Spooktacular Halloween & Fall Activities in San Diego 2024
San Diego's spooktacular Halloween and fall events include costume contests, pumpkin patches, corn mazes, trick-or-treat spots, not-so-spooky encounters and other haunted happenings.
**Don't forget to call/check websites to confirm dates, times and admission prices. Pick up the October issue of San Diego Family Magazine at a location near you or read it online here for even more ways to celebrate!
Featured Events 2024
FREE San Diego Family Fun Fest: Halloween. Spooky activities, resource booths, crafts and more. Oct. 13, 10 am–1 pm. The Salvation Army Kroc Center Corner Zone, 6845 University Ave. www.sandiegofamily.com/search?q=Halloween+Fun+Fest
Halloween Aglow at Birch Aquarium. Oct. 25-26, 6-8:30 pm. Grab some glowsticks and head to Birch Aquarium for a family friendly Halloween event featuring live music, glow-themed costume contests and trick-or-treating through the aquarium. https://aquarium.ucsd.edu/events/halloween-aglow
FREE Pumpkin Station. Petting zoo, pumpkins, ferris wheel and more. Through Oct. 31. Mon.–Thurs., 11 am–9 pm; Fri.–Sun., 9 am–9 pm. Mission Valley, 1750 Camino Del Rio N.; Del Mar, 15555 Jimmy Durante Blvd.; National City, 3030 Plaza Bonita Rd. www.pumpkinstation.com
FREE Pumpkin Station Farms. Train ride, corn maze, petting zoo and more. Fee for some activities. 9 am–6 pm. Rancho Bernardo, 13421 Highland Valley Rd. & Bonita, 5354 Sweetwater Rd. www.pumpkinstation.com
FREE The Super Dentists 25th Annual Spooktacular. Costume contests, carnival games, festive photo station, prizes, giveaways and more. Oct. 26, 11 am–1 pm. Eastlake office parking lot, 2226 Otay Lakes Rd. www.thesuperdentists.com
FREE Goff Family Pumpkin Patch. Pumpkins, photo ops and more. Through Oct. 31. Sun.–Thurs., 9 am–8 pm, Fri. & Sat., 9 am–9 pm. Liberty Station, 2830 Perry Rd. www.gofffamilypumpkinpatch.com
FREE Family Christmas Tree Farm Pumpkin Patch. Pumpkins, tractor rides, hay maze and more. Through Oct. 31. Fri., 2–8 pm; Sat.–Sun., 10 am–8 pm. $5–$7. 300 Pepper Dr., El Cajon. www.familychristmastreefarm.com
Howl-O-Ween Harvest Family Festival. Enjoy hands-on animal encounters, navigate trick-or-treat stations, and unleash your creativity with spooky crafts. Face painting will transform your kiddos into their favorite creatures and our mini pumpkin patch is the perfect Halloween keepsake. Animal ambassadors will be dressed in their best spooktacular attire, so don’t forget to come in your Halloween best. Oct. 12, 19, 26 and 27, 9 am-1 pm. Helen Woodward Animal Center, 6461 El Apajo, Rancho Santa Fe. www.animalcenter.org/programs-services/education/howl-o-ween-harvest
Carlsbad Pumpkin Patch & Fall Festival. Pumpkins, corn maze, tractor ride and more. Daily, 9 am–6 pm. Through Nov. 3. 1050 Cannon Rd. www.carlsbadstrawberrycompany.com
Haunted Corn Maze. Fridays & Saturdays in Oct., 7–10 pm. Carlsbad Strawberry Fields, Cannon Rd. & I-15. www.carlsbadstrawberrycompany.com
October
tuesday | 1
FREE Pumpkin Station. Petting zoo, pumpkins, ferris wheel and more. Through Oct. 31. Mon.–Thurs., 11 am–9 pm; Fri.–Sun., 9 am–9 pm. Mission Valley, 1750 Camino Del Rio N.; Del Mar, 15555 Jimmy Durante Blvd.; National City, 3030 Plaza Bonita Rd. www.pumpkinstation.com
FREE Pumpkin Station Farms. Train ride, corn maze, petting zoo and more. Fee for some activities. 9 am–6 pm. Rancho Bernardo, 13421 Highland Valley Rd. & Bonita, 5354 Sweetwater Rd. www.pumpkinstation.com
SeaWorld Spooktacular. Set sail for a spooky family-friendly event featuring pirate entertainment, a candy quest, magical mermaids and more. Fri.–Sun., through Nov. 3. Included in admission. SeaWorld, Interstate 5, exit SeaWorld Dr. www.seaworld.com/sandiego
FREE Fallbrook Scarecrow Days: Oct. 1-31. Scarecrows displayed Tues.– Sat.; Scarecrow Scavenger Hunt, Oct. 8-31; Scarecrow Kids Corner, Oct. 5 & 12, 9 am–1:30 pm (Farmers Market 111 N. Main Ave.) and Harvest Fair, Oct. 20. www.fallbrookchamberofcommerce.org
Agatha Christie’s “Murder on the Orient Express.” Through Oct. 13. Starting at $47. The Old Globe Theatre, Balboa Park. www.theoldglobe.org
Old Town Haunted Walking Tour. Explore Heritage Park, The Whaley House and more. Through Oct. 31, 7 & 9 pm. $42. 2454 Heritage Park Row. www.hauntedsdoldtowntours.com
Looking for local pumpkin patches? Click here to find a pumpkin patch near you!
