PICK OF THE MONTH
Halloween at Disneyland
October 1 to October 31
Halloween spirits will be haunting both Disneyland and California Adventure this year. Jack Skellington will prowl around the Haunted Mansion Holiday, while special spooks haunt a reimagined Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy.
A true crowd favorite, the Diá de los Muertos skeleton display, resides as always in Frontierland accompanied by a wild and ghoulish band.
But the otherworldly fun isn’t restricted to just one park, this year. In California Adventure, Cars Land will receive an awesome new “Haul-A-Ween” makeover while seasonal surprises in the Guardian of the Galaxy ride make visitor’s hearts drop along with their stomachs.
If your little ones are new to the Halloween scene, introducing them to the idea of having fun by being slightly spooked might go over better in the happiest place on earth.
Disneyland, Anaheim
714-781-4565
disneyland.disney.go.com
San Clemente Seafest
Sunday, October 1
The annual Seafest contains a fantastic collection of fun contests, ranging from surfing to the diaper derby. Kids and teens can compete in hula hooping, tortilla tossing, jump roping, and the bubble gum blowing. Then, there’s the famous Chowder Cook-Off, where professionals and amateurs battle for top honors, and the public can sample the tasty entries. Folks can also enjoy the arts & crafts show, the entertainment offerings and even U.S. Coast Guard search & rescue demonstration.
San Clemente Pier, 611 Avenida Victoria, San Clemente
949-492-1131
www.scchamber.com
Founder’s Day Fair
Saturday, October 7
Come spend a day at the Aliso Viejo Ranch and help the city celebrate its founding. Aliso Viejo’s annual party contains a mix of old-fashion fun and modern amusements. The afternoon’s lineup features live entertainment, rides, games and community booths. Families can also check out the interactive historical exhibits. While admission is free, there will be a fee for food and some activities hosted by local nonprofit organizations.
Aliso Viejo Ranch, 100 Park Avenue, Aliso Viejo
949-425-2537
www.cityofalisoviejo.com
Knott’s Spooky Farm
October 1, 7-8, 14-15, 21-22, 28-29, 31
If Knott’s Scary Farm is just too scary for your little ones (or for you), visit Knott’s Spooky Farm instead. Especially geared for kids ages 3-11, the Spooky Farm is open on October weekends and Halloween. Enjoy Camp Snoopy Theater’s “Monsters are Coming” kids show, and discover what seasonal surprises await you on the Grand Sierra Railroad and the Timber Mountain Log Ride. Children also can take part in the popular Spooky Farm Costume Contest.
Knott’s Berry Farm, 8039 Beach Boulevard, Buena Park
714-220-5200
www.knotts.com
Spooky Early Animation Studio
Sunday, October 15
Phenakistiscopes, Zoetropes, and Thaumatropes may sound like crazy mad scientist contraptions; however, they are names of early devices used to make animate images. Artist Lynne Okimura will show students how to draw animated cycles and how these early animation devices were created and used. Youngsters can choose one or more of these devices to bring a Halloween creatures to life. While this is a free, drop-in workshop, there is a 40-person limit so it is recommended that families arrive at 10 am.
Bowers Kidseum, 1802 N. Main Street, Santa Ana
714-480-1520
www.bowers.org
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