Halloween Events in Southern California 2020

Halloween is not canceled (thankfully!). But it will look a little different this year due to COVID-19. I honestly wasn’t sure what the Fall season would look like, but the creativity of brands has resulted in new and reimagined Halloween events. Scroll down for a comprehensive list of socially-distanced, family-friendly Halloween events in Southern California, including Los Angeles and Orange County. Be sure to check back for updates to current Halloween Events.

Knott’s Taste of Fall-O-Ween

Over the weekend, we kicked off the Fall season with a festive, foodie event at Knott’s Berry Farm. Their latest Fall event combines not-too-spooky fun and entertainment with the flavors of Fall. Taste Of Fall-O-Ween is their latest outdoor dining and shopping experience which celebrates all-things Fall! Families of all ages are invited to dress up and enjoy the eats and treats of the park, festive entertainment, exclusive merchandise, and trick-or-treating through Camp Snoopy all in a socially-distanced space. If you’re a fan of Scary Farm, be sure to check out the “Into the Fog” art show. In order to experience Taste of Fall-O-Ween you’ll need to purchase a tasting card (Adults $35, Kids $20). Trick-or-Treating is included with the Junior Tasting Cards. Fridays through Sundays plus select added Thursdays, September 25 – November 1, and Columbus Day (Monday, Oct. 12).

Halloween in Miniland

Miniland U.S.A. is LEGOLAND California’s destination for not-too-spooky Halloween fun. The ticketed event includes character meet and greets, virtual costume contests (don’t forget to wear your costume), a Miniland scavenger hunt, LEGO building activities, and a goody bag filled with candy and a LEGO surprise. Families who attend the event can also dine at Smoke House BBQ and NINJA Kitchen and satisfy their sweet cravings with the theme park’s world-famous Granny’s Apple Fries. The Big Shop will also be open for kids to pick out the latest LEGO sets. If you plan to stay at the LEGOLAND Hotel or LEGOLAND Castle Hotel, you’ll enjoy festive décor throughout the Fall season. SEA LIFE aquarium is also open and will feature special Halloween decorations and LEGO models on display underwater in the aquarium’s tanks. Halloween in Miniland tickets can be purchased online for as low as $12.99. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays during October (Oct. 2-4, 9-11, 16-18, 23-25, 30 & 31).

SeaWorld Spooktacular

SeaWorld’s expansive outdoor space is the perfect backdrop for this spooktacular event. SeaWorld Spooktacular will feature the following physically-distanced activities: Outdoor Monster Mash DJ Dance Party, Pumpkin Scavenger Hunt, Cookie Decorating with Cookie Monster and Elmo, Sesame Street Halloween Dance Party, photo opps with your favorite Sesame Street characters in their Halloween costumes on parade floats, the Spooktacular Trail to the Candy Garden, and SeaWorld’s Shark Encounter, adorned with dozens of jack-o-lanterns. Families can also visit their favorite animal viewing areas including penguins, otters, dolphins, orcas, and sea lions and attend the world-famous Dolphin, Sea Lion and Orca Encounter live educational presentations with physically distant seating. Online tickets start at $73.99 for adults (10 and older) and $63.99 for children (ages 3 to 9). Children under 3 are free. Right now, SeaWorld is offering one child, aged 3 to 9, free admission with one full-paid adult admission through November 1. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through November.

Boo at the Zoo

Boo at the Zoo is one of our favorite family-friendly Halloween events in Orange County. Held at the Santa Ana Zoo, the experience will look different this year due to current pandemic restrictions. Boo at the Zoo “Passive Walk Through Experience” will feature a fun Halloween trail through the Zoo during extended admission hours. Discover their “merry, not scary” decorations along the way as a family. Guests can wear family-friendly costumes and collect goody bags for each child on the way out. Limited timed tickets must be purchased online in advance $10 Members, $15 Non-Members, ages 3 and up. You can read about our previous experience at Boo at the Zoo here. October 28, 29, 30, 31: 5:30-7:30 PM.

