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As the cool fall air begins to cast its cold spell, the anticipation of Halloween creeps into the hearts of families across the country. With pumpkins ripening on the vine and costumes taking shape, it’s time to enter the world of ghouls, ghosts, and goblins. But don’t worry, Halloween doesn’t have to be scary!
It's the ideal time to gather your loved ones for some spooky, all-ages family fun in San Diego. From haunted trails to pumpkin plunges, this year's Halloween season promises to be a treat for kids of all ages. So grab your broomsticks and flashlights, because we're about to start on an exciting journey through the top 10 Halloween family outings that will leave everyone enchanted!
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For Creative Experimentation
If you’re searching for a Halloween event that’s both entertaining and intuitive, look no further! These events include a wide range of creative activities, such as pumpkin obstacle courses and arts and crafts fairs. Bring your creative hat and get ready to explore Halloween with your lenses wide open.
1. Harvest Festival Original Art & Craft Show
This indoor exposition is the largest and most prominent gathering of artists and craftspeople from throughout the country on the West Coast. Shopping at the showcase is believed to be a truly thrilling experience. Artists from various backgrounds gather to display and discuss their original works of art. There are numerous mediums on display, ranging from photography to woodworking and clothes. There is also a personalized element here; for gifting purposes, the artisans can add a humanized touch to the objects you wish to share with loved ones.
Date: October 13 to October 15, 2023
Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (extended hours Friday and Saturday, and early closure Sunday)
Tickets: General Admission: $9 (Under 12 are Free)
Location: Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., 92014
Website: https://harvestfestival.com/
2. Glow-n-Float Pumpkin Patch at Plunge Pool
Join this new immersive pumpkin patch experience, which offers a unique nocturnal adventure near the heart of San Diego. A night of family fun and excitement is in store. Guests can take photos of hundreds of floating pumpkins as well as some of the city's largest actual pumpkins. Each attendee will be given glow gear, transforming the venue into a magnificent nocturnal wonderland. Aside from the pumpkin farm, the event will include a heated swimming pool with a sliding roof, a dry bounce house, a floating obstacle course, and a variety of games and activities for people of all ages. Prizes, sweets, and freebies will be offered to all guests, and beverages will be served to those of legal drinking age. This event is guaranteed to appeal to families searching for a one-of-a-kind and memorable Halloween experience.
Date: October 27, 2023
Time: 5:30 to 8 p.m.
Tickets: Pre-sale starting at $20 (under 3 is $5)
Location: Belmont Park
Website: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/plungesandiego1/992931
3. Pumpkin Plunge
Plunge San Diego is converting into a unique pumpkin paradise this year, and they're providing a one-of-a-kind fall swim experience. Guests may immerse themselves in a world of pumpkin fantasy, with floating pumpkins, adorned pumpkins throughout the facilities, and a private pumpkin enclosure that can be booked for celebrations or photo ops. The Pumpkin Paradise also offers a range of family-friendly activities, including a Glow N Float Pumpkin Patch event on October 27th. This event will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on families. Whether you’re seeking a fun and unique way to celebrate the fall season or simply want to take a swim in a genuinely gorgeous setting, Plunge San Diego’s Pumpkin Paradise is the place to be.
Date: September 9 to October 31, 2023
Time: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Tickets: Swim passes are $15 and Up (Under 2 are $5)
Location: Plunge, San Diego
Website: https://www.facebook.com/events/135051506299171/135051539632501/?ref=newsfeed
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For a Day of Fun
Looking for a Halloween event that is all about excitement and fun? These events have something for everyone, from historic train rides and games to live music and parental beer gardens. There will undoubtedly be enough to keep your entire family entertained throughout the day. So dress to impress and prepare to have a spooktacular time!
