ML Interest Tag: haunted-house

Fun (& Free!) Things to Do in San Diego with Kids This Month

by Andie Huber

Even though the holidays are coming, there are still a ton of free things to do in San Diego with kids this month

The holidays are coming and while that means more money for special occasions, gifts and hot chocolate, that doesn’t mean you can’t still have fun in San Diego for free. Fleet Week is here and along with it, a bevy of fun, free events the whole family will love. Don’t miss out some (free) special story times at Lido Village Books and Athenaeum Music and Arts Library and one of our favorite times of the year? A chance to explore our local National Parks for free. 

Free Things to Do in San Diego That Are Always Free

Become a Skater Babe: Follow in San Diegan Tony Hawk's footsteps and take your board to roll with it, flip, jump and carve at one of San Diego's many thrilling skateparks.

Explore the Tide Pools: The best time to go tide pooling in San Diego begins in Nov. and last through the winter when low tides take place during the day!

Catch a Sunset: Bookmark our list of our favorite spots to behold the most scenic views in the city.

Go on a City-Wide Scavenger Hunt: Print our San Diego-inspired scavenger hunt—it will take you all over the city!

Join a Park Ranger Program at One of San Diego’s Many Park Terrains: You can head down to the coast at Cabrillo for Park Ranger walks at the lighthouse, or drive up the coast to Carlsbad’s wildlife viewing with the junior rangers, or move inland for a wildlife tracking hike or nature story time at Mission Trails or go south for a guided bird walk at the Tijuana River Estuary. Click here for the full list of park ranger programs nearby. 

Visit Seaport Village: Window shop, wander along the bay, watch the ships go by, listen to live music in the food court, and watch the kites fly—all in Seaport Village.

Take a Family Discovery Hike: We've done our share of hiking and love sharing our favorites— check out the best hikes for families in San Diego.

Discover Local Lakes: There's more to the area than just the sea—visit our favorite ponds and lakes near San Diego.

Hit the Beach: Of course, we can never really get sick of the beach. From stretches of shimmery sand at Coronado's Silver Strand to boogie boarding near the cliffs of Torrey Pines and making waves in Del Mar, nothing is more iconic than a beach day here in San Diego. Want to explore a new beach this summer? Check out our guides to the best local beaches for the kids and the best beaches to take your dog in San Diego.

Go Stargazing: These are the 7 best spots around San Diego to put a twinkly star in your eye.

Visit the Best Playgrounds in San Diego: Discover where kids can slide through a giant bunch of grapes or commandeer a pirate ship on our list of the best San Diego playgrounds.

Go on a Family Bike Ride: Our favorite kid-friendly bike trails in San Diego—how many have you rode?

 

More Fun Things to Do in San Diego That Are Free

Related: Discover What Days Our Fave Family-Friendly Museums Offer Free Admission

Explore Chicano Park in Barrio Logan: Vivid, lively murals depict aspects of San Diego’s Mexican-American heritage including mythology and immigration. Kids especially love the Children’s Mural, which represents drawings and paintings from kids that attended two local elementary schools. Chicano Park is a great place to go with kids and give them an art lesson. Visit the park's interactive website to explore the murals' history and artists before your visit.

Get Instagram-famous: Capture a super photo-op at one of these Instagrammable murals.

The Sanford Children's Library at the Central Library: The library's Dr. Seuss murals and thousands of books make it a fun, inviting space for kids. Park in the underground lot and get validation to park for free for the first two hours.

Queen Califia’s Magical Circle: The colorful, whimsical sculpture garden that is Queen Califia's Magical Circle will delight kids. Make a day of it and check out this additional interactive public art for the whole family.

Check Out Not One, but Two Historic San Diego Ranch Houses: The Los Peñasquitos Ranch House is the second oldest standing residence and was built in 1823 by the recipients of the first Mexican land grant in San Diego County. Take a hike around the area, then check out the goats, chickens, veggies, and have some fun in the large open spaces for playtime.

Then head to “Carlsbad’s Sleeping Beauty” to see the Leo Carillo Ranch House and prance with the peacocks and play on authentic ranch and farming equipment. Don’t forget to pack a picnic!

Explore Old Town to see the birthplace of California: Settled in 1769, many of the buildings in Old Town were built in the early 1800s, which is pretty amazing in itself. See the mission, run around on the green or walk through the village, taking in the sights of old San Diego by visiting Old Town.

Related: Take a Hike! The Best Nature Trails for Kids

Learn about Black History: Take an inspiring and educational tour of Black History in San Diego with our detailed guide.

Explore Wacky Roadside Attractions: From roadside dinosaurs to secret caves, bookmark our memory-making list of the best road-side stops and attractions near San Diego.

Uncover San Diego's Hidden Gems: A house perched off the edge of a building, secret messages in the sand and more unbelievable sights that will wow and delight your brood—these free hidden gems in San Diego are fun to discover whether you're a tourist or a bonafide local.

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Atlanta’s Best Neighborhoods to Go Trick-or-Treating

by Amber Ogden

The big day is almost here! Now’s the time to map out your Atlanta trick-or-treat route with the kids

October brings everything spooky, and Halloween is a real “treat” in Atlanta. It’s time to gather your little ghouls and goblins to take them for a mysterious, but a kid-friendly, night on the town. The metro Atlanta area springs to life every year with annual Halloween trick-or-treating bashes, and this season there are a few new additions for kids to gather their goodies in some of the most haunted areas. Check out these fang-tastic Halloween-themed activities you and the kiddos can head to this year.

The best Atlanta trick-or-treat neighborhoods and events

 

Halloween Hike

Become one with the creatures of the forest at the Chattahoochee Nature Center. Explore the mysterious forest on a guided night hike during the 37th Annual Halloween Hikes. This is a family-friendly hike with music, crafts, and campfires and is perfect for a non-scary Halloween event for all ages. But make it a new Halloween tradition. Hikes held on October 28 and 29.

