Halloween in San Diego offers plenty of exciting activities for kids. From themed events to various attractions, there’s no shortage of fun this holiday season.
Many of these Halloween events are also part of the San Diego Fall Festivals. Don’t forget that October is “Kids Free San Diego,” allowing children to enjoy various attractions for free when accompanied by adults with qualifying tickets (specific restrictions apply).
This means many activities listed below are free for select age groups, while others might have additional admission fees.
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1. San Diego Zoo HalGLOWeen
Experience Halloween festivities at the San Diego Zoo with HalGLOWeen, featuring glow-in-the-dark decorations and entertainment every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday throughout October, starting at 5 p.m.
Thanks to Kids Free October, children aged 11 and under enjoy free admission, and entry for all is included with San Diego Zoo tickets. The zoo transforms into a vibrant spectacle with two mesmerizing glow-in-the-dark acrobatic shows, alongside the lively Skeleton Band performing on the Front Street Stage.
Children can participate in hooping contests, a bubbly dance party, and interactive games hosted by Dr. Zoolittle. Parents, beware! The Boo Crew scarecrow stilt walkers might surprise you. Costumes are encouraged for little ones.
KIDS FREE AT THE ZOO AND SAFARI PARK
One paid adult can bring up to five children aged 11 and under for free to the Zoo, and four kids aged 11 and under can go free at the Safari Park. Adults must hold a qualifying ticket, which I have available at a discount below.
I have exclusive promo codes for San Diego Zoo tickets and San Diego Zoo Safari Park tickets for 1-Day access, which also qualify for Kids Free October.
GET MY EXCLUSIVE TICKET DISCOUNTS
I offer the best final prices on San Diego Zoo Safari Park tickets available to the public, with no membership required, through my partnership with aRes Travel, an authorized San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance ticket seller. Due to this, we can’t publish the promo code online, but you can receive it via text or email.
The price is $67/adult and $57/child (ages 3–11) — including all taxes and fees!
*By texting the word SDZOO to 1-833-490-0799, you consent to receive automated promotional messages on how to secure my ticket discounts, and this agreement is not a condition of any purchase. Msg and data rates may apply. 2 messages/month. Reply STOP to cancel. Please read my full privacy policy.
2. Visit a Pumpkin Station
San Diego boasts several pumpkin patches perfect for exploring with your kids. These patches come in various sizes, costs, and attractions. Some resemble mini carnivals, while others feature massive hay mazes. Many locations are also dog-friendly, true to San Diego’s spirit!
Pumpkin Stations are quite popular, conveniently located in areas like Mission Valley Target and just off the I-5 freeway in Del Mar. The locations include:
- Del Mar
- Rancho Bernardo (Farm)
- Mission Valley
- National City (Plaza Bonita)
- Bonita (Farm)
Admission and parking at Pumpkin Stations are free; however, tickets for rides and activities will need to be purchased on-site, as they are not available online. Check their website for more details.
3. Carlsbad Strawberry Company Pumpkin Patch
Another favorite Halloween event in San Diego is the Carlsbad Strawberry Company Pumpkin Patch.
Here, you can pick your pumpkin at this fun North County spot. Guests can wander through a corn maze, enjoy tractor rides, pet rabbits, and visit the beloved sheep and goats on site. These four attractions are included with the $10 entrance fee; children under 5 can enter for free.
Teens may particularly enjoy the Haunted Corn Maze, which is open on Friday and Saturday evenings throughout October. The Pumpkin Patch remains open daily from September 20 – November 3. Check out further details about the Carlsbad Strawberry Company’s Halloween event.
The complete times and prices for 2024 are still to be determined.
4. SeaWorld San Diego’s Halloween Spooktacular and Howl-O-Scream Weekends
SeaWorld San Diego is bringing back Howl-O-Scream from September 27–November 2 for 2024. This event is an “intense horror-filled haunt” taking place during nighttime. Howl-O-Scream is distinct from the family-friendly Halloween Spooktacular, held during the day.
Once night falls, SeaWorld will transform into a spine-chilling park designed for adults. Tickets for Howl-O-Scream start at $43.99 and are sold separately from standard park admission tickets.
This event may be too frightening for younger children, but it’s relatively milder than attractions like Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood. Please use discretion when planning your visit.
For a family-friendly Halloween experience, join SeaWorld San Diego on weekends from September 6 – November 3, 2024, for their annual Halloween Spooktacular.
