Since Halloween is Wednesday night, October 31, 2018, many parents are having trouble figuring out what to do with the kids? Afraid to let them go trick-or-treating for fear of the loonies out there? Here are a few ideas for parents spooked about Halloween.

First of all, there’s nothing wrong with trick-or-treating. As my daughters grew up, I walked with them around the neighborhood with our dog Keli. We even dressed the dog up as a witch. The kids were safe and we all had a wonderful time.

With that said, there are 5 events happening in the Los Angeles area this Halloween that are fun and close by. (For more information about each event, follow the links.) 

Toluca Lake Pumpkin Patch

Here’s a great place to buy your pumpkins. While you’re there, explore the Haunted Maze or the petting zoo. The Pumpkin Patch Haunted Maze and Petting Zoo will be open from October 1 through October 31 from 10am to 9pm.

Haunted Hay Ride

Prepare yourself for a frightening experience that begins in Pergatory. Once you’ve walked through those forbidden gates, Villagers will point you to interactive shows, an undead horse ride on the Scary-Go-Round, and more. A haywagon will transport you into the unknown, and beware, evil clowns live in the haunted woods and may unleash their bag of tricks as you passby. Then there’s the House of Shadows where vicious souls may cause your early demise. You can end your visit exploring the haunted village while you trick or treat at every door. Expect mischief galore.

A Festival of Frights

Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood dares you to enter their backlot for an incredible Halloween party. Evil clowns, demon nuns, super villains, and even the Devil will be there to help you confront your deepest fears and nightmares. You will tour a creepy carnival, view authentic props from horror movies like Scream, the Corpse Bride, and Mars Attacks. There’s a Dark Maze and you might even meet Batman’s Joker. Tickets are available from October 18-21 and 25-28 from 7pm – 1am.

Boo At the LA Zoo

This is an event the entire family can enjoy. There will be pumpkin carvings, special animal feedings with the zoo’s furry friends, and on October 20, 21, 27, 28, there is trick-or-treating throughout the zoo. Some LA Zoo events include a Spooky Stroll, Boo Bird Show, and Swazzle’s Monster Menagerie Puppet Show. The wearing of costumes is encouraged. 

Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor

Located in Long Beach, California, Dark Harbor is not for the easily scared or for children under thirteen. Queen Mary has transformed into a haunted ship where monsters and mazes pull you into the Halloween spirit. There are monsters and mazes for twenty nights from Sept. 27th through Nov. 2nd. Tickets are available online and vary in price depending on when you plan to arrive. Warning: Beware of the evil Ringmaster who controls 200 heinous monsters. Only those with strong hearts will survive.

From a pumpkin patch to a frightening cruise liner, children of all ages should be able to have a memorable Halloween this terrifying season. 

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