On Friday, October 27, Standley Park hosts its annual Halloween Carnival. And beginning Saturday, October 28, the San Diego County Department of Parks and Recreation will host chilling and thrilling Halloween events including haunted hikes, pumpkin parties and a day of the dead.
Don’t be a scaredy cat. All events are family-friendly, for all ages and some are even in the daytime. Most are free, though some have parking fees. Inclement weather may cancel some of the outdoor events.
Dia de los Muertos
The Day of the Dead is returning to Rancho Guajome Adobe in Vista. The 3,000-year-old tradition is a cultural holiday celebrated here, in Mexico and other parts of the world. Celebrants honor relatives who have passed away with small altars and gifts of their favorite foods, beverages, flowers and more.
Altars will be set up throughout the 22-room adobe ranch house. Outside, there will be traditional dancing, vibrant live music and colorful crafts for kids.
Where: Rancho Guajome Adobe, 2210 N. Santa Fe Ave., Oceanside, CA 92083
Phone: 760-724-4082
Date: Oct. 28
Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Fee: Free – ages 0-3, $2 – ages 4-12, $4 – ages 13 and older
Haunted Trails Hike at Morrison Pond
Beware of the cobwebs and creatures that come out at night on a walk through the woods near Morrison Pond at Sweetwater Summit Regional Park. The hike is terrifyingly awesome. Bring a flashlight and be ready for an outdoor adventure!
Where: Sweetwater Summit Regional Park, 3218 Summit Meadow Road, Bonita, CA 91902
Phone: 619-472-7572
Date: Oct. 28
Time: 7 to 10 p.m.
Fee: Free
Creatures of the Night (Hike)
Join ranger Kory for a glimpse into the desert darkness. Learn about the native wildlife inhabiting the park on a leisurely hike through the campground, keeping a keen eye out for bats, scorpions and other nocturnal creatures that go bump in the night.
Where: Agua Caliente County Park, 39555 Great Southern Overland Stage Route of 1849, Julian, CA 92036
Phone: 760-765-1188
Date: Oct. 28
Time: 7 to 8 p.m.
Fee: $3 parking fee/free for campers
Haunted Trails Hike at Dos Picos
Visit Dos Picos County Park after dark. Find out if the park comes alive once the sun sets during a hike along the Haunted Trails. Hikes are under a mile but cover some challenging terrain.
Wear warm clothes and sturdy shoes. Bring a flashlight and an adult. Trekkers should meet in the parking near the restrooms.
Where: Dos Picos County Park, 17953 Dos Picos Road, Ramona, CA 92065
Phone: 760-789-2220
Date: Oct. 28
Time: 6:30 to 9 p.m.
Fee: $3 parking fee
Lakeside Community Center Halloween Party
Dress in costume and bring the whole family for an evening full of music, food, ghoulishly delightful games and spooktacular prizes at Lakeside Community Center. Then, venture outside for some trick-or-treating along Lindo Lake.
Where: Lakeside Community Center, 9841 Vine St., Lakeside, CA 92040
Phone: 619-443-9176
Date: Oct. 28
Time: 4 to 8 p.m.
Fee: Free
Trick-Or-Treat Around Lindo Lake
Celebrate Halloween at Lindo Lake County Park. Trick or treat around the peninsula with over 30 booths, a bounce house, face painting and more. Stay for the eerie and cheery movie in the park—“Hotel Transylvania.”
Where: Lindo Lake County Park, 12660 Lindo Lake, Lakeside, CA 92040
Phone: 619-443-1666
Date: Oct. 28
Time: 4 to 8 p.m.
Fee: Free
Waterfront Pumpkin Patch
Waterfront Park will transform into a lively pumpkin patch with free pumpkins, crafts and entertainment just days before the big day—Halloween. Guests are encouraged to take public transportation. The County Center/Little Italy trolley stop is located one block east of the Waterfront Park. Every family will receive a pumpkin, while supplies last.
Where: Waterfront Park, 1600 Pacific Highway, San Diego, CA 92101
Phone: 619-232-7275
Date: Oct. 29
Time: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Fee: Free
Fallbrook Community Center Halloween Party
Skip the tricks and come straight to Fallbrook Community Center for a Halloween treat. The center will host a fang-tastic Halloween bash with yummy snacks, crafts, games and activities to delight attendees.
Don’t forget to dress to impress in your best costume for a chance to win a prize.
Where: Fallbrook Community Center, 341 Heald Ave., Fallbrook, CA 92028
Phone: 760-728-1671
Date: Oct. 31
Time: 6 to 8 p.m.
Fee: Free
Spring Valley Community Center Halloween Party
Scare up some fun this Halloween at Spring Valley Community Center, where Parks staff will host a ghoulish get-together for all ages with music, treats, activities and a costume contest.
This will be the most fun and festive Halloween celebration you’ve ever attended!
Where: Spring Valley Community Center, 8735 Jamacha Blvd., Spring Valley, CA 91977
Phone: 619-479-1832
Date: Oct. 31
Time: 5:30 to 7 p.m.
Fee: Free
County events source: Michelle Mowad, County of San Diego Communications Office
For more information, visit http://www.countynewscenter.com/halloween-happenings-at-parks/
For related posts, visit https://www.universitycitynews.org/category/parks-recreation-dept/
