Best Halloween Events in San Diego County in 2026 for Family Fun
October is approaching, and that means pumpkin patches and Halloween activities. With Halloween-related celebrations starting as early as September, our guide will help you choose from the best Halloween events in San Diego County. This year, we have a monster-sized list for you. If you’re looking for activities with the kids and family or scary adventures for the grown-ups, there are lots of options from which to choose.
With fall in the air, you’ll find many special Halloween-themed events. And certainly don’t forget to get a pumpkin or a few for your home. It’s indeed an excellent time for family fun.
The Places Where We Go brings together an especially curated list of top-rated events you can schedule. The following list is in alphabetical order by city name throughout San Diego County.
Important Note: Please visit the websites of attractions before visiting for the latest information and particular guidelines that apply per listed attraction. Information may change after posting on our website.
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Halloween Events Carlsbad
Carlsbad – Brick-or-Treat Party Nights at Legoland® California Resort
Brick-or-Treat Party Nights are the signature Halloween event at Legoland. On Saturday nights, join the Monsters who take over LEGOLAND®. Experience shows, character meet-and-greets, costume contests, treat stations, and more.
Entertainment includes:
Monster Rock Off Dance Party – Bring your monstrous moves and ghoulish grooves to this interactive dance party.
Zombie Cheer Crew – Zombie cheerleads display killer moves
Spider Lady Meet and Greet
Limited-Time Attractions – Disco Dragon Coaster
NEW 4D Movie: The Great Monster Chase – Laugh along in this 4D adventure filled with special effects as four tweens try to sneak into a monster party.
Dates: Select Dates in September & October 2026
Location: One LEGOLAND Drive, Carlsbad, CA 92008
Admission: Included with Legoland day tickets, hotel packages, and select annual passes.
Website:
Legoland Brick or Treat
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Carlsbad – Pumpkin Patch at Carlsbad Strawberry Company
It isn’t Halloween season if you don’t get to a pumpkin patch with family and friends. Visit the Carlsbad Strawberry Company to find your giant pumpkin. On weekends, enjoy games and food, and visit the family farm. Additionally, every Friday and Saturday night in October features the Haunted Corn Maze – it’s perfect for teenagers and adults to get a heart-thumping experience.
It isn’t Halloween season if you don’t get to a pumpkin patch with family and friends. Visit the Carlsbad Strawberry Company to find your giant pumpkin. On weekends, enjoy games and food, and visit the family farm. Additionally, every Friday and Saturday night in October features the Haunted Corn Maze – it’s perfect for teenagers and adults to get a heart-thumping experience.
Date: Reopening September 19, 2025 (Not yet updated for 2026)
Location: 1050 Cannon Rd, Carlsbad, CA 92008
General Admission: $15 per person; Children 3 and under free.
Additional cost for special attractions
Website: https://www.carlsbadstrawberrycompany.com/pumpkin
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Halloween Events Chula Vista
Chula Vista – The Count’s Halloween Spooktacular at Sesame Place
Put on your Halloween costume and come to celebrate silly, not-too-spooky fun at The Count’s Halloween Spooktacular at Sesame Place! The park is transformed into a family-friendly Halloween haven. The littles can enjoy trick-or-treating around the park, Halloween-themed shows and parades, interactive Sesame Scarecrow Scavenger Hunt, and unique photo opportunities with everyone’s favorite furry friends dressed up in costume!
Dates: September 12 – November 1, 2026
Location: 2052 Entertainment Circle, Chula Vista, CA 91911
Website: https://sesameplace.com/san-diego/events/halloween-spooktacular/
Halloween Events Del Mar
Del Mar – The Scream Zone
Dates: (Scheduled to return in 2026)
Location: 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar, California 92014
Website: https://thescreamzone.com/
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Halloween Events San Diego
Top Haunted Tours in San Diego
San Diego – Haunted Ghost Tour
During this small-group ghost tour, your entertaining guide will take you through five locations. Listen to spine-tingling stories about San Diego’s history and infamous residents. You’ll learn why San Diego is one of the West’s most haunted cities.
