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Halloween & Fall Events for 2026 in Monterey & Santa Cruz Counties

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Halloween & Fall Events for 2026 in Monterey & Santa Cruz Counties

Fall festivals, family fun, and Halloween events for a fall season filled with good times on the Central Coast of California. As new events come in and are verified, we will add them, so check back frequently. Here is our round up of verified 2026 Halloween and fall events for Monterey and Santa Cruz Counties.

Upcoming Fall & Halloween Events in Monterey Bay

Thriller Dance Classes

Free, drop-in classes taught by volunteer instructors with previous zombie experience. Open to all ages and abilities.

WHEN: Saturdays through October 10, 10:00 AM–12:30 PM
WHERE: London Nelson Community Center, Santa Cruz
INFO

California Renaissance Faire

The streets and stages are filled with music and dance, plus a petting zoo and other children’s activities. Food, crafts, shows, and more. Kids 12 and under are free every weekend.

WHEN: Weekends through October 25
WHERE: 10031 Pacheco Pass, Hollister
INFO

The Great Big BOO at Gilroy Gardens

Put on your costumes and enter BOO Alley for a fully immersive Halloween adventure. Meet funny characters, sing and dance at the live musical, and trick-or-treat along the BOO Trail.

WHEN: Through November 1
WHERE: Gilroy Gardens, 3050 Hecker Pass Hwy., Gilroy
INFO

Downtown Boulder Creek Treat Walk

Artists and merchants will be handing out candy and treats to the kiddos. Although you are welcome to break out your Halloween costume early, it is not required.

WHEN: October 2, 5:00–8:00 PM
WHERE: Downtown Boulder Creek
INFO

Night Market 831 Halloween Invasion

Free community gathering with costume contest, food, art, music, and fun.

WHEN: October 2, 5:00–9:00 PM
WHERE: Sand City Art Park
INFO

Cypress Church Fall Festival

A day of carnival games, bounce houses, food, annual Creative Showcase, fellowship, and an opportunity to dunk the pastors on staff.

WHEN: October 3, 10:00 AM
WHERE: Cypress Church, Salinas
INFO

Downtown Santa Cruz Harvest Festival

Games, fall produce, food, crafts, music, and more.

WHEN: October 3, 12:00–4:00 PM
WHERE: Parking Lot 16 & Church Street, Santa Cruz
INFO

Mad Science at the Library in Salinas

Get ready for some spooky science and create new experiments every week.

WHEN: October 6, 13, 20 & 27, 3:30–4:30 PM
WHERE: El Gabilan Library, Salinas
INFO

Spooky Sensory Storytime

A cozy morning designed with sensory needs in mind. Families can enjoy hands-on sensory activities, an inclusive storytime, and community connection.

WHEN: October 7, 10:30 AM
WHERE: Olivia and Daisy Bookstore, Carmel Valley
INFO

Dads Read October

Halloween costume exchange. Other activities include gymnastics, rock painting, clothing exchange, and trunk or treat.

WHEN: October 10, 10 AM–12 PM
WHERE: Marina Branch Library, Marina
INFO

Tractor or Treat

Kids and families will enjoy trick-or-treating around the farm, fall crafts, drive a tractor, enjoy a hay wagon ride around the fairgrounds and more.

WHEN: October 10, 11 AM–3 PM
WHERE: Agriculture History Project, Watsonville
INFO

Thomas & Percy’s Halloween Party

Take a 25-minute train ride with Thomas and Percy. Enjoy family activities, costumes, and more.

WHEN: October 10–11, 17–18, 24–25
WHERE: Roaring Camp Railroads, 5401 Graham Hill Road, Felton
INFO

Pumpkin Decorating Bonanza

Kids and adults alike will sit down to celebrate the harvest season, the coming holidays and the joy of playing with food. Rodoni pumpkins of all shapes and sizes will be dressed up with veggies, string, pipe cleaners, buttons, and googly eyes.

WHEN: October 13, 2–5 PM
WHERE: Felton Farmers’ Market, Russell Avenue, Felton
INFO

Harvest Festival

Dog costume contest, music, and food.

