7 Things to Do for Fall Break

Keep your keiki busy with these engaging activities while school is out Oct. 7–11, 2024.

September 30, 2024

Laura Dornbush,

Photo: Courtesy of Gunstock Ranch

Play Like a Paniolo at Gunstock Ranch

Family Fun Night: Monday, Oct. 7, 4 to 7:30 p.m.

Music With Moonpie: Tuesday, Oct. 8, 9:30 a.m.

All About Horses: Thursday, Oct. 10, 9:30 a.m.

Wannabe cowboys and cowgirls can live out their dreams at three family-friendly events this fall break. Make s’mores around the campfire, learn to line dance and ride a pony at Family Fun Night on Monday, Oct. 7. On Tuesday, Oct. 8, join a sign-a-long with Moonpie the Cow in the petting zoo. Lastly, on Thursday, Oct. 10, horse lovers will learn all about the animal and even have the chance to paint one!

Free admission, $5 pony walks, $5 s’mores kits, $5 activity kits, registration is encouraged but not required, 56-250 Kamehameha Hwy., Kahuku, gunstockranch.com, @gunstockranch

Photo: Courtesy of Hawaiian Humane Society

Take a Shelter Dog on a Field Trip

If your kids love dogs, but you’re not ready to add one to your family permanently, check out the newly launched ‘Īlio Explorers program from the Hawaiian Humane Society. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, you can sign up to take a shelter dog on an outing to a park, beach or a restaurant.

$50 field trip donation fee (kama‘āina), available at the Mō‘ili‘ili Campus and Kosasa Family Campus at Ho‘opili in ‘Ewa Beach, hawaiianhumane.org, @hawaiianhumane

Photo: Courtesy of International Market Place

Eat for Free at International Market Place

Tuesday, Oct. 8

Take a night off from cooking and treat your ‘ohana to dinner out. On Tuesday, Oct. 8, keiki under age 12 will enjoy a complimentary meal from the kid’s menu when accompanied by two paying adults at three participating restaurants: Eating House 1849 by Roy Yamaguchi, Moani Waikiki and Stripsteak Waikiki, as part of Grand Lānai Restaurant Week.

2330 Kalākaua Ave., Waikīkī, shopinternationalmarketplace.com, @intlmktplace

Work in the Dirt at Kahumana Farm

Join the work crew at this 31-acre organic farm in Wai‘anae for its volunteer days, Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. See how food is grown, weed the fields, wash produce, pack veggies, build meal kits and more. Make sure to bring water, sunscreen and a hat and wear closed-toed shoes.

Free, 86-660 Lualualei Homestead Rd., Wai‘anae, kahumana.org, @kahumanaorganicfarm

Game at Dave & Buster’s

Plan a midweek trip to Dave & Buster’s when the arcade games are half price every Wednesday. Challenge each other to classics like Skee-Ball and air hokey or play the jumbo version of Hungry Hungry Hippos and the fishing simulation game, Wicked Tuna.

Power Cards start at $15 for 60 chips, 1030 Auahi St., daveandbusters.com, @daveandbusters

Photo: Laura Dornbush

Get a Mini Makeover

Friday, Oct. 11, and Saturday, Oct. 12

Celebrate the grand opening of Storybook Station’s new location at Pearlridge Center. 15-minute express makeovers ($20) will be available to transform your little one into an enchanted character with face and nail painting. Then watch the interactive princess show on Saturday, Oct. 12, at 1 p.m.

Pearlridge Center Downtown, next to Tilt in the former Journeys space, 98-105 Moanalua Rd., storybookstationhawaii.com, @storybookhawaii

Photo: Courtesy of the Hawai‘i State Public Library System

Attend Story Time

Listen to your favorite librarian share a children’s classic or a new page-tuner at read aloud sessions across the island.

Monday, Oct. 7, at 9 a.m. at Kapolei Library, 1020 Manawai St.
Tuesday, Oct. 8, at 10 a.m. at Mānoa Library, 2716 Woodlawn Dr.
Wednesday, Oct. 9, at 9:15 a.m. at Hawai‘i Kai Library, 249 Lunalilo Home Rd.
Wednesday, Oct. 9, at 9:30 a.m. at Nanakuli Library, 89-070 Farrington Hwy.
Wednesday, Oct. 9, at 10 a.m. at Kailua Library, 239 Kuulei Rd.
Wednesday, Oct. 9, at 10:30 a.m. at Hawai‘i Kai Library, 249 Lunalilo Home Rd.
Thursday, Oct. 10, at 9 a.m. at Kapolei Library, 1020 Manawai St.
Thursday, Oct. 10, at 9:30 a.m. Salt Lake-Moanalua Library, 3225 Salt Lake Blvd.
Thursday, Oct. 10, at 10 a.m. at Waimānalo Library, 41-1320 Kalanianaole Hwy.
Thursday, Oct. 10, at 10 a.m. at Kāne‘ohe Library, 46-056 Kamehameha Hwy.
Thursday, Oct. 10, at 10 a.m. at Windward Mall Center Court, 46-056 Kamehameha Hwy.