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50+ Fun Festive Fall Events in Orange County

Halloween is almost here! Check out these 50+ Family Friendly Halloween Events in Orange County. You can be sure that all of these events are safe and fun for your little ones.

Halloween is almost here!  In Southern California, there are hundreds of Fall and Halloween events taking place throughout the months of September and October.  However, because my family prefers the not-so-spooky events, I have compiled a list of 50+ Family-Friendly Fall & Halloween Events in Orange County.  You can be sure that all of these events are fun and safe for your little ones!

Mickey’s Halloween Party, Disneyland Park, Anaheim (select dates in Sept. & Oct.)

Thrill to chilling Halloween festivities at the most bewitching event of the year at Disneyland on select nights throughout September and October.  Pricing varies.

Howl-O-Ween, Great Wolf Lodge, Garden Grove (10/1 – 10/31)

Whereas other Halloween attractions and activities, such as haunted houses, may be too mature for young kids, this annual Great Wolf Lodge family tradition is the perfect balance of fun and spooky.  In addition to Great Wolf Lodge’s standard waterpark access, guests will be treated to several themed activities, including:

  • Nightly Costume Parades in the Grand Lobby, where children of all ages are welcome to dress in costume for a chance to win a cool prize
  • Spooktacular Story Time every night with the Great Wolf Kids characters
  • Trick-or-Treat Trail, where kids can dress up and walk along a spooky trail within the lodge to collect treats
  • On weekends, guests can enjoy Monster Bash Dance Parties where they can dance and play games

Irvine Park Railroad Pumpkin Patch, Irvine Regional Park, Orange (9/17 – 10/31 @ 10 am – 5 pm)

Irvine Park Railroad’s Pumpkin Patch in Orange County is fun for the entire family! Come out and enjoy the many activities for kids of all ages. The Pumpkin Patch is located just behind the train station and admission is free.

Kinderfest, Old World German Village, Huntington Beach (every Sunday from 9/18 – 10/30 @ 2 – 7:30 pm)

Kids can enjoy the dog races, carnival games, face painting, a bouncy house, DoDo the chicken, and join everyone on the dance floor for everyone’s favorite song, the Chicken Dance.  While the kids are having fun, the adults can enjoy their great selection of German Beers and amazing sausages.  Pricing: $7 adults / $3 kids  (6-12) / free for kids 5 & under.

Author’s Day: Laura Tovar, Autumn Colors, Pretend City Children’s Museum, Irvine (9/30 @ 11 am)

Singing songs and jingles is a great way to enhance your child’s education! Laura Tovar is joining Pretend City to celebrate their month of literacy.  Everyone will be singing her catalog of “teaching tunes” that are a fun, catchy way to help your child learn!   You will be reading her books and participating in an art lesson as well.

Tanaka Farms U-Pick Pumpkin Patch & Tours, Irvine (10/1 – 10/31 @ 9 am – 6 pm)

The Pumpkin Patch provides an exciting environment for adults and children of all ages!  Enjoy the Wagon Ride around their 30 acre farm! ($5 ages 2 & under free).  Free corn maze.  Pick your own fresh vegetables.  Visit their petting zo0. ($3 ages 2 & under free).  Take pictures with “Tanaka’s Pile of Pumpkins!”  Join them for their harvest festival on the weekends, which includes a pumpkin cannon, food, games, ATV rides and much more! (Priced per activity).

Pumpkin Palooza, Zoomar’s Petting Zoo, San Juan Capistrano (all October long)

Visit the pumpkins, petting zoo, pony rides and more.

Knott’s Spooky Farm, Knott’s Berry Farm, Brea (every weekend in October @ 10 am – 4 pm)

Join Knott’s Berry Farm for their annual Halloween family-friendly celebration called Knott’s Spooky Farm.  This daytime event is a non-scary celebration of cheer rather than fear with shows and activities all geared for kids ages 3-11.

Spooky Science, Discovery Cube OC, Santa Ana (every weekend in October)

Spend this Halloween season dressed up and ready to explore at Discovery Cube’s Spooky Science exhibit! Throughout the month of October, Discovery Cube invites guests to enter the fantastical world of wizards and dragons! Discover enchanting chemistry in the “Wizard of Ooze” stage show, observe and analyze characteristics of real and mythical creatures, and join in on the costume parade.   Along with the programming above, the Cube will host five special costume themed weekends sure to make the little ghouls, goblins and witches scream with excitement!

