Halloween during a global pandemic might look a little different this year, but there is still plenty of family fun to be had in San Diego's North County. Keep scrolling down for ghoulishly fun Halloween events. Check back often as we will be updating this list of events all month long.
Is your business or organization hosting a family-friendly Halloween event? https://carlsbad.macaronikid.com/events/submit
Entire Month of October |
Mad Hatter Tea Party @Bliss Tea & Treats, Oceanside Thursday-Sunday in October
High Tea for Adults: $37 and Kids: $20
Yes, that’s it! Said the Hatter with a sigh, it’s always tea time… The Mad Hatter Tea party curated by Bliss Tea and Treats is one that defies time, immerses its audience in a mirage of psychedelic colors, and replaces formality with heavy doses of whimsy. In short, a Bliss Tea Party is a party for everybody. Come in Costume if you wish…
Seating times: 11:30am, 2:30pm and 5:30pm Call for Reservations 442-500-4796
Halloween in Miniland @Legoland California, Carlsbad- Every Friday-Saturday from October 2nd-31st
$12.99/person, $7.99/person with Annual Pass, 2 and under FREE
Guests can come dressed in their best costumes* and:
- Navigate a Halloween-themed Scavenger Hunt in Miniland U.S.A.
- Distanced Character Meet & Greets
- Individual families can build LEGO® pumpkins made out of LEGO bricks in our Build-a-Pumpkin challenge in Miniland.
- Taste seasonal fall treats like Granny’s Apple Fries or Smokehouse BBQ’s ribs.
SEA LIFE® aquarium and both LEGOLAND Hotels join in on the fun with special Halloween décor and costume character appearances for their guests.
SeaWorld Spooktacular, San Diego- Every Friday-Sunday in October
FREE w/Annual Pass or $63.99-$93.99/person (Kids Free w/each paid Adult Admission)
Get your kids’ costumes ready, because SeaWorld has spooky surprises and fall fun in store at SeaWorld Spooktacular. Playful characters and seasonal décor will catch your eye. Candy and other concoctions will treat your taste buds. And as always, the park will be alive with amazing animals to visit. It’s all waiting for your family, with new safety procedures to put your mind at ease. It’s a tricky year for Halloween. Treat your family to fall fun at SeaWorld.
- Spooktacular Candy Trail
- Pumpkin Scavenger Hunt
- Monster Mash DJ Dance Party
- Fall-flavored Food, Brews & Cocktails
- Sesame Street® Halloween Dance Party
HalGLOWeen @San Diego Zoo, San Diego- October 9–11, 16–18, and 23–25
Included with Zoo admission (Kids Free in October)
Plan to join us for three weekends in October filled with glowing fun, giggles, and grins—October 9–11, 16–18, and 23–25. We've designed the entertainment to allow for social distancing, so you can have fun safely. Kids 11 and younger can come in costumes that align with our guidelines.
- BUBBLE DANCE PARTY- Get into the groove and move to fun Halloween tunes, as bursts of bubbles bob and float around you.
- PYTHON PATH- Make your way through freaky fog and spooky sounds to discover surprising sights, like slithering snakes (behind glass).
- DR. ZOOLITTLE'S MASK-ERADE- Our Maestro of Fun has plenty of grins, giggles, and tricks up his sleeves!
- ACRO-CATZ AND ACRO-BATZ- You won't believe what these acrobats can do!
- DUSTY KEYS—TUNES FROM BEYOND- Nothing conjures that Halloween feeling like organ music— get in the spooky mood as our talented keyboardist makes magic on a full organ.
- SKELETON TRIO- No bones about it, our lively Skeleton Band Trio will get you in the HalGLOWeen mood.
Haunted Aquarium Remix @Birch Aquarium at Scripps, La Jolla- October 1-31
Included w/Admission
Haunted Aquarium Remix takes the spooky science fun that the traditional Haunted Aquarium is known for and mixes things up outdoors with new animal encounters and activities geared for children ages 2 to 10, as well as fun decor for the whole family. Haunted Aquarium Remix will utilize Birch Aquarium’s stunning outdoor spaces including Tide Pool Plaza, Smargon Courtyard, and the Education Courtyard, and is set up in a way that will allow the fun to continue, even if Birch Aquarium has to close its indoor spaces. Upon entering, children — who are encouraged to wear costumes — receive a Discovery Booklet which includes self-guided explorations tied to Haunted Aquarium Remix activities. Young guests will have the opportunity to learn about and touch spooky creeps of the deep including 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.
