Southern California has so much to offer for families eager to celebrate the Halloween season, it can be a little overwhelming. Don’t worry, Mommy Fearist can help! Here are just a few suggestions on where to take your gang of goblins and ghouls for a sensational spooky time!
The Tanaka Farms Pumpkin Patch is located at 5380 3/4 University Drive in Irvine and open every day now until October 31st. There is lots to do during the weekdays on this 30 acre farm. Besides the actual pumpkin patch, there is a corn maze that is free with admission. For an extra fee you can enjoy wagon rides, a petting zoo, and this is a working farm so you can pick your own veggies. During the weekends there is even more fun to be had with ATV rides, games, face painting, crafts and other exciting activities. On the weekends the Food Shack is open serving up bbq and other goodies. It does get crowded so get there early!
Make a reservation for a spooky stroll through the Historic Yorba Cemetery. Tours for the oldest cemetery in Orange County are only on the first Saturday of the month. Perhaps you’ll be one of the lucky ones to see the famous “Pink Lady.”
Are your little ones not ready for the Grand-daddy of Haunts, Knott’s Scary Farm? Don’t worry! Knott’s Berry Farm presents “Knott’s Spooky Farm” during weekends in October and also October 31st. A favorite for locals and tourists, Knott’s Spooky Farm has festive fun for the family. Trick or treating in ghost town, the Peanuts Gang dancing and singing in the “Monsters Are Coming” in Camp Snoopy, a Dia De Los Muertos celebration in Fiesta Village and a Ghastly Gallery in the Boardwalk Theater. New this year, the Grand Sierra Railroad is themed with some Halloween surprises and the Timber Mountain Log Ride is taking guests on a ride through the “Halloween Hootenany!” With great thrill rides, chilling attractions and terrific food, Knott’s is a great place for the family to celebrate. Don’t forget to have the kiddos dress up in their costume and join the costume contest!
Head down to San Diego to visit Sea World’s Spooktacular! Hang out with your favorite marine animals amongst the decorations in the park. Enjoy special shows featuring Elmo and friends. Laugh along with the lovable Sea Lion and Otter team in “Clyde and Seamore’s Big Halloween Bash.” Get your costume on for trick or treating! YAY MORE CANDY!!!!!(bring your reusable bag or purchase one in the park for .99 cents) Weekends now through Halloween.
Right off the 5 freeway in Santa Ana, the Orange County Discovery Cube is all about their Spooky Science exhibit. Play with the Van De Graafe in Frankenstein’s laboratory or maybe slime is more your speed…it’s all about exploring the exciting S.T.E.M. core principles. There is also a “Monster Academy” where kids can find out the science behind their favorite monsters! Spooky Science is open every day now through October 31st and is included with admission.
Get your tickets now for Bob Baker’s Marionette Theater in Downtown Los Angeles. This family friendly show features puppets dancing and singing to everyone’s favorite Halloween tunes. There is also a chance to meet the puppeteers after the show for spooky snacks in the Party Room!
Kidspace Arroyo is going for the glow this Halloween season. On Saturday October 7th Haunted Arroyo will be the place to find out about nocturnal animals, slippery slime and feel free to let your inner creep out with some glow in the dark paint!
Fall is here but don’t pack away those bathing suits yet! Great Wolf Lodge brings their “HOWL-o-ween Spooktacular” to it’s Anaheim location. Sure their indoor water park alone is worth it but during October, Great Wolf Lodge has an event packed full of ghoulish delights. Kids can trick or treat on the trail. The stops include interactive tasks with spooky themes. Food allergies? Don’t worry, there is a teal pumpkin stop in the Howl-O-Ween house located in the lobby. Show off your creative costumes during the costume parade, do the Bogieman Boogie at the “Monster Mash” dance party. There are so many activities to keep your family entertained, it is sure to make your Halloween season a memorable one. From the “Spooktacular Story Time” to the “Haunted Scavenger Hunt,” little witches and older vampires will have a fiendishly fabulous time. Now through October 31st, this amazing event is included with your stay at the resort. And remember, at Great Wolf Lodge with one night’s stay you get two days of play!
Check in next week for more family friendly functions in the Southland. Happy Haunting!
