15 Enjoyable Halloween Occasions in San Diego for Youngsters (2023)

There are all the time fairly just a few issues to do in San Diego with youngsters for Halloween. Themed occasions and locations to go are considerable round Halloween in San Diego.
A few of these San Diego Halloween occasions are additionally on my listing of San Diego fall occasions. Do not forget that October is Youngsters Free San Diego the place youngsters go free to many San Diego points of interest when adults maintain qualifying tickets (restrictions apply).
Which means most of the beneath actions are free for youths of sure ages, whereas others might require extra admission.
It can save you on tickets, excursions, and accommodations by my affiliations. Should you make purchases by the hyperlinks on this publish, I could also be compensated.
1. San Diego Zoo HalGLOWeen
San Diego Zoo Halloween festivities embody HalGLOWeen, named for the glow-in-the-dark decor and leisure that company will get pleasure from on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays in October, beginning at 5 p.m.
Youngsters ages 11 and beneath get free entry and are inspired to put on costumes. The zoo comes alive in an entire completely different mild (actually) with two glow-in-the-dark acrobatic exhibits, whereas the Skeleton Band can be rocking on the Entrance Avenue Stage.
There are hooping contests, a bubble dance occasion, and interactive video games for the youngsters with Dr. Zoolittle. And beware, The Boo Crew scarecrow stilt walkers would possibly simply sneak up on you. Admission is included with San Diego Zoo tickets.
KIDS FREE AT THE ZOO AND SAFARI PARK
One paid grownup can take as much as 5 youngsters ages 11 and beneath without cost to each parks. The grownup wants to carry a qualifying ticket, which I’ve at a reduction beneath.
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2. Go to a Pumpkin Station

San Diego has a number of pumpkin patches open so that you can discover together with your youngsters. All of them fluctuate in measurement, value, and element. Some are like mini carnivals, and a few have large hay mazes. In true San Diego trend, many pumpkin patches are dog-friendly!
Pumpkin Stations are among the many hottest, conveniently positioned centrally at locations like Mission Valley Goal and simply off of the I-5 freeway in Del Mar. The listing of areas consists of:
- Del Mar
- Rancho Bernardo (Farm)
- Mission Valley
- Nationwide Metropolis (Plaza Bonita)
- Bonita (Farm)
Pumpkin Stations are free to enter, and parking can be free, however you’ll want tickets for rides and actions. Tickets will be purchased on the Pumpkin Stations however are unavailable on-line. Visit their website.
3. Go to Carlsbad Strawberry Firm Pumpkin Patch
One other favourite San Diego Halloween occasion of ours is the Carlsbad Strawberry Firm Pumpkin Patch.
Not solely are you able to pick your pumpkin at this enjoyable North County spot, however company can discover a corn maze, take tractor rides, pet the rabbits, and go to the venue’s beloved sheep and goats. These 4 points of interest are along with the $10 per particular person entrance payment, and kids beneath 5 enter free.
Teenagers might benefit from the Haunted Corn Maze on Friday and Saturday evenings from 7–10 p.m. for the month of October. The opening evening for this attraction is October 6, and tickets value from $25 per particular person.
The Pumpkin Patch is open seven days every week from now by November 5 from 9 a.m.–6 p.m. From October 6, Fridays and Saturdays keep open till 10 p.m. for the Haunted Corn Maze. Be taught extra in regards to the Carlsbad Strawberry Company’s Halloween event.
4. SeaWorld San Diego’s Halloween Spooktacular and Howl-O-Scream Weekends

SeaWorld San Diego has introduced again Howl-O-Scream, an “intense horror-filled hang-out.” Howl-O-Scream would be the nighttime model of their extra family-friendly Spooktacular, provided throughout sunlight hours.
However beware, as soon as the solar goes down. SeaWorld San Diego will rework right into a terrifying playland supposed for mature audiences. Tickets are priced individually from $39.99, along with the common admission park tickets.
It’s slightly too spooky in your tiniest tadpoles. Nonetheless, it isn’t as scary as, say, Halloween Horror Nights at Common Studios Hollywood. Use discretion when planning your SeaWorld San Diego journey throughout Halloween.
For a family-friendly Halloween celebration, be a part of SeaWorld San Diego on Saturdays and Sundays in late September and October for his or her annual Halloween Spooktacular.
They may characteristic Halloween dance events, trick-or-treating, enjoyable Halloween decorations, and extra. The Spooktacular may even host a Pumpkin Hunt. Visitors can buy a particular map that permits them to seek for SeaWorld animal-themed pumpkins for an unique Halloween prize.
Go to Friday–Sunday by October 29. The Halloween Spooktacular is included with the common park admission. I’ve suggestions for methods to purchase SeaWorld San Diego tickets, however the two greatest locations are by SeaWorld and aRes Travel.
There are reductions on common admission but additionally for Howl-O-Scream. You’ll need to have a look additionally on the Youngsters Free tickets!