friday | 4
FREE Goff Family Pumpkin Patch. Pumpkins, photo ops and more. Through Oct. 31. Sun.–Thurs., 9 am–8 pm, Fri. & Sat., 9 am–9 pm. Liberty Station, 2830 Perry Rd. www.gofffamilypumpkinpatch.com
Pumpkin Patch at Bates Nut Farm. Tractor hay rides, straw maze, pumpkins and more. Through Oct. 31. Mon.–Thurs., 9 am–5:30 pm; Fri., 9 am–6:30 pm; Sat. & Sun., 8:30 am–6 pm. Weekend parking: $10. 15954 Woods Valley Rd., Valley Center. www.batesnutfarm.biz
Peltzer Pumpkin Farm. Pumpkins, petting farm and more. Through Oct. 31. Mon.–Fri., 10 am–8 pm; Sat. & Sun., 9 am–8 pm. $2–$3. 39925 Calle Contento, Temecula. www.peltzerfarms.com
FREE Fallbrook Pumpkin Patch. Through Nov. 2. Wed.–Fri., 4–8 pm; Sat., 10 am–8 pm; Sun., 12 pm–8 pm (closed Mon. & Tues.). 1924 E Mission Rd., Fallbrook. www.fallbrookpumpkinpatch.com
Oktoberfest in El Cajon. Kids’ zone, games, music and more. Oct. 4–6. Fri., 4–10 pm; Sat., 12–10 pm; Sun., 12–9 pm. 1017 S. Mollison Ave. Tickets: www.germanclubsandiego.org
FREE Family Christmas Tree Farm Pumpkin Patch. Pumpkins, tractor rides, hay maze and more. Through Oct. 31. Fri., 2–8 pm; Sat.–Sun., 10 am–8 pm. $5–$7. 300 Pepper Dr., El Cajon. www.familychristmastreefarm.com
La Mesa Oktoberfest. Giant pretzels, bratwurst, schnitzel, biergartens, German Polka and more. Today, 4–10 pm; tomorrow, 10 am–10 am; Oct. 6, 12–8 pm. Starting at $15. La Mesa Village. www.lamesaoktoberfest.org
Haunted Corn Maze. Fridays & Saturdays in Oct., 7–10 pm. Carlsbad Strawberry Fields, Cannon Rd. & I-15. www.carlsbadstrawberrycompany.com
SeaWorld Spooktacular. Set sail for a spooky family-friendly event featuring pirate entertainment, a candy quest, magical mermaids and more. Fri.–Sun., through Nov. 3. Included in admission. SeaWorld, Interstate 5, exit SeaWorld Dr. www.seaworld.com/sandiego
saturday | 5
Brick-or-Treat. Grab your costumes and get ready to “boo-gie” down with tons of candy, an awesome show line up, exclusive LEGO characters and more. Weekends in October. Included with admission. LEGOLAND California, One LEGOLAND Dr., Carlsbad. Tickets: www.legoland.com
The Count's Halloween Spooktacular. Silly, not-too-spooky fun. Weekends through Nov. 3, 10 am–6 pm. 2052 Entertainment Cir., Chula Vista. www.sesameplace.com
Palomar Pumpkin Polar Palooza. Movies at the Patch, pumpkins, inflatables and more. 1200 Laurel Tree Ln., Carlsbad. www.pumpkinpolarpalooza.com
Julian Autumn Jubilee. Hayride, petting zoo, activities and more. Weekends through Oct. 27. Saturdays, 10 am–5 pm & Sundays, 11 am–5 pm. Fort Cross, 4425 Hwy., 78, Santa Ysabel. Tickets: www.fortcross.com
