San Francisco

California Academy of Sciences SuperNatural: In the Flesh!
After a virtual hiatus, this event is back in person for a frighteningly live good time. Join the werewolf, vampire and mummy party for science, specimens, treats and additional outdoor activities on the living roof. All SuperNatural guests ages 12 & up will be required to provide proof of full vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test. See website for details. 

When: October 22, 2021, 5:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.
Where: California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco, CA
Online: calacademy.org

Halloween Hoopla at Yerba Buena Gardens
Creep, crawl and slither your way over to the 21st annual Halloween Hoopla for kids 10 and under along with their adults. With performances by The Unique Derique, Caterpillar Puppets, the GRAMMY-nominated Alphabet Rockers and more, the hoopla’s grand finale will be the rockin’ parade. Bust out your costumes and jump right in—it’s free for everyone.

When: Oct. 30, noon to 2:00 p.m.
Where: Yerba Buena Gardens, San Francisco, CA
Online: ybgfestival.org

Family Halloween Day
Randall Museum has finally reopened and their annual Family Halloween Day is back! The whole space will be filled with spooky, but not scary, delights for the Halloween season. Come in costume and join in the fun. Explore new areas of the museum for unexpected surprises while enjoying familiar favorites like Creepy Crafts, Ghoulish Games, Trick-or-Treating, Live Music & Entertainment, Pumpkin Carving and more!     

When: Oct. 30, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Where: Randall Museum, San Francisco
Online: Redtri.com

East Bay

Free Corn Maze for Kids 5 and Under
G&M Farms Cornfield Maze and Pumpkin Patch is so unique it was featured on the David Letterman show...twice! These cool twists, turns and dead-ends were also voted Best Seasonal Attraction in the East Bay by Diablo Magazine. Plus, kids under 5 get in the maze for free. Other awesome autumnal delights include fresh produce, decorative gourds and Indian corn, farm animals, pony rides, pedal carts, jumping pillows and the famous Cow Train.

When: Wednesdays-Sundays starting October 1st
Where: G & M Farm, Livermore, CA
Online: gmfarms.com

Boo at the Zoo in Oakland
Lions and tigers and...GOBLINS? Oh my! Follow the clues on a self-guided animal-themed scavenger hunt to track down all the trick-or-treating animals hidden throughout the zoo. Kids will receive pre-stuffed goodie bags (covid-safe!) and can participate in the Halloween costume contest—check the website for different themes each week. Winners will receive 4 tickets to the zoo’s new nighttime holiday lantern festival, GLOWFARI.

When: Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays October 8-31
Where: Oakland Zoo, CA
Online: oaklandzoo.org

Halloween Jam at Fairyland
Bundle up for seasonal surprises and festooned rides at Children’s Fairyland. Hop on the Creepy Crawly (which rhymes suspiciously with “Jolly Trolly”) and romp through the ghost town formerly known as Old West Junction.​ At the end of each session, everyone is welcome to march in the physically-distanced Monster Mash parade and kids will get a special treat at the exit. Costumes are encouraged but not required. 

When: Fri-Sun, October 22-31
Where: Children’s Fairyland, Oakland, CA
Online: fairyland.org

Halloween Farm Games at Ardenwood
Celebrate this bewitching holiday with some festive farm games. Join us in the farmyard to compete in our pumpkin playtime! Ardenwood admission fee applies.

When: Sun., Oct. 31 1 p.m.-2:30 p.m.
Where: Ardenwood Farms
Online: Redtri.com

Autumn Lights Festival at Lake Merritt
For three luminous nights, the open-air gardens surrounding Lake Merritt will be aglow from the annual autumn lights festival. Along with over 60 locally-made illuminated art displays, you’ll also find fire dancers, live music, food and libations. Proof of vaccination and/or a negative covid test will be required. 

When: October 14-16
Where: Lake Merritt, Oakland, CA
Online: visitoakland.com

The Haunted Garden at Camron-Stanford House
Play lawn games, dip into fall-themed arts and crafts and enjoy seasonal music and snacks at this laidback family event. Tickets include access to the Morbid Desire Halloween exhibit and you can also shop with the local vendor The Haunted Manor Boutique. Only $5 for adults (free for children and members).

