Southern California Family Halloween Activities

Halloween 2023 is approaching, so why not check out these family-friendly Halloween events in Southern California? From events aimed at small children (like Sesame Street’s Halloween Spooktacular) to family-oriented performances, there’s no shortage of fun Halloween events. Without further ado, let’s look at some of the top family Halloween events in Southern California.

Brick-or-Treat

What better way to celebrate Halloween than with a LEGOLAND Halloween spectacular? Brick-or-Treat takes place from September 16th to October 29th, so get your tickets early! Brick-or-Treat spans the entire park and features delicious candy, slightly scary shows for kids, and plenty of spooky special appearances by characters throughout the park. This monster party applies to three ticket types at LEGOLAND, meaning you and your kids can participate in the fun no matter what part of the park you head to. It’s a family-friendly win-win!

The Count’s Halloween Spooktacular

Sesame Place presents The Count’s Halloween Spooktacular this October. Families and kids are encouraged to dress in costumes and come to a silly, not spooky, celebration. This event is aimed at younger kids and features Sesame Street characters beloved by all. There’s a Sesame Scarecrow Scavenger Hunt and plenty of spooky seasonal shows and parades sure to bring joy to children of all ages. Of course, there are countless photo opportunities with costumed classic characters, so bring your camera and make some new friends at this Halloween celebration.

Halgloween

There are so many fun events at Halgloween at the San Diego Zoo that it’s hard to pick just a few to talk about! This bright and colorful way to celebrate Halloween is a great event for the whole family. Not only do you get to see the usual zoo animals in their habitats, but you can check out some spooky featured creatures as part of the event. There’s also a Skeleton Band, a life-sized spider web trapeze performance, fun zoo characters perfect for photo ops, and more. If you’re looking for a celebration for the entirety of October, visit the San Diego Zoo any weekend this month for spooky animal-themed fun.

Oogie Boogie Bash

Who doesn’t love The Nightmare Before Christmas? Disneyland celebrates Halloween with a giant Oogie Boogie Bash, perfect for the whole family. If you’re a fan of Disney and want to attend one of the biggest Halloween bashes in Southern California, this is a great event for the whole family. While the event does sell out quickly, plenty of spooky spots around Disneyland this time of year still exist. For example, you can check out classic rides decked out for Halloween, see creepy characters throughout the park, and enjoy Halloween-themed merch. If you want to celebrate Halloween at one of the happiest places on Earth, head to Disneyland this October!

Halloween Horror Nights

This event may be too spooky for small children, but it sure is fun. Universal Studios Hollywood puts on a park-wide event full of scares and spooks. If you’re looking for a specific event throughout the park, they have a useful map of everything going on during their Horror Nights, so be sure to plan ahead to visit everything they offer. Remember, no costumes or costume masks are allowed during Horror Nights to keep things fun for all guests and to respect the park’s rules at all times. On their website, you can purchase tickets for a specific weekend, though this event tends to sell out fast!

Pageant of the Monsters

Pageant of the Monsters is a once-in-a-lifetime experience sure to knock your socks off. This event features a haunted maze based on the labyrinth. In it, visitors follow Theseus in his quest to slay the minotaur and run into short stories based on minotaur mythology along the way. Visitors must solve the labyrinth and survive the horrifying creatures trapped within to escape. While this event may not be ideal for small children, the production level of the maze itself is well worth the trip and is sure to get you in the Halloween mood. You can find out more on their website.

Carved at Descanso Gardens

Taking a step back from the spookier events, this art-based showcase of pumpkin carving excellence will stun the whole family. Rain or shine, Carved at the Descanso Gardens goes on, allowing you to check out incredible light-up Jack-O’-Lantern displays made by local experts. If you’re a fan of pumpkin carving or are just looking to get into the spooky spirit this Halloween, this event is great for viewers of all ages. While the entire route is about an hour, it is accessible and stroller-friendly, making it a great way for family members of all mobility levels to enjoy the incredible display. You can learn more about the event or order tickets on their website.

Boney Island

The Natural History Museum in Los Angeles County transforms its garden into a spooky, scary, skeleton-filled experience for visitors of all ages. There are ghoulishly glowing exhibits to visit, and visitors can learn about the Paleolithic past while exploring this spine-chilling garden display. This festive event also has performances, special exhibitions, and even a skeleton orchestra. If you’re looking for an educational and exciting way to spend Halloween as a family, the Natural History Museum is a great place to visit.

Check out Best Coast Tour’s tour opportunities if you want even more family fun this Halloween. From a drive around San Diego to exploring the Southern California coast, you can check out the decorations while you experience these locations like you’ve never seen them before. Custom pickup and dropoff locations allow you to join the tour without traveling far from your hotel room, making it ideal for families of all sizes. Plus, air-conditioned, comfortable tour buses take you to your destination in style. For more information or to purchase tickets, check out our tour selection.