Pumpkin Express. Train rides, pumpkin decorating, haunted train cars and more. Weekends through Oct. 27. 10:30 am, 1 & 2:30 pm. $20.95–$43.95. Pacific Southwest Railway Museum, 750 Depot St., Campo. Reservations: www.psrm.org
“Haunted Mansion” at Waterfront Park. Movie starts at 5 pm. 1600 Pacific Hwy. Full schedule: www.summermoviesinthepark.com
Belmont Park Fall Fest. Pumpkin patch, trick-or-treating, kids activities and more. Through Oct. 27. 3146 Mission Blvd. Tickets: www.belmontpark.com/fallfest
East Village Oktoberfest. Unique cuisine, musical performances and more. 1–7 pm. Market St. &13th St. www.eastvillageoktoberfest.com
Haunted Harvest. Haunted hayride, ghost stories and more. Saturdays in Oct., 8 and 8:30 pm. $30. 4425 Hwy. 78, Santa Ysabel. Reservations required: www.fortcross.com
Bates Pumpkin Festival Craft Fair. Straw maze, tractor hayrides and more. Today and tomorrow, 9 am–5 pm. Parking, $10. Bates Nut Farm, 15954 Woods Valley Rd., Valley Center. www.batesnutfarm.biz
Rotary Oktoberfest Fall Festival. Pumpkin patch, corn maze and more. 12–8 pm. $10. Carlsbad Strawberry Company, 1050 Cannon Rd., Carlsbad. www.rotaryoktoberfest.org
sunday | 6
Oktoberfest in El Cajon. Kids’ zone, games, music and more. Oct. 4–6. Fri., 4–10 pm; Sat., 12–10 pm; Sun., 12–9 pm. 1017 S. Mollison Ave. Tickets: www.germanclubsandiego.org
Poway Fall Festival. Kids activities and more. 10 am–5 pm. Midland Rd. Between Poway Rd. & Hilleary Pl. www.poway.com/poway-fall-festival
FREE Goff Family Pumpkin Patch. Pumpkins, photo ops and more. Through Oct. 31. Sun.–Thurs., 9 am–8 pm, Fri. & Sat., 9 am–9 pm. Liberty Station, 2830 Perry Rd. www.gofffamilypumpkinpatch.com
FREE Pumpkin Station. Petting zoo, pumpkins, ferris wheel and more. Rides require a separate ticket. Through Oct. 27. Mon.–Thurs., 9 am–7 pm; Fri.–Sun., 9 am–9 pm. Mission Valley, 1750 Camino Del Rio N.; Del Mar, 15555 Jimmy Durante Blvd.; National City, 3030 Plaza Bonita Rd. www.pumpkinstation.com
FREE Family Christmas Tree Farm Pumpkin Patch. Pumpkins, tractor rides, hay maze and more. Through Oct. 31. Fri., 2–8 pm; Sat.–Sun., 10 am–8 pm. $5–$7. 300 Pepper Dr., El Cajon. www.familychristmastreefarm.com
Carlsbad Pumpkin Patch & Fall Festival. Pumpkins, corn maze, tractor ride and more. Daily, 9 am–6 pm. Through Nov. 3. 1050 Cannon Rd. www.carlsbadstrawberrycompany.com
Agatha Christie’s “Murder on the Orient Express.” Through Oct. 13. Starting at $47. The Old Globe Theatre, Balboa Park. www.theoldglobe.org
Looking for local pumpkin patches? Click here to find a pumpkin patch near you!
