Even though my son is only four, I’m beginning to seek out opportunities to teach him to think about others.  For example, because I regularly receive products to review on the site, I make a few trips each month to our local Goodwill and Salvation Army armed with new and gently used items.  Sometimes, I’ll ask my son to pick out a few items to take to our neighbors with children, and we’ll walk over together to surprise them.

While Halloween is traditionally characterized by costumes, dress-up, and trick-or-treating, over the past month, I’ve tried to highlight some family-friendly alternatives that offer children unique ways to celebrate the holiday.

On October 30th, the 20th annual Pumpkins & Pancakes Halloween extravaganza will once again take place at South Coast Plaza.  The event, which offers children and their families a safe, engaging environment to celebrate halloween, will benefit Casa Orange County, CHOC Children’s Foundation and Orangewood Children’s Foundation.  I covered the event for OC Family and my site last year and my son still looks at photos and remembers how much fun he had.

Here is what you can expect for this year’s Halloween extravaganza:

Music, games, contests and prizes, arts and crafts, balloon artists, caricature drawings, a petting zoo, hair feathering and face painting

A gourmet breakfast catered by Plums Café and Catering

Meet and greet with Hello Kitty, the Care Bears, Paul Frank’s Julius, The Anaheim Duck’s Wild Wing and more.

Complimentary family photos (be sure to come dressed in your favorite costume)

A silent auction benefiting CASA Orange County, CHOC Children’s Foundation and Orangewood Children’s Foundation.

Tickets are $30 if purchased by noon on October 28th and $35 at the door. Groups of 10 or more can purchase tickets for $25 before October 28th

Children under two years old are free

For more information, visit South Coast Plaza or call www.southcoastplaza.com/pumpkins or call 714-435-2171.

No compensation was received for this post. Media tickets provided.