Scarium of the Pacific

We are longstanding fans of the Aquarium of the Pacific, having spent countless hours learning, observing, and being in awe of the incredible, diverse sea life. We visited the aquarium last year during the Fall for Scarium of the Pacific, their annual Halloween-themed family-friendly weekend. The Aquarium of the Pacific will host Scarium of the Pacific this year, although it may vary due to the restriction in place due to COVID-19. Enjoy spooky décor and creepy creatures as you explore the Aquarium. Guests are encouraged to wear family-friendly costumes during this event. Timed entry tickets must be purchased in advance online and start at $17. You can read about our previous experience here. October 23, 24, and 25.

Not So Spooky Farm

The re-emergence of the drive-through experience has resulted in a number of creative events. Our family personally prefers these experiences because they ensure physical distancing in a fun, safe environment. Not So Spooky Farm is a halloween drive-thru experience that is fun for the whole family. Follow the adventure of Stingy Jack from your car. After discovering a map in a forgotten temple, Stingy is now on a mission to uncover candy clues to reach the fabled treasure of the dreaded pirate, Bluebeard. Drive through treasure temples, candy cannibal safaris, prehistoric parties, hedge mazes, cornfields, and princess towers while collecting tricks and candy treats for everyone in your vehicle along the way. Tickets must be purchased ahead of time and start at $65 per car. Daily, October 26-November 29, 2020.

Haunt ‘O Ween LA 

Haunt ‘O Ween LA is one of LA’s largest drive-thru Halloween experiences, designed to keep the traditions and excitement of the season alive. Guests will drive through a variety of installations, including a Jack-O’-Lantern tunnel with over 1,000 brightly lit pumpkins, a blacklight tunnel powered by FX’s Emmy®-nominated series What We Do in the Shadows, an array of Halloween environments and mini-maze routes featuring giant pumpkins and countless themed overlays, and an interactive pumpkin patch with a pumpkin of your choice to take home. Costumed and safely masked actors will provide in-vehicle “door to door” trick-or-treating on a two-street, built-out neighborhood, with plenty of wrapped candy and decorations for the kids. Families will also enjoy live musical performances by The BeatBuds at select, surprise times. Throughout the experience, socially distanced photo and multi-cam video ops will encourage social sharing in a safe, contactless environment. Tickets are available for $70 online. October 9-31.

HalGLOWeen at the San Diego Zoo

The San Diego Zoo will host a modified version of their popular HalGLOWeen event. Designed with social distancing in mind, families will enjoy a Bubble Dance Party, Python Path, Dr. Zoolittle’s Mask-erade, Acro-Catz and Acro-Batz, Dusty Keys – Tunes From Beyond, San Diego Rock Radio 201.8, and Skeleton Trio. HalGLOWeen is included with the price of admission. October 9–11, 16–18, and 23–25 (5 pm to 9 pm).

Nights of the Jack

Nights of the Jack has shifted to a drive-thru experience this year due to COVID-19. The family-friendly experience includes an extended driving trail with thousands of hand-carved and illuminated Jack O’Lanterns. You will see larger-than-life pumpkin installations and detailed artist depictions of your favorite movie stars, sports heroes, and animated characters. Nights of the Jack takes place through King Gillette Ranch in Calabasas, California. Tickets are $69 per vehicle, up to 7 people. October 1 – November 1, 2020, 7 pm to 10 pm. 

Tanaka Farms

Tanaka Farms is one of our favorite places to visit year-round. My kids have taken numerous field trips to Tanaka Farms, learning all about how our food is grown. We really enjoy their U-Pick activities and seasonal events. This year, due to COVID-19, Tanaka Farms will offer two socially-distanced Fall activities. Monday through Friday, families can take a one-hour U-Pick Pumpkin Wagon Ride around the 30-acre farm. Activities include the pumpkin cannon, a ride through the barnyard education exhibit with farm animals, a scarecrow contest, sunflowers, U-Pick veggies, and a pumpkin that you can pick yourself. Weekends, enjoy their drive-thru pumpkin farm experience which includes a pumpkin, samples, and the views around the farm. Be sure to book your reservation online. Daily through October 31, 2020.