friday | 11
Haunted Corn Maze. Fridays & Saturdays in Oct., 7–10 pm. Carlsbad Strawberry Fields, Cannon Rd. & I-15. www.carlsbadstrawberrycompany.com
Harvest Festival. Oct. 11-13, 10 am–5 pm; Oct. 13, 10 am–4 pm. $4–$9; 12 & under free. Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd. www.harvestfestival.com
Ocean Beach Oktoberfest. Live music, activities and more. Oct. 11-12. $15. 5099 Newport Ave. www.oboktoberfest.com
Carlsbad Pumpkin Patch & Fall Festival. Pumpkins, corn maze, tractor ride and more. Daily, 9 am–6 pm. Through Nov. 3. 1050 Cannon Rd. www.carlsbadstrawberrycompany.com
Harvest Festival. Oct. 11-13, 10 am–5 pm; Oct. 13, 10 am–4 pm. $4–$9; 12 & under free. Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd. www.harvestfestival.com
FREE Family Christmas Tree Farm Pumpkin Patch. Pumpkins, tractor rides, hay maze and more. Through Oct. 31. Fri., 2–8 pm; Sat.–Sun., 10 am–8 pm. $5–$7. 300 Pepper Dr., El Cajon. www.familychristmastreefarm.com
FREE Pumpkin Station. Petting zoo, pumpkins, ferris wheel and more. Through Oct. 31. Mon.–Thurs., 11 am–9 pm; Fri.–Sun., 9 am–9 pm. Mission Valley, 1750 Camino Del Rio N.; Del Mar, 15555 Jimmy Durante Blvd.; National City, 3030 Plaza Bonita Rd. www.pumpkinstation.com
Old Town Haunted Walking Tour. Explore Heritage Park, The Whaley House and more. Through Oct. 31, 7 & 9 pm. $42. 2454 Heritage Park Row. www.hauntedsdoldtowntours.com
saturday | 12
Howl-O-Ween Harvest Family Festival. Enjoy hands-on animal encounters, navigate trick-or-treat stations, and unleash your creativity with spooky crafts. Face painting will transform your kiddos into their favorite creatures and our mini pumpkin patch is the perfect Halloween keepsake. Animal ambassadors will be dressed in their best spooktacular attire, so don’t forget to come in your Halloween best. Oct. 12, 19, 26 and 27, 9 am-1 pm. Helen Woodward Animal Center, 6461 El Apajo, Rancho Santa Fe. www.animalcenter.org/programs-services/education/howl-o-ween-harvest
Autumn Harvest Teas. A Harvest-themed version of the four course Cottage Classic Tea. Through Oct. 14. 11:30 am, 1 & 2:30 pm. $14.95–$39.95. Julian Tea & Cottage Arts, 2124 Third St. Reservations required: www.juliantea.com
Pumpkin Chunkin’. Construct a catapult to launch candy pumpkins. 9 am–1 pm. Included with admission. $17–$28; 2 & under free. San Diego Air & Space Museum, Balboa Park. www.sandiegoairandspace.org
FREE Fall Fun Festival. Scarecrow contest, kids’ crafts, activities and more. 10 am–3 pm. Alta Vista Botanical Gardens. https://altavistabotanicalgardens.org
FREE Farm Stand West Fall Festival. Pumpkin patch, hayrides and more. Oct. 12-13, 10 am–5 pm. 2115 Miller Ave. www.thefarmstandwest.com
Scarecrow Contest. Design and build a scarecrow. 10 am–1 pm. Bates Nut Farm, 15954 Woods Valley Rd., Valley Center. www.batesnutfarm.biz
Ocean Beach Oktoberfest. Live music, activities and more. $15. 5099 Newport Ave. www.oboktoberfest.com
Harvest Festival. Oct. 12-13, 10 am–5 pm; Oct. 13, 10 am–4 pm. $4–$9; 12 & under free. Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd. www.harvestfestival.com
Haunted Corn Maze. Fridays & Saturdays in Oct., 7–10 pm. Carlsbad Strawberry Fields, Cannon Rd. & I-15. www.carlsbadstrawberrycompany.com
sunday | 13
FREE San Diego Family Fun Fest: Halloween. Spooky activities, resource booths, crafts and more. Oct. 13, 10 am–1 pm. The Salvation Army Kroc Center Corner Zone, 6845 University Ave. www.sandiegofamily.com/search?q=Halloween+Fun+Fest
Carlsbad Pumpkin Patch & Fall Festival. Pumpkins, corn maze, tractor ride and more. Daily, 9 am–6 pm. Through Nov. 3. 1050 Cannon Rd. www.carlsbadstrawberrycompany.com