When: Saturday, October 30, 11:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Where: Camron-Stanford House, Oakland, CA
Online: cshouse.org

Norman Foote’s Halloween Howl
Norman Foote returns to the Gallo Center for the Arts for his seventh stellar show! Known for his goofy humor, outrageous props and musical abilities, Norman’s endearing performances always dazzle. His Halloween Howl will include music, laughter, surprises and the fun-filled spirit of Halloween. Book your tickets soon!

When: October 12, 2021 6:30 p.m.
Where: Gallo Center for the Arts, Modesto, CA
Online: galloarts.org

Fright Fest at Six Flags
Get scared, if you dare! For those who love the rush of all things frightening, you don’t want to miss this. Haunted attractions include Arsenic & Arania’s Nightmare Manor and the winding Carnevil: Death Under the Big Top. Buckle up for zombies, witches, scary skits and even monsters riding in the seat next to you!

When: Every weekend during the month of October
Where: Six Flags, Vallejo, CA
Online: sixflags.com

Pirates of Emerson Haunted Theme Park
This freaky walk-through theme park features the Dorm of Doom, Hillbilly Holler, Maze Haze and the Mystery Mansion. Capacity is limited with covid protocols in place, so be sure and get your tickets early.

When: 7:00-10:00 p.m. Thur.-Sun. in October
Where: Alameda County Fairgrounds, CA
Online: piratesofemerson.com

All A-Booo-ard the Pumpkin Patch Express!
Embark on a two-hour harvest rail ride through Yolo County farmland. Tickets include trick-or-treating, arts and crafts, photo opportunities, and a pumpkin to bring home. For an additional fee, mine for gems and purchase seasonal snacks and beverages while riding the rails (morning mimosa, anyone?). Costumes are welcome.

When: Weekends in October
Where: River Fox Train, West Sacramento, CA
Online: riverfoxtrain.com

South Bay

Pumpkin Days: A Family Harvest Celebration at CuriOdyssey
Don your unicorn horns and wacky wigs and spend a joyous day at a harvest celebration where you’ll find Halloween-themed science experiments, animal ambassadors, a pumpkin patch, jack-o-lanterns and more. The Harvest Celebration is included with purchase of admission at CuriOdyssey.

When: Wed.-Sundays in October, 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Where: CuriOdyssey, San Mateo, CA
Online: CuriOdyssey.org

Hallowe'en Flashlight Tours at the Winchester Mystery House
Feeling brave? How about a jaunt through the dark hallways of a haunted mansion at night! Listen to tales of Sarah Winchester and her intriguing estate’s haunted history on the self-guided evening Lost-in-the-House Tour. Included in the All Hallows Eve ticket is the outdoor Jack O’ Lantern Trail with hand-carved Jack O’ Lanterns displays, photo-ops in the Victorian Gardens and fall-themed food and spirits. 

When: Fri, Sep 10, 2021 - Sun, Oct 31
Where: Winchester Mystery House, San Jose, CA
Online: winchestermysteryhouse.com

All About Bats
Want to know the truth about bats? They’re actually fascinating mammals—not just freaky Halloween decorations! Participate in an outdoor, interactive experience with bats to learn some incredible truths about these mythical creatures. All ages are welcome and the event is free to everyone. 

When: Saturday, October 2nd 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Where: Environmental Volunteers EcoCenter, Palo Alto, CA
Online: evols.org

Roaring Camp Railroad Harvest Faire
On this 75-minute ride through the redwoods, journey to mystical Bear Mountain where you and your kids can pick a pumpkin, get crafty at the Scarecrow Craft Table, decorate a jack-o-lantern mask, try your hand at blacksmithing, trick-or-treat and even pan for gold!

When: Weekends October 2-31
Where: Roaring Camp, Felton, CA
Online: roaringcamp.com

The Great Halloween Pumpkin Hunt
The ultimate GREAT PUMPKIN HUNT is at Gamble Garden this Halloween! Come in costume to enjoy arts & crafts, a scavenger hunt, and free frozen treats for a frightfully delightful time.

When: Sat., Oct. 23 10:30 a.m.
Where: 1431 Waverley St, Palo Alto
Online: gamblegarden.org

Mummy and Me Halloween Funfest
Santana Row’s outdoor day of Halloween play is back! Get decked out and come trick-or-treat, decorate pumpkins, boogie to live music, blow up balloons and more. You’ll also enjoy halloween-themed arts and crafts, airbrush face painting and perhaps a visit from a special Halloween character or two! This event is free and open to the public.