Acorn Days, O’Neil Regional Park, Trabuco Canyon (10/1 @ 10 am – 2 pm)

Come celebrate Acorn Day under the oaks at O’Neill Regional Park.  It’s a free, family-friendly day of excitement and learning with activities for every age: a very special storytelling session with painting on water, free crafts for kids, a live butterfly enclosure, games, face painting, live music, nature and animal exhibits, a book signing with the author of “How to draw 60 Native CA Plants and Animals, a field guide”, acorn and oak tree planting and much more for the entire family!  Guided nature hikes to the Water Tower will be offered at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m.  Presentations throughout the day include  California Wolf Center, Orange County Bird of Prey Center, The Hummingbird Story and a live butterfly release at 1:30 p.m. by Western Monarch Guardian.  Free event.

Autumn Harvest Festival, Heritage Hill Historical Park, Lake Forest (10/8 @ 4 – 9 pm)

Bring the family to a fun-filled adventure and experience the park transformed into a spooky Halloween festival.  Enjoy the Indiana Jones Trick or Treat Stations, experience the Under the Sea Adventure Maze, and dare to visit the Haunted School House.  Children of all ages can participate in ghoulish games, costume contests and the pumpkin decorating zone. Costumes and trick-or-treat bags are recommended.  Event: $5 per person ages 3 and up.

Bat Night, Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary, Silverado Canyon (10/15 @ 4 – 8 pm)

Are bats flying mice or rats?  Do bats live in graveyards?  To find out these answers and more, Cal State Fullerton’s Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary presents its sixth annual Bat Night.  At a Bat Night, a field ecologist whose research focuses on small mammals, will discuss why people should appreciate Southern California’s furry flyers and not fear them.  The Bat Interpretive Program will take place at 4:30 pm and 6 p.m. for families and 8:15 p.m. for an adult only program (ages 18+).  The price to attend is $5 for adults and children / 4 and under are free.

Scarecrow & Pumpkin Festival, Fairview Park, Costa Mesa (10/15 & 10/16 @ 10:00 am to 3:0 pm)

Free train rides for children hosted by the Orange County Model Engineers.  Build your own scarecrow contest, face painting and rocketeers.  There is a minimal free for pumpkin picking, fire truck rides, food and treats.

The Orange County Great Park Annual Spooktacular Fun Days, Irvine (10/15 – 10/16 & 10/22 – 10/23 @ 9 am – 1 pm)

Enjoy traditional free family-friendly fall activities such as a pumpkin patch, treats, games, crafts, gourmet food trucks and much more.  Families are encourages to come in costume too!  Support hunger relief by having your child bring a bag of canned goods or non-perishable food items to benefit local Orange County food banks.  Each ticketed child (12 & under) bringing a donation will have access to the Orange County Great Park’s Pumpkin Patch and Trick-or-Treat Town, while supplies last.  Registration required for each child ages 1 month to 12 years; space is limited.  Free admission and parking.

42nd Annual Fall Faire and Pumpkin Patch, Environmental Nature Center, Newport Beach (10/16 @ 10 am – 3 pm)

Come explore pumpkins of all shapes and sizes!  There will be face painting, henna tattoos, a native plant sale, children’s crafts, entertainment and story time, games, pony rides, a petting zoo and live animals.  Admission is free.  Prices vary for individual activities.

Pumpkin Patch Park, Coldwell Banker, Huntington Beach (10/16 @ 10 am – 3 pm)

Free community event.  First 1,500 children receive a free pumpkin.  There are also many other activities including a guess the weight of the giant pumpkin contest, carnival games, face painting and balloon creations, a pumpkin decorating table, silent auction and a DJ spinning fun tunes.  Proceeds from games, auction, & raffle prizes plus voluntary donations will benefit the HB Educational Foundation.

Young Authors Workshop-Spooky Tales, Pretend City Children’s Museum, Irvine (10/18  @ 11:30 am)

BOO! Gather ‘round as we share some ghost stories!  This workshop allows children to stretch their imaginations as they create their own spooky tales in the spirit of Halloween.  Storymakery teaches children different aspects of storytelling, including plot, characters, story development, etc.  Whether they decide to imagine a friendly ghost or a spooky zombie, children will design their own story online, using kid-friendly technology!

Kidgits Boo Bash, The Shops at Mission Viejo, Mission Viejo (10/22 @ 10 am – 12 pm)

Put on your spookiest costume and come party with us for Halloween.  Visit the lower level by H&M for fun crafts, treats, and a magic show that starts at 11 am!  Free event.

Pioneer Roundup, Heritage Hill Historical Park, Lake Forest (10/22 @ 2 – 4 pm)

Come meet early pioneer families of the Saddleback area and their descendants as they share stories and visit during the SAHS meeting.  Free.

Kidgits Boo Bash, Brea Mall, Brea (10/22 @ 12 – 2 pm)

Festive Halloween crafts crafts, face painting and a costume contest located in Center Court.  Free event.