Attendees can enjoy Halloween dance parties, trick-or-treating, delightful decorations, and more, all featuring a pirate theme this year. Additionally, a Pumpkin Hunt along the waterfront will encourage guests to purchase a special map and hunt for pumpkins to win an exclusive Halloween prize.
The Halloween Spooktacular is included with the regular park admission. I have tips for purchasing SeaWorld San Diego tickets, but the best options are through SeaWorld or aRes Travel (use promo code FALL on select tickets).
Discounts are available on standard admission and for Howl-O-Scream. Don’t forget to check out the Kids Free tickets, as well!
5. Belmont Park Fall Fest
Fall Fest takes place at Belmont Park San Diego from October 7 – 27, 2024. As one of the city’s most popular attractions, Belmont Park ensures its dining spots join the festive spirit with treats like Caramel Apple Funnel Cake at Belmonty’s Burgers and seasonal beers at Draft.
Exciting items on the menu this year include Loaded Pumpkin Pie Milkshake, Maple Bacon Fudge, and purple sugar-coated Enchanted Churros, to name just a few!
This year’s event will host its first-ever BeerFest on Sunday, October 20th, showcasing local breweries, live music, and interactive games.
Other activities feature Sip & Paint Classes, free Trick-or-Treating every Sunday, and various live music performances throughout the festival, concluding with the Trunk or Treat Classic Car Show on October 27.
Entry to Belmont Park is free, although rides, mini golf, and arcade activities carry fees. Parking is also complimentary. For discounted Belmont Park tickets or wristbands, check out our buying advice.
Additionally, thanks to Kids Free October, children 12 and under enjoy one FREE Wristband with the purchase of an adult wristband throughout the month using Promo Code: “KIDSFREE” either online or in-person during checkout. Be sure to verify details and restrictions.
See also: Things to Do at Belmont Park
6. Mr. Jack-O-Lantern’s Pumpkin Patch
Head to La Jolla to select your pumpkin at Mr. Jack-O-Lantern’s Pumpkin Patch, a family-owned favorite.
If you can’t visit the patch, they offer online orders with local delivery.
They also provide pumpkin carving and decorating kits. Kids can enjoy a spooky maze and bounce house. Admission and parking are free, with the event running from October 1–31.
7. Old Town Trolley Ghost and Gravestone Tours
Explore the eerie side of San Diego on the popular Old Town Trolley Ghost and Gravestone Tours, where you’ll discover fascinating local legends.
Board the “Trolley of the Doomed” for a night-time adventure, learning about the city’s notable ghosts and visiting haunted sites like El Campo Santo cemetery in Old Town.
Take note of the infamous Whaley House, considered haunted by many, and stop by Pioneer Park to investigate potential paranormal activity.
The interactive actors resolve to delve into character on these tours, which are educational yet quite spooky. Given that many stories are based on real events, these tours are best for kids aged 13 and older.
8. LEGOLAND Brick-or-Treat Party Nights
This yearly Halloween celebration includes live entertainment, character meet-and-greets, costume contests, thrilling rides, and giant LEGO Halloween displays.
During LEGOLAND’s Brick-or-Treat Party Nights, children can safely trick-or-treat at Treat Stations throughout the park, collecting nearly one million pieces of candy and joining the Monster Party featuring live entertainment and contests.
Consider staying overnight at the LEGOLAND Hotel to amplify the fun. If you book a room on Brick-or-Treat event days, your entry is included in the stay.
- September 14, 21, and 28
- Every Saturday and Sunday in October (5–6, 12–13, 19–20, 26–27)
- Activities start at 2 p.m. and continue throughout the event.
Tips for purchasing LEGOLAND California tickets: October is “Kids Free San Diego,” meaning general admission for one child is free with every paid adult. However, you still need a ticket that covers Brick-or-Treat, as the kids’ free admission does not include that special event.
9. Ghost Roasts at Hotel del Coronado
Did you know that Hotel del Coronado is considered one of the haunted hotels in San Diego? You don’t have to spend the night to enjoy one of their Ghost Roasts, a fun beach activity I highly recommend. In addition to roasty beach s’mores set around a private fire pit for your group, you’ll hear ghost stories to enhance the eerie atmosphere.
You can reserve a Ghost Roast on any night between October 1–31, with options at 5:30 p.m. or 7:30 p.m. Prices start at $222.60 per fire pit (up to 10 people max per pit).