WHEN: October 17, 11 AM–2 PM
WHERE: Pacchetti Dog Park, Seaside
INFO

Heritage Harvest Festival

Enjoy living history demonstrations, crafts, games, live music, food and more. Taste history during the Heritage Apple Tasting.

WHEN: October 17, 11 AM–4 PM
WHERE: Wilder Ranch State Park, Santa Cruz
INFO

Haunted House and Mask Making Festival

A creative day of mask making, Halloween carnival games, frightening photo booth, Thriller performance plus special theatrical performances in the auditorium. Free event.

WHEN: October 17, 12–4:30 PM
WHERE: London Nelson Community Center, Santa Cruz
INFO

Pumpkin Plunge

Free admission includes swimming, crafts, games, and more; $7 to plunge for a pumpkin.

WHEN: October 17, 1–3 PM
WHERE: Patullo Swim Center, 1148 Wheeler Street, Seaside

Floating Pumpkin Patch

The Santa Cruz County Parks Department hosts the event and allows people to swim and dive for pumpkins, which they can then decorate at a station with crafts.

WHEN: October 18, 1–4 PM
WHERE: Simkins Swim Center, Santa Cruz
INFO

City of Monterey Trunk or Treat

Trick or treat with area non-profits and other city partners. Be sure to stop by and say hi to the team from Monterey Bay Parent!

WHEN: October 17, 5–6:30 PM
WHERE: Pacific Street between Madison & Jefferson, Downtown Monterey
INFO

City of Monterey Movie on the Lawn

Enjoy the movie Scooby-Doo on the Colton Hall lawn following the city’s Trunk or Treat event.

WHEN: October 17, 6:30 PM
WHERE: Colton Hall, Pacific Street, Monterey
INFO

City of Greenfield Harvest Festival

Enjoy food, live music, a car show featuring classic cars & modern cars, and more.

WHEN: October 18, 12:00–6:30 PM
WHERE: Downtown Greenfield
INFO

13 Days of Halloween on the Wharf

Pumpkin Bingo Hunt, Thriller dance, photo booths, and festive Wharf specials.

WHEN: October 19–31
WHERE: Santa Cruz Wharf, 21 Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz
INFO

Trunk or Treat at Northridge Mall

Resource Fair, treats, games, costume contest and more. Held in the parking lot near Panera Bread.

WHEN: October 23, 4–7 PM
WHERE: Northridge Mall parking lot, Salinas
INFO

Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Trunk or Treat

Join the county Sheriff’s Department for their annual Trunk or Treat event. Decorated trunks, candy, games, food vendors and more. Free parking and shuttle service will be provided at the Capitola Mall.

WHEN: October 23, 5–8 PM
WHERE: Shuttle pick-up point is Capitola Mall
INFO

Party at the Monsterey Boo Ascaryum

Come show off your costume, and experience the Aquarium at night, dance to spine-tingling tunes, and trick-or-treat yourself to Halloween-themed desserts available for purchase at the cafe along with savory meals, coffee, beer, and wine. Halloween event tickets are required for admission for members and their guests. No general admission tickets sold.

WHEN: October 23 & 24, 7–10 PM
WHERE: Monterey Bay Aquarium, 886 Cannery Row, Monterey
INFO

Downtown Pacific Grove Trick-or-Treat

Candy, music, giveaways, and safety zone activities. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

WHEN: October 24, 10 AM–2 PM
WHERE: Lighthouse Avenue, Downtown Pacific Grove
INFO

Carmel’s Annual Pumpkin Roll

Pumpkins roll down Ocean Avenue in a fun community tradition.

WHEN: October 24, 11 AM–1 PM
WHERE: Ocean Avenue (Santa Rita to Junipero Streets), Carmel
INFO

All Saints Day School Fall Festival

Rides, food trucks, games, music, and entertainment to celebrate fall.

WHEN: October 24, 11 AM–3 PM
WHERE: All Saints Day School, 8060 Carmel Valley Road, Carmel Valley
INFO

Special Kids Connect Halloween Carnival

Created specifically for special needs families, this carnival-style event includes games, crafts, face painting, and more. Costumes are optional, and each child will receive a pumpkin tote for collecting prizes and giveaways.