Irvine Park Railroad

The Pumpkin Patch at Irvine Park Railroad is another of our longtime, favorite, local Fall events. This year, the event will be modified in compliance with local orders. Perhaps the most significant change is that when Pumpkin Patch reaches capacity, as one family/group exits, another family/group will be allowed to enter. Additionally, pumpkins will not be displayed around the park as in previous years. To purchase a pumpkin, visit the stand where you will be shown a variety of options. Additional activities include the train and hay wagon ride, a couple of game booths that will be sanitized after every use, and a few photo opportunity areas for group/family photos. Entrance to the Irvine Park Pumpkin Patch is free. Parking is $3.00 per vehicle on weekdays, $5.00 per vehicle on weekends and $7.00 per vehicle on holidays. October 1-31, 2020.

Little Legends Night at the OC Fair

The OC Fair will host a special, “not so spooky” haunt for families with children under the age of 13. Dress in your favorite costume, decorate your car, and be part of the Spooktacular parade. The event will also include COVID-safe goody bags with packaged candy. All participants must remain in their cars. October 31 5 pm to 7 pm.

Halloween at Descanso Gardens

Throughout the month of October, Descanso Gardens will celebrate Halloween. The pumpkin-filled extravaganza invites guests to peruse socially-distanced pumpkin-themed displays in the most popular sections of the Gardens. Explore the twisting hay maze, take photos at the Gardens’ signature Pumpkin House made from real pumpkins, and follow the path to the Camelia Forest to pass under the Pumpkin Arch. The path through the forest contains surprises including scarecrows with pumpkin heads and branched arms popping out as you pass. In the Oak Grove, you’ll find a mandala of pumpkins, like sunbursts coming from the trunks of the trees in orange, white and green, will swirl across the landscape. The pathways to the Hilltop Gardens, the Japanese Garden, and the main Promenade will be decorated with hand-carved wooden jack-o’-lantern boxes. October 1 – 31, 2020, 9 am to 5 pm with extended hours October 26 – 31 from 5 pm to 8 pm.

Pumpkins in the Pines at Skypark at Santa’s Village

Celebrate Fall in Lake Arrowhead. Pumpkins in the Pines is the ultimate Fall celebration at SkyPark Santa’s Village. Families can enjoy a special puppet show which tells the tale of the Legend of Sleepy Hollow, a magic show with Wacko the Magician, a meet and greet with the Northwoods characters, a park-wide pumpkin patch, pumpkin painting, and contactless trick-or-treating. Every Saturday, enjoy a Fantom Forest Spooky Hike (6 pm to 8 pm). Families can also participate in the Monster Mash Skate Party on October 24, and the Spooky Skate Night on October 31, 2020. Activities are included with admission. Attendance is limited and reservations should be made online. Saturday and Sunday October 10-11, 17-18, 24-25 and 30-November 1.

Halloween Boutique at Roger’s Gardens

Take a stroll through Roger’s Gardens and pick up your favorite Halloween and Fall decor. You can also experience their free exhibit, A Pirate’s Life for Me. Take a wild adventure out to sea and enter into the World of Pirates. Explore the private corridors and cabins below the ships deck to find precious gems. Venture underwater as you search through caves and discover treasures, surprises and frights to decorate your home for Halloween. Free. Through October 20, 2020.

Peltzer Pumpkin Farm

Located in Temecula, California, Peltzer Pumpkin Farm traditionally offers gold mining, pig races, pony rides, a petting zoo, and the opportunity to pick out your own pumpkin. This season, the farm will offer limited attractions and will not hold pig races or carnival games due to COVID-19. Entrance to the Pumpkin Farm is $2 during the week, and $3 Saturdays and Sundays. Attractions sold separately. Daily through October 31, 2020.