You can also take part in Halloween Pumpkin Carving events on October 18–20, 25–27, and 30, starting at 4 p.m. The cost is $37.10 per person, and you’ll choose your pumpkin from a beachfront pumpkin patch.
Don’t miss out on the Haunted Happenings Tours, available nightly until December 31. Discover the story of Kate Morgan, the ghost said to haunt the hotel. Children must be at least 12 to attend, with tickets priced at $37.10.
Older kids can enjoy Movies on the Beach on October 5 (Beetlejuice – 1988), October 13 (Coraline), October 19 (Ghostbusters – 1984), October 26 (Hocus Pocus – 1993), and November 2 (Coco). Movies begin promptly at 7:30 p.m., with doors opening at 7 p.m., so arrive early for a good spot.
10. The Count’s Halloween Spooktacular At Sesame Place
Sesame Place San Diego, a newer SeaWorld theme park, features your favorite Sesame Street characters. The Count hosts a Halloween Spooktacular, inviting families to dress up for a spooky costume contest, enjoy trick-or-treating, themed live shows, Halloween parties, and much more.
Participants can even join in a fully interactive Spot-the-Ghost Scavenger Hunt, alongside themed photo ops with beloved Sesame Street characters.
This event is included with regular park admission. I offer tips for buying discounted Sesame Place tickets, available through SeaWorld or via our aRes Travel page.
The Count’s Halloween Spooktacular runs from September 14 until November 3 for 2024.
11. Balboa Park Haunted Trail
Not suitable for children under 10 (or the faint of heart), this outdoor haunted trail spans a full mile of fright. This experience includes a bonus maze titled “The eXperiment,” where you’ll navigate through over 3,500 square feet of terror.
Enter the Haunted Trail at your own risk and encounter Moldy Locks and her three man-eating bears, a haunted bus filled with zombies, and a chainsaw-ridden barn, among other scares. Good luck!
- This chilling experience runs every night from September 27 until November 2, except for some Mondays and Tuesdays (check the online calendar).
- Opening and closing times vary but usually begin at 6:30 or 7 p.m., and typically conclude by or around 10:00 to 11:00 p.m. Verify daily times on the online calendar.
- Timed general admission tickets start at $32.99 and are date-specific; a credit card fee may apply at the gate, so it’s advisable to bring cash. Booking in advance online is highly recommended; Scream Pass admission (for express access) starts at $47.99.
- Admission ticket includes access to The Experiment Maze & Trail.
- Located in Balboa Park at Juniper at Marston Point.
Haunted Trail ticket tips: Purchase tickets online to skip the queue.
12. Trick-or-Treating in La Jolla (TBD)
We partake in this community event annually. On a specific date near Halloween (to be determined for 2024), head over to the Village of La Jolla in the afternoon for trick-or-treating at local businesses. Participating stores will display black and orange balloons, guiding families to where they can receive treats.
This event is quite enjoyable and also allows parents to do a bit of shopping in La Jolla!
13. Trick-Or-Treat on India Street
Families can visit San Diego’s vibrant Little Italy for a delightful trick-or-treating experience. The festivities commence at the beautiful Piazza della Famiglia town square, where you can pick up a map of participating local businesses.
Enjoy Halloween decorations and lively music lining the streets as your little ghouls, witches, and goblins stroll along historic India Street collecting delicious treats and candy.
14. Helen Woodward Howl-O-Ween Harvest Family Festival
Join the Helen Woodward Animal Center and their “creepy critters” for fun-filled animal encounters at their new Eerie Estate, featuring trick-or-treat stations, access to their Spooky Vet Clinic, face painting, arts and crafts, a magical maze, and a mini pumpkin patch.
Registration in advance is required for attendance.
- Dates: October 12, 19, 26, & 27, from 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
- Tickets: $17.75 per child and $8.90 for adults.
- This event welcomes all ages; however, it’s particularly recommended for toddlers and elementary school-aged children.
15. A Haunting In Venice Cruise
This gondola cruise is a great option for families with children who aren’t easily scared. Glide through the eerie canals of Coronado Cays in a gondola for a unique experience.
The Gondola Company specializes in daytime excursions, but this spooky nighttime experience will give you chills. Snuggle up with your little ones under a warm blanket, as each gondola accommodates up to six passengers.
The 50-minute cruise is manned by a ghostly figure and costs $99 for two guests, with each additional passenger priced at $20.
What’s your favorite activity in San Diego with kids during the Halloween season?
*Top photo is courtesy of LEGOLAND California Resort
