SAN DIEGO (KGTV) — While there are plenty of Halloween scares and attractions around town in San Diego, there are some special haunts at local parks this month as well.
At county parks, special night-time hiking, carnivals, Halloween movies, and animal adventures are in store for those who dare to venture out.
Many of these events are family-friendly and are either free or a small fee, perfect for affordable fun this Halloween.
SAN DIEGO HALLOWEEN:
- Frightful fun: San Diego Halloween, fall events for families
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- Spirited shindigs: Halloween parties for San Diego's 21+ crowd
Check out all the seasonal fun at San Diego County parks this October:
Haunted Hikes
Haunted hikes are free, though parking is limited. Children a recommended to have a parent and everyone is encouraged the wear warm clothes and sturdy shoes.
- Hellhole Canyon County Preserve (Oct. 12): Spooky trail hiking from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.; pumpkin decorating from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.; costume contest from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.; movie in the park at 6:30 p.m.
- Oakoasis County Preserve (Oct. 12): Haunted trail hiking from 6 p.m. to 7:40 p.m.; stargazing from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
- Dos Picos County Park (Oct. 26): Night hiking from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
- Sweetwater Regional Park (Oct. 26): Night hiking to Morrison Pond from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Carnivals & Festivals
Each carnival is sure to be a scary good time. Costumes are encouraged and festivals will be packed with fun festivities like trick-or-treating, music, food, games, and prizes. Fees may vary.
- Halloween carnival at Fallbrook Community Center (Oct. 26) from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
- Halloween carnival at Lakeside Community Center (Oct. 26) from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Halloween carnival at Spring Valley Community Center (Oct. 26) from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
- Fall Festival at San Dieguito County Park (Oct. 26) from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. ($3 parking fee)
- Dia De Los Muertos celebration at Guajome Adobe from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. ($4 ages 13 and older, $2 ages 4 to 12, free ages 3 and under)
- Waterfront Pumpkin Patch at Waterfront Park (Oct. 27) from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Free)
Animal Adventures
County parks are hosting several animal adventures this month, giving guests an up close look at the creatures in the park after dark.
- Hawk/falcon/owl demonstration at Sweetwater Regional Park (Oct. 5) from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.
- Hawk/falcon/owl demonstration at Rancho Guajome Adobe (Oct. 6) from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
- Hawk/falcon/owl demonstration at Dos Picos County Park (Oct. 12) from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
- Not-So-Scary Family Fun Day at San Elijo Lagoon Nature Center (Oct. 13) from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Hawk/falcon/owl demonstration at San Elijo Lagoon Nature Center (Oct. 13) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Hawk/falcon/owl demonstration at Otay Lakes County Park (Oct. 19) from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.
- Can You Say Nocturnal animals at Flinn Springs County Park (Oct. 20) from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- Hawk/falcon/owl demonstration at Sycamore Canyon/Goodan Ranch County Preserve (Oct. 20) from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
- Hawk/falcon/owl demonstration at Ramona Grasslands County Preserve (Oct. 26) from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
- Creepy Crawlies snakes, spiders, and other creatures at Borrego Springs County Park (Oct. 26) from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Hawk/falcon/owl demonstration at San Dieguito County Park (Oct. 26) from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
- Hawk/falcon/owl demonstration at Lindo Lake County Park (Oct. 26) from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.
- Hawk/falcon/owl demonstration at El Monte County Park (Oct. 27) from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Movies in the park
Of course, there are several Halloween-time movies families can enjoy in the great outdoors. All movies start 15 minutes after sunset and families should pack their own treats.
- Waterfront Park (Oct. 11): “The Nightmare Before Christmas”
- Flinn Springs County Park (Oct. 18): “Hocus Pocus”
- Oct. 19 Otay Lakes County Park (Oct. 19): “Beetlejuice”
- Heritage County Park (Oct. 25): “Gremlins”
- Agua Caliente County Park (Oct. 26): “Monsters, Inc.”
- Lindo Lake County Park (Oct. 16): “Hotel Translyvania 3: Summer Vacation”