WHEN: October 24, 11 AM–1 PM
WHERE: Monterey County Fairgrounds, Monterey
INFO

Santa Cruz Día de los Muertos

Celebrate and honor Latino cultural heritage through musical and dance performances by Senderos. Throughout the day, there will be hands-on activities and live music. Explore the MAH to view beautifully crafted altars known as altares, or ofrendas, created by community organizations.

WHEN: October 24, 12:00–3:00 PM
WHERE: Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History, Front Street, Santa Cruz
INFO

Calvary Kids Fall Festival

The church parking lot will be filled with families and people of all ages enjoying carnival games, festive food, inflatables, costume contests and sack races.

WHEN: October 24, 12–3:00 PM
WHERE: Calvary Community Church, Monterey
INFO

Shoreline Fall Family Festival

Games, trunk-or-treat, crafts, food trucks, and inflatables. Costumes encouraged.

WHEN: October 24, 2–4 PM
WHERE: Shoreline Church, 2500 Garden Road, Monterey
INFO

Halloween on Lighthouse

Dress up the kids, get in the spirit, and come on down with your family to enjoy a fun and safe time in the community. Rain or shine. All businesses handing out candy will be located on Lighthouse Avenue in New Monterey between Reeside and David and will have a Lighthouse Halloween poster displayed in the window.

WHEN: October 24, 2–5 PM
WHERE: Lighthouse Avenue, Monterey
INFO

Howl-O-Ween Pet Parade & Costume Contest

Get ready for Carmel’s most paws-itively fun Halloween tradition. Bring your four-legged friends to strut their stuff in the Howl-O-Ween Pet Parade at Carmel Plaza. Dress them up in their spookiest, silliest, or most creative costumes and join the fun.

WHEN: October 24, 2–5 PM
WHERE: Carmel Plaza, Carmel
INFO

Presidio of Monterey’s Trunk or Treat

Trunk decorating contests, candy, and games for the kids.

WHEN: October 24, 3:00–6:00 PM
WHERE: General Stillwell Community Center, Seaside
INFO

Salinas Valley Community Church Fall Festival

Bring your family and friends for an afternoon packed with games, prizes, snacks, farm animals, bounce houses, and a fan-favorite costume contest.

WHEN: October 24, 4:00–7:00 PM
WHERE: 368 San Juan Grade Road, Salinas
INFO

Watsonville’s Downtown Candy Crawl

Costume parade and trick-or-treating downtown. Open to ages 13 and under.

WHEN: October 24, 4–6 PM
WHERE: City Plaza, Watsonville
INFO

Compass Church Fall Festival

Enjoy candy and treats, games & inflatables, live music, and food trucks.

WHEN: October 25, 10 AM–2:00 PM
WHERE: Compass Church, Compass Church

1044 S. Main St., Salinas, CA 93901
INFO

Pebble Beach Zombie Run & Emergency Preparedness Fair

Choose the 5K Zombie Crawl or 2K Survivor Stroll, then enjoy tacos, fire engine tours, and preparedness displays.

WHEN: October 24, 9 AM–12 PM
WHERE: 4005 Sunridge Road, Pebble Beach
INFO

Día de los Muertos at Monterey Sports Center

A free community celebration of remembrance, culture, music, and tradition with Aztec dancers, costume contest, mariachi band, face painting, folklorico dancers, Mexican bread and hot chocolate.

WHEN: October 25, 5–8 PM
WHERE: Monterey Sports Center, 301 E. Franklin St., Monterey
INFO

Trick-or-Treat The Row Halloween Family Festival

Pumpkin decorating, live music, trick-or-treating, and more.

WHEN: October 27, 10 AM–12 PM
WHERE: 377 Santana Row, San Jose
INFO

Haunted Library

The Joe Rock Children’s Room will turn into the Haunted Library. Be sure to wear your costume.

WHEN: October 29, 3:30–5:30 PM
WHERE: Pacific Grove Public Library
INFO

DIY Decorate a Witch Hat

Fun Halloween craft open to all ages.

WHEN: October 29, 4–5 PM
WHERE: Harrison Library, Carmel
INFO

Halloween Storytime and Parade

Boo! Join us for a special spooky Halloween Storytime on the Colton Hall Lawn. Be sure to wear your favorite costumes, we will be parading around the lawn after some stories!