Dahony Halloween Haunt, Dahony State Beach Picnic Areas A & B, Dana Point (10/22 @ 6:30 – 8:30 pm)

Don’t miss out on Doheny’s most festive event of the year!  Bring your family and friends to celebrate Halloween in a fun and safe environment with good ole fashioned spookiness, arts and crafts, a fun zone, and an array of educational booths.  There is no charge for admission; however, a donation of one non-perishable food item per person is greatly appreciated.  Don’t’ forget to dress up those little ones!

Trunk or Treat, Los Alamitos Recreation & Community Services, Los Alamitos (10/22 @ 5 – 9 pm)

This free community event features a treasure hunt, trunk-or-treating, games, a costume contest and more.

Boo At The Zoo, Santa Ana Zoo, Santa Ana (10/22, 10/23, 10/28, 10/29 & 10/30 @ 5:30 – 8 pm)

A “Merry not Scary” family friendly event where everyone is encouraged to come in costume! One of the safest places for children (ages 2-12) to trick-or-treat for Halloween enjoying goodies from 10 Stations.

Costume Week, Pretend City Children’s Museum, Irvine (10/24 – 10/30)

Wear your costume to Pretend City this whole week and receive 25% off your second admission.

Kid’s Club Costume Parade and Halloween Magic, Bella Terra, Huntington Beach (10/24 @ 10:30 – 11:30 am)

Come dressed in costume for a boo-tastic magic show followed by a costume parade!

Trunk or Treat at Kid’s City, Mount of Olives Church, Mission Viejo (10/26 @ 6:00 – 8:30 pm)

Games, decorated cars, treats, food trucks, DJ, costume contest.  Free event.

Treats In The Streets Autumn Festival, Old Town Orange Plaza Area, Orange (10/27 @ 4 – 7 pm)

This free community event includes games, trick or treating, a costume parade, and entertainment for participants of all ages. Local non-profit groups provide delicious food items and tasty treats for a nominal charge.

Halloween Spooktacular & Moonlight Movie, Dana Point Community Center, Dana Point (10/28 @ 3 – 9 pm)

The city of Dana Point will be hosting spooky fun again this year with a moonlight movie (Hotel Transylvania 2), a wizard magic show, cookie decorating, carnival games, crafts and more.

Jack O’ Lantern Jamboree, Atlantis Play Center, Garden Grove (10/28 @ 5:30 – 8:30 pm)

They will be having games, crafts, a spooky train, bounce houses, goodies, and more.  The price is just $8.00 per person (children 2 & under are free).  Space is limited to the first 300 children. Pre-sale tickets are available Oct. 10 through Oct 27 at Garden Grove City Hall, 11222 Acacia Parkway, Garden Grove.  There are no ticket sales at the door.

Trick or Treat Pumpkin Dance Party, Kaleidscope, Mission Viejo (10/29 at 1 – 3:30 pm)

Attend the 6th Annual Trick or Treat Pumpkin Dance Party which will include trick-or-treating, dancing, games, pumpkin decorating and more.  For ages 12 and under.  Picking and painting a pumpkin costs $5.00.

Halloween Fun, Stanton Park, Stanton (10/29 @ 12 – 4 pm)

Join the fun as the annual Halloween Fun with Family and Friends is conducted the Saturday prior to Halloween. This special event is open to ghosts and goblins of all ages and will feature games, DJ entertainment, costume contests, non-profit food booths and a howling good time for everyone. Be sure to bring your trick-or-treat bag!  Free event.

Halloween Zoo-tacular, OC Zoo, Orange (10/29 @ 10 am – 4 pm)

Come see the zoo animals receive treat-filled pumpkins throughout the day!  Fun activities include trick-or-treating, spooky crafts, a scavenger hunt and games.  The first 100 children in costume receive a free gift too!  Activities are free with paid zoo admission of $2.

Halloween Trick-or-Treat Event, Anaheim Plaza, Anaheim (10/29 @ 11 am – 1 pm)

This event is for the whole family and will include giveaways, balloon art, face painting and a kid friendly DJ. Free Tick-or-Treat Bag and Flashlight for the first 100 kids.

Anaheim Fall Festival & Halloween Parade, Anaheim (10/29)

Since 1924, Halloween has held special magic for the people of Anaheim. A nighttime pageant of ghosts, goblins, jack-o’-lanterns, and witches stretching a mile and a half through the darkened streets of downtown, the annual Anaheim Halloween Parade has become a Southern California family favorite.