9135 Willeo Rd.
Roswell, GA
Event details

 

Margaret Mitchell Neighborhood

This Buckhead neighborhood is bound by Moore's Mill Road on the south, I-75 on the east, and the Paces neighborhood on the west, and is especially happening in the streets surrounding the Morris Brandon Primary Center. Expect a neighborhood draw and loads of kids.

Find it: Start on Sequoyah Dr. and Margaret Mitchell Dr. in Atlanta.

Related: Scare Up Fun! 15 Halloween Happenings around Atlanta

Midtown

Located at Penn Avenue and Myrtle Street, from Fourth to Eighth Streets, you'll find The Midtown Neighborhood Association is hosting its annual Bash on Halloween this year. The Halloween Bash, which is now a spooktacular block party, will allow the kiddies to party for two extra hours. The family can enjoy food, mysterious fun, and trick-or-treating during the extended time. 

Find it: Start at Myrtle St. and Fourth St. in Atlanta.

a family sits down after trick or treating on Halloween to look at candy
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Ashford Park Neighborhood

This neighborhood in Brookhaven, surrounding Ashford Park Elementary School, is known for its pedestrian-only Redding Road segment of Halloween revelry, but the streets near Redding Road equally embrace Halloween. The best news? Ashford Park, located at Redding Road and Caldwell Road, is known as the "push toy park" and is the perfect spot to calm an over-excited (or over-sugared) little one down before heading to the next house.

Find it: Start on Redding Rd. and Caldwell Rd. in Atlanta.

Virginia-Highland

Not far from Inman Park, you'll find elaborately decorated homes, sidewalks, and plenty of streetlights in Virginia Highland. Just steer clear of North Highland Ave. This particular neighborhood may be more geared toward older kids and adults. Some bars and restaurants celebrate Halloween, but it may be a bit scary for the tiny tikes.
Find it: Start at Barnett St. and Adair Ave. in Atlanta.

Related: 14 Atlanta-inspired Halloween Costumes for Kids

Inman Park Neighborhood

Inman Park is probably one of the best places to trick or treat. With streets of Victorian houses (not so spooky any other time of the year, but really—have you ever seen a haunted house that's not a Victorian?), Inman Park is the perfect backdrop for trick-or-treating. The neighborhood takes decorating for Halloween seriously, so expect some legitimately spooky displays, but it's a fun and safe environment suitable for some serious fun.

Find it: Start on Sinclair Ave. or Elizabeth St. in Atlanta.

Historic Brookhaven

While the homes in Historic Brookhaven are a bit more spread out, the streets in this beautiful neighborhood are easy to navigate and are filled with little trick-or-treaters every Halloween.

Find it: Start at East Brookhaven Dr. and East Club Ln. in Atlanta.

Related: Scared Silly: Not-Too-Spooky Halloween Thrills for Atlanta Kids

a group of kids in costumes is ready to go trick or treating with pumpkins in hand
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Grant Park

This historic neighborhood in Atlanta has a bit of the Halloween flair year-round, with massive Victorians lining the streets. These (possibly haunted) homes go all out for trick-or-treating and are close together to maximize your candy and minimize your walking. The Atlanta Zoo is also nearby and a great place to trick or treat and have a howling good time. Kiddies can dress up as their favorite animals and hang out with them at the Boo at the Zoo. Don't forget you can also go ghost hunting and "Capture the Spirits" at the Oakland Cemetery.

Find it: Start at Cherokee Ave. and Atlanta Ave. in Atlanta.

Avondale Estates

Annually on Halloween night, the City of Avondale closes some of its streets, issues a detailed safety map for trick-or-treaters, and awards homeowners City of Avondale Estates Halloween Spirit Awards for best decorations, scariest, most creative, and best decor for kids. This year, a neighborhood parade will end with spooky treats, good eats, and ghostly fun!

Find it: Start on Clarendon Pl. in Avondale Estates.

Chastain Park Neighborhood

With streets that are closed to vehicles, food trucks, and even one of Atlanta's best playgrounds (in case the kiddos need a break from the action). The area is perfectly set up for the annual this neighborhood is prime trick-or-treat real estate. 

Find it: Start at Broadland Rd. and Hillside Dr. in Atlanta.

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Squad Ghouls: Head to These 13 Neighborhoods in DC for the Best Treats

by Meghan Yudes Meyers

From DC to Virginia to Maryland, we found the best neighborhoods to fill your kid’s trick-or-treat bag fast this Halloween

There are a number of sweet ways to fill your trick-or-treat bag this October. Some of our favorites include candy-tossing parades, trunk-or-treat events and amusement parks with treat stations. For those looking for classic, house-to-house action on Oct. 31, we found the best neighborhoods with spooktacular Halloween decorations and candy galore so you can fill your little ghoul or goblin’s bucket fast (because let’s face it: it’s all about that end-of-the-night count!).

From the well-lit streets of Old Town Alexandria to the spooky decorations in Bethesda’s Edgemoor neighborhood, scroll down for IG-worthy trick-or-treating in Washington, DC and the surrounding ‘burbs. And just in case it rains, bookmark this epic indoor venue— they’re doling out treats every night in October!

Related: Carve Out Some Fun With Pick-Your-Own Pumpkin Patches

The Best Trick-or-Treating Neighborhoods in Washington, DC

Embassy Row
Around the world can be found when you knock on doors along Embassy Row, where international embassies stretch from the Vice President’s home all the way to Dupont Circle. More than 20 embassies invite trick-or-treaters to explore cultures from around the world. You may be handed a few tourism pamphlets along with your candy bars, but where else can you say you’ve been trick-or-treating in Indonesia, Armenia, Ireland, and Portugal all in one night?

Start here: Massachusetts Ave. NW
Online: embassy.org

Capitol Hill
Candy flows in this family-heavy neighborhood with back-to-back row houses. Once you’ve had your lollipop fill, head to Eastern Market (or start there!) for some serious costume watching.

Start here: Eastern Market
Online: easternmarket-dc.org

Georgetown
While crowds of people-watchers can definitely turn Georgetown’s Halloween into a Nightmare on M St., there’s something to be said for trick-or-treating on those narrow side streets, where the row houses are so close together; you can score twice the candy in half the time! Avoid M St. and Wisconsin Ave. proper unless you and your brood are more interested in seeing the coolest costumes in town (Georgetowners do know how to dress up!), and focus on the side streets where you’ll probably need two bags to carry all your loot.

