California theme parks are preparing for Halloween with a variety of events starting as early as late August and running through early November. The celebrations range from family-friendly daytime activities to nighttime attractions designed for older visitors.
At Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, Halloween Time will run from August 22 to October 31. Both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park will offer themed attractions such as the Main Street Pumpkin Festival, an updated Haunted Mansion, and the Guardians of the Galaxy: Monsters After Dark ride. Visitors can also experience special events like Mickey’s Trick and Treat Show, Plaza de la Familia honoring Dia de los Muertos, and Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit game. A separate-ticket event, Oogie Boogie Bash, will take place on select nights featuring treat trails, a parade, and appearances by Disney villains.
Universal Studios Hollywood in Los Angeles will host Halloween Horror Nights from September 4 to November 2. This event includes new scare zones and haunted houses based on horror franchises like Friday the 13th and Terrifier. The park recommends this event for ages 13 and up.
SeaWorld San Diego offers two distinct experiences: SeaWorld Spooktacular during the day for children with pirate-themed parades and trick-or-treat stations, and Howl-O-Scream at night with haunted houses and scare zones intended for teens and adults.
Six Flags Magic Mountain near Santa Clarita and Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo both begin their Fright Fest events in mid-September. Activities include haunted mazes, scare zones, dark rides, Oktoberfest celebrations with food and music, as well as Tricks and Treats events suitable for families.
LEGOLAND in Carlsbad presents Brick or Treat on select weekends from September 20 to November 1. This separate-ticket event features dance parties, live shows, a seasonal makeover of The Dragon coaster, and other themed entertainment.
Sesame Place San Diego in Chula Vista will hold The Count’s Halloween Spooktacular every weekend from September 13 to November 2. Families can participate in costume parades, scavenger hunts, dance parties, and meet Sesame Street characters dressed for the occasion.
Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park continues its tradition of Knott’s Scary Farm from September 18 to November 1. The park offers over a dozen mazes and fright zones staffed by hundreds of costumed actors. Visitors aged 15 or younger must be accompanied by an adult after 4 p.m., according to current park policy. Buena Park also hosts additional themed dining options such as The Cauldron Spirits & Brews and Pirates Dinner Adventure’s Vampirates show.
Gilroy Gardens’ Halloween celebration runs on weekend evenings from September 26 to November 2 with “Boo Alley,” inspired by The Great Big Boo musical show. Children can enjoy light displays, character meet-and-greets, trick-or-treating, and themed refreshments.
Throughout October in San Diego County, many attractions allow children under age 12 free admission with a paying adult during Kids Free San Diego month (https://www.sandiego.org/promotions/kids-free.aspx), providing families with added value during the fall season.
“Early fall is a great time to visit theme parks,” said a spokesperson for Visit California. “The back-to-school season often means shorter wait times and more enticing deals.”
For those seeking more autumn festivities beyond theme parks, there are additional Halloween activities across California (https://www.visitcalifornia.com/experience/halloween-california/).