WHEN: October 30, 10:15 AM
WHERE: Colton Hall lawn, Monterey
INFO

Carmel-by-the-Sea Birthday Party and Parade

The City of Carmel-by-the-Sea was incorporated on Halloween in 1916, so it celebrates its birthday and the country’s favorite costume-and-candy holiday with a Halloween Parade at 4 pm through downtown in which all are welcome to participate or spectate. City dignitaries, VIPs, costumed dogs and kids, and residents and visitors alike gather for this upbeat annual affair. Following the parade, the village’s charming shops will be open for trick-or-treating and other fun fall festivities.

WHEN: October 30, 4–6 PM
WHERE: Ocean Avenue & San Carlos Street, Carmel-by-the-Sea
INFO

Seaside Halloween Bonanza

The event will feature games, a haunted house, activities, interactive crafts, treat bags and refreshments. A children’s costume contest will be held and prizes will be awarded for best costume. It is free to all children up to the age of ten years old. The first 300 people get a spooky filled Halloween bag.

WHEN: October 30, 6–9 PM
WHERE: Oldemeyer Center, Seaside
INFO

Spooky Science Saturday

Meet live animals, take home a creepy craft, and more. Free.

WHEN: October 31, 10 AM–3 PM
WHERE: Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History, 165 Forest Ave., Pacific Grove
INFO

Downtown Salinas Trick or Treat

Bring your kids for this family friendly event and enjoy the ease of trick or treating at your local businesses. Costume contests for kids and adults, pumpkin decorating, and scavenger hunt.

WHEN: October 31, 11 AM–2 PM
WHERE: Downtown Salinas (100–300 blocks)
INFO

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk: Halloween

Celebrate Halloween with trick-or-treating, a costume contest, and spooktacular Boardwalk fun.

WHEN: October 31, 12:00–7:00 PM
WHERE: Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, 400 Beach Street, Santa Cruz
INFO

North County Recreation Halloween Fun Day

Trunk or Treat, jump house, fun games, haunted house, and kids’ costume contest.

WHEN: October 31, 1–5 PM
WHERE: North County Recreation Center, 11261 Crane Street, Castroville
INFO

Safe Trick or Treating and Pumpkin Market

Kids come in costume for free trick or treating, community booths, Halloween activities, vendors, and more.

WHEN: October 31, 3–7 PM
WHERE: Downtown Morgan Hill
INFO

Halloween on the Wharf

Trick-or-treating at participating merchants. DJ for entertainment plus costume contest.

WHEN: October 31, 4–7 PM
WHERE: Old Fisherman’s Wharf, Monterey
INFO

King City Trunk or Treat

Costume contest, fun prizes, and food vendors onsite. Sponsored by the King City Recreation Dept.

WHEN: October 31, 4:30–6:00 PM
WHERE: Salinas Valley Fairgrounds, King City
INFO

Malloween at Northridge Mall

Trick-or-treating, spooky science show, costume contest, and character meet-and-greets.

WHEN: October 31, 4–8 PM
WHERE: Northridge Mall, 796 Northridge Drive, Salinas
INFO

Santa Cruz Harbor: Trick-or-Treat

Experience a “spooktacular” evening of trick-or-treating at Santa Cruz Harbor! Wind your way through an eerie adventure, jump aboard the pirate-commandeered water taxi, and collect Halloween treats along the way.

WHEN: October 31, 4–8 PM
WHERE: Santa Cruz Harbor, 135 5th Avenue, Santa Cruz
INFO

Trunk or Treat at First Baptist Church in Salinas

A safe, family-friendly evening for the whole community.

WHEN: October 31, 6–8 PM
WHERE: 1130 San Vicente Ave., Salinas
INFO

Día de los Muertos Celebration at Santana Row

This is a free community event featuring face painting, Catrina and Catrin meet & greets, mariachi music, crafts, and a pop-up market.

WHEN: November 1, 10:30 AM–6:00 PM
WHERE: 377 Santana Row, San Jose
INFO

Watsonville Plaza: Día de los Muertos

See community altars and live/dead performances. There will be family activities and a market of the dead. Celebrate this beautiful tradition featuring altars, live music and dance and hands-on activities.