4. The Pumpkin Express • Departs from Campo, CA
The Pacific Southwest Railway Museum Association’s annual Pumpkin Express train journey provides a one-of-a-kind Halloween experience this year. Coach and First Class tickets are offered for passengers to ride decorated historic rail cars through the gorgeous San Diego County backcountry. When the train comes back to the museum grounds, travelers can enjoy pumpkin decorating, viewing Halloween scenery, and visiting haunted train cars. Every toddler and child ticket includes a pumpkin, and additional pumpkins can be purchased for $5 apiece. Passengers of all ages are urged to dress up for this genuinely spooky occasion. Don’t miss out on this one-of-a-kind Halloween adventure! Purchase your tickets today and join the excitement on the Pumpkin Express!
Date: October 7 to October 29, 2023 (Saturdays and Sundays)
Departure Times: 10:30 a.m., 11:45 a.m., 1:45 p.m., and 3:00 p.m.
Tickets: Starting at Adults 18+ $24.95, Children 3 to 17 $18.95, Toddler Under 3 $9.95, Under 1 FREE
Location: Campo Depot located at 750 Depot St., Campo, CA 91906
Website: https://www.psrm.org/pumpkin/
5. Harvest Walk at Belmont Park
Belmont Park will be transformed into a harvest festival with local flavors that are fun for everyone. Belmont Park is undergoing a face-lift for the fall season with a bustling open-air market that includes local food vendors, craftsmen, and a craft beer garden. A new go-kart track will be available for speedsters, and classic movie vehicles will be shown on display. For the youngster thrills, there will be free trick-or-treating, street magic, and decorations, alongside other activities that await visitors’ viewing. And don’t forget to miss one of California’s largest pumpkins on exhibit. Guests get the opportunity to predict the pumpkin’s weight for a chance to win a reward. And here’s a progressive twist: Belmont Park has partnered with the San Diego Humane Society to offer meet and greets with adoptable pets. This is going to be a real treat, filled with magic and mystery at every turn. Each Saturday, special events are scheduled, so make sure to check out their website to get the inside scoop.
Date: October 24 to November 14: Saturdays Only
Time: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Tickets: Free Admission
Location: Belmont Park
Website: https://www.belmontpark.com/fall-walk/
6. Dunkin for Pumpkins
The Del Mar Beach Resort & Marina in Oceanside is inviting families out for a fun and colorful kayak pumpkin hunt on October 29th. This event will include five individual pumpkin hunt competitions organized by age category, with the first heat beginning at 11:00 AM and the last heat ending at 1:45 PM. Participants will be able to kayak through the beautiful Oceanside Harbor in search of pumpkins. Following the hunt, guests can enjoy food, crafts, and music. The event is expected to be popular with children of all ages. In exchange for gathering pumpkins, all participants will receive a goody bag. Participants are invited and encouraged to stay and enjoy the event’s celebratory festivities. Begin your pumpkin hunt planning today and reserve your spot.
Date: Sunday, October 29
Time: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Tickets: Free to Experience
Ages: 5–18
Location: Del Mar Marina, Oceanside
Website: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dunkin-for-pumpkins-halloween-kayak-haunt-tickets-709619720687
7. Harry Potter-Themed Tea
The Britannia Tearooms provides a one-of-a-kind afternoon tea experience, with a distinctive Harry Potter menu created specifically for this event. They have an in-house baker who produces fresh scones, sandwiches, and other delicacies on a regular basis to ensure that everything presented is crisp and fresh. Let this Halloween event inspire you to spend a pleasant and scary afternoon with friends or family at the Britannia Tearooms. They will gladly provide you with a frightening tea time and a voracious meal. They specialize in creating theme-inspired menus that include a range of savory and sweet treats, so prepare your palate for a drool-worthy fall festive occasion. Remember to book your seat before it is taken.