Start here: Side streets between M St. and Wisconsin Ave. NW
Online: visit.georgetown.org

Brookland
The real treat in Brookland is the house on Hamlin. You can expect over-the-top decorations from the owner of this rowhouse. Past themes include a haunted cornfield you could walk through and an ode to Stephen King's IT that featured 35 clown props. You'll find more ghoulish fun on Franklin St. near Langdon Park. Check out NextDoor for a map of homes offering treats.

Start here: 915 Hamlin St. NE
Online: brooklandbridge.com

Chevy Chase DC
The hot spot for sugary loot can be found on Rittenhouse between Broad Branch Rd. and Utah Ave. The houses on these blocks go all-out with over-the-top decorations. When you've hit all the houses, be sure to take a stroll on The Avenue where local shops hand out sweets from 4-6 p.m.

Start here: Broad Branch Rd.
Online: historicchevychasedc.org/

Columbia Heights
The annual party on 11th is fun for the whole family, including your furry friends. There is trick-or-treating and a Halloween costume contest that has gone to the dogs.

Start here: 1101 Monroe St. NW
Online: 11thandbark.org

The Best Trick-or-Treating Neighborhoods in Virginia

Old Town Alexandria
A history of haunted houses and ghost stories set the stage for a frightfully fun All Hollows Eve in Old Town Alexandria. Kids can pound the brick-layered sidewalks and knock on the doors of old style Colonials at this popular trick-or-treating destination. Many of the shops along King Street hand out candy as well. For those on the hunt for a good haunt, we recommend the candlelight ghost tour.

Start here: 221 King St., Alexandria, VA
Online: visitalexandriava.com

Great Falls
With its big houses and lots of young families, Great Falls is a great choice for trick-or treating! And you can do some pretty epic pre-gaming as well! The Great Falls Halloween Spooktacular and Pet Parade start as early as 4 p.m. and there’s even a haunted house. Enjoy trick-or-treating with local merchants in a safe environment right in the heart of town.

Start here: 776 Walker Rd., Great Falls VA
Online: celebrategreatfalls.org

Fairlington
Remember when you were a kid and your entire neighborhood got in on trick or treating action? This Arlington hideaway off of King Street will have you feeling all nostalgic for those days of yore. With back-to-back townhouses and condo buildings, this ‘hood is great for first time trick-or-treaters and trick or treating groups.

Start here: Abingdon St., Arlington, VA
Online: fairlington.org

Related: Spooktacularly Amazing Costumes Inspired by DC

The Best Trick-or-Treating Neighborhoods in Maryland

National Harbor
Trick or treat a day early at National Harbor where kids can visit over 30 stations near the waterfront. Candy will be distributed from 12:30-2:30 p.m. on Oct. 30 at the annual Harbor Halloween celebration; bring a map so you don't miss any of the goodies at these participating retailers. There will also be a pet costume parade, a pumpkin carving competition and kids in costumes get a free spin on the Capital Wheel (with purchase of an adult ticket). For more Halloween-themed fun, head to Gaylord National Harbor for selfies with Spookley the Square Pumpkin and indoor trick or treating.

Start here: Waterfront St.
Online: nationalharbor.com/

Bethesda
Bethesda's Edgemoor community makes our list for its close proximity to downtown—and for its impeccably decorated houses. Little legs will have to travel a bit further between these stately properties, but epic decorations and generous candy allotments more than make up for the extra travel time between properties. After you trick or treat, head in to town for a late dinner or a cup of hot chocolate. Pro tip: You can park at the library, which is also the ideal starting point.

Start here: Connie Morella Library, 7400 Arlington Rd.
Online: visitmontgomery.com

Kensington
If your crew is obsessed with door knocking skeletons, glow-in-the-dark pumpkins, and all other forms of Halloween decorations, spend the evening in this MD 'burb. The folks on Perry Avenue off of University Blvd. know how to do it up for Halloween. Plus, there’s candy…lots and lots of candy.

Start here: Perry Ave. off of University Blvd.
Online: kensington.com

Fells Point
Fells Point and near-by Canton and Hampden do Halloween BIG.  The epicenter of ghoulish thrills can be found where Fleet St., Eastern Ave., Aliceanna St. and Thames St. converge. You'll find a neighborhood of homes for kids and their families to trick-or-treat, as well as restaurants and shops.

Start here: Thames & S. Caroline St., Baltimore, MD
Online: fellspointmainstreet.org

 

 

 

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All the Best Halloween Entertainment on Paramount+

by Nicole Johnson

Our chill factor rating helps parents determine just how scary these Halloween movies and shows from Paramount Plus are

Whether you and your kids love Halloween for costumes and candy or the scares, the holiday can be an amazing time to reconnect as a family. While shopping for costumes and trick-or-treating is fun, not every Halloween activity has to involve loading everyone into the car or strolling through the neighborhood. Gathering in the living room for a family movie night is a simple way to get the family together in one spot, and our list of family-friendly Halloween movies on Paramount Plus is sure to keep parents and kids both entertained and scared. 

The movies are rated from 1 chill (👻) to 4 chills (👻👻👻👻) so you can decide what to introduce to your kids. One chill means your child won’t be begging you the check the closet for monsters, four chills might mean an uptick in your electric bill due to (even older tweens) kids needing to sleep with the lights on for a night or two.

Of course, when it comes to what your kid can tolerate in terms of scary movies, mom and dad will know best, regardless of what a movie might be rated or how many jumps and thrills it contains.

Are You Afraid of the Dark?

halloween movies on paramount plus

This reimaging of the Nickelodeon horror anthology promises parents who grew up watching the series in the '90s a return to the terrifying tales of their youth. In the remake, the kids of the Midnight Society gather once again to scare each other, themselves, and audiences with the story of a carnival that isn’t what it seems. While the original version of the series offered minor made-for-TV scares, the modern reboot features zombies and clowns and is best suited for tweens and teens. 

