Family-Friendly Halloween Events in San Diego

Halloween is back! It’s one of our favorite holidays, and after missing the last two years due to the pandemic, it’s important that my kids get to have a little bit of their childhood back again. And no one does Halloween like San Diego! With so many things to see and do in town for this spooky holiday, here are just a few that we can’t wait to visit this season!

In colonial America, Halloween’s bobbing for apples was a fortune-telling game. The first person to get the apple without using his or her hands would be the first to marry.

SeaWorld Spooktacular

We haven’t been to SeaWorld in a while, but we’re so excited to go back to visit this Halloween for their SeaWorld Spooktacular event! Each weekend from September 17 to October 31, will be filled with candy, costumes, and spooky surprises! Kids can trick-or-treat during the daytime, and meet with furry friends like Count von Count, Elmo, Cookie Monster, and more! Plus it’s free with general park admission! 

Hauntfest On Main

HauntFest on Main is an exciting, family-friendly event in Downtown El Cajon with a pumpkin patch and carving station where your kids can let their inner monster out. Enter the costume contest, check out the live music playing on two different stages, or jump on some carnival rides! There will be plenty of crafts, games, and activities for all the kids, from your youngest to your oldest. It’s one day only on Friday, October 21, from 4 to 9 p.m. Don’t miss it!

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Halloween is the second highest-grossing commercial holiday after Christmas.

LEGOLAND Brick-or-Treat Party Nights

We love LEOGLAND, and their annual Halloween event, Brick-or-Treat, is back this year with even more spooky fun! Saturdays, September 17 to October 29 and Sunday, October 30, the park is open after dark with late-night rides, trick-or-treating, live entertainment, Halloween décor, and more! The fun starts at 2 p.m. with live entertainment, and your littlest can start trick-or-treating at 3! Don’t forget to check out all the seasonal drinks, snacks, and treats that they’re serving around the park!

The Great Annual Pumpkin Festival

It’s time to pick your Halloween pumpkin! The Great Annual Pumpkin Festival at the Children’s Nature Retreat begins Saturday, October 1 and runs through the 31, every single day of the week. Adults and kids alike will all love the new six-foot live maze, games, and fun. And don’t forget to stop at the pumpkin patch to pick your own pumpkin!

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Jack-o-lanterns were originally carved from turnips.

Pumpkin Express

Grab your kids and book a ride on the Pacific Southwest Railway Museum Association’s Pumpkin Express. Ride decorated vintage rail cars through the San Diego county mountains, walk through haunted trains, say hello to the cast of ghosts and ghouls, and enjoy pumpkin decorating. Plus, pumpkins are included in the purchase of every toddler and child ticket! The excitement will be happening every Saturday and Sunday in October, but grab your tickets before they sell out! 

Halloween originated from the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, when people would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off ghosts.