Spooktacular Halloween & Fall Activities in San Diego 2025

Halloween-fall-activities-san-diego

Spooktacular Halloween & Fall Activities in San Diego 2025

San Diego's spooktacular Halloween and fall events include costume contests, pumpkin patches, corn mazes, trick-or-treat spots, not-so-spooky encounters and other haunted happenings.

**Don't forget to call/check websites to confirm dates, times and admission prices. Pick up the October issue of San Diego Family Magazine at a location near you or read it online here for even more ways to celebrate!

Featured Events 2025

Halloween Aglow. Two nights of Halloween festivities with an educational twist. From unusual animals to eerie illuminations, celebrate the wonders and mysteries of the ocean. Oct. 24 & 25, 6–8:30 pm. $40–$45; 2 & under free. Birch Aquarium, 2300 Expedition Way. www.aquarium.ucsd.edu

FREE Pumpkin Station. Giant slides, rides, petting zoo, pumpkins and more. Attractions require a separate ticket. Daily, Sept. 26-Oct. 31. Hours vary by location. Mission Valley, 1686 Camino Del Rio N.; Del Mar, 15555 Jimmy Durante Blvd.; Plaza Bonita, 3030 Plaza Bonita Rd., Rancho Bernardo Farm, 13421 Highland Valley Rd. & Bonita Pumpkin Farm, 5354 Sweetwater Rd. www.pumpkinstation.com

Family Christmas Tree Farm Pumpkin Patch. Pumpkins, tractor rides, hay maze and more. Sept. 26-Oct. 31. Open daily, 10 am–8 pm. $6. 300 Pepper Dr., El Cajon. www.familychristmastreefarm.com

FREE San Diego Family Fun Fest: Halloween. Spooky activities, resource booths, crafts and more. Oct. 19, 10 am–1 pm. The Salvation Army Kroc Center Corner Zone, 6845 University Ave. www.sandiegofamily.com Register: www.eventbrite.com/e/san-diego-family-fun-fest-halloween-tickets-1458441540909

FREE The Super Dentists 26th Annual Spooktacular. Costume contests, prizes and more. Oct. 25, 11 am–2 pm. 2226 Otay Lakes Rd. www.thesuperdentists.com

Howl-O-Ween Harvest Family Festival. Fall-themed hands on animal encounters, festive crafts and more. Oct. 11, 18, 25 & 26. 9 am–1 pm. $10–$19. Helen Woodward Animal Center, 6447 Helen Woodward Way, Rancho Santa Fe. www.animalcenter.org

October

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Haunted Trails at Dos Picos. Multiple thrills and chills await those who dare to take on this fun, family-friendly, 1/2-mile walk through the woods. 5–9 pm. Parking, $5. Dos Picos County Park, 17953 Dos Picos Park Rd., Ramona. www.sdparks.org

FREE HauntFest on Main. Carnival rides, costume contests, crafts and more. 4–9 pm. Downtown El Cajon. www.elcajon.gov

Family Christmas Tree Farm Pumpkin Patch. Pumpkins, tractor rides, hay maze and more. Sept. 26-Oct. 31. Open daily, 10 am–8 pm. $6. 300 Pepper Dr., El Cajon. www.familychristmastreefarm.com

Autumn Festival at the Safari Park. Amazing wildlife, special entertainment and delicious culinary comforts await. Weekends in Oct., 9 am–7 pm. Included with admission. 15500 San Pasqual Valley Rd., Escondido. www.sdzsafaripark.org

Fright for Future. Step into a haunted maze of "true terrors" bringing scary issues concerning people, planet and animals to light this Halloween. For ages 10+. Oct. 17–19 & 24–26. $10. 3720 El Cajon Blvd. www.frightforfuture.org

Sherman Heights Día de los Muertos. Community altars, craft workshops and more. Altar viewing Oct. 14-Nov. 2. Sherman Heights Community Center, 2258 Island Ave. www.shermanheightscc.org/ddlm

FREE Pumpkin Patch at Summers Past Farms. Pumpkin patch, corn maze, hay fort and more. Through Oct. 31. 15602 Olde Hwy. 80, Flinn Springs. www.summerspastfarms.com

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Howl-O-Ween Harvest Family Festival. Fall-themed hands on animal encounters, festive crafts and more. Oct. 18, 25 & 26. 9 am–1 pm. $10–$19. Helen Woodward Animal Center, 6447 Helen Woodward Way, Rancho Santa Fe. www.animalcenter.org

