Guide to Annual Halloween Activities in Orange County
Starting with my previous neighborhood, my favorite event without a doubt during Halloween is the Pumpkin Patch in Trabuco Canyon. Opened throughout the season on Halloween Night this parcel of land is created into the perfect little Halloween Town for ghost and goblins. From a Haunted House, to the Jack-O-Lantern contest, to apple bobbing and carnival games and finally a costume contest, this is my all time favorite because it brings back memories. Just down the Interstate 5 is an equally competitive Pumpkin patch in Irvine. The Irvine Pumpkin Patch has pony and train rides, a pumpkin carving contest, caramel and candy apples, popcorn, chocolate covered bananas on a stick, hot dogs, tractor rides and face painting. All of the booths are set up for the kids to trick-or-treat as well. Irvine’s Pumpkin Patch opens October 23rd through October 31st. Hours of operation are 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. weekdays and 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on weekends. For more information call 714-997-3968.
South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa will be sponsoring their Annual Pumpkins & Pancakes Halloween Shindig. Kids get to see the Power Rangers and enjoy breakfast, a live animal show, face painting, balloon artists and music. For more information call 1800-782-8888.
Soka University in Aliso Viejo will be sponsoring their Annual Haunted House from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 pm October 29th – 30th. Located at Soka University in South Orange County, this event is recommended for children ages 10 years and up. Admission is $5.00.
Drive down to the beach to Balboa Bike N’ Beach Stuff and get a Halloween thrill for $5.00. Located at 601 East Balboa Blvd in Newport Beach California. There are all sorts of activities for adults and kids alike in a safe environment to celebrate Halloween in a safe environment. For more information visit the Web site http://familygo.com.
Drive just a little further North to Knotts Berry Farm to their Halloween Haunt for their 33rd annual celebration. They guarantee you a scare you won’t forget. For younger children there is a daytime event called Camp Spooky, which includes daytime trick-or-treating, a sidewalk theater show and lots of fun mazes for the kids to go through. For more information Visit the Web site at www.knots.com.
Haunted Gardens at the Arboretum promises to be a successful event in Fullerton. Opening October 28-30th from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. admission is $6.00 for children 12 years and under and $10.00 for adults. For more information call 714-278-4792.
Disneyland Halloween is a real blast with the Haunted Mansion ride in New Orleans square. Be prepared to see some pretty spooky characters including the haunted Hitchhiker. For the younger set there is Mickey’s Halloween Treat at Disney’s California Adventure. Bring children in costumes to trick or treat and enjoy a wonderful Halloween party planned just for them. There will be Trick or Treating Stations, Arts and Crafts Stations, Contests, Rides (limited number) and Disney Character dressed in Halloween Costumes. Ticket prices in advance are $24.00 per person unless you are a Disneyland Annual Passport holder in which case the ticket price is then reduced to $19.00. If you wait until the night of the event, if tickets are available the price at the gate is $29.00. To verify availability of tickets visit the Web site at www.Disneyland.com.
You can’t leave the O.C. on Halloween without a stop at the Orange County Zoo. Located at 1 Irvine Park Road in Orange County the Zoo will be sponsoring its annual zoo event including face painting, trick or treating, arts and crafts, and a Halloween costume contest. Volunteers are needed for judging and manning of other stations. All volunteers must be 18 years of age and older. For further information visit the Web site at www.oczoo.com.
Wherever your ventures take you on Halloween, have a blast, enjoy, have fun with your tricks and treats, but stay safe.