Book tickets here for the San Diego Ghost Tour
San Diego – The Haunted Trail of Balboa Park
It’s a one-of-a-kind haunt experience and has been called one of the top haunted attractions in the United States. Experience two haunts in one.
The 3,500 square-foot eXperiment Maze provides a mile-long terrifying outdoor trail. Be on guard as you move through twisted pines and gnarled oaks.
Next, experience the Haunted Trail. Climb onto the Ghoul Bus, where a cloister of Nuns share the scary ride with you. Beware the chainsaw-wielding zombie rodeo clowns around the corner as they look to bring you into their slaughterhouse.
This event is geared toward adults who can brave the chills and thrills.
Dates: September 26 – November 1, 2025 (Not yet updated for 2026)
Closed most Mondays and Tuesdays.
Location: The Haunted Trail is located at the corner of Balboa Dr & Juniper in Balboa Park
Admission: Starts at $34.99
https://hauntedtrail.net/
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San Diego – San Diego Zoo HalGLOWeen
The San Diego Zoo hosts HalGLOWeen on Fridays through Sundays in October. This light-up-the-night Halloween-themed extravaganza features entertainment, dance parties, musical performances, and food specials. The interactive festivities are a fun event for the family.
Check the San Diego Zoo Website for updated details on this year’s event
Dates: Fridays through Sundays in October, 2025 (Not yet updated for 2026)
Activities start at 5 pm
Location: 2920 Zoo Dr, San Diego, CA 92101
Admission: AAA members can save 10% – AAA.com/sandiegozoo
https://zoo.sandiegozoo.org/halgloween
San Diego – Howl-O-Scream
Once peaceful SeaWorld San Diego will undergo a spine-tingling transformation as Howl-O-Scream takes over. As darkness descends, brace yourself for a twisted carnival with frightful creatures lurking at every turn. But don’t let fear consume you – put on a brave face and join in the horrifying fun!
Navigate through immersive scare zones, dodging and evading angry spirits as they run rampant. Seek refuge indoors, only to find yourself trapped in a house of horrors. If you dare, quench your thirst for fear with devilishly delicious cocktails, beer, and spirits. Experience the electrifying energy of live entertainment and dance the night away. And for an extra adrenaline rush, take a nighttime coaster ride that will send shivers down your spine!
But beware, the eyes of evil will be watching wherever you go, ready to test your courage. Face your fears head-on during SeaWorld San Diego’s Howl-O-Scream this fall. Don’t miss this chillingly thrilling event!
Dates: September 11 – October 31, 2026 (select nights)
Location: Sea World – 500 Sea World Dr., San Diego, CA 92109
Website: https://seaworld.com/san-diego/events/howl-o-scream/
San Diego – Spooktacular
SeaWorld San Diego’s Spooktacular offers engaging family fun with activities like trick-or-treating along a decorated trail, a Halloween dance party, and a pumpkin scavenger hunt. This event invites all guests to dress up, though those 13 and older cannot wear costume masks or hoods. Park dress code and face painting rules apply.
Dates: September 11 – November 1, 2026 (select dates)
Location: Sea World – 500 Sea World Dr., San Diego, CA 92109
Website: https://seaworld.com/san-diego/events/halloween-spooktacular/
San Diego – Sea World Día de los Muertos
Sea World is bringing together the flavors and sounds of this family-centric Mexican tradition.
Dates: October 31 – November 1, 2026
Location: Sea World – 500 Sea World Dr., San Diego, CA 92109
Check the website for details and admission information: https://seaworld.com/san-diego/events/
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Halloween Events Valley Center
Valley Center – Bates Nut Farm Pumpkin Patch
Join in celebrating pumpkin season at the historic farm in North County San Diego’s, Valley Center, CA! Create Fall Family Traditions here at Bates Nut Farm! Admission is free and weekday parking is free.
Dates: September 17 – October 31, 2026
Location: 15954 Woods Valley Road, Valley Center, CA
Website: Bates Nut Farm Pumpkin Patch
Bookmark our San Diego County Halloween Events Guide
San Diego County offers many things to do between September and October to keep you in the Halloween spirit. We hope you’ve found this San Diego County Halloween Events directory helpful and wish you a wonderful holiday season. Thanks for visiting our website.
We hope to see you at the places where we go.
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