Autumn Harvest Teas. A harvest-themed version of the Cottage Classic Tea. Through Oct. 20. 11:30 am, 1 & 2:30 pm. $14.95–$39.95. Julian Tea & Cottage Arts, 2124 Third St. Reservations required: www.juliantea.com

Pumpkin Plunge. Bounce house, a floating pumpkin patch and more. 5–8 pm. $15; 3 & under free. Alga Norte Aquatics Center, 6565 Alicante Rd. Register: www.carlsbadca.gov

FREE University Heights Fall Festival. Pumpkin patch, lawn games, hayrides and more. 12–5 pm. Birney Field, 4324 Park Blvd. www.uhfallfestival.com

Fall Fam Fest. Fun fall games & activities, photo opps, pumpkins and more. 10 am–2 pm. Williams Barn, Walnut Grove Park, 1952 Sycamore Dr., San Marcos. RSVP: www.hopeonthehardroad.org/event/fall-family-festival/

Rooftop Cinema Club: “Wicked: Family Karaoke.” The perfect night out for anyone who knows every word to “Defying Gravity.” 1 pm. $11–$17. Manchester Grand Hyatt, 1 Market Pl. Full schedule: https://rooftopcinemaclub.com

Hoot, Howl and Prowl. Docents dressed as native critters bring the Blue Sky alive. 5:30–7:15 pm. $6. Blue Sky Ecological Reserve, 16275 Espola Rd., Poway. www.poway.org

FREE Halloween Spooktacular. Halloween-themed kid crafts, face painting, balloon twisting, trick or treat stations and more. 11 am–1 pm. Plaza Paseo Real, 6941- 6985 El Camino Real, Carlsbad. www.plazapaseoreal.com

Boo! At the Zoo. Candy stations, apple cider and flashlights. Today, tomorrow, Oct. 25 & 26, 6 pm. $23–$45. Wild Wonders, Bonsall. www.wildwonders.org

FREE Spooky Trails at Hellhole Canyon Preserve. Birds of prey presentation, movie and more. 4–8:30 pm. 19324 Santee Ln., Valley Center. www.sdparks.org

FREE Halloween Carnival. 10 am–5 pm. Miramar Ranch Elementary School, 10770 Red Cedar Dr. Details: www.miramarranch.org

Fall Antique Tractor Show. Kids’ activities, crafts, games and more. Today, tomorrow & Oct. 25–26. 9 am–4 pm. $10; under 6 free. Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum, 2040 N. Santa Fe Ave., Vista. www.agsem.com

Howl-o-Ween 3–5K Mutt Run/Walk. Costume contest, prizes and more. 8:30 am. $55–$75. Road Runner Sports, 5553 Copley Dr. www.labsandmore.org

Trick-or-Treat at Santee Lakes. Saturdays in Oct., 6–7 pm. 9310 Fanita Pkwy., Santee. www.santeelakes.com

Looking for local pumpkin patches? Click here to find a pumpkin patch near you!

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FREE Pumpkin Patch at Waterfront Park. Crafts, inflatables, costume contest, pumpkins for kids and more. 11 am–2 pm. 1600 Pacific Hwy. www.sdparks.org

San Dieguito County Park Fall Festival. Activities, crafts and more. 10 am–1 pm. Parking, $5. 1628 Lomas Santa Fe Dr., Del Mar. www.sdparks.org

Howl-O-Sprint 5K & Kids Fun Run. This 3.1-mile course will take you on a thrilling and chilling journey through the grounds of SeaWorld. 5K, 7 am; Fun Run, 8:30 am. $33–$77. 500 Sea World Dr. www.seaworldsandiego.com

FREE Fallbrook Harvest Faire. Pumpkin & costume contests, pumpkin patch and more. 9 am–4 pm. Main Ave. www.fallbrookchamberofcommerce.org

HalGLOWeen. Eerie-sistible entertainment, interactive festivities and lots of spooky surprises. Every Fri.–Sun. in October, 5–9 pm. Included with admission. San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park. https://zoo.sandiegozoo.org/halgloween

Julian Autumn Jubilee. Hayride, candle dipping, treasure hunt and more. Weekends through Oct. 26. Saturdays, 10 am–3 pm & Sundays, 11 am–3 pm. Fort Cross, 4425 Hwy. 78, Santa Ysabel. Tickets: www.fortcross.com

Fright for Future. Step into a haunted maze of "true terrors" bringing scary issues concerning people, planet and animals to light this Halloween. For ages 10+. Oct. 19 & 24–26. $10. 3720 El Cajon Blvd. www.frightforfuture.org

Fall Antique Tractor Show. Kids’ activities, crafts, games and more. Oct. 19, 25–26. 9 am–4 pm. $10; under 6 free. Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum, 2040 N. Santa Fe Ave., Vista. www.agsem.com

