Kids Entrepreneur Fair at Fort Cross Old Timey Adventures

Read the full experience

Located in the rustic charm of Santa Ysabel, California, Fort Cross Old Timey Adventures offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity for young creators through its Kids Entrepreneur Fair at the 2025 Autumn Jubilee. This event transforms the sprawling outdoor festival grounds into a lively marketplace where aspiring kid entrepreneurs between the ages of 6 and 17 can showcase and sell their handmade goods. With booth spaces set up just inside the festival’s front entrance, children step into a real-world experience that cultivates responsibility, communication, and social skills in a friendly, supportive atmosphere. Set against a backdrop of the Cuyamaca Mountains and surrounded by native California oak woodlands, the Autumn Jubilee is not only a celebration of old-time crafts and music but also a practical arena where kids gain hands-on business savvy. Each booth provides a 10x10 space where young vendors operate from 10 am until at least 2 pm, with the flexibility to stay open until the festival’s close at 5 pm. This event stands out as a distinctive feature of Fort Cross's offering, merging community spirit with educational engagement amid the area's natural beauty. Fort Cross Old Timey Adventures brings history to life, situated at 4425 CA-78, Santa Ysabel, an area known for its rolling hills and preserved wildlife habitat, including birds of prey and mule deer. The Autumn Jubilee connects families to an active outdoor lifestyle with an enriching twist—building confidence and entrepreneurial skills in a landscape rich with local culture and outdoor heritage. For families seeking an engaging, family-oriented adventure that stretches beyond hiking or camping, this fair offers a rare, meaningful experience that echoes through the local outdoor recreation space as both memorable and empowering.

Trip highlights

Difficulty

easy.

Duration

4 hours.

Fitness level

No significant physical demands; suitable for most children accompanied by adults

Frequently asked questions

Can more than one child share a booth?

Yes, multiple children can share one booth but only one child and one adult receive included festival wristbands.

What is included with registration?

Registration includes a 10x10 booth space and two festival package tickets: one for the child vendor and one adult chaperone.

Are tables and canopies provided?

No; participants must bring their own tables, chairs, and shade structures.

What age range can participate?

Children aged 6 to 17 are eligible to register and sell at the fair.

Can vendors stay open past 2 pm?

Absolutely. Vendors are encouraged to keep booths open until the festival closes at 5 pm if they wish.

Is adult supervision required?

Yes, all participating children must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times.

Local insights

Wildlife

Mule deer roaming dusk and dawn
Red-tailed hawks circling overhead

History

Fort Cross Old Timey Adventures celebrates regional heritage through old-time crafts and community events, reflecting San Diego County’s rural past.

Conservation

The festival promotes local artisanship with low-impact outdoor activities encouraging sustainable community engagement.

About Fort Cross Old Timey Adventures

Fort Cross Old Timey Adventures is a family-run heritage farm and outdoor activities venue located in Santa Ysabel, California. The property offers seasonal and year-round experiences that bring visitors into hands-on historic and agricultural activities. Guests can choose guided adventures such as the Farm Tour Adventure with archery, tomahawk throwing, an interactive reptile show, and animal visits; General Admission & U-Pick Berries for relaxed berry picking and picnics on pesticide-free fields; or themed events like the Haunted Harvest featuring a haunted hayride, live jugband hoedown, and storytelling. The site hosts educational field trips including Autumn Jubilee Field Trip Day and Holidays on the Homestead, where students participate in cider pressing, candle dipping, and living history demonstrations. Johnny Appleseed's Discovering America combines a scenic hayride with planting activities and frontier stories. The Kids Entrepreneur Fair at the Autumn Jubilee offers young makers booth space to sell handmade goods and learn business skills. Fort Cross emphasizes sustainable, organic farming practices; its produce is grown without pesticides and the farm encourages outdoor learning and family engagement. Trained staff and experienced guides run hands-on demonstrations and safety-conscious activities. Facilities accommodate families, school groups, and community events with clear seasonal schedules and ticketed experiences. The venue is positioned in the mountains near Santa Ysabel, offering natural scenery and accessible outdoor recreation. Visitors can expect immersive, historically inspired programming that blends education, entertainment, and fresh-air adventure. Booking information, seasonal dates, and group rates are published on the official site and updated regularly for visitor planning purposes.

Base locationSanta Ysabel, California

Tours offered7+

Adventure tips

Arrive Early for SetupVendors should arrive 30 minutes before the fair opens to set up their booths smoothly and get oriented.

Bring Shade and SeatingBooth spaces don’t include shade canopies or chairs, so bring your own to stay comfortable during the day.

Supervise Young VendorsChildren must be accompanied by an adult at all times for safety and support during the fair.

Prepare Payment OptionsBring a cash box or alternative payment methods to handle transactions securely and efficiently.

Recommended gear

Shade Canopy: Protects vendors from sun and light rain during long outdoor hours.
Table and Chairs: Creates a professional, comfortable selling area for kids and parents.
Cash Box or Mobile Payment Device: Secures money and allows smooth sales transactions.
Water Bottle: Keeps vendors hydrated through hours of interaction and sales.