organ Pavilion, Balboa Park.
- Cost: Free public program. See the family concert listing.
3. Browse the Carlsbad Village Street Faire
This is the longer, busier outing of the bunch, with children’s rides alongside the vendor booths and entertainment. Pick a few stops rather than trying to see everything, and agree on a ride or snack budget before the kids start browsing.
- When: Sunday, November 1, 8 a.m.–4 p.m.
- Where: Downtown Carlsbad Village. Follow Carlsbad Village Drive west from I-5.
- Plan: Food, shopping and rides are separate from free entry. Complimentary shuttles run from the Shoppes at Carlsbad and Poinsettia COASTER Station. There is no bike valet in 2026. See the Chamber’s event and transport details and Visit Carlsbad’s free-admission listing.
4. Spend an afternoon at Cabrillo’s Fall Festival
For a shorter after-school plan, try two hours of games and making things at Cabrillo Recreation Center. Kids can move between outdoor activities and crafts without committing to a full festival day. Head to Point Loma’s recreation center, not the national monument.
- When: Thursday, November 5, 4–6 p.m.
- Where: 3051 Canon Street, San Diego.
- Cost and ages: Free family-friendly event. The city listing does not specify an age limit or registration requirement. Check the city’s festival listing.
5. Make something at San Diego Craft Collective
The First Friday kids’ craft is an easy one-hour plan for children who like to make things. The organizer welcomes all ages, with a grownup’s help for younger kids. November’s project, with Create Wellbeing, explores the five senses through crafting.
- When: Friday, November 6, 5–6 p.m.
- Where: 2590 Truxtun Road, Studio 106, Liberty Station.
- Cost and booking: Free, with an RSVP requested so there are enough supplies. If full, ask about the waitlist. The organizer lists free nearby parking and says the event is outdoors when weather permits. RSVP with Craft Collective.
6. Start the holidays at The Old Globe’s tree lighting
The Grinch cast performance and a snowfall effect make this more than a quick look at a tree. It’s also one to plan ahead for: free reservations are required and the event is on an outdoor plaza.
- When: Sunday, November 8, 6 p.m.
- Where: The Old Globe’s Copley Plaza, Balboa Park.
- Family notes: Strollers and wheelchairs are welcome, but chairs, tables and picnic blankets aren’t. The standby line starts at 5 p.m. without guaranteed entry. A tree-lighting reservation doesn’t include the ticketed Grinch musical. Read entry details and reserve.
7. Watch Shorts for Shorties at the Asian Film Festival
A 45-minute collection of short films is a manageable alternative to a full-length movie. Shorts for Shorties is the festival’s program curated for children, rather than a blanket recommendation to take little kids to any festival screening.
- When: Saturday, November 14, 11 a.m.
- Where: UltraStar Cinemas Mission Valley, 7510 Hazard Center Drive.
- Cost and booking: Youth through high-school age are free, with their tickets available at the door only. Adult general admission is $15. Children under 12 must have an adult. The venue lists free parking. Check the ticket policy, program schedule and venue details.
8. Make a day of the San Diego Made Holiday Market
If you want to start gift shopping with the kids along, this outdoor market adds music, interactive art and children’s activities to the maker booths. It’s a paid-entry event for most visitors, not a free holiday festival.
- When: Saturday, November 28, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sunday, November 29, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
- Where: NTC Park, 2705 Cushing Road, Liberty Station.
- Cost: $5 presale base price or $6 at the door; children under 10 are free. The official online checkout currently displays $5.80 including its listed tax and processing fee. Food, drinks and shopping are additional purchases.
- Booking: Use the organizer’s ticket link for current availability and totals. Read the market details and ticket information.
9. Finish the month with Nutcracker highlights
On November 29, the San Diego Civic Youth Ballet joins the 2 p.m. Spreckels organ concert for Nutcracker highlights. This is a free outdoor preview of the holiday mood, not a full staged ballet.
- Where: Spreckels Organ Pavilion, Balboa Park.
- Plan: Bring a layer and check the current program before leaving.
Pick the pace that works for your family
For a short outing, start with the craft hour or the 45-minute film program. For a more flexible afternoon, choose the street fair or holiday market and keep an eye on what is included before buying extras.
Balboa Park parking can add to an otherwise free day, so review the current parking options. Book the tree lighting and craft session ahead, then check the organizer’s details before heading out.
For more ideas, browse the November free activities guide and choose a plan that fits your day.
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