Autumn Harvest Teas. A Harvest-themed version of the four course Cottage Classic Tea. Through Oct. 14. 11:30 am, 1 & 2:30 pm. $14.95–$39.95. Julian Tea & Cottage Arts, 2124 Third St. Reservations required: www.juliantea.com
FREE Farm Stand West Fall Festival. Pumpkin patch, hayrides and more. Oct. 13, 10 am–5 pm. 2115 Miller Ave. www.thefarmstandwest.com
Agatha Christie’s “Murder on the Orient Express.” Through Oct. 13. Starting at $47. The Old Globe Theatre, Balboa Park. www.theoldglobe.org
Harvest Festival. Oct. 13, 10 am–5 pm; Oct. 13, 10 am–4 pm. $4–$9; 12 & under free. Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd. www.harvestfestival.com
FREE San Marcos Harvest Fest. Vendors, kids fun area, food, entertainment and more. 9 am–5 pm. 251 N. City Dr. www.smharvest.com
FREE Kids in the Garden: Fall Fun Festival. Decorate pumpkins, make origami bats and more. 10 am– 3 pm. Alta Vista Botanical Gardens, 1270 Vale Terrace Dr., Vista. Pre-register at
Harvest Festival. Oct. 13, 10 am–5 pm; Oct. 13, 10 am–4 pm. $4–$9; 12 & under free. Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd. www.harvestfestival.com
friday | 18
Haunted Hangar Halloween Bash. Prepare for a spooktacular night filled with thrilling activities, exciting contests, delicious treats, bewitching cocktails and more. Oct. 18, 6-9 pm. USS Midway Hangar Deck, 910 North Harbor Dr. www.midway.org/event/haunted-hangar-halloween-bash
Haunted Ghost Town. Trick-or-treat tours, spooky fun and surprises. Oct. 18-20, 25–27. 5–6:30 pm. $16.80–$28. San Dieguito Heritage Museum, 450 Quail Gardens Dr., Encinitas. www.hauntedtown.org
Carlsbad Pumpkin Patch & Fall Festival. Pumpkins, corn maze, tractor ride and more. Daily, 9 am–6 pm. Through Nov. 3. 1050 Cannon Rd. www.carlsbadstrawberrycompany.com
Old Town Haunted Walking Tour. Explore Heritage Park, The Whaley House and more. Through Oct. 31, 7 & 9 pm. $42. 2454 Heritage Park Row. www.hauntedsdoldtowntours.com
FREE Goff Family Pumpkin Patch. Pumpkins, photo ops and more. Through Oct. 31. Sun.–Thurs., 9 am–8 pm, Fri. & Sat., 9 am–9 pm. Liberty Station, 2830 Perry Rd. www.gofffamilypumpkinpatch.com
Haunted Corn Maze. Fridays & Saturdays in Oct., 7–10 pm. Carlsbad Strawberry Fields, Cannon Rd. & I-15. www.carlsbadstrawberrycompany.com
Looking for local pumpkin patches? Click here to find a pumpkin patch near you!
saturday | 19
Howl-O-Ween Harvest Family Festival. Enjoy hands-on animal encounters, navigate trick-or-treat stations, and unleash your creativity with spooky crafts. Face painting will transform your kiddos into their favorite creatures and our mini pumpkin patch is the perfect Halloween keepsake. Animal ambassadors will be dressed in their best spooktacular attire, so don’t forget to come in your Halloween best. Oct. 19, 26 and 27, 9 am-1 pm. Helen Woodward Animal Center, 6461 El Apajo, Rancho Santa Fe. www.animalcenter.org/programs-services/education/howl-o-ween-harvest
Pumpkin Patch Science. Explore the magic of pumpkins through fun experiments and activities. 9–10:30 am & 11 am–12:30 pm. $18. Fleet Science Center, Balboa Park. www.fleetscience.org
FREE University Heights Fall Festival. Pumpkin patch, art & STEM activities, face painting and more. 10 am–5 pm. Birney Field, 4324 Park Blvd. www.uhfallfestival.com
Hoot, Howl and Prowl. Docents dressed as native critters bring the Blue Sky alive. 5:30–7:15 pm. $5. Blue Sky Ecological Reserve, 16275 Espola Rd., Poway. www.poway.org
Demo Days: Spooky Science. Make your own slime, explore shadows, play with skeletons and more. 10 am–2 pm. $19.95–$24.95. Fleet Science Center, Balboa Park. www.fleetscience.org
Pumpkin Plunge. Bounce house, lawn games and a floating pumpkin patch. 5–8 pm. $10; 3 & under free. Alga Norte Aquatics Center, 6565 Alicante Rd. Register: www.carlsbadca.gov