Age: 11+

Chill factor: 👻👻👻👻

 

The Addams Family

halloween movies on paramount plus

Based on the 1964 sitcom, which was based on the Charles Addams cartoons, this film remake opens with Uncle Fester’s return from the Bermuda Triangle. While the whole eccentric Addams family, including Morticia, Gomez, and their spooky offspring Pugsley and Wednesday are eager to welcome Uncle Fester, he doesn’t seem to be his unusual self. Featuring an A-list cast including Anjelica Huston, Christopher Lloyd, Raul Julia, and a young Christina Ricci, the movie does feature some dark humor and images so it may be best for older tweens and teens. 

Age: 11+

Chill factor: 👻👻

 

The Addams Family 2

halloween movies on paramount plus

In this newer animated version, the spectacularly spooky Addams family loads into their camper and hit the road. On their trip, they run into all sorts of dangerously delicious fun. Remaining true to the franchise, the film features macabre humor and images, which means parents should watch with kids who are a bit older. 

Age: 7+

Chill factor: 👻

Monster High: The Movie

halloween movies on paramount plus

Kids will enjoy watching all their favorite dolls and animated monsters including Clawdeen Wolf, Draculaura, and Frankie Stein come to life in this movie based on the popular dolls and series. In this musical fantasy and tale of friendship, the girls band together to save Monster High. While the film is more funny than fierce, the movie does feature some scenes that might upset viewers under the age of seven.

Age: 7+

Chill Factor: 👻

Related: 35 Not-So-Spooky Halloween Movies for Kids

The Boy Who Cried Werewolf 

When Jordan Sands’ family inherits a Romanian castle, she accidentally turns into a werewolf. The cast features Brooke Shields and tween favorites Chase Ellison and Victoria Justice. While this movie is often more funny than frightening, some violence and visual scares make this best for tweens and teens. 

Age: 10+

Chill factor: 👻👻👻

 

Aaah!!! Real Monsters

In this animated series, three child monsters go to school and learn how to scare humans, which often leads to some funny moments. While the show isn’t scary, gross situations and darkly comedic elements may keep some parents from watching it with their younger children. Tweens and teens may enjoy the potty humor and be better able to tolerate the gore. 

Age: 10+

Chill factor: 👻👻

Are You Afraid of the Dark? 

When it ran on Nickelodeon in the ‘90s, this series featured up-and-coming actors JoAnna Garcia Swisher and Elisha Cuthbert telling frightening stories as a part of the Midnight Society. Though the ghost stories the teens swap while sitting around a campfire in the woods can be truly creepy, they don’t feature gore and can be a nice way to ease older kids into scary stories. 

Age: 10+

Chill factor: 👻👻👻

Related: 13 Scary Flicks for Your Budding Horror Movie Fan

The Haunted Hathaways

After moving from New York City to New Orleans, the human Hathaway family finds they are not alone in their new home. The previous residents, the deceased ghostly Prestons (jazz musician dad Ray and his two sons) have never left. This haunted house series is more sweet than scary and can be enjoyed by the whole family regardless of age. 

Age: 5+

Chill factor: 👻

Liar, Liar Vampire

halloween movies on paramount plus

In this family comedy, Australian teen Davis becomes popular at his new American school after queen bee, Caitlyn mistakenly believes he’s a vampire. Keeping up the charade at school leads to all sorts of issues. The film offers some laughs for parents and is more comedic than creepy and will be most appreciated by kids nine and up. 

Age: 9+

Chill factor: 👻👻

House of Anubis

American teen, Nina arrives at an English boarding school just as a student goes missing in this Nickelodeon show. The teens must work together to figure out what happened as they navigate life at Anubis House. What really happened to Joy? Is the attic haunted? And what is the deal with that caretaker? While the show has no gore, some scary and intense moments make this series best for older kids. 

Age: 11+

Chill factor: 👻👻👻

Hunter Street 

Set against a backdrop of European adventure, five kids work together to find out what happened to their foster parents after they disappear. With positive messages and scares that are more funny than creepy, Hunter Street can be enjoyed by both parents and kids six and up. 

Age: 6+

Chill factor: 👻

Archie’s Weird Mysteries

Mummies, zombies, and a fifty-foot woman all come to life in this spooky installment in the Archie comic franchise. When a high school lab experiment goes wrong, strange things happen in Riverdale. This journey with Archie, Betty, Veronica, and the gang proves fun for kids and adults of all ages. 

Age: 2+

Chill factor: 👻

Related: 15 Magical Witch Movies to Watch with Your Kids This Season

Every Witch Way 

This Nickelodeon series feels more like a teen soap opera than a scary show. Parents and kids will get caught up in the devious doings of the kids at Iridium High, where good girl Emma finds out she is a witch and battles against bad witch Maddie for both her special powers and the affections of golden boy Daniel. The TV-G rating means parents can watch it with kids from eight-18, though the wholesome plotlines may prove boring for teens. 

Age: 8+

Chill factor: 👻

WITS Academy

In a spinoff of Every Witch Way, Emma’s (The Chosen One) best friend Andi becomes a Guardian at the highly-esteemed WITS Academy, a training ground for wizards and witches. She must live up to her reputation, but being the only human Guardian is bound to have its challenges. A fun series for the whole family. 

Age: 4+

Chill factor: 👻

Invader Zim

This animated comedic series ran for two seasons and centers around Zim from the planet Irk. The alien comes to Earth, where he attends elementary school while plotting to take over the planet. With its dark themes and graphic nature, it may be more appropriate for older kids and tweens.

Age: 9+

Chill factor: 👻👻

The Bureau of Magical Things 

halloween movies on paramount plus

More fantasy than horror, this Australian series finds the magical and human worlds collide when teen Kyra gains magical powers. With a G-rating and no violence or frightening images, this show is ideal for kids six and up. 

Age: 6+

Chill factor: 👻

Sabrina the Teenage Witch 

Based on the Archie comics, this 1990s television series focuses on teenager Sabrina Spellman (played by Melissa Joan Hart) who, on her 16th birthday, discovers she is a witch. Sabrina does her best to lead a normal life while living with aunts Hilda and Zelda (who are also witches), and a talking black cat named Salem. The show, which originally ran on ABC, is family-friendly for all but will probably appeal most to kids eight and over. 

