Guide to Annual Halloween Activities in San Diego
The ultimate place to be in San Diego on Halloween is the Del Mar Race Tracks, better known as the Scaregrounds! During Halloween the tracks are converted to non other than The Scream Zone. This is the consummate horror lovers’ delight. Start with the Haunted Hayride for a thriller ride in a hay wagon through the backside of the track to the haunted barns where ghosts and goblin await your arrival.
Continue your ride until you arrive at the House of Horror. Have you ever seen a ghost? Ever seen a ghoul? You will at The House of Horror. Filled with scenes of blood and guts, screams, shrills and thrills, be sure your heart can take what you will witness within the confines of this Haunted House. (Not recommended for small children, pregnant women, or those with heart problems).
Also on the Fairgrounds this year is the new Chamber of Chills, which is an ultimate experience of fear as you grope and find your way through a dark tunnel filled with ghosts and goblins at every turn.
The prices for the Scream Zone will range anywhere from $13.99 to $26.99 per person depending on the package. Why wait until Halloween to be afraid? Hours of operation are from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Sunday through Thursdays and 7:00 p.m. to midnight, Fridays and Saturdays. The Scream Zone officially opens September 29, and is located at the Del Mar Fairgrounds on the west side near the training grounds. From the 101 enter through the Solana Gate. Visit the Web site at www.sdfair.com.
For the younger set, Balboa Park has created a spooky forest with the Haunted Trail at Balboa for the kids at Marston Point. Good old-fashioned creepy crawlers, witches, spooky building and graveyards in a safe natural environment is perfect for little ones without parents having to worry about nightmares later on that night. Prices are $13.00 person. Located east of 6th and Juniper in Balboa Park.
Frightmare on Market Street downtown San Diego is the place to be. Located in the Gas Lamp District Frightmare has been one of the most popular events every Halloween. Prepare to tour a frightening path of what actually lurks in the tombs beneath Market Street. Prepare for fear like you’ve never felt before. For more information call 619-231-3611. Visit their Web site at www.frightmareonmarketst.com
The Haunted Hotel is the place to be for a marathon horror movie fest. Opening September 29th join all of the strange inhabitants of the Haunted Hotel to view Hostel, Saw II, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, The House of 1000 Corpses and more as they bring in the Halloween season with a ghoulish laugh and zest for the macabre. Located at the corner of 4th and Market at 424 Market Street, tickets are $13.99 at the door. This event is not recommended for children under 10 years of age. Hours are Sunday, Wednesday and Thursday from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. On Friday and Saturday from 6:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. The event is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays except for October 30th and 31st. For more information call 619-696 SCARE. You can also visit their Web site at www.hauntedhotel.com
The tour of The Whaley House is the real deal for San Diegans. This is a true haunted house and has been declared a Historical Landmark. With a history of deaths, suicides and hanging on the property one might expect this home once a County Court House, museum, school and theater to have ghostly residents. Many visitors to the home are said to have had encounters with several spirits including that of a dog, a child, a woman in a court room and Mr. Whaley himself. Located at 2476 San Diego Avenue in Old Town San Diego, the hours of operation are Monday & Tuesday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and closed on Wednesdays. Thursday through Sundays the home is opened from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Admission is $6.00 for adults, $5.00 for seniors, and $4.00 for children. Admission is free for children 2 years of age and under. Visit the Web site at www.whaleyhouse.org for more information.
A lot of the activities going on might be a little scary for younger children, so it is always best to consider other options. The San Diego Public Library system will also be holding Halloween activities for toddlers. Contact them for detailed information. Visit the Web site at www.sandiego.gov. There is also Legoland also having an annual event for Halloween. Come and Brick-or Treat along the trail past lots of scary brick Halloween characters. There will be costume contest for the children as well as a souvenir Brick-or-Treat bag for them to take home. All of the regular rides, shows and attractions will be available during Brick-or-Treat which is included in the price of regular admission. Don’t forget to stop by and see the 350 pound brick pumpkin made just for Halloween. Brick-or-Treat will be offered all four weekends in October. For more information visit their Web site at www.legoland.com.
No matter your choice for Halloween fun, have a great time and stay safe!