Date: September 15 to October 8, 2023
Time: 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Tickets: $59.95
Location: The Britannia Tearooms, 2323 Midway Drive (Point Loma), 92110
Email: info@afternoonteasandiego.com
Website: https://www.afternoonteasandiego.com/evenmenu
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For the Eerie Vibes
If you’re searching for a Halloween event that will give you a good scare while being family-friendly, look no further! These events include everything from haunted houses and mazes to oddity markets and historical storytelling. But don’t worry; there’s always enough entertainment to be had. So assemble your family and prepare for a night of Halloween excitement!
8. Haunted Trail
The Haunted Trail of Balboa Park is back and better than ever! The 3,500-square-foot eXperiment Maze and a mile-long, scary outdoor trail through tangled trees and gnarled oaks are both returning this year. The eXperiment Maze is an excellent place to begin your ghostly adventure. After you’ve made it through the maze, expect anything at the Haunted Trail of Balboa Park. The ghouls and goblins are coming to frighten you, and they’re not afraid to approach close. But don’t worry; there’s also plenty of entertainment to be experienced. The Haunted Trail is a fantastic spot to let loose and scare your friends and family. Parking in Balboa Park is free, but the event requires a ticket; score yours today.
Date: September 22 to October 31, 2023
Time: 7 to 10 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday. Extended Hours: Friday and Saturday.
Tickets: Starting at $32.99
Location: Balboa Park
Email: hauntedhotel@yahoo.com
Website: https://balboapark.org/event/haunted-trail-2/2023-10-14/
9. Night Market Pop-Up Shop Halloween
This event piqued my interest due to its unusual location at Artifacts & Artichokes, a plant and oddity boutique. I’m not sure where else you could find a Rare Plant Vault, a Black Market Oddities Gallery, and Halloween pop-up shops all in the same location! I’m also looking forward to seeing the range of local artists and businesses who will be present at the event. From handmade jewelry and apparel to eerie home decor and Tarot readings, I’m sure there will be something for everyone. Dress up in your best Halloween costume for a chance to win a $50 gift certificate to Artifacts & Artichokes! If you’re looking for a fun and unique way to spend Halloween, I highly recommend checking out this night market.
Date: Saturday, October 14, 2023
Time: 4 to 8 p.m
Tickets: Free Admission
Location: Artifacts and Artichokes, 7549 Mission Gorge Rd., 92120
Instagram: @shopartifactsandartichokes
Website: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/night-market-pop-up-shop-halloween-tickets-706428525737
10. Del Dios Los Muertos Celebration
The Oceanside Dia de los Muertos Festival is a treasured community event that celebrates life and death in a totally unique and beautiful way. This year’s festival is extra unique because it returns to its original venue in downtown Oceanside. The Dia de los Muertos Festival is a family-friendly festival with free entrance, family-friendly activities, a varied choice of merchants, low-rider and classic car shows, music, art, and more. Mark your calendars for this special event, which is celebrating its 22nd annual festival, whether you’re a local or just passing through Oceanside.
Date: Sunday, October 22, 2023
Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Tickets: Free Public Admission
Location: Downtown Oceanside, 311 N Tremont St., Oceanside, CA 92054
Email: osidedia@gmail.com
Website: https://www.friendsofoceansidediadelosmuertos.org/
As Halloween approaches in Southern California, the opportunities for family fun appear limitless. From thrilling haunted houses to lovely pumpkin festivals, Southern California has something for everyone. As we near the end of our exploration of the top ten Halloween family fun activities in the region, one thing becomes crystal clear: the spirit of togetherness and adventure is what truly makes this season significant.
So, whether you’re carving jack-o’-lanterns, dressing up in eerie costumes, or telling ghost stories around floating pumpkins, remember that the beauty of Halloween is found in the memories we make with loved ones. As the moon rises and the shadows lengthen, embrace the spirit of this magical holiday and make this Halloween a treasured chapter in your family’s memory book.
And parents, don’t forget to read my piece on “10 Spooktacular San Diego Halloween Escapades for 2023.” I extend my best wishes for a deliciously spooky, safe, and unforgettable Halloween season from The Flawless Footprint’s broomstick to your door!