WHEN: November 1, 4–9 PM
WHERE: Callaghan Park, 225 Sudden Street, Watsonville
INFO

Monterey & Santa Cruz County Pumpkin Patches

By |

It’s an October ritual that the entire family loves: heading to a pumpkin patch for that perfect pumpkin and a slew of family photos. Enjoy your visit to one of these local pumpkin patches.

Borchard Farms

  • 142 Rodgers Road, Salinas
  • www.borchardfarms.com
  • Open 11:00 am to 8:00 pm daily through October 31.
  • Open Friday, September 12

Find a large variety of pumpkins, gourds, and squash while enjoying the 5-acre corn maze, and lots of farm animals. You can even purchase an “Autumn in a Box” display with corn stalks, pumpkins, gourds, squash, and other festive decor for your office, restaurant, or family display.  To make your display extra special have your pumpkin engraved with your logo or family name.

Crystal Bay Farm

Offering a wide variety of organic pumpkins and gourds for purchase. Stations set up for photos. Pumpkin patch opens October 1. Check their website for special activities and final operating days and times.

Earthbound Farms

  • 7250 Carmel Valley Road, Carmel Valley
  • earthboundfarm.com
  • Monday-Saturday 8 am-6 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-6 pm

 This pumpkin patch is open throughout October, with special events planned for each weekend. Visit the official farm website for more information and specific event times.

Everett Family Farm

  • 2111 Old San Jose Road, Soquel
  • everettfamilyfarm.com
  • Open daily from 10 am to 5 pm open daily late October 10 am-5 pm

 You won’t find an official pumpkin patch but you will find a generously stocked farm stand with lots of pumpkins and squash

The Farm

The pumpkin patch will open late September. A variety of fall-themed events are planned for October with dates and times to be released in the next few weeks.

Gizdich Ranch

  • 55 Peckham Road, Watsonville
  • gizdich-ranch.com
  • 831-722-1056
  • Open daily 9 am-5 pm, open daily 2nd week of October

 Pick your own pumpkin patch will be open in late September. You can also buy produce and pies and use the picnic area.

Hacienda Hay & Feed

  • 7180 Carmel Valley Rd. Carmel, 93923
  • haciendacv.store
  • 831-293-8133
  • Hours vary depending on activity. Tues-Sat 9am-5pm, Sunday 10am-4pm and closed Monday

Pumpkin stand with a large variety of pumpkins and great photo opps beginning in late September.

The Great Pumpkin Patch

Opens October 1, 2025. Offering a large variety of pumpkins and gourds in all sizes and shapes. An assortment of fun activities for children and parents to enjoy, including a petting zoo, hay and train rides, pumpkin slingshots, bumper boats, and more.

Post Street Farm

Urban farm with a wide selection of organic pumpkins, fall flowers, and other seasonal goodies. Halloween photo ops, pet rabbits, bee hives, and more.

Rancho Siempre Verde Pumpkin Patch

  • 2250 Carbrillo Highway, Pescadero
  • rsvtrees.com
  • 9:00 am-4:30 pm daily

Rancho Siempre Verde is a small family farm that has been growing good things and sharing them with others for more than 55 years. The Rancho Siempre Verde Farm Fall Festival Pumpkin Patch is here and you can pick pumpkins, cut flowers, grab a peck of apples, make a fall wreath, have a picnic, take a swing on the swings, slide down the big slide, and enjoy farm activities all overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Purchase tickets online for 2025 Pumpkin Patch Fall Festival held on Saturdays and Sundays, September 27 through October 26.

Rodoni Farms

  • 4444 Coast Road, Santa Cruz,
  • North of Santa Cruz on HWY 1
  • www.rodonifarms.com
  • Open through Oct. 31, 11 am-6 pm

Come roam through fields of pumpkins located along the beautiful California Coast on Hwy 1. There are many to choose from, from traditional Howdens to Gallileos! Enjoy hay bales, scary cutouts, a 5-acre corn maze, and all the varieties of produce you can expect from an autumn harvest. Patch opens the last weekend of September.