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Spooky Campover. A one-of-a-kind sleepover at the sanctuary with pumpkin carving, a spooky trivia hunt and more. Today & tomorrow. $55–$80. Lions, Tigers & Bears, 24402 Martin Way, Alpine. www.lionstigersandbears.org

Haunted Hangar Halloween Bash: Goonies Edition. A night full of pirate mischief, eerie shipboard sights and non-stop family fun. 6:30–9:30 pm. $20. USS Midway Museum, 910 N. Harbor Dr. www.midway.org

FREE Tierrasanta Trunk-or-Treat. Candy, food, games and more. 5–8 pm. Newbreak Church, 10791 Tierrasanta Blvd. https://newbreak.church/

FREE Halloween Carnival. Food vendors, game booths, prizes and more. Costumes encouraged. 5:30–8 pm. Ellen Browning Scripps Elementary School, 11778 Cypress Canyon Rd. https://ebscripps.sandiegounified.org

Summer Movies in the Park: “Hocus Pocus.” Movie starts at 5 pm. Spring Valley & Chula Vista. Full schedule: www.summermoviesinthepark.com

FREE Movies in the Moonlight: “Hotel Transylvania.” Movie starts at dusk. Escaya Park, 1075 Camino Prado. www.chulavistaca.gov/rec

Sherman Heights Día de los Muertos. Community altars, craft workshops and more. Altar viewing Oct. 17-Nov. 2. Sherman Heights Community Center, 2258 Island Ave. www.shermanheightscc.org/ddlm

Looking for local pumpkin patches? Click here to find a pumpkin patch near you!

saturday | 25

FREE The Super Dentists 26th Annual Spooktacular. Costume contests, prizes and more. Oct. 25, 11 am–2 pm. 2226 Otay Lakes Rd. www.thesuperdentists.com

Halloween Aglow. Two nights of Halloween festivities with an educational twist. From unusual animals to eerie illuminations, celebrate the wonders and mysteries of the ocean. Oct. 25, 6–8:30 pm. $40–$45; 2 & under free. Birch Aquarium, 2300 Expedition Way. www.aquarium.ucsd.edu

Howl-O-Ween Harvest Family Festival. Fall-themed hands on animal encounters, festive crafts and more. Oct. 25 & 26. 9 am–1 pm. $10–$19. Helen Woodward Animal Center, 6447 Helen Woodward Way, Rancho Santa Fe. www.animalcenter.org

Ghouls, Goblins & Giggles Show. "Magical Ventriloquist" Steve Taylor returns to the Balboa Park Puppet Theater on Oct. 25 and 26 to celebrate Halloween with family-friendly shows at 11 am and 2 pm. Tickets on sale now. Purchase tickets in advance at balboaparkpuppets.com/products/tickets or at the box office the day of each show. GA: $10, $7 for military and seniors. Each show lasts approx. 40 minutes. Marie Hitchcock Puppet Theater, 2130 Pan American Rd. https://balboaparkpuppets.com

FREE Once Upon a Hallowe’en. Halloween parade, carnival games, train rides and more. 4–9 pm. Activities, $1. Old Poway Park, 14134 Midland Rd. www.poway.org

Halloween Family Campout. A ranger-led spooky night hike, costume contest, trick-or-treating and a craft. 1 pm through tomorrow, 10 am. $78. Lake Poway, 14644 Lake Poway Rd. www.poway.org

Halloween in the Village. Safe trick-or-treating between businesses with games and festive fun. 2695 State St., Carlsbad. www.carlsbad-village.com

Pumpkin Bash. Watch the animals dig into their special pumpkin treats filled with tasty surprises. 10 am. $35–$60. Lions, Tigers & Bears, 24402 Martin Way, Alpine. www.lionstigersandbears.org

FREE Boo Bash 2025. A Halloween party for LGBTQ+ youth and their families. 2–5 pm. 3845 Spring Dr., Spring Valley. Register: tinyurl.com/TFSSBooBash

Spooky Campover. A one-of-a-kind sleepover at the sanctuary with pumpkin carving, a spooky trivia hunt and more. Oct. 25-26. $55–$80. Lions, Tigers & Bears, 24402 Martin Way, Alpine. www.lionstigersandbears.org

Costume Contest and Parade. 9 am–1 pm. $10, parking. Bates Nut Farm, 15954 Woods Valley Rd., Valley Center. www.batesnutfarm.biz

The Rocky Horror Picture Show 50th Anniversary Spectacular Tour. A screening of the original unedited movie with a live shadow cast and audience participation. 8 pm. Starting at $58. Balboa Theatre, 868 Fourth Ave. www.sandiegotheatres.org