Age: 8+

Chill factor: 👻

Monsters vs. Aliens 

In this series based on the 2009 DreamWorks film of the same name, Susan (aka Ginormica) continues to work with the team of monsters to defend the planet against aliens and other villains. These short segments are funny and cute with jokes that will resonate with both parents and kids alike though there are some violent scenes that may prove too much for younger kids. 

Age: 7+

Chill factor: 👻

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20 Things to Do for Your Bay Area Fall Bucket List

by Christine Lai

Apple picking, epic roadtrips, and where to see fall foliage—check off all your Bay Area fall bucket list activities before the season is over

Fall in San Francisco is one of the best times to enjoy our glorious city. And with the Bay Area’s scorching days of the summer well behind us, it’s time to get out and enjoy the cooler weather with annual traditions like nearby apple picking, fabulously fun fall festivals around San Francisco and pumpkin spice everything. In order to keep your fall FOMO at bay, keep reading for all of the fun stuff to do in San Francisco this fall (and for more ideas, check out our Bay Area family date night ideas and our favorite Bay Area eateries with outdoor seating).

1. Nothing screams San Francisco in the fall than a trip to a local Bay Area u-pick apple farm with bushels of them open for picking now through mid-Nov. Pick the fruits to turn into a homemade apple pie, or cheat (we won't tell) and pick up a famously fresh dessert like a Dutch Apple or Pumpkin Pie from one of our favorite spots, Gizdich Ranch.

2. Fall is the best time for a family road trip from San Francisco for on-point fall foliage. Drive into the Sierras to see the beautiful aspens change color, or up to wine country where wine growers are celebrating the harvest and the autumn sunsets are breathtaking.

3. If you haven’t done it yet, this is your sign to finally get your tickets to ride the SkyStar Observation Wheel at Golden Gate Park. Standing 150 feet tall and covered in one million LED lights, this is a spectacular addition to the park and is a beautiful way to view the city—especially at night. 

4. Discover the haunting musical melody of the Wave Organ—one of our favorite hidden gems in San Francisco.

5. Get into the Halloween spirit and check out Alcatraz Island, one of the Bay Area's spookiest spot! The Alcatraz tour is self-guided, so you can take your time and explore at your own pace—ideal for families and kids who want to race ahead. 

6. An absolute San Francisco fall must-do? Pick up a decorative gourd (or two) at one of these local pumpkin patches. Bonus? At a bunch of these must-go pumpkin picking spots, you can also hop on a hayride, get lost in a corn maze, and try your hand at pumpkin bowling.

7. Live it up and take the kids for a visit to our local haunted house, the Winchester Mystery House. Despite its spooky reputation, the mansion tour is fun and family-friendly. Kids under five go free!

Related: More Fun & Free Things to Do around San Francisco This Month

8. Get lost (and found again) at a Bay Area corn maze (discover which one holds the world record for being the world's largest!). Solve these giant puzzles together, then have fun petting farm animals, tire out the kids on giant jumping pillows before choosing a pumpkin to take home.

9. Grab your rods and reels and spend the day fishing at these kid-friendly Bay Area fishing spots. You can even get free lessons at Golden Gate Park to get you started.

Related: More Family-Friendly Things to Do in Golden Gate Park

10. Celebrate the spookiest time of year at one of these Bay Area Halloween events. From learning all about nighttime creatures at Batfest, to a night of thrills at Six Flags Boo Fest, there’s something for everyone.

More Fall Bucket List Activities near San Francisco

Kate Loweth

11. Even though the nights are getting colder, you can still enjoy the outdoors by renting a cozy camper van for the weekend. Everything you'll need for a quick and easy weekend to explore the coast, forest, or mountains is included.

12. Pools are not just for summer! Keep the splish-splashing fun going at an indoor pool in the Bay Area. Or head to the newest Great Wolf Lodge for a whole weekend of family time in the huge indoor waterpark.

13. Make the most of the sunshine while it lasts. Take the kids to a playground and enjoy some water play in a beautiful natural creek before it (officially) gets too cold for splashing. If you’re in the South Bay, Vasona Park in Los Gatos has both a creek and a lake!

14. Cooler temperatures are ideal for a day at the zoo, and Bay Area zoos are holding events this year to make your visit extra special. Boo at the (Oakland) Zoo is holding a fun scavenger hunt for kids, while the SF Zoo is hosting a Boo at the Zoo as part of their Zootober Fest with a costume parade and a giant hay maze.

15. Not too hot, not too cold: autumn is the best time to take a hike in the Bay Area. From strolls with spectacular views of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, to hikes through the redwoods, we love hitting the trails. 

16. We've sussed out the best Bay Area fall foliage spots where you can enjoy a kaleidoscope of color as the trees turn vivid colors of red and gold. 

17. There is no better season than fall to visit wine country—with kids in tow! These family-friendly vineyards near San Francisco welcome young children (and dogs).

18. F is for fall and festivals. Find out where to go in our fall-tastic festival guide for the Bay Area. From Diwali to Día de los Muertos, there’s a lot of fabulous fall fests going on this time of year.

19. The days are shorter which means more time to play after dark. Our family date night for Bay Area families guides has tons of inspo on what to do and where to go with the whole family in tow, from bowling and mini golf to stargazing. 

20. This quiet town on California’s Central Coast is the perfect family roadtrip—all the reasons why Morro Bay is the ultimate fall getaway for Bay Area families.

—Additional reporting by Sarah McDonald

 

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These Halloween Inflatables Will Transform Your Home into a Haunted House

by Karly Wood

Now that it’s October, it’s time to scare the neighborhood with some spooky inflatables

Whether you’re a family that loves the lighter side of Halloween, or you prefer all things scary, there’s a lawn inflatable for you. From Disney villains like Oogie Boogie to classic Halloween ghosts, decorating for the season can be as simple as you want to be thanks to these finds that bring instant boos to your home.