Spina Farms Pumpkin Patch

Tons of fun planned for the entire family. Kids will enjoy a giant corn path, you-pick pumpkins and sunflower field, cow train, and much more. Plus, you can experience the “Trail of Lights and Frights.” Tickets can be purchased online. Fall Experience is open October 1-31, days and hours vary depending on activity. New activities and attractions for 2025 include a Pumpkin Cup Ride, more Giant Prehistoric Friends and a 30ft King Kong. Plus, a variety of new food options from quick eats to fun treats. Opens September 17.

Swank Farms

  • 4751 Pacheco Pass, Hollister
  • www.swankfarms.com
  • Opens October 4, 2025
  • Thursdays 10 am – 6:00 pm
  • Fridays – Sundays 10 am – 10 pm

Tons of fun planned for the entire family. Kids will enjoy a giant corn path, you-pick pumpkins and sunflower field, cow train, and much more. Plus, you can experience the “Trail of Lights and Frights.” Tickets can be purchased online. Fall Experience is open October 4-31, days and hours vary depending on activity.

Where to Get Halloween Costumes and Decor in Monterey County

By |

Halloween is right around the corner, and if you’re an early bird hoping to get a jump on the crowd when buying your child’s costume, here are a few options in Monterey and Salinas.

Costco. Costco is in full Halloween mode with many costumes and some nice Halloween decorations. If you’re a Disney fan, you’ll find several different Disney-themed decorations that are super cute. The $225 7″ animated pumpkin scarecrow might be worth the splurge!

801 Tioga Ave, Sand City, CA 93955

Goodwill. If you’re creative and crafty, putting together a costume from Goodwill Finds is your answer. You may find a ready-made costume (there were several in smaller sizes on our trip), or you can create a clown, witch, or other costume from clothing you find on the racks. Check Pinterest for ideas.

571 Lighthouse Ave, Monterey, CA 93940

Michaels Crafts. There aren’t costumes in-store, but plenty are available on the website. On the other hand, crafts supplies and decorations are plentiful.

121 Stillwell Drive, Marina 93933

Party City. A selection of Halloween costumes, decorations, and party supplies is already in-store. If you check their website, you’ll see that “Halloween” and “Halloween decor” have been added to the main navigation, and they are stocked and ready to go.

1684 North Main Street, Salinas 93906

Spirit Halloween. This pop-up store is open and ready for business. To get the best selection, early shopping is a must. Be sure to check their return policy carefully before buying something that may not fit. You can find a 20% off coupon on their website.

1928 N. Main Street, Salinas

Target. All of the area Target stores have Halloween costumes and a ton of fall decor in stock. The costumes are still being added, but you’ll find some good choices.

1640 N Main St., Salinas, CA 93906-5102

2040 California Ave, Sand City, CA 93955

133 Stilwell Dr, Marina, CA 93933

Walmart. Walmart is stocked with many decorations, but the costume section is still being stocked. It’s worth checking out, even with the limited choices. You’ll find a large selection of Halloween costumes and decor online.

150 Beach Rd, Marina, CA 93933

Making Halloween a Treat For All

By |

“Say ‘Trick or Treat,’” the woman said, holding the bowl of candy back at arms’ length. The child stared up at her in silence as the woman kept the bowl out of reach adding, “I’ll give you candy after you say “Trick or Treat. “

I was taken aback when I witnessed that interaction between a business owner and a child during last October’s trick or treat event held in a peninsula town. While we may have been taught to say “Trick or Treat” in exchange for candy, it’s one of several Halloween traditions that is outdated. It’s time to make Halloween more inclusive for all children, especially those with disabilities, sensory needs, and dietary restrictions and preferences.

SENSORY NEEDS

Whether a child is diagnosed with Sensory Processing Disorder or has an aversion to certain clothes, sounds, or sights, some children may feel uncomfortable with Halloween costumes and decorations. Children often like to choose their clothing because it is one of the first ways to exert independence and control. Sometimes, that includes not wanting to wear a traditional Halloween costume, and while that may feel disappointing to the parent, it’s not for us to judge what someone wears while Trick or Treating (or if someone is deemed “too old” to Trick or Treat). Children’s costumes should reflect what they want to be, not a means to entertain adults on Halloween. If your child doesn’t want to wear a costume, they shouldn’t be excluded from trick or treating. Offer a pumpkin or other fall-themed tshirt if you’d like but let it be their choice.