When: Oct. 26, 10:00 a.m.-noon
Where: Santana Row, San Jose, CA
Online: santanarow.com

Bat Fest Community Event
This family-friendly fundraiser features live animal presentations of bats and owls, music by DJ Shugga Shay, tacos, horchata, arts & crafts, and festival games.  Be sure to stay for a fun, spooky movie to end the night!

When: Oct. 23, 4-9 p.m.
Where: Rancho Canada del Oro open space  
Online: redtri.com 

The Great Big Boo at Gilroy Gardens
Enjoy a live musical show as you "Do the Boo'' with a charming cast of Halloween characters at Gilroy Gardens’ Lakeside Amphitheater. Meet Vinnie the Vampire, Cranium the Mad Scientist, and Wendella the Witch on a quest to save Halloween. Plus, trick-or-treat down Boo Alley, ride the Boo Train, see the pumpkin pyramid and make your way through the hay maze. Admission is free at 6:00 p.m., 7:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. nightly, as well as at 9:00 p.m. on Saturdays.

When: Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, October 1-31
Where: Gilroy Gardens, Gilroy, CA
Online: Gilroygardens.org

Halloween Kids' Carnival and Haunted Hanger 
Visit the Hiller Aviation Museum to see the gallery decked out in Halloween adornments and take part in the Great Pumpkin Scavenger Hunt. Kids can also paint a plane in seasonal Halloween colors, try the famous Helicopter Pumpkin Drop and join a variety of other special carnival activities.

When: October 23-31 (see website for specific events and times)
Where: Hiller Aviation Museum, San Carlos, CA
Online: hiller.org

Trail of Lights and Field of Frights at Swank Farm
Follow a magical trail of twinkling lights on the farm that will consist of several special surprises as well as a spooky treat or two!

When: Fridays-Sundays, October 1-31, 10:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.
Where: Swank Farms, Hollister, CA
Online: swankfarms.com

Marin and North Bay

Goblin Jamboree at the Bay Area Discovery Museum
Goblin Jamboree returns for a week-long celebration packed with Halloween themed programs and frightful delights. Flying ghosts, steampunk robots, a hay maze, bone digs and a shadow puppet theater are just a few of the fun things this annual fundraising event has to offer. Capacity is limited so be sure and reserve your tickets in advance.

When: Sat., October 23 - Sun, October 31
Where: BADM, Sausalito, CA
Online: bayareadiscoverymuseum.org

Family Style Halloween Pizza Night with Bricoleur Vineyards
Bring the kids, the dog, your hearty appetites and a spirit of celebration for a festive night of pizza and pumpkins! One adult ticket price includes wine, salumi boards, fresh garden-grown salads, wood-fired pizzas, and handmade pasta. Buon Appetito!

When: Friday, Oct. 29, 4:00-7:00 p.m.
Where: Bricoleur Vineyards, Windsor, CA
Online: bricoleurvineyards.com

Family Fall Fest at Vista Collina Resort
Cookie decorating, carnival games, a bouncy house, glitter tattoos, a candied apple station, food truck and a pet costume contest await at the Vista Collina Fall Fest. A $30 wristband gets kids unlimited access to the carnival games, bouncy house and more. Come for the games, stay for the wine (and maybe a spa treatment, too?). It's a treat for the whole family!

When: Saturday, Oct. 30, noon-6:00 p.m.
Where: Vista Collina Resort, Napa, CA
Online: meritagecollection.com

Halloween Sausalito
A “Howl’O’Ween” dog costume contest, spooky haunted house (including a low-key, lights-on version geared for the little ones) and a Halloween parade and trick-or-treating lane have all been confirmed for this late afternoon/evening of fun on Halloween in Sausalito. 

When: Sunday, October 31, 4-9:00 p.m.
Where: Margaret Todd Senior Center, Sausalito, CA
Online: sausalito.gov

Hoot and Howl in Santa Rosa
Celebrate all things nocturnal with this Halloween-themed exploration at the Laguna Environmental Center. Keep your ears open for hoots, visit an owl pellet dissection station and use a black light to discover local nocturnal insects and arachnids. For the grand finale, watch resident bats depart from the Hop Barn for their nightly hunting!

When: Saturday, October 30, 5-7:00 p.m.
Where: Laguna de Santa Rosa Foundation
Online: lagunafoundation.org