If the end of summer has you craving everything related to autumn—from pumpkin-spiced beverages to horror flicks—then head to a California theme park. These Golden State attractions start celebrating Halloween early—a few beginning in late August and some continuing for a few days after October 31.
Early fall is a great time to visit theme parks anyway, as the back-to-school season often means shorter wait time and more enticing deals. In San Diego, for instance, October brings Kids Free San Diego, when kids 11 and under get in free at most major attractions with a paying adult.
Get your season started now at these terrifying haunts, delightfully tame parties, or candy-themed celebrations:
Aug. 21–Oct. 31: Halloween Time at Disneyland Resort, Anaheim
Both Anaheim theme parks kick off the season in a big way: Disneyland Park has the Main Street Pumpkin Festival, a blinged-out and reopened Haunted Mansion, and special Halloween Screams fireworks.
Disney California Adventure Park has its own holiday-themed rides, such as Guardians of the Galaxy: Monsters After Dark, as well as the interactive costume party called Mickey’s Trick and Treat Show. California Adventure also offers the Plaza de la Familia area—live performances, crafts, and an add-your-own Memory Wall—that honors Día de los Muertos and features characters and music from the movie Coco.
Check out more Disneyland Halloween festivities such as the Disney’s Happiest Haunts Guided Tour, which includes special seating for the nighttime show (select dates) or join the Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit game, where you can buy a map to hunt down hidden decorated pumpkins, then collect a prize at the end.
California Adventure also offers the separate-ticket Oogie Boogie Bash on select nights during September and October. Collect goodies on the Treat Trail, enjoy the singers and dancers at a new Haunted Mansion-themed street party, and check out famous Disney villains lurking along the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail.
Sept. 3–Nov. 1: Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood, Los Angeles
This year’s separate-ticket scarefest at the working studio and theme park features a new slate of unnerving scare zones and haunted houses including Sinners, Hellraiser, and Stranger Things 5. Ride the Terror Tram and enjoy the themed dining and merch. Keep in mind that this annual event at the Los Angeles park is intended for ages 13 and up.
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Select dates from Sept. 11–Nov. 1: SeaWorld Spooktacular and Howl-O-Scream, San Diego
San Diego’s ocean-themed park offers two different Halloween experiences. During the day, little kids will love the pirate-themed SeaWorld Spooktacular (select days from Sept. 11–Nov. 1), with pirate parades, a pumpkin patch, candy quests, and trick-or-treat stations. This year includes a new Baby Shark Halloween Show and dance party.
After dark, teens and grown-ups can get their nerves frazzled at Howl-O-Scream (select days from Sept. 11–Oct. 31), with six haunted houses, scare zones, and darkened coasters, including a 3D scare zone called Circus of the Damned. The festivities also include live shows and themed bars, such as one called LaBARatory.
Sept. 17–Oct. 31: Knott’s Scary Farm, Buena Park
The freak-out-fest at Knott’s Berry Farm has been running for more than 50 years now and features more than 1,000 live-action ghosts and ghouls waiting behind every corner (and in the fog!) at the 15-plus mazes, fright zones, and creepy shows. This Buena Park event is intended for ages 13 and up. Also, the park’s current policy states that visitors ages 15 or younger must be accompanied by a chaperone who’s at least 21 to be in the park after 4 p.m.
During the day, there’s plenty to do for little kids. Knott’s Spooky Farm (Sept. 24–Oct. 31) offers trick-or-treating in the park’s Old West area plus seasonal decor, shows, and Peanuts gang sightings in the rest of the park.
Sept. 18–Nov. 1: Fright Fest and Tricks and Treats at Six Flags Magic Mountain, Santa Clarita
At the thrill-ride-packed Magic Mountain, the shrieky fun goes up a notch starting Sept. 18, with the scare zones and haunted houses of Fright Fest. Bring the kids during the day to the Santa Clarita park for the candy, shows, and not-scary fun of Tricks and Treats (select dates from Sept. 19–Nov. 1).
Sept. 19–Nov. 1: Oktoberfest and Tricks and Treats at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, Vallejo
The Bay Area Six Flags will offer daytime fun on fall weekends: the German food, beer and music of the Oktoberfest area and the games, shows, and seasonal treats in the Tricks and Treats zone.
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Sept. 19–Nov. 1: Brick or Treat at LEGOLAND, Carlsbad
Come to LEGOLAND California on select Saturdays and Sundays during September and October for this separate-ticket event at the Carlsbad park. Besides candy stations, the evening experience includes a giant "Halloween tree,” a monster dance party, character meet-and-greets, live shows, a scavenger hunt, and a fun 4D movie. Be sure to ride The Dragon coaster, which gets a special “disco” makeover this time of year.
New this year is the Brick or Treat Street, lined with six life-sized LEGO Monster homes such as Wacky Witch's Cottage and Wolf Guy's Cabin. Knock on the door or ring the doorbell on each, then explore the fun interactive features inside.
Check out the admission deal that applies to Brick or Treat dates: Starting at $39 for kids and $69 for adults, you get admission to the theme park, water park, and SEA LIFE Aquarium.
Sept. 25–Oct. 31: Halloween at Gilroy Gardens, Gilroy
The little kid–friendly park in Gilroy throws a party every weekend evening in October with the theme “Boo Alley,” based on the musical show The Great Big Boo. See characters from the show, including Vinnie the Vampire and Wendella the Witch, and enjoy light displays, trick-or-treating, and special food and drink—including “potion” beverage options for both kids and adults.
More Halloween Events Around California
Want more pumpkin-and-ghoul-themed fun? Check out these California Halloween celebrations and activities located all over the Golden State.