A Ghostly Affair, Laguna Hills Community Center and Sports Complex, Laguna Hills (10/29 @ 5:30 – 7:00 pm)

Dress up in your favorite costume and join us for an afternoon of hair-raising fun.  Our Ghostly Affair includes exciting games, terrific trick-or-treating, tons of prizes and plenty of opportunities for great pictures.  For ages 6 and under.  $5 per child.

Healthy HalloweenPretend City Children’s Museum, Irvine (10/30 @ 11 am – 5 pm)

This time of year brings lots of treats and sweets into kids’ lives that may make them fall into a junk food funk. Serving Kids Hope is joining Pretend City to share fun tips and tricks to keep your kids eating healthy this Halloween.

Happy Hallowiener Doggy Dress Up & Races and Kids Costume Day, Old World German Village, Huntington Beach (10/30 @ 2 – 4 pm)

Attend the Wiener Dog Championship Races during the final days of Oktoberfest at Old World.  There will also be a costume contest for children ages 12 and under as well.

Trick-or-Treat Through The City, Pretend City Children’s Museum, Irvine (10/31 @ 10 am – 1 pm)

Pirates, Ghosts, & Princesses Pretty!  On Halloween, Pretend City is having a special trick-or-treat extravaganza for all our friends! Stop by the museum and take part in our Halloween Bug Bash as well as trick-or-treat at different stations through the city! We will surely have a ghouly good time!

Halloween Boo Bash, Laguna Hills Mall, Laguna Hills (10/31 @ 1 – 3 pm)

Join the shops of Laguna Hills Mall for a free time of trick-or-treating, balloon twisters, dancing, music and crafts.

Fall Spooktacular, Aliso Viejo Library, Aliso Viejo (10/31 @ 4 – 5 pm)

Come in costume and enjoy a Musical Monster Mash Up puppet show and treats for all ages.  Free for all.

City of Cypress Halloween Carnival, Cypress Community Center, Cypress (10/31 @ 6 pm)

Family Games, Entertainment and Trick or Treat.  Food will be sold for an additional cost.  Admission is $3 per person.  Children 1 and under are free.

Halloween Howl, Columbus Tustin Activity Center, Tusin (10/31 @ 3 – 5 pm)

Come dressed up for a free afternoon of fun! There will be a costume parade, prizes, carnival-style games, entertainment, and plenty of Halloween treats and candy.  Free.

Trick-or-Treating, Brea Mall, Brea (10/31 @ 4 – 7 pm)

Join us for safe mall wide trick or treating.  Participating retailers will be handing out candy to those dressed in costume.

Kidz Block Party, Brea (10/31)

Attend North Orange County’s Largest Free Halloween Alternative Event at Downtown Brea.  Presente d by The Cause Community Church featuring face painting, pony rides, games, bounce house, petting zoo, rock climbing wall, raffles, prizes, entertainment and free candy.

Main Street Halloween Fest, Downtown Huntington Beach (10/31)

Bring the whole family for a costume contest, candy, inflatables, music, a petting zoo, pony rides and photo opportunities with firetrucks and police cars.

Fall Fest, Compass Bible Church, Aliso Viejo (10/31)

For the past 11 years, Fall Fest has become a favorite event for families to enjoy on Halloween night.  There will be a special Kiddie Corral specifically designed with rides and games just for the wee ones.  There will also be kettle corn, churros, tons of candy, laser tag, pony rides, a rock climbing wall, giant ferris wheel, lots of games booths and the In & Out truck.  The event is free, but there will be a small charge for the food.

Halloween Carnival, La Palma (10/31 @ 6 – 8:30 pm)

Stop by La Palma’s safe, family-oriented alternative to the traditional trick-or-treat!  Kids and families can choose from a variety of activities such as the costume contest for infants to 6th graders with special prizes in each division.  This year’s Halloween Carnival will feature carnival games, a Tea Party for children under the age of 5, and those who dare to find their way through the Queen of Hearts Haunted Maze.  Free.

Trunk-or-Treat, King of Kings Lutheran Church and School, Garden Grove (10/31 @ 6 – 8 pm)

A safe Halloween event with trick or treating, raffle prizes, games and a free taco bowl dinner and drink.  Kids come in costume and there will be lots of photo opportunities.  Free.

Happy Fall!

Jilleen 

More Fall Events in Southern California:

Rise of the Jack O’Lanterns in LA

The Irvine Park Railroad’s Annual Pumpkin Patch

5 Tips for Apple Picking in Oak Glen

Brass Rubbings Celebration in Long Beach

Dana Quebbemann

Thursday 24th of October 2019

Our church, St. Andrews in NB, is running their 2nd annual Trunk or Treat on Wednesday Oct. 30 6-7pm with bounce house, games, food and safe trick or treating for all the kids.

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