Drive-Thru Scream Zone @Del Mar Scaregrounds, Del Mar- October 1-31, 23 horror-filled days
Sun-Thurs $45/vehicle up to 4 passengers, $60 5 or more passengers, Fri & Sat $55/vehicle up to 4 passengers, $70 5 or more passengers
The Scream Zone has been tempting terror-lovers for the past 23 years, but the 2020 event will take a whole new spin. To comply with COVID-19 health and safety protocols, guests will experience the frights from the dis-comfort of their own automobile. Vehicles will weave through a mile-long course transformed into scenes from classic horror films and the demented minds of the Scream Zone’s imaginative creators. At the Drive-Thru Scream Zone: Road Kill, the only roadside assistance coming to your aid is a triple threat of zombies, serial killers, and killer clowns. Recommended for ages 10+
Halloween Crafts @Michael's Online Kids Club, Zoom- Select days between October 1-31
Free
Michael's Kids Club Online will be featuring Halloween & Fall themed arts and crafts during the month of October Just register for one of these fun-filled Zoom hours:
- Sept 29- Monster Pumpkin
- Oct 1- Lion Pumpkin
- Oct 3- Pumpkin Maker Fest
- October 6- Glow in the Dark Halloween Rocks
- October 8- Pumpkin Decorations
- October 20- Let's draw zombie animals
- October 29- Halloween Treat Bags
- October 31- Monster Bash
Week of October 5-11 |
Halloween Movies in your Car @Del Mar Fairgrounds October 7-8
$29/Car
- October 7th- Scream Rated R 7:00 PM
- October 8th- The Addams Family Rated PG-13 7:00 PM
FrightFest Movie Weekend @The Moonlight Amphitheatre, Vista- October 8-10
Single Movie: $22, Two Movies for $40, Three Movies for $54
The Moonlight is excited to open its gates to bring you a weekend of frightfully entertaining movies on the big screen. Moonlight’s restaurant partner, Kitchens for Good, will provide pre-packaged snack, meal, and beverage options. Pre-ordering will be available so guests may pay ahead and simply pick up their order upon arrival. A small number of additional boxed-meals and snacks will be available onsite at the event and will be available while supplies last. Beer and wine available for purchase when a grill item from the menu is ordered.
- October 8th- Poltergeist Rated PG 7:30 PM
- October 9th- Hocus Pocus Rated PG 7:30 PM
- October 10th- Rocky Horror Picture Show Rated R 7 & 10:30 PM
Mad Hatter Paint Night @Bliss Tea & Treats, Oceanside October 10th 4-7 PM
$37/person
Let your creativity flow and go down the rabbit hole with us to a wonderland. Janet Dunn is an exceptional teacher and will guide you to your personal best work of art.
Halloween Cookie Decorating Class @Bliss Tea & Treats, Oceanside October 11th 2-4 PM
$40/person
You don't want to miss out on this fun activity for kids and adults. Create two cookies with pastry chef Erica Wilson. Your reservation includes your selection of Bliss Le Creme cake and tea.
Week of October 12-18 |
Halloween Movies in your Car @Del Mar Fairgrounds October 7-8
$29/Car
- October 13th- The Blair Witch Project Rated R 7:00 PM
- October 14th- Hotel Transylvania Rated PG 7:00 PM
Week of October 19-26 |
Lowes Curbside Trick or Treat @Participating Locations throughout North County October 22nd
FREE, Registration required
Register your kids for this FREE Curbside Trick-or-Treat Event kids clinic at Lowe’s! Space is limited, so be sure to choose your location and event date to save your spot for free sweet treats and a kid-sized pumpkin.
Drive-In: Hocus Pocus @Cal State San Marcos October 23rd
$25/Car, Snack Pack available for $20
Disney’s Halloween family-favorite “Hocus Pocus” is coming to the Drive-in! You can’t go to the drive-in without your favorite munchies! Snack Packs available for purchase before the show for $20 filled with your classic movie theater morsels: Pretzels, White Cheddar Popcorn, Peanut M&Ms, Trail Mix, Red Vines, Whoppers, Hazelnut Nutella Spread, and Ritz Crackers!
And of course, your snack pack comes with 2 bottles of Dasani water to wet your whistle after you chow down!
