Haunted houses, mazes and scary attractions have materialized all over southern California, but there are plenty of friendly ghosts and goblins dishing out kid-friendly Halloween treats and activities at popular theme parks and attractions.
Here’s a sampling of fun Halloween activities filled with treats and not tricks for kids from San Diego to L.A.
Halloween Attractions in Southern California
Theme Parks
LEGOLAND California
Brick-or-Treat Party Nights features kooky fun and music, costume contests and a trail treat from 5 – 9 p.m. Oct.10, 17, 24 and 30. More fun awaits families who spend Halloween night at the LEGOLAND hotel. Exclusively for hotel guests, the party includes costume characters, trick-or-treating, games, model building contests, and a not Scary Magic Show. Two Spook-Kooky Options: $70 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.; $40 5 – 9 p.m.
Knott’s Scary Farm
There’s something for everyone at Knott’s Scary farm. During the day, kids ages 3 – 11 can join in Halloween fun in Knott’s Spooky Farm, a non-scary celebration with shows and activities every weekend through Halloween. For those who like the ghoulish side of the holiday, Knott’s has conjured up new terrifying attractions, mazes and shows. My Bloody Clementine features a frightening ride through the Calico Mine. Not for the faint of heart! Knott’s Spooky Farm included with admission: from $43 online.
Disneyland Resort
Sink your teeth into Mickey candy corn cupcakes, enjoy autumn décor and ride ghoulish attractions during Halloween Time through Nov. 1. Haunted Mansion Holiday and Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy are back with frightfully fun characters. If you’re lucky, you might score tickets for the popular and very kid-friendly Mickey’s Halloween Party. The entire family is invited to dress in costume, trick-or-treat at Disneyland and enjoy exclusive entertainment. Plus, enjoy special presentations of the “Halloween Screams” fireworks spectacular and the “Paint the Night” parade. Ticket prices vary.
Six Flags Magic Mountain
While Fright Fest’s haunted mazes, roaming zombies, scary clowns and spooky shows are best for older kids and teens, the park’s daytime Halloween events offer G-rated entertainment for children ages 12 and under until Nov. 1. Check out the Trick-or-Treat Trail and Halloween Crafts, for kids under 48 inches tall. Only children ages 12 and younger are allowed to wear costumes to Six Flags Magic Mountain. Prices vary, but standard tickets start at $51.99.
Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights
World famous for movies and TV shows, Universal takes full advantage of its iconic sets to stage its annual Halloween event, featuring the terror tram, creepy mazes, scare zones, rides and shows. Not recommended for ages under 13. No masks or costumes allowed. Rates vary depending on night, but start at about $65/70.
Kid-Friendly Attractions
Scarium of the Pacific
The Aquarium of the Pacific’s 16th annual Scarium of the Pacific showcases Halloween programs, such as the annual children’s costume contest, underwater pumpkin carving, the creepy coloring contest, face painting, magic shows, spooky storytelling, crafts, and eerie animals in the Great Hall, plus more from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Oct. 24 and 25. Free with general admission: $28.95 ages 12 and older, $14.95 ages 3 – 11.
Boo at the L.A. Zoo
Families are invited to wear costumes and enjoy Halloween festivities at the L.A. Zoo’s annual event, which includes pumpkin carving demonstrations, arts and crafts, animal feedings and shows all month long. Additional shows and events take place on weekends, including “Graveyard Safari” and “Campfire Cathy,” an interactive, animal-themed musical show. Free with general admission: $20 ages 13-61, $17 ages 62 and over, $15 ages 2 – 12.
