Halloween Kastle Bounce House at Pa's Pumpkin Patch in Long Beach is one of our favorites for kids. We've notice children on some of the netted bouncy houses veering far to close to the walls, nearly collapsing the structure of the cushioned air tent or oversized air mattress. The Halloween Kastle is an open air event that keeps children better grounded in an open environment less subject to abuse and misuse, and also seemingly padded enough that children who do bounce into the air wall will easily bounce back into the mattress, rather than force the structure to lean.

It is amazing how bounce houses satisfy children for hours. It brings out their natural instincts to jump, stretch, bounce and exert themselves without harm. So popular are the bounce houses in California, some parks routinely keep them on a sign up list with a maximum of three or four operating each weekend. 

Pa's Pumpkin Patch in Long Beach is one of my favorites in Southern California. If anybody happens to be riding in a car with me when I see it open during October, they have to stop and let me get out to wander for a few minutes.  I always investigate the pumpkins to see what sizes and colors are available, watch the children to see if any pick one out and then, I go check out the petting zoo goats.  Living at the beach, I am so starved for anything that looks, sounds or smells like a farm, that when there's even a semblance of one, I must enjoy it for a brief time.

Nevermind that a thousand other people share my sentiment.  While they've threatened to build a Home Depot or some builders supply store on the land where Pa's annually has appeared for years, if you're lucky to catch it, the seasonal lot is located at the Studebaker stoplight on Pacific Coast Highway in Long Beach. You'll find it just over the bridge departing Seal Beach and entering Los Angeles County. Admission is free. Pumpkins cost money...and rides and petting zoo can be enjoyed with tickets you must purchase.

site