Zoomars

Located in the Los Rios District of San Juan Capistrano, Zoomars offers families an opportunity to visit with their animals and pick out the perfect pumpkin. Activities include feeding the guinea pigs, goats, and sheep, pony rides, mining, the train ride, and the playground. October 1-31, 2020

Haunted Aquarium Remix at Birch Aquarium

Birch Aquarium invites families to see the “creeps of the deep” during their month-long event. Haunted Aquarium Remix will take place outdoors including Tide Pool Plaza, Smargon Courtyard, and the Education Courtyard. Kids can dress up and they will receive a Discovery Booklet which will guide their explorations. Kids will learn about the slimy seaweed, several species of small sharks, and creepy, crawly critters like  Sea Spiders. They will also enjoy the Haunted Kelp Maze, explore what happens when a whale “falls”, and get up close with nautical nutrients, some of the tiniest critters at the aquarium. October 1-31, 2020

Pumpkin Factory

This year, Pumpkin Factory will take place at 3 locations across Southern California. Families will enjoy the pumpkin patch, rides, slides and the petting zoo. October 2-31, 2020

Frosty’s Forest

Celebrate Fall at Frosty’s Forest with a viewing zoo and feeding cones, a four-acre Alice in Wonderland Themed Maze, a Haunted Corn Maze, photo opportunities, a Sunflower Labyrinths, and pumpkins! October 10 -31, 2020

Festifall at City Hall

Dress up in your favorite Halloween costume and bring a decorated pumpkin help turn City Hall into a Pumpkin Patch. Families can then “escape” the fun maze, grab a take-home craft, and take a family photo at the Photo Booth. October 23 – October 29, 2020.  

The Pumpkin Corral

The Pumpkin Corral will be located at Main Place Mall and includes a pumpkin patch with rides, games, delicious food and a petting zoo. October 3-October 31

The Bite LA: Halloween Food Crawl and Creature Safari at LEGG LAKE

Part food crawl, part drive-through haunt, The Bite LA takes you around eerie Legg Lake through immersive environments. Bites vary from sweet to savory and will include vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options. Each person will receive 8 bites, a Campfire Dessert, and a warm Fall drink. Bring a flashlight and hunt for monstrous creatures roaming the abyss, park around the virtual campfire for scary ghost stories, and decorate your ride to be entered into the Car Costume Contest. October 10-11, 15-18, 22-25, 27-November 1, 2020

Underwood Family Farms

Celebrate Fall Harvest on the Farm. Families who visit Underwood Family Farms can enjoy an expansive, 50-acre pumpkin patch, pick your own, and a harvest experience. Admission includes wagon rides, a corn trail ride-through, a gigantic pumpkin patch, pick your own fields, photo opportunities, a pumpkin house, a giant tractor display, giant spiders, a harvest basket, a misting tunnel, a hay pyramid, animal center viewing, pull wagons & wheelbarrows available, and roaming performers at a distance (Weekends only). Admission $8 Monday-Friday, $15 Saturday and Sunday. October 1 – October 31

Bates Nut Farm

Families have been visiting Bats Nut Farm’s Pumpkin Patch for over 50 years. During your visit, families can grab a wheelbarrow and pick from a variety of pumpkins including Big Macs, Ghost, Cinderella, Jack O’Lantern, minis, squash, and gourds. Take a tractor hayride, walk through the straw maze, enjoy Snows Pony Rides, and visit the petting corral. Parking $5, activities individually priced. October 1 – 31, 2020

Pumpkin Patch at Tom’s Farms

Located in Temescal Valley, the pumpkin patch is filled with fun, spooky displays and pumpkins to take home. October 9-31, 2020 8 am – 8pm

Drive-Thru Trunk-or-Treat at Saddleback Church

In lieu of their annual Halloween event, Saddleback Church will host a drive-thru Trunk-or-Treat. Enjoy the evening with your whole family, see some super cool decorated trunks, while the kids enjoy candy, games and treats, all from the safety of your vehicle! October 31, 2020 Irvine North, Lake Forest, Corona