Animated Ursula

Home Depot

With moving tentacles and that iconic smirk, six-foot tall Ursula is here to spice up your lawn. She is super easy to set up and take down and comes with both the stakes and tethers.

Available at Home Depot, $199

Star Wars the Child with Pumpkin

Wayfair

Baby Yoda is here for your non-spooky Halloween decor. He comes with features bright, energy-efficient LED lights, a plug and stakes for easy setup. 

Available at Wayfair, $60

Oogie Boogie with Lock, Shock, and Barrel

halloween inflatables
Home Depot

Mean green Oogie Boogie stands tall in any fun Halloween scene. Bright white LED lights illuminate the creepy creature and his minions in this inflatable that is versatile for both indoor and outdoor use. He inflates in seconds and comes with tethers and stakes so he stays put.

Available at Home Depot, $199

Related: The Home Depot Is Selling ‘Hocus Pocus’ Themed Lawn Inflatables

Skeleton Dog

Amazon

This five-foot long inflatable skeleton puppy is carrying a sweet pumpkin candy basket with matching floppy ears. With super bright LED lights built inside, this pooch is sure to be seen.

Available on Amazon, $29.99

Jack Skellington

Target

We found the perfect counterpart to your Oogie Boogie inflatable: Jack Skellington! The seven-foot tall blow up is dressed to the nines and works for both indoor and outdoor use.

Available at Target, $60

Related: Home Depot Has Christmas Inflatables from “Christmas Vacation” & So Much More

Coco's Miguel & Dante

Coco Inflatable
Home Depot

This six-foot tall Coco Miguel and Dante Halloween Inflatable is available at Home Depot. This inflatable easily self-inflates in seconds for easy setup. With energy-efficient LEDs, it provides lasting, season-long illumination. Simply plug it in and stake in the ground.

Available at Home Depot $129.

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Scared Silly: Not-Too-Spooky Halloween Thrills for Atlanta Kids

by Shelley Massey

Enjoy the lighter side of Halloween when you find haunted houses for kids, Halloween train rides, and a ghostly time at the zoo

Whether you’re looking for goosebumps or screams, the Atlanta haunted house and Halloween experience scene delivers. That great for older kids who crave a thrill, zombies in the woods, and ghouls in the cornfields that will leave them breathless. But for the smaller set, glowing pumpkin displays, haunted houses for kids, and a not-too-spooky train ride will dish up tons of Halloween excitement without the terror. Start ’em young with these spooktacular Halloween experiences around Atlanta. Psst…looking for more family-friendly Halloween activities, try these.

Stone Mountain Pumpkin Festival

This year at the Stone Mountain Pumpkin Festival you can play all day and glow all night. After the sun goes down, the jack-o-lanterns light up, a sillier-than-spooky Nighttime Parade commences, and you'll find plenty of other not-so-spooky glowing experiences. Although not really a haunted house, it is a little spooky at night will all the glowing jack-o-lanterns, and it's a fun event for the little ones.

1000 Robert E Lee Blvd.
Stone Mountain, GA
2022 Event details

Pine Mountain Ghost Train

Take a train of terror (and one of not-so-terror). The Family Time train is designed with younger guests in mind, and is meant to be nonthreatening and fun. Scare Time begins at sunset when the ghosts and ghouls of Pine Mountain are set loose to haunt. A total of three trains will depart every hour beginning at 6:20 each night. Closing time varies nightly – make sure to check! Ticket reservations are not required, but are highly recommended. Tickets are available on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights in October.

1881 Stockmar Rd.
Villa Rica, GA
Online: pinemountaingoldmuseum.com

Related: Field Day! 6 Farm Hay Rides for Atlanta Families

The Village Haunted Attraction

A baby wearing a witches hat sits in front of a pumpkin patch
iStock

The Village is an outdoor haunt experience at the Renaissance Festival grounds that takes visitors on a tour of a village that has been cursed by evil forces. The residents have been acting strangely, and are mutating into creatures with a taste for human flesh! Better for your kids aged 13 and older, expect intense scenes and scares, character interactions, and plenty of thrills. You'll also find food, drinks, and games in the Courtyard area before or after your tour.

6905 Virlyn B. Smith Rd.
Fairburn, GA
Online: 13storieshauntedhouse.com

Haunted Forest at the Buford Corn Maze

The Buford Corn Maze is an Atlanta Halloween tradition. Between the hayride, the bounce house, the pony rides, and the corn box (not to mention the five-acre corn maze), there's plenty here to entertain without the spook factor. But if your older kids are ready for a scary Halloween, come on Friday or Saturday night, when the haunted forest is open from 8 p.m. until midnight. Kids of all ages are allowed, but use your best judgement, and you'll need to accompany kids under 8. It's $16 for the corn maze, haunted or regular.

4470 Bennet Rd.
Buford, GA
Online: bufordcornmaze.com/haunted-forest

Related: 8 A(maize)ing Corn Mazes near Atlanta

Kids Boo Fest at Six Flags

Timing your Six Flags visit is the key to serving up just the right amount of horror for the kids. During daylight hours, the festive Kids Boo Fest (Sep. 17-Oct. 30) is a chance for families to get treats in Trick-or-Treat Town, watch Halloween-themed shows, and jump on one of two hayrides. Once night falls, it's time for Fright Fest with terror-filled rides and wandering monsters and zombies. This one's not for the faint of heart. For families with various ages, keep the little ones in the scare-free kid zone while the big kids go exploring after dark, or stick to the day time events to keep it family-friendly.

275 Riverside Pkwy.
Austell, GA
Online: sixflags.com

Boo at the Zoo

kids sit on a hay maze in costumes at Halloween zoo events atlanta
courtesy Zoo Atlanta

It's not exactly a haunted house, but if you want an immersive Halloween experience that's 100% kid friendly, Boo at the Zoo is the event you've been waiting for. With a trick-or-treat trail, a costume contest, a big cast of costumed characters and plenty of fall activities, Boo at the Zoo will get your whole family in the Halloween spirit without keeping little ones up at night.

