Bonnie Carroll's Life Bites - Kids Kaleidoscope

Toba Japan Sister Cities Visitors with City of Santa Barbara Mayor Randy Rowse

This year was the 27^th year members of the Santa Barbar/Toba Japan Student Exchange Program hosted students as a part of their student exchange program. Visiting students included two girls and two boys ages 13-15 who were selected from a large list of applicants. The students were accompanied by one chaperone from each city and were guests of host families in Santa Barbara for ten days.

The Toba students left Santa Barbara smiling and happy for the ten days spent with host families. Santa Barbara/Toba Sister Cities organization is the only group doing the student exchange programs currently, and they were delighted to restate their exchange program after 3 years on hiatus.

Photo: Santa Barbara-Toba Japan Sister Cities Organization Exchange Students (l-r) Zander Yturralde, Atsuya Hashizume, Antonio Yturalde, Kaiyo Kinoshita, Riho Kashimada, Emma parent, Anna Iwasaki and charlotte Haimerl

The concept of the Sister Cities Program in the U.S. can be traced to President Dwight D. Eisenhower's proposal in 1956 to establish a "People-to-People Program:. His idea was to involve people and organized groups in personal diplomacy with the hope relationships fostered would lessen the chances of furture world conflicts and contributte to building world peace.

Sister Cities International is the national organization in America for the approximate 750 communities and their 1900 partners in 135 countries around the world. SCI has broadened the original concept fro personal diplomacy to programs focusing around four key themes: economic development, arts and culture, youth and education, humanitarian assistance. Visit: www.sister-cities.org.

The Sister Cities Program in the U.S. has its beginnings from a proposal made by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1956 to establish a "People-to-People Program" His wish was to involve people organized groups in personal diplomacy hoping relationships fostered would contribute to building world peace.

Sister Cities international is the US national organization for nearly 750 commnities and thier 1900 partners in 135 countries around the world. The SCI original focus on personal diplomacyhas been broadened to fourkey themes: economic development, arts and culture youth and education. and humanitarian asssistance.

Annually individual committe groups select their own specific and city appropriate projects and programs tofocus on, and work to accomplish desired goals.

Why you should go: Get into the Halloween spirit as Knott’s Berry Farm becomes Knott’s Scary Farm. Expect haunted mazes, nightmarish shows, and much more.

What’s the big deal? Prices for tickets at the gate are $109, but with this deal you can go on select nights from Sept. 21-Oct. 31 for $55-$84

Get into the Halloween spirit and enjoy safe & traffic-free trick-or-treating!

The Santa Barbara Zoo is excited to announce the return of its famous Halloween “spell-ebration” Boo at the Zoo on October 20-22 and 27-29, from 5 - 8 PM! With two full weekends (six nights) of fun for the whole family, there’s plenty of time to get into the Halloween spirit as the Zoo offers safe trick-or-treating and “monster-ous thrills and chills.

As one of Santa Barbara’s most beloved Halloween happenings, Boo at the Zoo features trick-or-treating, Zoo Train rides, a hay bale maze, creepy-crawly animal encounters, mad science experiments, bounce houses, dancing, and more! Tasty treats and booo-zy adult beverages are available for purchase.

Tickets are on sale now, $25 for adults, $18 for children (2-12), and Zoo Members get $3 off. Parking is $11/vehicle, free for Zoo Members. Click here to purchase tickets.

The Santa Barbara Zoo strives to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals to engage and participate fully. To request accommodations or for inquiries about accessibility, please email the accessibility team welcome@sbzoo.org.

The Santa Barbara Zoo is open daily from 9 a.m. for members and 9:30 a.m. for general admission until 5 p.m.; general admission is $25 for adults, $15 for children 2-12, and free for children under 2. Parking is $11. The Santa Barbara Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). AZA zoos are dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a great visitor experience, and a better future for all living things. With more than 200 accredited members, AZA is a leader in global wildlife conservation and is the public’s link to helping animals in their native habitats. Visit www.sbzoo.org.

Halloween fun in santa barbara

PUMPKIN PATCHES & CORN MAZES

Big Wave Dave’s Pumpkin Patch, Daily through Oct. 31 from 12-9 p.m. (Closes at 6 p.m. on Halloween Day).
Big Wave Dave’s is a great spot for picking that perfect pumpkin or festive gourd. Located at La Cumbre Plaza, this local patch offers a variety of kids activities, photo opportunities and an abundant selection of pumpkins to choose from. If you’re looking to add harvest décor to your home, pick from a variety of squash, ornamental gourds, corn stalks, hay bales and more.
Cost: Admission is free

Lane Farms Pumpkin Patch, Sept. 24-Oct. 31, Monday-Friday from 12-7 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m.-7 p.m. (12-5 p.m. Halloween Day)
Lane Farms has everything you need to get into the Halloween season with hayrides, farm animals, a corn maze, loads of pumpkins and the perfect backdrop for that festive, Instagrammable fall photo. Now through Oct. 31, embark on an afternoon of autumn activities that are safe and fun for the whole family.
Cost: Admission is free

