Family Friendly Halloween Activities in Orange County

I thought it would be helpful to share some fun, family friendly Halloween activities in Orange County, California. We have been to a lot of these locations, so I tried to share a few of our insider tips. Keep in mind that events and offerings may vary from year to year, so I recommend checking the official websites for the most current information. Without further delay, here are our recommendations…

Disneyland Resort: Halloween Time

Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Park transform into a magical Halloween destination with festive decorations, character meet-and-greets in costumes, themed treats, and more. You can see my list of top 5 things to do at the Disneyland Resort during Halloween HERE. From September 1-October 31, tickets start at $83, use THIS LINK to find discounted tickets with Get Away Today (affiliate link).

Knott’s Berry Farm : Knott’s Spooky Farm

Knott’s Spooky Farm park offers a family-friendly Halloween celebration with trick-or-treating, live entertainment, costume contests, and themed decorations. This is not the same as Knott’s Scary Farm, which is geared towards teens and early adults. Starting September 28th through Halloween, Thursday’s-Sunday’s. Pricing starts around $60 for an all day ticket or upgrade to $99 for an annual pass. Looking for a review, check out my friend Justine’s blog post!

Legoland: Brick-or-Treat

We have done this Legoland event with the kids quite a few times and we always have a blast. You can read all about the event HERE. Great for young families and fans of Lego!;) Prices start at $89 a person, which gives you an all day theme park ticket.

Irvine Park Railroad: Pumpkin Patch

The Irvine Park Railroad hosts an annual Pumpkin Patch event with pumpkin picking, hayrides, a hay maze, and other family activities. Parking is $3 on weekdays, $5 on the weekends, then certain activities like train rides or face painting do cost extra money (and can add up quickly). Entrance to the pumpkin patch is free. I highly suggest going on a weekday or right when they open on a weekend.

Tanaka Farms: Pumpkin Tours

Tanaka Farms offers pumpkin tours where families can take a tractor ride, pick their pumpkins, and enjoy various farm activities. Opens Sept. 16th and you must get a parking pass in ADVANCE on their website for the weekends, which costs $10 (free on weekdays). It is now $20 to enter on weekdays, $22 on weekends. Tickets INCLUDE activities like wagon rides, barnyard exhibit, corn maze and pumpkin patches (but not a pumpkin). Other activities you can add on separately if you want. Prices have gone up over the years as it has gotten busier. Again, I suggest weekdays and either early mornings or early evenings.

The Irvine Great Park: Pumpkin Harvest

The Orange County Great Park in Irvine has Spooktacular Fun Days, which feature family-friendly fall activities such as a pumpkin patch, treats, games, crafts, gourmet food trucks and more, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14th and Sunday, Oct. 15th. Children 12 and younger are $5; adult tickets and parking are free, see more info HERE. There is also a giant tethered helium balloon that turns into a pumpkin that you can go for a ride in Thursday-Sunday, starting Sept. 27th through Nov. 1st, find the exact schedule HERE. Rides in the balloon are free, just make sure to get there a little early to sign up and fill out the waiver. We also love the great park because of the fun play equipment, grass areas and carousel ($3 per ride or $10 all day pass).

Pretend City Children’s Museum: Trick-or-Treat Through the City

Pretend City offers a safe and fun trick-or-treating event within the museum, along with Halloween-themed activities. The kids LOVED going here when they were younger. I would say it’s perfect for ages 2-6/7 years, open Wed – Sun 10am – 12:30pm & 1:30pm – 4pm, about $20 per person or memberships available.

Zoomars Petting Zoo: Pumpkin Palooza

The Zooms Petting Zoo in San Juan Capistrano hosts Pumpkin Palooza, featuring pumpkin decorating, a petting zoo, train rides, and more. We have never done a visit during Halloween, but we have gone during other seasons. I highly suggest going on a cooler day as it can get very hot and even the animals will be put away due to extreme heat. Each activity is a different price, check the website for more info.

Anaheim Fall Festival and Halloween Parade

This annual event in Downtown Anaheim features a parade, game booths, costume contests, and live entertainment suitable for families. Saturday, October 28th from 11am-6pm for the festival, parade starts at 7pm.

Orange County Zoo: Boo at the Zoo

The Orange County Zoo at Irvine Regional Park hosts Boo at the Zoo, a family-friendly event with activities, decorations, and animal interactions. The event is a fundraiser for the zoo, so tickets are a little on the pricey side: $30 for children (under 3 is free), $35 for adults. Dates are Oct 21, 22, 28 and 29 from 5:30-8pm and tickets MUST be purchased in advance on the website.

Riley’s Farm: Fall Harvest Festival

While located outside of Orange County, Riley’s Farm in Oak Glen offers a Fall Harvest Festival with apple picking, hayrides, and themed activities. Check the website for tickets and other info. We have never personally gone here, but the setting does look beautiful.

Bowers Museum: “Dia de los Muertos” Celebration

Bowers Museum in Santa Ana often hosts a “Dia de los Muertos” celebration with traditional altars, performances, and family-friendly activities. A free event on November 6h from 11am-3pm.

Roger’s Gardens: Halloween Boutique and Events

Roger’s Gardens in Corona del Mar typically hosts a Halloween boutique with themed decorations and often offers workshops and events for families. If you wait too long on this location things do tend to look picked over and don’t expect to buy too much because the prices are pretty steep. But it’s still fun & free to walk around and look at the decor.

These are just a few examples of the Family Friendly Halloween Activities in Orange County. There may be more places and businesses in Orange County that offer Halloween-themed family-friendly events, so if you know of one, be sure to share it below in the comments. Always check the official websites of these places closer to the Halloween season for event details, dates, prices and anything else that may have changed.