FREE Fall Festival. Crafts, pumpkin decorating, trunk-or-treat, movie and more. 3–9 pm. Mira Mesa Senior Center, 8460 Mira Mesa Blvd. www.d6nightmarket.com
FREE Halloween Carnival. 11 am- 4 pm. Miramar Ranch Elementary School, 10770 Red Cedar Dr. Details: www.miramarranch.org
Boo! At the Zoo. Candy stations, apple cider and flashlights. Oct. 19-20, Oct. 26 & 27, 6 pm. $22–$42. Wild Wonders, Bonsall. www.wildwonders.org
Howl-o-Ween Doggie Costume Contest & Parade. Bring your dog in their favorite costume. 11 am–12 noon. Bates Nut Farm, 15954 Woods Valley Rd., Valley Center. www.batesnutfarm.biz
Haunted Ghost Town. Trick-or-treat tours, spooky fun and surprises. Oct. 19-20, 25–27. 5–6:30 pm. $16.80–$28. San Dieguito Heritage Museum, 450 Quail Gardens Dr., Encinitas. www.hauntedtown.org
sunday | 20
FREE Family Christmas Tree Farm Pumpkin Patch. Pumpkins, tractor rides, hay maze and more. Through Oct. 31. Fri., 2–8 pm; Sat.–Sun., 10 am–8 pm. $5–$7. 300 Pepper Dr., El Cajon. www.familychristmastreefarm.com
SeaWorld Howl-O-Sprint 5K Run/Walk & Kids Run. 3.1-mile course through the grounds of SeaWorld, which will be decked out with thrills and chills. Costumes encouraged. 7 am. Register: www.seaworldsandiego.com
FREE Fallbrook Harvest Faire. Pony rides, pumpkin contests, scarecrows and more. 9 am–4 pm. Main Street. www.fallbrookchamberofcommerce.org
Costume Contest and Parade. 9 am–1 pm. $10, parking. Bates Nut Farm, 15954 Woods Valley Rd., Valley Center. www.batesnutfarm.biz
Boo! At the Zoo. Candy stations, apple cider and flashlights. Oct. 19. 26 & 27, 6 pm. $22–$42. Wild Wonders, Bonsall. www.wildwonders.org
Haunted Ghost Town. Trick-or-treat tours, spooky fun and surprises. Oct. 20, 25–27. 5–6:30 pm. $16.80–$28. San Dieguito Heritage Museum, 450 Quail Gardens Dr., Encinitas. www.hauntedtown.org
FREE Goff Family Pumpkin Patch. Pumpkins, photo ops and more. Through Oct. 31. Sun.–Thurs., 9 am–8 pm, Fri. & Sat., 9 am–9 pm. Liberty Station, 2830 Perry Rd. www.gofffamilypumpkinpatch.com
Looking for local pumpkin patches? Click here to find a pumpkin patch near you!
friday | 25
Halloween Aglow at Birch Aquarium. Oct. 25-26, 6-8:30 pm. Grab some glowsticks and head to Birch Aquarium for a family friendly Halloween event featuring live music, glow-themed costume contests and trick-or-treating through the aquarium. https://aquarium.ucsd.edu/events/halloween-aglow
FREE HauntFest on Main. Carnival rides, candy challenge, activities and more. 4–9 pm. E. Main St. from Magnolia to Avocado, downtown El Cajon. www.hauntfest.org
Spooky Campover. Haunted house, games and spooktacular surprises. Oct. 25, 3 pm through Oct. 26, 10 am. $55–$80. Lions, Tigers and Bears, 24402 Martin Way, Alpine. www.lionstigersandbears.org
FREE Tierrasanta Trunk-or-Treat. Candy, food, games and more. 5–8 pm. Newbreak Church, 10791 Tierrasanta Blvd. https://newbreak.church
FREE Halloween Carnival. Food vendors, game booths, prizes and more. Costumes encouraged. 5:30–8 pm. Ellen Browning Scripps Elementary School, 11778 Cypress Canyon Rd. https://ebscripps.sandiegounified.org
FREE Pumpkin Station. Petting zoo, pumpkins, ferris wheel and more. Through Oct. 31. Mon.–Thurs., 11 am–9 pm; Fri.–Sun., 9 am–9 pm. Mission Valley, 1750 Camino Del Rio N.; Del Mar, 15555 Jimmy Durante Blvd.; National City, 3030 Plaza Bonita Rd. www.pumpkinstation.com
Haunted Corn Maze. Fridays & Saturdays in Oct., 7–10 pm. Carlsbad Strawberry Fields, Cannon Rd. & I-15. www.carlsbadstrawberrycompany.com
FREE Goff Family Pumpkin Patch. Pumpkins, photo ops and more. Through Oct. 31. Sun.–Thurs., 9 am–8 pm, Fri. & Sat., 9 am–9 pm. Liberty Station, 2830 Perry Rd. www.gofffamilypumpkinpatch.com
To find a family friendly Dia de los Muertos event near you click here!