FrightFest Movie Weekend @The Moonlight Amphitheatre, Vista- October 23rd+24th, 7 PM
$22/person
The Moonlight is excited to open its gates to bring you a weekend of frightfully entertaining movies on the big screen. Moonlight’s restaurant partner, Kitchens for Good, will provide pre-packaged snack, meal, and beverage options. Pre-ordering will be available so guests may pay ahead and simply pick up their order upon arrival. A small number of additional boxed-meals and snacks will be available onsite at the event and will be available while supplies last. Beer and wine available for purchase when a grill item from the menu is ordered.
- October 23rd Ghostbusters Rated PG
- October 24th The Nightmare Before Christmas Rated PG
Track or Treat @Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum Vista October 25th, 9am-4pm
Kids in Costume get in FREE
We'll have different areas around the grounds for them to get candy and other prizes! Plus keep an eye out for other games and activities that will be going on during our Antique Engine & Tractor Show. We'll also have our first ever Pumpkin Patch open for picking your own pumpkin and taking family pictures!
Week of October 27-31 |
October Movie Night: Coco @Urge Gastropub & Commonhouse San Marcos October 29th, 7pm
No admission Fee
This month's movie selection will feature Coco. Families should arrive by 6:30 to reserve their spots on the front patio. First come, first serve. Group sizes limited to 6 people.
Ghouls & Goodies Drive-Thru Halloween @San Marcos Civic Center Parking Garage October 29th, 5 PM
FREE, While supplies last
This drive-thru trunk or treat style event will provide your treat bag (free while supplies last) and participants are encouraged to wear costumes and masks while remaining in the vehicle.
HALLOWEEN WEEKEND DRIVE-IN: “ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW” LIVE & ON SCREEN @Cal State San Marcos October 30th
$35/person, Snack Pack available for $20, Prop Goodie Bags for $5/$6
Cult-classic horror spoof “Rocky Horror Picture Show” is coming to the Drive-In! There’s a light over at Frankenstein place! A newly engaged couple gets caught in a storm and stop at the home of a mad transvestite scientist, Dr Frank-N-Furter, unveiling his new creation, a sort of Frankenstein-style monster in the form of an artificially made, fully grown, physically perfect muscle man named “Rocky”, complete “with blond hair and a tan”. “Rocky Horror” is based on a musical by the same name and stars Tim Curry, Susan Sarandon, and Barry Bostwick. The Rocky Horror Picture Show helped shape conditions of cult film’s transition from art-house to grind-house style. The film developed a cult following in 1976 at the Waverly Theatre in New York, which developed into a standardized ritual. This tradition will continue at the Drive-In; the film screening will come complete with a shadow cast, performing musical numbers live on stage, while they also play overhead on screen! Goodie bags with props will be available for purchase in advance for $5 or $6 at the gate. Bags include rice, newspaper, toilet paper, glow sticks, noisemaker, party hats, a playing card and a red marker for any “virgins” who might be in your car. (Cash only, while supplies last). “So, come up to the lab and see what’s on the slab!” – Frank N. Furter Best Suited for Mature Audiences
HALLOWEEN NIGHT DRIVE-IN: “COCO” @Cal State San Marcos October 31st
$25/Car, Snack Pack available for $20
Pixar’s Halloween family-favorite “Coco” is coming to the Drive-in! Don’t miss this heart-warming family feature to brighten up your Halloween!
The Super Dentists Save Halloween @San Diego, October 31st, 11am-1pm
FREE
This contactless event is FREE & OPEN to the public. To help us plan, please RSVP here! Goody bags for the first 50 cars. Wear a Halloween costume and/or decorate your car! You can dress up in costume, decorate your car, or both. Judges, include Star 94.1 Morning Show Personality, Jesse Lozano, Super prizes like GrubHub Gift Card, Amazon Gift Card and a 43-inch Samsung Smart TV! Stiltwalkers! Music by DJ JC Calleros Special appearance by The Super Dentists characters Halloween balloon art for the kids! Ice cream (sugar-free) by Sweet Treats Ice Cream Truck.
Families who bring non-perishable food items for
Feeding San Diego, will receive The Super Toothbrush with Augmented Reality (ARV $11.99). Items needed include peanut butter and nuts, canned fish or chicken, canned fruit in natural juices or dried fruit with no added sugar, canned chicken, tomato or vegetable soup, and whole-grain oatmeal or cereal.
Looking for more fall events?