800 Cherokee Ave. S.E.
Atlanta
2022 Event details

Related: Spooktacular Halloween Events for ATL Families

Fearopolis at Funopolis Family Fun Center

If you're not sure how well your kiddos will handle spooky after-dark activities, Fearopolis could be the perfect introduction to the haunted house experience. Kids will enjoy the competitive games like pumpkin launching and laser tag, and if they want to test their limits of fear, the haunted house gives some startles and scares without overwhelming first-timers. Please note these activities are recommended for kids over 10.

40155 Hwy. 441 S.
Commerce, GA
Online: funopolisfamilyfuncenter.com

Fear the Woods

Editor's note: This experience is not confirmed for 2022.

On this haunted farm, mysterious things happen after dark. Open every Fri.-Sun., this spot offers different spooky experiences for you to choose among (or opt for all three). While they recommend visitors be 13 or older, you can purchase “Monster Protection” with your ticket and the actors will not scare those wearing it. However, animatronics are sensor-activated, so you may still experience some surprise screams.

13 Reagan Rd.
Stockbridge, GA
Online: fearthewoods.com

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Scare Up Some Fun! Portland’s Best Halloween Happenings

by Allison Sutcliffe

Here are all the scary-fun Halloween events Portland families need to check out this year

If there’s one holiday Portland families totally love, it’s got to be Halloween. We love to get weird with the kids (aren’t family costumes the best?) and head out into the city in search of goodies and the coolest carved pumpkins around. Lucky for us, Halloween events Portland kids love happen pretty much all month long. So plan to take that costume out for a spin at the zoo, OMSI, and even the symphony before your little pumpkin dons it for the main event on Halloween.

parents dress up for halloween pose with a costumed baby during howloween a halloween event in portland oregon
Michael Durham/Oregon Zoo

Howloween at the Zoo
You don't want to miss this Halloween event Portland families come back for year after year. The zoo provides a fun and safe setting for this local tradition, where costumed trick-or-treaters learn about healthy habitats for wildlife in a fun scavenger hunt throughout the zoo. Your little animal lovers will enjoy seeing the animals and learning all about conservation while filling their buckets, too. This event is included with your zoo admission, and you can grab a treat bag for an additional fee (or bring your own from home). The best part? All goodies handed out are made by companies that have committed to using deforestation-free palm oil.

Dates: Oct. 22, 23, 28-31, 2022

Oregon Zoo
4001 S.W. Canyon Rd.
Portland
Event details

See Hocus Pocus in Concert
See the Halloween favorite Hocus Pocus on the big screen with the Oregon Symphony performing the soundtracks live. Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy star as three wild witches who return from seventeenth-century Salem for a night of zany fun and comic chaos. Filled with bewitching laughs and magic, this hilarious film is perfect for the entire family.

Dates: Oct. 29-31, 2022

Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall
1037 S.W. Broadway
Portland
Event details

Do the Monster Mash
This Portland Halloween event starts at the Sellwood Middle School for the Monster March parade and ends with a party where kids can enjoy games, music, food, a photo booth, and face painting for Halloween. Wear your costumes, and register in advance for food and admission to this family event.

Dates: Oct. 29, 2022

Sellwood Community House
1436 S.E. Spokane St.
Portland
Event details 

Spirit of Halloween
The sleepy community of St Helens comes alive every October as it re-imagines Halloweentown, the spooky movie filmed there in the 1990s. You can find a celebration all month long, and they mean business—tickets are required for entry every weekend. You’ll be able to go on a self-guided haunted tour, check out the vendor village, and admire the storefronts in the historic downtown—look for special effects and great displays! You’ll find world class street performers, dance lessons, an alien exhibit, a costume contest, and a myriad of photo ops.

Good to Know: You'll find weekend Parking at 471 Plymouth Street.

Dates: Sep. 17-Oct. 31, 2022

Courthouse Plaza at The Historical Riverfront District
275 Strand St.
St. Helens, OR
Event details

Ride the Pumpkin Train
Kids of all ages will love this festive train ride around Flower Farm. Why? Because it's led by a pumpkin engine. A trip around the farm is worth the visit, but the kids will love meeting farm animals and checking out the farm store too. Just beware, this ride runs rain or shine. Psst...looking for a frightfully fun ride? Check out the Flower Farm Boo Train (not recommended for kids under 6) that rides after dark.

Dates: Oct. 8-31, 2022

2512 N. Holly St.
Canby, OR
Event details

Related: This Pumpkin Train Ride Is Worth the Drive from PDX

carved pumpkins glow from within during Halloween, fall festivals
Boophotography via iStock

Make a Witch Hat
Bring your little witch or wizard to this parent/child crafting event. Registration includes all the materials you need to make your own custom witch hats, plus two hats you don't have to craft. It's a great event to get you in the spirit of things.

Date: Oct. 29, 2022

Venino Art Studio
13329 S.E. Misty Dr.
Happy Valley, OR
Event details

 

Trick or Treat at Gresham Station
Bring your costumed kiddos to Gresham Station for a fun Halloween event the whole family will love. Grab tricks or treats from the Gresham Station retailers, make crafts, and even get a chance to meet and greet some of Mountain Peaks Therapy alpacas when you visit.

Date: Oct. 29, 2022

Gresham Station
649 N.W. 12th St.
Gresham, OR
Event details

 

Get Halloween Goodies at the Farmers Market
Hey, ghosts and goblins, superheroes and princesses! Come celebrate Halloween with a trick or treating opportunity at the Market a day before the main event. Dress up in your costume and trick or treat at the vendors booths.

Date: Oct. 30, 2022

Rotary Plaza
12345 S.W. Tigard St.
Tigard, OR
Event details 

 

See Cool Carved Pumpkins
West Linn's annual pumpkin display will be back this year with 200 intricately carved, mind-blowing pumpkins, a kid-friendly laser light display, glow pumpkins, and a flaming jack o' lantern. Another fun option in West Linn? The Boo Pumpkin Patch (Oct. 21-22) at Mary S. Young Park where you'll see more pumpkins on display and the Portland Ghostbusters too. Both are fun alternatives to scary haunts that not all kids can handle, and an easy win for parent with tots and babies.