saturday | 26
Howl-O-Ween Harvest Family Festival. Enjoy hands-on animal encounters, navigate trick-or-treat stations, and unleash your creativity with spooky crafts. Face painting will transform your kiddos into their favorite creatures and our mini pumpkin patch is the perfect Halloween keepsake. Animal ambassadors will be dressed in their best spooktacular attire, so don’t forget to come in your Halloween best. Oct. 26 and 27, 9 am-1 pm. Helen Woodward Animal Center, 6461 El Apajo, Rancho Santa Fe. www.animalcenter.org/programs-services/education/howl-o-ween-harvest
Halloween Aglow at Birch Aquarium. Oct. 26, 6-8:30 pm. Grab some glowsticks and head to Birch Aquarium for a family friendly Halloween event featuring live music, glow-themed costume contests and trick-or-treating through the aquarium. https://aquarium.ucsd.edu/events/halloween-aglow
FREE Family Christmas Tree Farm Pumpkin Patch. Pumpkins, tractor rides, hay maze and more. Through Oct. 31. Fri., 2–8 pm; Sat.–Sun., 10 am–8 pm. $5–$7. 300 Pepper Dr., El Cajon. www.familychristmastreefarm.com
FREE The Super Dentists 25th Annual Spooktacular. Costume contests, carnival games, festive photo station, prizes, giveaways and more. 11 am–1 pm. Eastlake office parking lot, 2226 Otay Lakes Rd. www.thesuperdentists.com
FREE Once Upon a Hallowe’en. Haunted House, carnival games, train rides and more. 4:30–8:30 pm. Old Poway Park, 14134 Midland Rd. www.poway.org
Halloween Spooktacular Party. Games, trick-or-treating, puppet shows and more. 2:30–4:45 pm. $27.75–$30. My Gym, 12222 Poway Rd. www.mygym.com/poway
Halloween Movie in the Park: “Hotel Transylvania 3.” Standley Park, 3585 Governor Dr. Details: www.sandiego.gov
Pumpkin Bash. Watch big cats and bears devour pumpkin treats. 10 am. $35–$60. Lions, Tigers and Bears, 24402 Martin Way, Alpine. www.lionstigersandbears.org
Howl-o-Ween 5K Mutt Run/Walk. Costume contest, prizes and more. 8:30 am. $55–$75. Road Runner Sports, 5553 Copley Dr. www.labsandmore.org
FREE Halloween Spooktacular. Trick-or-treating, games, live music and creepy characters. 2–6 pm. The Forum Carlsbad, 1905 Calle Barcelona. www.theforumcarlsbad.com
Haunted Corn Maze. Fridays & Saturdays in Oct., 7–10 pm. Carlsbad Strawberry Fields, Cannon Rd. & I-15. www.carlsbadstrawberrycompany.com
Looking for a corn or hay maze to try out with the kids? Click here to find one near you!
sunday | 27
Howl-O-Ween Harvest Family Festival. Enjoy hands-on animal encounters, navigate trick-or-treat stations, and unleash your creativity with spooky crafts. Face painting will transform your kiddos into their favorite creatures and our mini pumpkin patch is the perfect Halloween keepsake. Animal ambassadors will be dressed in their best spooktacular attire, so don’t forget to come in your Halloween best. Oct. 26 and 27, 9 am-1 pm. Helen Woodward Animal Center, 6461 El Apajo, Rancho Santa Fe. www.animalcenter.org/programs-services/education/howl-o-ween-harvest
“The Addams Family.” A comical feast that embraces the kooky elements in every family. Through Nov. 10. $20.50–$22.50. Casa del Prado Theater, Balboa Park. www.juniortheatre.com
Pumpkin Poolooza. Floating pumpkin patch, games and more. 1–4 pm. The Salvation Army Kroc Center, 6845 University Ave. Pre-registration required: https://sd.kroccenter.org
FREE Trick-or-Treat on India Street. Get treats from Little Italy businesses. 3:30–7:30 pm. Maps at Piazza della Famiglia on India & W. Date St. www.littleitalysd.com
FREE Haunted House. Through Oct. 30. 6:30–8:30 pm. Old Poway Park, 14134 Midland Rd. www.poway.org
Boo! At the Zoo. Candy stations, apple cider and flashlights. Oct. 27, 6 pm. $22–$42. Wild Wonders, Bonsall. www.wildwonders.org
Haunted Ghost Town. Trick-or-treat tours, spooky fun and surprises. Oct. 27. 5–6:30 pm. $16.80–$28. San Dieguito Heritage Museum, 450 Quail Gardens Dr., Encinitas. www.hauntedtown.org
