When Daylight Saving Time ends this weekend, evenings suddenly feel shorter — and kids start asking why it’s “so dark already.” Instead of calling it a night at 5:30, think of it as a chance to make new evening memories. From twinkly lights to family walks and cozy community events, here are some fun things to do with your kids during fall and winter nights in SoCal.
Take in the lights
Kids love sparkle, and luckily, Southern California has plenty of it. The San Diego Zoo offers seasonal “After Dark” events, while Descanso Gardens’ Enchanted Forest of Light and Lightscape at the L.A. Arboretum turn gardens into glowing wonderlands. Even a simple drive through your neighborhood — or a quick detour past downtown holiday displays — can make the earlier sunsets feel magical.
Family strolls and night skies
Once the time changes, the stars show up earlier. Take advantage of it with a stargazing walk at Griffith Park or Torrey Pines. Bring flashlights and let kids spot constellations, or download a stargazing app to make it interactive. Many local nature centers host guided night hikes that are safe, educational and fun.
Closer to home, a fun thing to do with kids is to bundle up for a family walk after dinner. The cooler air and early dark make it feel like a small adventure, and it helps get the wiggles out before bedtime.
Light bites and cozy nights
Make an evening of it: dinner out while it’s still light, then dessert after dark. Old Town San Diego, The Grove, or Third Street Promenade all have safe, walkable areas where you can window shop or grab a hot chocolate after dinner.
At home, try glow-in-the-dark games in the backyard, a movie projected on the garage wall, or an early-evening s’mores session around a portable firepit. The trick is to make “after dark” feel special, not off-limits.
Make the most of early evenings
If bedtime routines get thrown off this time of year, small rituals help. Keep lights low in the house to signal wind-down time, or swap screen time for puzzles or storytime.
And remember — it’s okay to slow down a bit. Shorter days can be cozy days, too. Lean into warm blankets, hot cocoa, and those post-dinner chats that don’t happen when everyone’s rushing to sports practice.
In other words: yes, it’s dark earlier, but that doesn’t mean the fun’s over. Sometimes the best SoCal moments happen after the sun goes down.