5. Belmont Park Fall Fest
Fall Fest is in full swing at Belmont Park San Diego! Probably the most in style San Diego points of interest, Belmont Park, ensures its array of eating shops get into the autumn spirit with Caramel Apple Spiced Funnel Cake at Belmonty’s Burgers and seasonal beer at Draft.
To not point out Spooky Cotton Sweet and Churros at Halfway Snacks — to call only a few of the various festive treats.
There’s varied reside music on weekends all through the pageant, or take a look at the Trunk or Deal with Traditional Automobile Present on October 29. There’s face portray and glitter tattoos for the youngsters, and loads of actions and video games included with this yr’s new Pumpkin Cross.
Free trick-or-treating occurs each Sunday on the pageant, and you may dive for pumpkins on the Plunge Pool on choose dates.
The pool additionally hosts the annual Glow N Float Pumpkin Patch on October 27 from 5:30–8 p.m., the place you possibly can swim amongst a whole lot of floating pumpkins or check out the Aqua Jungle, a enjoyable floating impediment course. It’s an excellent occasion for the entire household, and don’t overlook your Halloween costume for once you’ve dried off.
It’s free to enter Belmont Park, however you’ll pay for actions akin to rides, mini golf, and the arcade. Parking is free additionally. Tickets for the Glow N Float Pumpkin Patch occasion begin from $20. Fall Fest runs by October 31.
See additionally: Issues to Do at Belmont Park
6. Mr. Jack-O-Lantern’s Pumpkin Patch
Come to La Jolla to pick your pumpkin at one other family-owned Mr. Jack-O-Lantern’s Pumpkin Patch.
Worry not when you can not make it to the pumpkin patch however reside within the space. They course of on-line orders and ship regionally.
In addition they promote pumpkin carving and pumpkin adorning kits. Youngsters can take a spin across the spooky maze and have enjoyable within the bounce home. Parking and admission are free. The occasion runs from October 1–31.
7. Previous City Trolley Ghost and Headstone Excursions
See the spookier aspect of San Diego and journey again in time to find out about doubtful native legends on one of many in style Previous City Trolley Ghost and Headstone Excursions.
You’ll hop on board the “Trolley of the Doomed” to find out about a number of the metropolis’s well-known ghosts and go to some spookier websites at evening, like El Campo Santo cemetery in Previous City San Diego.
You’ll go by the notorious Whaley Home, which is alleged by many to be haunted, and Pioneer Park to examine for paranormal exercise.
The actors love stepping into character for these excursions. They’re instructional but additionally tremendous spooky. Since many of those tales are based mostly on the reality, it’s undoubtedly necessary to method these excursions with warning relating to youthful kids. The tour firm recommends the tour for youths 13 years and over.
8. LEGOLAND Brick-or-Deal with Occasion Nights

This annual Halloween occasion consists of reside leisure, character meet-and-greets, costume contests, rides, and large LEGO Halloween fashions.
At LEGOLAND Brick-or-Deal with Occasion Nights, youngsters can safely trick-or-treat at Deal with Stations all through the park with virtually a million items of sweet and attend the Monster Occasion with reside leisure, a fancy dress contest, and extra.
Spend the evening on the LEGOLAND Lodge for added enjoyable. Should you keep on the lodge on days that embody the Brick-or-Deal with days beneath, the occasion is included within the room worth.
- Each Saturday and Sunday in October (7–8, 14–15, 20–21, 28–29)
- All-day occasion, with actions starting at 2 p.m.
Suggestions for purchasing LEGOLAND California tickets: October is Youngsters Free San Diego so basic admission to the park is free for one youngster per paid grownup. Nonetheless, you do want admission that covers Brick-or-Deal with and the youngsters’ free tickets don’t. Fortunately we do have discounted LEGOLAND tickets with Brick or Deal with here!
9. Ghost Roasts at Lodge del Coronado
Do you know that Lodge del Coronado is without doubt one of the haunted accommodations in San Diego? You don’t want to remain in a single day to guide considered one of their roasts, which is a enjoyable seashore exercise that I like to recommend. Along with seashore s’mores roasted on a non-public fireplace pit arrange in your group, you’ll learn ghost tales and luxuriate in a supernatural aptitude.
You’ll be able to guide a Ghost Roast on any evening between October 1 – 31, with both a 6 p.m. or 8 p.m. choice. The associated fee begins at $210 per fireplace pit and 10 folks max are permitted round every pit.
You’ll additionally be capable of take part in Halloween Pumpkin carving on Oct 14, 21, 28–30, from 5 p.m. onwards. The associated fee is $30 per particular person, and you choose your pumpkin from the beachfront pumpkin patch.
And don’t miss the Haunted Happenings excursions occurring nightly from now by December 31, the place you’ll be taught the story of Kate Morgan, the ghost who allegedly haunts the lodge. Youngsters need to be 12+ and tickets value $35.
Older youngsters may tag alongside for some ghoulish enjoyable at Films on the Seashore on October 16 (Hocus Pocus) & October 30 (Beetlejuice). The film begins promptly at 7:30. Doorways open at 7, so attempt to present up slightly earlier to safe a great spot. Test the full list of Hotel del Coronado Halloween activities for extra particulars.