Not everyone likes to be scared on Halloween or visit haunted houses. Loud and unexpected sounds and items jumping out to scare people can be frightening for many people, especially children with sensory issues. If you have scary decorations or loud noises as part of the trick or treat experience at your home, warn people before they reach the entrance so they have time to turn back.

ACCESSIBILITY

If the entrance to your home has stairs and is not ADA-compliant, consider setting up a table and chairs in the driveway for easy access. Even if the child is non-disabled, their parent or caretaker may not be, making it harder for all to participate (especially when the children are young). Well-lit walkways are important for not only safety but also comfort.

Another idea is to have a block party with your neighbors where you can spend time together, and it can be a “one-stop shop” for those with mobility issues or if a child is overstimulated traveling to many houses.

DIETARY NEEDS

Consider offering options for children who have allergies, dietary restrictions, or preferences. Seek “plant-based” candy such as Trader Joe’s oat chocolate bars and vegan options such as Dum Dums and Sour Patches. Large candy conglomerates, including Hershey’s, are creating vegan options, such as Reese’s vegan peanut butter cups. See our list of candy alternatives to give you ideas on what you can offer for those who have dietary restrictions or would prefer a non-candy treat.

Children with disabilities want to be like their peers and not stand out as different. We shouldn’t have to give them a blue Halloween bucket so adults can have a visual warning that the child has autism. Adults should be able to be patient and treat all children the same. If a child is nonverbal, say “Happy Halloween” and give the child the candy. If a child is shy, say “Happy Halloween” and provide the child the candy. If a child is not dressed in a Halloween costume, say “Happy Halloween” and give the child the candy. It’s really that simple.

As adults, we teach our children to be adaptable and flexible. We need to do the same and break some of these unrealistic Halloween habits and traditions and to create a more inclusive holiday for all children.

Last-Minute Halloween Costumes

By |

Halloween is just around the corner, and you might be feeling the pressure to come up with a creative and exciting costume for your little one. But fear not! We’ve got you covered with ten last-minute and easy Halloween costume ideas that won’t break the bank or require hours of preparation.

When creating last-minute costumes, don’t forget to focus on safety. Ensure that your child’s costume is comfortable and allows them to move freely. Make sure they can see clearly, especially if they’re wearing a mask or face paint. And for added safety, add reflective tape or stickers to their costume if they’ll be trick-or-treating in the evening.

Halloween costumes don’t have to be a source of stress for parents. With a little creativity and some household items, you can whip up fantastic last-minute costumes that your children will love. Have a spooktacular Halloween, and let your imagination run wild!

Mummy in Minutes: All you need for this costume is a roll of white medical gauze or toilet paper. Wrap your child in strips of gauze, leaving space for movement. Add some smudged black eyeliner for an eerie effect.

Ghostly Gown: Sometimes, the classics are the best. Grab an old white bedsheet, cut two large holes for eyes, and drape it over your child. Add a spooky twist with some dark eyeshadow around the eyes, and voilà, you have a timeless ghost costume.

Black Cat: A black outfit paired with cat ears and a drawn-on nose and whiskers will transform your child into an adorable feline friend. Add a little tail if you have time.

Mini Witch or Wizard: A black cape, a pointy hat, and a broomstick are all you need for a bewitching Halloween costume. Add a little green face paint and some spooky jewelry for extra flair.

Baker or Chef: Put your child in an apron, add a chef’s hat or a baker’s cap, and equip them with a wooden spoon. This simple costume is perfect for any little one with a sweet tooth.

Little Artist: Dress your child in old clothes that you don’t mind getting paint on. Provide them with a palette, paintbrushes, and an empty canvas (a piece of cardboard will do). Paint smudges and splatters on their clothes to create a “painter at work” look.

Spooky Scarecrow: An old pair of jeans, a flannel shirt, and a straw hat can transform your child into a friendly scarecrow. Use face paint to create stitches and a stitched-up mouth for an extra scare factor.

