Dia de los Muertos? Halloween carnivals? Haunted nature hikes? If you’re looking for some spooky Halloween fun this month, you’ll want to check out the County Department of Parks and Recreation.
“October is a great time to discover the safe, diverse activities that our County Parks and Recreation system offers families,” said County Board of Supervisors Chairman Bill Horn.
Children can meet owls, bats and other creatures that “spirit” the San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve in Encinitas at the “Not So Scary Estuary Family Discovery Day.” Or families can celebrate a 3,000-year-old tradition when lost loved ones return home in spirit at Rancho Guajome Adobe’s Dia de los Muertos in Vista.
Kids are invited to wear their costumes to safe Halloween carnivals hosted by the Fallbrook, Spring Valley and Lakeside Community Centers.
A listing of Parks and Recreation Halloween programs follows.
For more information on County Parks and Recreation and fall programs, visit sdparks.org.
COUNTY PARKS HALLOWEEN EVENTS
Family Discovery Days: Not-So-Scary Estuary
San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve
Oct 22 – 23, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Free
2710 Manchester Ave.
Encinitas | (760) 634-3026
Learn secrets of the native owls, spiders, bats, and other critters that “spirit” the lagoon after sunset and discover they’re not so scary after all. Arts and crafts for kids, bat cave display and trick-or-treating along the reserve’s loop trail.
Dia De Los Muertos At Guajome
Rancho Guajome Adobe
Saturday, October 29, 12 p.m. – 6 pm
Fees: $2 for adults 13 and older, $1 for children (ages 4-12), free for children under 3.
2210 North Santa Fe Ave.
Vista | (760) 724-4082
Celebrate a 3,000 year old tradition when the dead return home to visit loved ones in spirit, feast on their favorite food and drink, and listen to their favorite music. The historic Rancho Guajome Adobe will feature symbolic offerings created by community members to remember the dead and honor ancestors, including food, photography, flowers, candles, and toys. Enjoy ballet folklorico, live traditional music, and children’s activities, along with food and craft vendors.
Haunted Trail Hike
Dos Picos Regional Park
Saturdays, October 8, 22, 29, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Free
17953 Dos Picos Park Rd
Ramona | (760) 789-2220
A spirit guide will lead you on the haunted trail. This time of year, the woods are filled with spirits and creatures, natural and supernatural; come join us if you dare! Free parking in the picnic day use parking lot; meet at the restroom building with the light.
October At The Whaley House
October 21-31
Tour prices and times vary—Call 619-297-7511 or visit Whaley House website
2482 San Diego Ave
San Diego | (619) 297-7511
The Save Our Heritage Organization, which operates the County-owned historical site, has some spirited fun in store for visitors this Halloween season. Guided walking tours of Old Town’s haunted sites and after-hour ghost hunts give guests a time to remember.
Old Town San Diego’s Dia De Los Muertos
November 1-2
Free
2482 San Diego Ave
San Diego | (619) 297-7511
Save Our Heritage Organization presents Old Town San Diego’s Dia de los Muertos, a free event with a walking tour of over 30 alters, music, and traditional activities.
ANNUAL SAFE HALLOWEEN CARNIVALS
These annual Halloween carnivals are all about dressing up, having fun and staying safe. Join us for games, music, food, drinks, a costume contest, and the infamous haunted house. All children must be accompanied by an adult
La Paloma Elementary School (adjacent to the Fallbrook Community Center)
Monday, October 31, 5 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Free
300 Heald Lane
Fallbrook | (760) 728-1671
Lakeside Community Center
Monday, October 31, 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Free
9841 Vine Street
Lakeside | (619) 443-9176
Spring Valley Community Center
Monday, October 31, 5:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Free
8735 Jamacha Blvd.
Spring Valley | (619) 479-1832
