10 Spooky Halloween Events and Destinations for Families

You’ll find perfect family-friendly Halloween fun at Kidspace Children’s Museum with daily costume parades, Discovery Cube’s pumpkin science adventures, and Six Flags’ safe trick-or-treat stations. Explore Descanso Gardens’ illuminated pumpkin trails, Aquarium of the Pacific’s spooky sea creatures, and community events with supervised trick-or-treating. Halloween train rides, kid-appropriate haunted attractions, and neighborhood parades offer budget-conscious thrills without nightmares. These destinations create magical memories while keeping safety first and wallets happy—discover which adventures suit your family best.

Kidspace Children’s Museum Halloween Festivities

Where can families find six weeks of Halloween magic that won’t break the bank? Kidspace Children’s Museum in Pasadena delivers spooky fun from September 19 through October 31.

You’ll enjoy daily costume parades at 11:00 am, 1:00 pm, and 3:00 pm, where kids can march and dance in their favorite outfits.

Your little ones can design monsters in the Adopt-a-Monster workshop, mix safe potions in the Witch’s Kitchen, and enjoy Pumpkin Bowling.

Don’t miss the thrilling trike ride through their Halloween house or special events like the Bob Baker Marionette Theater show on October 5.

All activities come free with museum admission, making it budget-friendly family entertainment.

The museum operates Tuesday through Sunday, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, creating perfect memories for young children. Cap off the season with the grand finale celebration on October 31, featuring a Halloween parade, free face painting, and balloon twisters from 10:30 am to 2:00 pm.

Carved at Descanso Gardens Illuminated Trail

Four weeks of enchanted evenings await families at Carved, Descanso Gardens‘ spectacular illuminated pumpkin trail in La Cañada Flintridge. You’ll stroll along a mile-long path featuring luminous jack-o’-lanterns, hand-carved giant pumpkins, and whimsical storybook vignettes—all without scary elements that might frighten little ones.

Timed entries from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. prevent overcrowding and ensure perfect photo opportunities. Adult tickets range $27–$45, while children (ages 2-12) pay $17–$30. Members save $7 per ticket and get early access.

Don’t miss the glowing Rhizome light sculpture transforming the forest canopy and new ghostly wood characters. The 2025 season introduces a new route with fresh themed vignettes including sea monsters and expanded Día de los Muertos displays.

Budget-friendly daytime visits cost just $18, though you’ll miss the magical after-dark illumination. Allow 45+ minutes for walking, plus time for treats at Harvest Acres.

Six Flags Magic Mountain Tricks and Treats

Six Flags Magic Mountain transforms into a gentler Halloween wonderland during Tricks and Treats, offering families with young children all the thrills without the chills. You’ll enjoy designated trick-or-treating stations throughout the park, where kids can collect candy while exploring familiar routes.

New Halloween-themed characters provide safe meet-and-greet opportunities that won’t frighten younger visitors.

Your park admission covers all rides and Halloween activities, making it budget-friendly entertainment. The event runs on select nights from September 19 through November 2, 2025, giving you flexible scheduling options.

You’ll find festive decorations and age-appropriate entertainment that maintains the Halloween spirit without scary elements. Beyond the family-friendly atmosphere, you can still experience the park’s themed food and drinks that add delicious Halloween flavors to your visit. This daytime alternative to nighttime Fright Fest lets families experience traditional amusement park fun with added Halloween magic.

Discovery Cube Halloween Science Adventures

How can you blend Halloween fun with hands-on learning? Discovery Cube Orange County’s Pumpkin Palooza combines spooky entertainment with educational STEM activities from October 7-31.

You’ll explore interactive science demonstrations, navigate a corn maze, and enjoy Boo’s bumper cars alongside carnival games at the Fall Midway Play Place.

Your $12 admission ticket includes all-day museum access plus evening Halloween programming. Members save with $10 tickets, or snag early-bird pricing at $8 until October 6.

The event runs Thursday through Sunday on most weekends, with expanded scheduling during the final week. Special dance party dates include October 7-8, 12-15, 19-22, and 25-31 for those seeking extra interactive entertainment.

Located at 2500 North Main Street in Santa Ana, the venue opens at 10 AM.

You’ll find trick-or-treat stations, dance parties, and pumpkin sculptures creating an immersive fall experience that’s both educational and entertaining.

Aquarium of the Pacific Scarium Night

The Aquarium of the Pacific transforms into a spine-tingling “Scarium” each October, where you’ll explore marine life after dark during this popular Long Beach Halloween event. You’ll set out on a self-guided scavenger hunt through spooky exhibits, touch sharks and rays in dimly lit pools, and watch sea jellies glow mysteriously.

Your family can enjoy a vampire magician show, participate in costume contests, and trick-or-treat with provided goodie bags. Pacific Pals characters roam the halls while kids’ activity booths keep everyone entertained. The event is designed for all ages to enjoy Halloween festivities together.

Admission costs $26.96 per person, though members save with $16.95 tickets. You must reserve spots by calling (562) 590-3100. Remember: family-friendly costumes only—no face masks, toy weapons, or flashlights allowed for everyone’s safety.