Magical Magician: A deck of playing cards and a top hat can turn your child into a charming magician. Paint a wand, and they’ll be ready to perform some Halloween magic.

Book Character Costume: Browse through your child’s favorite books for inspiration. Characters like Where’s Waldo, Paddington Bear, or even Harry Potter can be recreated with items you probably have at home.

Animal Antics: Animal costumes are always a hit with kids. A brown or black hoodie paired with matching sweatpants can be transformed into a bear or a cat costume with some simple additions like ears, tails, and face paint.

Thirteen Spooky–and not so spooky–Ideas for Halloween Fun

By |

Between the candy, costumes, and spooky atmosphere it’s no wonder Halloween is a childhood favorite! Of course, trick or treating is the most popular activity. But some parents feel hesitant to let their children take candy from strangers, or only want to trick or treat at houses of people they know. Whether you allow your child to trick or treat or not, there’s plenty more other fun to be had on Halloween.

Try these ideas for a full day of fun:

1. Face Painting. Kids love to paint their own faces. Buy a set of face paints, set the kids in front of a mirror, and let their artistic talents shine!

2. Movie Night. Younger children might love “It’s the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown” or “Hotel Transylvania”. Older kids might want something scarier! Whether you host a watch party with friends or cozy up together as a family, a spooky movie will put you in the Halloween mood.  

3. Hold a Pumpkin Carving Party. Gather up the safety knives and patterns and carve pumpkins together! Cleanup is a breeze when pumpkins are carved outside and of course, younger children could paint theirs instead.

4. Make Caramel Apples or Halloween Themed Treats. If your cooking skill levels are low, there are kits available at many grocery stores around Halloween to help you make traditional caramel apples. A graveyard “dirt cake” made from Oreos is a lot of fun and can be embellished with Nabisco Nutter Butter cookies for ghosts and Pepperidge Farm Milano cookies for gravestones. Or use a donut hole, a Life Saver gummy candy and a chocolate chip to make edible eyeballs.

5. Host a Virtual Costume Contest. Even if trick or treating or a Halloween party is off the table, kids will want to share their costumes. Get together using FaceTime, Zoom, or other video calling methods. Why not have a prize for scariest, funniest, or most original? If you gather on apps such as Houseparty, you can even include virtual games.

6. Tell Ghost Stories or Read Scary Library Books. Family members can take turns telling scary stories. Alternatively, check out some Halloween themed books from the library like, “The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything” by Linda Williams. Older kids might enjoy starting the Bunnicula chapter book series by James Howe or the My Undead Life series by Emma T. Graves.

7. Play Halloween Games. In the spooky game “And Then the Boiler Burst”, players take turns telling a scary story, either making it up or using a familiar story. A close-by object serves as “base.” At the spookiest part of the story, the storyteller shouts out, “And then the boiler burst!” The first player tagged before reaching base tells the next story.

“Pin the Hat on the Witch” or “Pin the Tail on the Black Cat would also be a fun Halloween game. Or play “The Ghost Says” instead of “Simon Says.”

8. Make a Haunted House. Setting up pretend spider webs, skeletons and even old dolls and fake blood can make your front yard into a haunted house for neighbors or friends to enjoy.

9. Make a Halloween Ginger Bread House. Trader Joe’s sells a Halloween gingerbread house around this time of year. If you can’t get one before they sell out, you can get black and orange icing, candy eyeballs or candy corn to make a traditional gingerbread house kit extra spooky.

10. Bob for Apples. You can use a wading pool, large bucket or tub filled with apples and a bandana to cover the eyes for this healthy and fun family activity.

11. Play With Slime or Pumpkin Playdough. Make your own or buy some. Add plastic spiders for a creepy effect. For pumpkin playdough add pumpkin pie spice to store bought or homemade play dough.

12. Candy Scavenger Hunt. Hide candy around the yard or house for little ones to find.

13. Make a Spooky Obstacle Course. Kids will love stepping through masking tape spider webs or hopping over pumpkins. Try timing them and seeing if they can beat their own score.

Teacher and writer Jill Morgenstern has a Master’s Degree in teaching reading. She is a mother to four.

Parenting OC