Solvang Farmer Pumpkin Patch, Sept. 24-Oct. 31 from 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Pumpkins, gourds, squash, oh my! The Solvang Farmer Pumpkin Patch returns for its annual autumn extravaganza with one-pound pumpkins and festivities galore, including corn stalks, hay bales, kids maze and a 10-acre corn maze.
Cost: Admission is free

HALLOWEEN EVENTS & ACTIVITIES

Spooky Tours with Santa Barbara Ghost Tours, Ongoing
Did you know that Santa Barbara is the city of friendly ghosts? For a fun, spooky scare, join Professor Julie Ann Brown as she tours you through the streets of Downtown Santa Barbara sharing the stories of the local resident ghosts. Santa Barbara Ghost Tours offers a variety of tours including the Downtown Paranormal Wine and Spirits Tour, Legends, Myths and Mayhem Tour, Dead of the Night Tour and more. For an elevated experience, the VIP Historical Dinner Tour provides exclusive access to a private, membership-only club for an elegant dinner with your guide. Storytelling begins over dinner and then continues with a historical walking tour.
Cost: $35 to $150 per person, depending on the tour selected

Scarecrow Fest & Day in the Country, Oct. 15 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Head over the hill for the day to Los Olivos for a day in the country this Halloween season, where attendees can experience a fall parade, a Fun Run and food, live music, wine, beer and more from over 100 local vendors. The Scarecrow Festival runs throughout the month of October, so while you’re exploring a Day in the Country, don’t forget to vote for your favorite scarecrow in town.
Cost: Admission is free

Boo at the Zoo, Oct. 21-30 from 5-8 p.m.
Get ready for a fun and festive Halloween spell-ebration at the Santa Barbara Zoo. While visiting the animals, discover frightfully fun decor, photo ops and trick-or-treating. The ticket for this event includes a Zoo Train ride, mad science experiments, scare zone, dance party, creepy-crawly animal encounters and bounce houses. Additionally, no costume head or face masks will be permitted. Since this is a kid and family-friendly event, please keep costumes child-friendly and do not include gore or realistic weapons.
Cost: $23 per adult, $18 per child

Witchy Paddle, Oct. 29 at 11 a.m.
Enjoy a bewitching paddle tour this Halloween! Glide between boats and explore the Santa Barbara coastline with your spellbinding crew. Arrive in costume and receive 25% off your rental from Paddle Sports Center.
Cost: Pricing starts at $27/hour

Thriller 2022, Oct. 29 at 2 p.m.
Join World Dance for Humanity at the Santa Barbara Courthouse Sunken Gardens for a free, family-friendly thrills and chills daytime dance fest. Come in costume and watch dance groups perform their own spooky choreographies or perform your own! Leading up to the event, World Dance for Humanity invites you to learn a new Halloween dance medley. World Dance for Humanity has even organized a series of flash mobs in October to show off your new moves. No need to be a trained dancer, all ages and experience levels are invited to participate.
Cost: Admission is free

Halloween Monster Mash at Paseo Nuevo, Oct. 29 from 3-6 p.m.
Join DJ Frank in Paseo Nuevo’s Center Court for a Halloween Monster Mash. Don your best costume for an early evening of family fun, trick-or-treating and a few additional spooks.
Cost: Admission is free

Trick-or-Treat in Downtown Santa Barbara, Oct. 29 from 3-6 p.m.
Costumed children and their families are invited to visit the businesses of Downtown Santa Barbara for this festive Halloween event, creating a safe and fun trick-or-treating experience for the whole family.
Cost: Admission is free

Spooky Train & Haunted Depot, Oct. 29 from 4-7 p.m.
This spooky season, the South Coast Railroad Museum & Goleta Depot is bringing back this popular event, complete with popcorn, trick-or-treating, train rides, kids craft, games and more. Costumes are encouraged (but not required).
Cost: Admission is free

Halloween Party in The Funk Zone, Oct. 29 from 7-10 p.m.
Get your fill of witches’ brew and live music at Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co. this Halloween weekend. In addition to live tunes by local band Caddyshack, arrive in your best costume and enter the costume contest, which will be held at 9 p.m.
Cost: Admission is free

Halloween Costume Cruise, Oct. 31, 12:30-3:30 p.m.
Create a memorable tale as you embark on a Halloween sail. Join Santa Barbara Sailing Center aboard the Double Dolphin for an afternoon Halloween costume cruise along the Pacific. Filled with all treats and no tricks, DJ Gavin Roy will be spinning spooky tunes from the sea as you enjoy libations and candy from the crew.

HALLOWEEN FUN IN SANTA BARBARA PUMPKIN PATCHES & CORN MAZES 2023