White Rock offers fantastic autumn activities for your family!
Crisp air, rustling leaves, and that salty seaside sparkle – autumn in White Rock is pure magic for families. As summer’s warmth fades, our coastal community comes alive with pumpkin patches, golden forest trails, and waterfront discoveries that turn ordinary weekends into unforgettable adventures. Forget crowded city attractions; this season, we’re sharing our favourite local secrets for making memories right here in the “City by the Sea.”
Community Arts and Cultural Events
Just as summer’s warmth fades, our cultural heartbeat grows stronger. Don’t miss the White Rock & South Surrey Culture Crawl (October 4-5), where 22 local spots throw open their doors with art displays and history treasures. Down the road, the South Rock Art Tour (September 20 -21) invites you into 35 creative studios – perfect for inspiring young minds.
At the Museum of Surrey, the “Ocean Bound” exhibition (running till September 7th) makes environmental science a blast for all ages – think hands-on ocean discovery instead of quiet meditation. Later this season, at the Museum of White Rock, catch their “Community Curators” exhibit (Aug 15-Oct 19) featuring hometown treasures, followed by “Lest We Forget” (Oct 31-Nov 11) honouring White Rock’s wartime stories.
Local Farmers Markets and Craft Fairs
Every Sunday until October 12th, the White Rock Farmers’ Market transforms the waterfront into our community’s bustling heart. With 90+ local vendors under the tents, you’ll discover:
- Just-picked produce from Semiahmoo Peninsula farms
- Artisan bakers pulling sourdough loaves from portable ovens
- Crafters offering handmade pottery, knitwear, and preserves
- Specialty foods like organic cheeses, vegan treats, and even gourmet dog biscuits
Good to know:
- Plenty of mostly-free parking
- Dog-friendly paths between stalls
- Weekly space for local non-profits
- Operates under strict “make, bake, or grow” rules
Pumpkin Patches and Harvest Festivities
Starting September 21st, White Rock’s countryside comes alive with harvest magic. At Hazelmere Pumpkin Patch, open weekends (Sept 20–Oct 30) from 10 am–5 pm and weekdays (Oct 1–30) from 2 pm–5 pm, you’ll find kid-sized corn mazes and classic hayrides through pumpkin fields.
Rondriso Farms opens October 1st, offering hay wagon rides weekends and holidays (like Thanksgiving Monday, Oct 14, and Pro-D Day, Oct 25) from 10 am–6 pm, with weekday rides 3 pm–6 pm throughout October. Wrap up your visit by saying hello to their gentle cows and clucking chickens.
For a special one-day celebration, join Potter’s Fall Festival on Saturday, October 18 (10 am–3 pm), where families hunt for the perfect pumpkin. New this year: a ticketed trick-or-treat event designed for little ones to enjoy a safe, playful experience.
Meanwhile, Port Kells Nursery runs its pumpkin patch daily from October 1–31 (9 am–6 pm). Wander through vibrant pumpkin displays, challenge the kids in the outdoor cedar maze, or let them loose in the play centre and indoor sand pit. Don’t miss the photo-worthy face boards and autumn treasures in their cozy gift store.
Scenic Nature Walks and Outdoor Adventures
Scenic Nature Walks and Outdoor Adventures
White Rock’s autumn colours shine brightest on our local trails! At Sunnyside Acres Urban Park, you’ll find:
- Guided nature walks with park naturalists
- Guest speaker talks about fall wildlife in the covered shelter
- Self-guided tours along easy, stroller-friendly paths beneath golden maples
For more information on their guided tours, visit their website.
Perfect for:
- Leaf-collecting scavenger hunts
- Squirrel-spotting games under ancient cedars
- Quiet moments listening to rustling birch leaves
Crescent Beach offers simpler shoreline magic:
- Collect small shells along driftwood-strewn stretches
- Stroll sandy shores at low tide to spot sea stars in rocky pools
- Watch herons fish in the marsh as autumn sunsets paint the bay pink
Family-Friendly Fall Festivals
We love how autumn brings our White Rock community together through festivals that make the season special for your family. You’ll find us celebrating at the White Rock Arts Festival Culture Crawl on October 4th – 5th, where 25+ local sites feature art exhibits and live music that showcase our talented neighbours. Just next door in Cloverdale, you can join the Spooktacular Halloween Market on October 18th – it’s great fun for your kids while supporting Surrey Hospital Foundation. The Hazelmere Pumpkin Patch gives your family hayrides, mini corn mazes, and friendly farm animals for that perfect autumn day out. These festivals help us build memories whilst strengthening the bonds that make our community feel like home.
Seasonal Recreation Programs and Activities
When autumn arrives in White Rock, our community naturally shifts toward cozy gatherings and outdoor exploration. While we don’t coordinate formal recreation programs, here’s how families connect through authentic local experiences:
At Sunnyside Acres Urban Forest:
- Self-guided adventures along easy trails (open daily)
- Free guest speaker talks about fall migration (Sundays in October)
- Nature journaling stations with seasonal prompts
Along Crescent Beach:
- Golden-hour beachcombing for sea glass and moon snail shells
- Independent tidal pool exploring at low tide
- Birdwatching for great blue herons in the marsh
Community-Driven Fun:
- Museum of Surrey’s “Ocean Bound” exhibit (through Sept 7): Hands-on environmental discovery
- Potter’s Fall Festival (Oct 18): Pumpkin picking + artisan stalls
- Port Kells Nursery’s cedar maze (Oct 1-31): Daily exploration
Questions Often Asked
What to Do With Kids in White Rock, BC?
What to Do With Kids in White Rock, BC?
You’ll find incredible family activities right here! Visit Hazelmere Pumpkin Patch for seasonal fun, take the kids on Bear Creek’s exciting train rides, search for hidden gems along Sunnyside Acres trails, and spend your morning at our local farmers market.
Is White Rock, BC Worth Visiting?
Yes, White Rock, BC is absolutely worth visiting.
We’ve found White Rock to be our favourite coastal spot where beautiful bay views blend with real community spirit. You’ll discover you’re not just passing through—you’re joining something meaningful that draws families back every year.
What Do You Do in White Rock?
In White Rock, we live and breathe the coastal life. You’ll walk our famous pier, check out the beaches along Semiahmoo Bay, eat at waterfront restaurants, and find the active arts scene that we locals love all year.
Are There Fireworks in White Rock?
Absolutely! We host brilliant fireworks shows twice a year in White Rock. You’ll find us celebrating Canada Day on July 1st and our Sea Festival in August. Both events bring thousands of people to our waterfront for stunning 15-minute displays that light up Semiahmoo Bay.