Dates: Oct. 15 & 16, 22 & 23, 28-31, 2022

2885 White Salmon Ct.
West Linn, OR
Event details

 

Experience a Junior Haunt
Halloween thrills that aren’t too scary wait for families at the Canby fairgrounds this year. Harken back to Halloween’s past as you survive ‘80s horror films, 1950’s atomic Cold War bunkers, clanking damp castles, raven-haunted graveyards, and more. This Junior haunt is aimed at guests 12 and under and their families. It’s a more brightly lit, quieter, and friendly attraction to provide only laughter and delight. Tickets required.

Dates: Oct. 8-29, 2022

Clackamas County Event Center
694 N.E. 4th Ave.
Canby, OR
Event details

 

Attend the Kids Monster Fest
The Kids Monster Fest is a special matinee haunted house experience for children 12 and under and scaredy cats of all ages. Guests will be allowed into the largest Underhill Haunted House nighttime haunts: Underhill Manor. Upon entering young guests will receive a magic wand that will frighten any ghouls, monsters, or creeps away. Also, guests should try and find Harry, the very cute resident bat. If you do prizes await. Join us for Kids Monster Fest for a fun, scary-but-not-too-scary time.

Dates: Oct. 22 & 23, 2022

Veterans Memorial Coliseum
300 N. Ramsay Way
Portland
Event details

Related: Our Favorite Places to Take Kids Trick or Treating in the City, Day or Night

a baby sits open-mouthed in a pumpkin patch field wearing a witch hat
iStock

Experience Laser Halloween
Spooky lasers, eerie scenes, and ghoulish dances are what this party is all about. Get into the Halloween spirit with frighteningly good tunes provided by OMSI. All you need to bring is your best dance moves for this chilling good time.

Dates: Oct. 1-30, 2022

OMSI
1945 S.E. Water Ave.
Portland
Event details

Trick-or-Treat on the Trail
Pack up the car and bring the kids for tons of cute photo ops around the Dolan Creek Farm. Dress in your costumes and plan to enjoying trick or treating on the farm’s nature trail, too.

Date: Oct. 30, 2022

Dolan Creek Farm
13490 S.E. Orient Dr.
Boring, OR
Event details

Go to a Spooky Storytime
Come celebrate Dia de los Muertos and Halloween with North Portland Library. Join with friends for a very special, very spooky storytime, a costume parade, crafts, snacks, and giveaway books.

Date: Oct. 30, 2022

North Portland Library
512 N. Killingsworth St.
Portland, OR
Event details 

Oaks Park Scare Grounds
Portland's only Scream Park returns to one of the oldest amusement parks in the country, the historic Oaks Amusement Park. The Event features three horrifying haunted walkthrough attractions: House of Horrors Scarezone, Graveyard Pumpkin Patch, Last ‘Scream’ Photo Op. There are also Oaks Park thrill rides, games, and concessions. But we know you want to know about the not-so-scary option for little kids. Little ghosts and goblins are invited to join for Midway Trick-or-Treating during select hours. Get a trick-or-treat bag from any game booth, then stop by the carousel, train, mini golf course, and each Midway game for goodies.

Dates: Sep. 30-Oct. 31, 2022

7805 S.E. Oaks Park Way
Portland
Event details

Bella Organics Haunted Corn Maze
Open every Friday and Saturday night through October, this Halloween activity starts at dark. Get lost in acres of corn with the kids. Creatures stalk you as you make your way through the Haunted Corn Maze. This year the Sauvie Island Haunted Corn Maze will be inspired by suicide prevention, a theme we can all get on board with. If you're wondering which option to take with kids, try the earliest time available.

If you kiddos are too young for such a scare, Bella Organics has a far less scary corn maze to be enjoyed earlier in the day. It's open on Halloween and includes access to hay rides a cow train and even a petting zoo with lots of animals your little ghosts will love getting their hands on.

Dates: Sep. 15-Oct. 31, 2022

16205 N.W. Gillihan Rd.
Portland
Event details

Related: Get Lost! Corn Mazes to Visit This Fall

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Quick & Easy Halloween Bark Recipe

by Karly Wood

It’s the cutest boo bark around

Looking for a festive treat to welcome the spooky season? This Halloween bark recipe uses just five store-bought ingredients, requires no oven and whips up faster than you can say “boo!” Nut-free and perfectly customizable, it also makes for a great teacher gift. It’s also a great afternoon activity that you can do with the kids that results in one tasty dessert.

Related: 31 Ghoulishly Good Halloween Dinners That Kids Will Love

Ingredients

-One pound of chocolate (Look for bars, not chocolate chips)

-Pretzels

-White chocolate chips

-OREO cookies with festive-colored creme

–M&M's in a fun color

 

Other supplies:

-Cookie sheet

-Parchment paper

-Microwave Safe Bowl

-Spatula

Step One

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, then start snapping pretzels into small pieces. Try not to pulverize them! Then take 8-10 OREO cookies and cut into quarters. Don't worry if they don't cut cleanly, it's ok if they crumble! Just be sure to evenly scatter both the pretzels and the cookies on the baking sheet.

 

Step Two

Break chocolate into smallish pieces and place in microwave-safe bowl.

Step Three

Microwave for 45 seconds, then remove and stir. Continue microwaving in 30 second intervals, and stirring until the chocolate is completely smooth.

Related: Scary Sweet: Totally Boos-Free Halloween Crafts

Step Four

Pour chocolate over pretzel and OREO pieces, coating in an even layer so everything is smothered in delicious chocolate.

Step Five

This is the fun part! Grab the kids and start sprinkling the chocolate with M&M's and white chocolate chips.

Related: Trader Joe’s Haunted House Cookie Kit Is Back for the Season

Step Six

Place your baking sheet in the refrigerator for about an hour, or until the chocolate has cooled and hardened. 

Step Seven

Once your bark is completely solidified, carefully cut into smaller pieces with a sharp knife. Keep portioned bark in the fridge until you're read to enjoy!

 

 

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