Though these kid-friendly attractions are popular among tourists, each hosts festive and fun-filled events to treat locals (and visitors) this Halloween season. From a light-up spectacular at the San Diego Zoo to The Count’s Sesame Place party, check out these Southern California Halloween events for families.
September and October, Select Dates: LEGOLAND Brick-or-Treat
Carlsbad
Taking place on select dates in September and October, LEGOLAND Brick-or-Treat is a fun-filled Halloween outing for the entire family–with tons of candy and not-so-many scares. If you’ve been to this LEGOLAND holiday event before, you’ll want to make a point to visit again this year, thanks to an all-new show lineup and appearances by never-before-seen LEGO characters.
Cost: Included with LEGOLAND admission.
For more information: www.legoland.com/california/.
Sept. 16 to Oct. 29, Weekends: The Count’s Halloween Spooktacular at Sesame Place
San Diego
Your little ones will go batty for this Southern California Halloween event! The Count’s Halloween Spooktacular at San Diego’s Sesame Place will feature trick-or-treating, Halloween-themed shows, photo opps with your favorite Sesame Street characters dressed in costume, parades and much more.
Cost: Included with Sesame Place admission.
For more information: sesameplace.com.
Sept. 29 to Oct. 31, Weekends: Monster Mash Market at STC Anaheim GardenWalk
Anaheim
On Saturdays and Sundays, 4 to 10 p.m., through Halloween, STC Anaheim GardenWalk hosts the family- and pet-friendly Monster Mash Market. Each weekend will feature a variety of new themes and activities, rounded out with live music, eats and treats, entertainment, crafts, dozens of vendors and much more.
For more information: anaheimgardenwalk.com.
October and November, Select Dates: San Diego Botanic Garden
Encinitas
Take in fall and all of its colorful glory–with a side of Halloween fun–at San Diego Botanic Garden. On Oct. 21, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the Fall Festival Family Day will feature fall crafts, live music, a costume parade, a chance to plant your own ghost succulent and much more. Plus, guests can take a peek at the pumpkin display in the Hamilton Children’s Garden, from Oct. 12 through November, as well as the spooky Savage Gardens exhibit (look out for hidden bats, spiders and skeletons!), through Oct. 29.
Cost: $18 for adults; $10 for youth, ages 3 to 17.
For more information: sdbg.org.
Oct. 6 to Oct. 29, Weekends: HalGLOWeen at San Diego Zoo
San Diego
HalGLOWeen, San Diego Zoo’s light-up-the-night Halloween event, promises to make your weekends extra festive this spooky season. This Southern California Halloween event–taking place Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in October–provides a safe and entertaining spot for families to get in the spirit. Activities start at 5 p.m. each night and include live music, a bubble dance party, creepy zoo creatures and much more.
Cost: Included with zoo admission.
For more information: zoo.sandiegozoo.org/halgloween.
Oct. 21: Haunted Hangar Halloween Bash at USS Midway Museum
San Diego
From 6 to 9 p.m. on Oct. 21, treat the family to the Haunted Hangar Halloween Bash, taking place at the USS Midway Museum. The exciting evening features an agenda of family-friendly activities, contests, treats, magic potion cocktails, crafts and much more. And come decked in your Halloween best for the costume contest–there are big prizes at stake!
Cost: $20 for general admission. Children age 3 and under do not require a ticket.
For more information: www.midway.org.