HalGLOWeen. Eerie-sistible entertainment, interactive festivities and lots of spooky surprises. Every Fri.–Sun. in October, 5–9 pm. Included with admission. San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park. https://zoo.sandiegozoo.org/halgloween

Trick-or-Treat at Santee Lakes. Saturdays in Oct., 6–7 pm. 9310 Fanita Pkwy., Santee. www.santeelakes.com

Fall Antique Tractor Show. Kids’ activities, crafts, games and more. Oct. 25–26. 9 am–4 pm. $10; under 6 free. Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum, 2040 N. Santa Fe Ave., Vista. www.agsem.com

Trunk or Treat. Get ready for a spooktacular time at our annual Trunk or Treat extravaganza! Little ghouls and goblins can roam through a festively decked-out Museum, hunting for sweet treasures and delightful surprises. 10 am–1 pm. Kids 12 & under and parents of costumed children free. San Diego Automotive Museum, Balboa Park. https://www.facebook.com/SanDiegoAutomotiveMuseum

FREE Halloween Spooktacular at The Forum Carlsbad. Families are invited to enjoy an afternoon of festive fun, including center-wide trick-or-treating, lively music, carnival-style games, and interactive encounters with favorite Halloween characters. 2-5 pm. www.theforumcarlsbad.com/events/the-forum-carlsbad-halloween-spooktacular-2025

FREE Encinitas Día de los Muertos. Art exhibits, workshops and more. 12–4 pm. MiraCosta College, 3333 Manchester Ave., Cardiff. www.encinitasarts.org

FREE Balboa Park Spooktacular. Carnival games, costume contests and prizes. 9:30 am-12:30 pm. 2111 Pan American Plaza. https://www.sandiego.gov/sites/default/files/2025-08/bpcaspooktacular.pdf

To find a family friendly Dia de los Muertos event near you click here!

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Howl-O-Ween Harvest Family Festival. Fall-themed hands on animal encounters, festive crafts and more. Oct. 26. 9 am–1 pm. $10–$19. Helen Woodward Animal Center, 6447 Helen Woodward Way, Rancho Santa Fe. www.animalcenter.org

FREE Trick-or-Treat on India Street. A Nightmare Before Christmas-themed Piazza della Famiglia featuring a giant Jack Skellington and towering pumpkin stacks for photos and more. 3:30–7:30 pm. Little Italy. www.littleitalysd.com

Halloween Movie in the Park: “Hocus Pocus.” 6:15–10 pm. $1. Old Poway Park, 14134 Midland Rd. www.poway.org

FREE Belmont Park Fall Car Show & Trunk or Treat. Costumes, candy, music and more. 3–6 pm. 3146 Mission Blvd. www.belmontpark.com

FREE Halloween at the Station. Inflatable obstacle courses, crafts, trick-or-treating and more. Costumes encouraged. 12–4 pm. Ingram Plaza, Liberty Station. www.libertystation.com

Haunted House. Through Oct. 30. 6:30–8:30 pm. $1. For ages 5+. Old Poway Park, 14134 Midland Rd. www.poway.org

FREE Fallbrook Halloween Festival. Trick-or-treating, kids’ corner and more. 11 am–4 pm. Rainbow Valley Grange, 2160 Rainbow Valley Blvd. www.fallbrookchamberofcommerce.org

A Haunting in Venice Cruises. An eerie journey through the canals, guided by masked gondoliers and set to haunting organ music inspired by "A Haunting in Venice." Through Oct. 31. The Gondola Company, 503 Grand Caribe Causeway, Coronado. www.gondolacompany.com

Fright for Future. Step into a haunted maze of "true terrors" bringing scary issues concerning people, planet and animals to light this Halloween. For ages 10+. Oct. 19 & 24–26. $10. 3720 El Cajon Blvd. www.frightforfuture.org

FREE Mountain Valley Ranch Pumpkin Patch. Corn maze, petting zoo, corn cannon and more. Through Oct. 31, 9 am–6 pm. 842 Hwy. 78, Ramona. www.mountainvalleyranch.com

Looking for a corn or hay maze to try out with the kids? Click here to find one near you!

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Halloween

FREE Encinitas Safe Trick-or-Treat. The streets are transformed into a Halloween haven where children can roam freely, collecting treats from participating businesses and booths. 5–8 pm. S. Coast Hwy. 101. www.encinitas101.com

FREE Trick-or-Treating in La Mesa Village. Trick-or-treating, pet costume contest and more. 4–6 pm. La Mesa Blvd. between 4th St. & Acacia. www.lamesavillageassociation.org

FREE Trick-or-Treat at Carmel Mountain Ranch Town Center. Children ages 12 & under in costumes can trick-or-treat. 3–5 pm. Just East of I-15 at Carmel Mountain Rd. & Highland Rd.