Shoreline Village Zombie Walk and Kids Zone

When October arrives in Long Beach, Shoreline Village hosts its annual Zombie Walk and Halloween Party, transforming the waterfront into a family-friendly undead adventure. You’ll find this thrilling event scheduled for Saturday, October 11, 2025, with festivities running from 2pm to 10pm at Shoreline Village and the Esplanade area.

The main Zombie Walk kicks off at 4pm, encouraging families to dress in creative zombie costumes for the outdoor procession. You can enjoy the dedicated Kids Zone, designed specifically for younger participants who want age-appropriate Halloween fun.

The event welcomes all ages without restrictions, making it perfect for budget-conscious families seeking community entertainment. Due to limited parking at the venue, organizers recommend using rideshare services or public transit to reach the festivities.

Tickets are available through Eventbrite, and the waterfront location provides a safe, well-lit environment for evening festivities. This annual tradition combines Halloween excitement with family accessibility.

Pumpkin Patches and Corn Mazes

Where can families find the perfect pumpkin while enjoying budget-friendly fall activities? Texas pumpkin patches offer exciting adventures for every age group.

You’ll discover corn mazes, hayrides, petting zoos, and bounce houses at locations like Hall’s Pumpkin Farm and Cobbins Family Pumpkin Patch.

Weekend visits cost more, so consider weekday trips to save money. Aubrey Pumpkin Patch charges $12 on weekdays versus $18 on weekends.

Children under two get free admission at most patches, and some locations include free mini pumpkins with kids’ tickets.

Dallas Arboretum features over 100,000 pumpkins in themed displays, while Sunset Hill Tree Farm offers $10 admission on October weekends. The arboretum requires online reservations for all visitors during the fall season.

Most patches operate through October, giving you plenty of time to plan your family’s perfect fall outing.

Haunted Houses for Young Adventurers

How can families enjoy spine-tingling thrills without overwhelming younger children? You’ll find plenty of age-appropriate haunted attractions designed specifically for young adventurers. Markoff’s Haunted Forest in Dickerson, MD stands out as a family-friendly favorite, while the haunted house at 7930 Connecticut Ave in Chevy Chase, MD offers themed rooms and games for just $20 per ticket.

For bigger thrills, consider Haunted Hills Haunted Attractions in Merrillville, IN, which earned a 9.2/10 rating while remaining suitable for kids. Cox Farms Fields of Fear in Virginia features multiple experiences, including the Forest: Back 40 designed for families.

You’ll also discover that Hundred Acres Manor in Bethel Park, PA provides accessible scares with an 8.5/10 rating, ensuring memorable Halloween fun without nightmares. These haunted attractions serve as cultural landmarks that bring families together through shared thrills and seasonal traditions.

Halloween-Themed Train Rides and Attractions

All aboard for Halloween magic! These family-friendly train rides deliver spooky fun without scary nightmares. You’ll find budget-friendly options like Halloween Spook-Track-Ula at $15 per person (free for tots under 2), featuring unlimited train and carousel rides plus safe trick-or-treating.

For longer adventures, consider Boulder City Halloween Express ($30-35) with dance parties and costume contests, or Tweetsie Railroad Ghost Train ($45-65) offering multiple attractions for ages 8+.

Heber Valley’s steam train excursion brings beloved characters like friendly Dracula through musical numbers. Meet the spooky Engineer Bones, the skeletal station master who greets visitors and adds to the themed atmosphere.

Don’t miss pumpkin patch trains where kids select their own pumpkins and enjoy Peanuts characters. Most events run weekends through October, so book early since many require advance tickets and limit daily guests for everyone’s safety and enjoyment.

Community Trick-or-Treat Events and Parades

Beyond themed train adventures, your neighborhood offers countless safe trick-or-treating opportunities that won’t break the bank. Milwaukee County communities host scheduled trick-or-treat hours from October 25-31, with Bay View and Franklin starting Saturday evenings, while Bayside and Brown Deer welcome families Sunday afternoons.

You’ll find exciting alternatives like Harley-Davidson Museum’s free Trunk-or-Treat on October 24, featuring decorated car trunks, live music, and chrome-themed fun. The Jack-O-Lantern Jubilee offers free pumpkins and decorating activities at Baird Community Commons on October 25.

Don’t miss neighborhood parades at Walker Square Park or Downer Avenue’s family festivities. Join the festive Halloween Parade in Greendale on October 26 at 2:30 p.m., which features costume participants, colorful floats, and even a Ghostbusters Ecto-1 replica. These community events provide supervised environments where kids can safely collect treats while parents enjoy affordable entertainment and connect with neighbors.

The Sum Up

You’ll create amazing Halloween memories at these family-friendly destinations! Remember to wear comfortable shoes, bring flashlights for evening events, and pack snacks to save money. Check each venue’s website for ticket discounts and age recommendations before you visit. Don’t forget to dress warmly for outdoor activities and stay close to your little ones in crowded areas. Most importantly, have fun exploring these safe, spooky adventures that won’t break your budget this Halloween season!