FREE Pumpkin Station. Petting zoo, pumpkins, ferris wheel and more. Through Oct. 31. Mon.–Thurs., 11 am–9 pm; Fri.–Sun., 9 am–9 pm. Mission Valley, 1750 Camino Del Rio N.; Del Mar, 15555 Jimmy Durante Blvd.; National City, 3030 Plaza Bonita Rd. www.pumpkinstation.com
FREE Goff Family Pumpkin Patch. Pumpkins, photo ops and more. Through Oct. 31. Sun.–Thurs., 9 am–8 pm, Fri. & Sat., 9 am–9 pm. Liberty Station, 2830 Perry Rd. www.gofffamilypumpkinpatch.com
thursday | 31
Halloween
Carlsbad Pumpkin Patch & Fall Festival. Pumpkins, corn maze, tractor ride and more. Daily, 9 am–6 pm. Through Nov. 3. 1050 Cannon Rd. www.carlsbadstrawberrycompany.com
FREE Goff Family Pumpkin Patch. Pumpkins, photo ops and more. Through Oct. 31. Sun.–Thurs., 9 am–8 pm, Fri. & Sat., 9 am–9 pm. Liberty Station, 2830 Perry Rd. www.gofffamilypumpkinpatch.com
FREE Family Christmas Tree Farm Pumpkin Patch. Pumpkins, tractor rides, hay maze and more. Through Oct. 31. Fri., 2–8 pm; Sat.–Sun., 10 am–8 pm. $5–$7. 300 Pepper Dr., El Cajon. www.familychristmastreefarm.com
FREE Pumpkin Station. Petting zoo, pumpkins, ferris wheel and more. Through Oct. 31. Mon.–Thurs., 11 am–9 pm; Fri.–Sun., 9 am–9 pm. Mission Valley, 1750 Camino Del Rio N.; Del Mar, 15555 Jimmy Durante Blvd.; National City, 3030 Plaza Bonita Rd. www.pumpkinstation.com
FREE Safe Trick-or-Treat. Halloween-themed activities, music, games and more. 5:30–8 pm. 101 N. Coast Hwy. www.encinitas101.com
FREE Trick-or-Treating in La Mesa Village. Trick-or-treating, pet costume contest and more. 4–6 pm. La Mesa Blvd., between 4th St. & Acacia. www.lamesavillegeassociation.org
FREE Trick-or-Treat at Carmel Mountain Ranch Town Center. 3–5 pm. East of I-15 at Carmel Mtn. Rd. & Highland Rd.
FREE Treats at Village Walk at EastLake. 3–5 pm. EastLake Pkwy. & Miller Dr., Chula Vista. www.shopvillagewalk.com
FREE Trick-or-Treat at EastLake Village Marketplace. 3–5 pm. Corner of Otay Lakes Rd. & EastLake Pkwy., Chula Vista. www.shopeastlakemarketplace.com
To find a family friendly Dia de los Muertos event near you click here!
Halloween Candy Buy-Backs
Did you know that Americans purchase nearly 600 million pounds of candy every year just for Halloween? Much of that will be devoured immediately, but most will linger around the house to tempt you for days and weeks to come. Why not save your family the extra calories by donating leftover candy? With a little effort, you can provide great gifts to people in need of encouragement! Check back soon to find out about local candy buy-back opportunities!
Participate in The Super Dentists' 20th annual Candy Buy Back! Bring your candy to any Super Dentists' location from Nov. 1–8 to receive $1 for every pound of candy donated. All candy collected will be enjoyed by Active Duty Service Members. For more information check out p. 3 in our October issue HERE.
Davis Pediatric Dentistry. Nov. 4, 2-5 pm. Support your community and get cash for candy. Bring in your unopened candy and get $1 per lb of candy (up to 5 lbs.) All candy will be donated to military troops and United Service Organizations. 477 North El Camino Real, #B203, Encinitas.
Seaside Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics. Bring your unwanted candy to Seaside Pediatric Dentistry from Nov. 1-18 and get $1 per lb of candy donated. $5 limit per person. All candy will be donated to Operation Gratitude. 10549 Scripps Poway Pkwy.
Halloween Candy Buy-Back at Brain Balance. As participants of the Teal Pumpkin Project, Brain Balance is offering families a safe and inclusive opportunity to participate in a Candy Buy-Back event. The whole family is encouraged to bring in their candy and exchange it for fun toys, activities and gift cards, while supplies last. Free center tours and limited-time assessment specials will be offered to attendees from 12-6 pm. RSVPs encouraged. Drop off your candy during normal business hours at each respective Brain Balance of Greater San Diego center. Brain Balance Centers of San Diego (Nov. 1–5), Chula Vista (Nov. 4–5) and Encinitas (Nov. 5). www.brainbalancecenters.com
------------
Updated: October 2024
