It’s time once again for the ghouls, goblins, and jack o’lanterns to come out. Halloween falls on a Sunday this year, so prepare for a full day of activities to keep sugar-buzzed kids active. Here are some options. MIA STEFANKO
Del Mar Fairground’s Scream Zone
The 13th annual Scream Zone threatens to be more terrifying and bloodcurdling than ever before. Hair-raising highlights include The House of Horror (not recommended for children under ten years), The Chamber, and The Haunted Hayride. Admission prices are: $27.99 for Triple Haunt (House of Horror, Haunted Hayride and Chamber); $18.99 for Double Haunt (Chamber, House of Horror or Haunted Hayride); and $14.99 for Single Haunt (House of Horror or Haunted Hayride). (858/755-1161, ext. 2855, www.thescreamzone.com)
Legoland California
On October 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30, from
5-9pm, the park transforms into a not-too-spooky Halloween haven for Brick-or-Treat Party Nights featuring costume contests, nighttime trick-or-treating on the Brick-or-Treat Trails, festive music, entertainment, interaction with the “Boo Crew,” and fantastic lighting effects. A few monstrously fun areas are also open late for Party Nights only, including Land of Adventure, the Imagination Zone, and Castle Hill as well as park favorites Coastersaurus, Safari Trek, and Fairy Tale Brook. (760/918-5346, california.legoland.com)
SeaWorld San Diego
Halloween Spooktacular’s child-friendly events, offered every weekend in October, present an ocean of Halloween fun. Trick-or-treat for ghoulish goodies, meet spooky sea creatures, watch the shows, and more. Kids can come in costume if desired. Spooktacular is included with park admission. (800/257-4268, seaworldspooktacular.com)
Old Town’s Most Haunted
For older kids and teens, Old Town’s Most Haunted spooky tours are based on ten years of ghost hunting in the area. Thursdays and all weekend long, nighttime visits include a stop at The Whaley House, rumored to be one of the most haunted houses in the nation. (619/972-3900, www.oldtownsmosthaunted.com)
The Haunted Hotel
Located downtown in the Gaslamp District, the Haunted Hotel (recommended for children ten and
older) was named by Haunt World Magazine as one of the top 13 haunted houses in America and has been featured in America Haunts IV on the Travel Channel last year. General admission tickets are $15-$17; VIP tickets (inclusive of hotel entry and fast pass) are $25-$27. (619/231-0131, www.hauntedhotel.com)