10. The Rely’s Halloween Spooktacular At Sesame Place
Sesame Place San Diego is a more recent SeaWorld theme park that includes all your favourite Sesame Avenue residents. The Rely, the host of the Halloween Spooktacular, encourages you and your loved ones to return in costume for a spooky costume contest, trick-or-treating, themed reside exhibits, a Halloween occasion, and a lot extra.
There’s even a completely interactive Spot-the-Ghost Scavenger Hunt and themed photograph alternatives together with your favourite Sesame Avenue characters.
Entry to this occasion is included with common park admission. We’ve recommendation for purchasing discounted Sesame Place tickets, however you should buy them both by SeaWorld or our aRes Travel page.
11. Balboa Park Haunted Path
Not for youths beneath 10 (or the faint of coronary heart), this outside haunted path is a mile of terror, together with a further maze referred to as “The eXperiment”, the place you possibly can expertise over 3500 sq. toes of freak-infested terror.
Enter the Haunted Trail at your individual threat and encounter Little Useless Rising Hood, a ghoul bus filled with zombie prisoners, and the possessed Room 666 within the Haunted Lodge, amongst others. Good luck!
- Beginning September 22, and operating each evening besides Mondays and Tuesdays till October 22, then each day from October 24–31. See the online calendar.
- Opening and shutting instances fluctuate each day, but it surely usually opens at 6:30 p.m. or 7 p.m. and usually ends at 10:00, 10:30, or 11 p.m. See the online calendar for daily times.
- Timed basic admission tickets begin at $32.99 and are date particular; money solely on the gate, but it surely’s extremely advisable to guide on-line; Scream Cross admission (specific line improve) begins at $47.99
- The Experiment Maze & Path is included within the admission ticket
- Situated at Balboa Park and Juniper at Marston Level.
Haunted Path ticket suggestions: Buy tickets online to skip the ticket queue.
12. Trick-or-Treating in La Jolla (TBD)
We attend this group occasion yearly. On a choose date close to Halloween (the 2023 date and time is TBD), come all the way down to the Village of La Jolla to trick-or-treat at native companies within the late afternoon. The shops that participate show black and orange balloons so households know the place they’ll get goodies.
It’s a variety of enjoyable and in addition permits mother and father to do some La Jolla purchasing alongside the best way. This occasion is previously generally known as Pillage the Village.
13. Trick-Or-Deal with on India Avenue
Households can head to San Diego’s famed Little Italy for a enjoyable trick-or-treating choice. The occasion will kick off on the lovely Piazza della Famiglia city sq., the place you possibly can choose up a map of native companies taking part within the enjoyable.
Get pleasure from Halloween décor and music alongside the streets as your little ghouls, witches, and goblins stroll door to door alongside historic India Avenue to gather scrumptious Halloween treats and sweet.
14. Helen Woodward Howl-O-Ween Harvest Household Competition
Be a part of Helen Woodward Animal Center and their creepiest critters for animal encounters, trick-or-treat stations, entry into their Spooky Vet Clinic, face portray, crafts, a magical maze, and a mini pumpkin patch.
They’ll even have a cakewalk, scorching cider, scavenger hunt, and extra. You’ll must register upfront to attend.
- October 14, 21, 28, & 29, from 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
- Tickets value $13.75 per youngster and $7 for adults
- An amazing occasion for all ages, however the shelter particularly recommends it for toddlers and elementary school-age kids
15. The Scream Zone at Del Mar
This one undoubtedly isn’t for the faint hearted and isn’t really helpful for kids beneath the age of 10. But when your tweens or teenagers don’t scare simply, you can head to the Trifecta of Terror on the Del Mar ‘Scaregrounds,’ the place three important haunts could scare the wits out of you.
On the Labyrinth Manor, descend the Helevator to an underground labyrinth of catacombs earlier than making an attempt to flee supernatural beings through the spirit-filled graveyard.
Over on the Stars of the Silver ‘Scream’ hang-out, traditional horror characters, together with Freddy and Jason, come to life. Or you possibly can take a journey in The Haunted Hayride. However beware, you could simply end up sitting amongst Hillbillies turned KILL-billies and dodging killer clowns.
Model new for 2023, the Halfway Insanity is a Halloween-themed carnival the place you possibly can attempt your hand at Axe Throwing, Zombie Archery, or just blast zombies at their digital actuality attraction. The Halfway additionally options a wide range of meals choices and themed drinks.
- Choose evenings from October 5–31 (examine their web site for off-days and hours)
- Open evenings solely. Timed entry begins at 7 p.m. on most nights. Check times on the daily schedule.
- Timed Ticket admission begins at $32.99, and a Scream Cross (i.e. specific line) begins at $47.99.
- Parking on the Fairgrounds prices $15
- Due to strobe lights and high-impact scary points of interest, pregnant girls is not going to be admitted.
What’s your favourite factor to do in San Diego with youngsters through the Halloween season?
See additionally: Greatest Issues to Do in San Diego with Youngsters
*Prime photograph is courtesy of LEGOLAND California Resort