FREE Treats on Halloween. Stop by businesses displaying a bright orange pumpkin in their windows. For children 12 & under, dressed in costume and with an adult. Bring a treat bag to collect your goodies. 3–5 pm. Eastlake Parkway & Miller Dr., Chula Vista. www.shopvillagewalk.com

FREE Trick-or-Treat at Eastlake Village Marketplace. Children ages 12 & under dressed in costume and accompanied by an adult will receive free treats from participating businesses. 3–5 pm. Cor. of Otay Lakes Rd. & EastLake Pkwy., Chula Vista. www.shopeastlakemarketplace.com

Sherman Heights Día de los Muertos. Community altars, craft workshops and more. Altar viewing Oct. 14-Nov. 2. Sherman Heights Community Center, 2258 Island Ave. www.shermanheightscc.org/ddlm

Organic Trick-or-Treat. Supervised Kids Zone on the back patio with games, contests and organic trick-or-treat stations. While the little ones play, their grown-ups can relax with dinner and drinks. GOODONYA Organic Eatery, 1051 S Coast Hwy. 101, Encinitas.

FREE Trick-or-Treating at Mission Valley. Stop by participating retailers to collect candy and treats, while supplies last. Stores taking part will display a decal on their windows for easy identification. Guests are encouraged to wear costumes (costumes with weapons are not permitted). As a special bonus, anyone who donates a coat on Halloween at the center’s Coat Donation Kiosk (located outside Footlocker and Tilly’s) will receive a free bag filled with festive Halloween toys as a thank-you for giving back. Oct. 31, 3-6 pm. Mission Valley Mall, 1640 Camino Del Rio North. www.mission-valley.com/event/31154-trick-or-treating-at-mission-valley

FREE Creepy Candy Crawl. Enjoy a festive Halloween afternoon of trick-or-treating, costumes and family fun throughout La Jolla Village. Children and families are welcome to “pillage the village,” collecting candy from local shops and businesses marked with festive balloons. Highlights include trick-or-treating, costume contest, goodie bags and more. Oct. 31, 3-6 pm. La Jolla Village. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/creepy-candy-crawl-tickets-1740323537549

To find a family friendly Dia de los Muertos event near you click here!

Halloween-fall-candy-activities

Halloween Candy Buy-Backs

Did you know that Americans purchase nearly 600 million pounds of candy every year just for Halloween? Much of that will be devoured immediately, but most will linger around the house to tempt you for days and weeks to come. Why not save your family the extra calories by donating leftover candy? With a little effort, you can provide great gifts to people in need of encouragement! Check back soon to find out about local candy buy-back opportunities!

Participate in The Super Dentists' 21st annual Candy Buy Back! Bring your candy to any Super Dentists' location from Nov. 3-10 to receive $1 for every pound of candy donated. All candy collected will be enjoyed by Active Duty Service Members.

Halloween Candy Buy-Back Event. Bring your unopened candy to any San Diego Brain Balance center and receive a special treat in return. Exchange your candy for toys, activities, gift cards and more. While supplies last. Costumes encouraged! Nov. 3, 11 am-Nov. 7, 7 pm. Brain Balance of Greater San Diego. www.eventbrite.com/e/halloween-candy-buy-back-event-tickets-1825858524999

Carmel Valley Orthodontics. Nov. 3-4, 9 am-5 pm. Participants receive $1 per pound of donated candy and a goodie bag. Participants' school will also receive $1 per pound of candy donated. Limit of 10 pounds. 12395 El Camino Real, #309. www.CarmelValleyOrtho.com

The Great Halloween Buy Back. Nov. 6, 3-6 pm. Bring your unopened candy and cards for our military troops in exchange for $1 per lb of donated candy (5 lb max), a free toothbrush kit, a Dr. Chan chocolate bar and a chance to spin the prize wheel. All donated candy goes to service members. 12835 Pointe Del Mar Way #3. www.curtischandds.com/about-us/how-dr-chan-gives-back/

Davis Pediatric Dentistry. Bring your unopened candy to the 2nd floor lobby and receive $1 per lb of donated candy (up to 5 lbs). All candy will be donated to our military troops and United Service Organizations. Nov. 4, 2-5 pm. 477 North El Camino Real #B203. www.davispediatricdds.com

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Updated: October 2025