Best Halloween Events for Kids & Families in Los Angeles 2026

1. Boo at the L.A. Zoo

Dates/hours: October 24–25 and October 31–November 1, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Location: 5333 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles.
Price: Halloween activities are included with zoo admission or membership.
Best for: Young children, animal lovers and families wanting daylight.

Expect trick-or-treat stations, keeper talks, animal pumpkin-enrichment sessions, themed photo opportunities and live performances. The daytime format removes much of the darkness and intensity that can make evening attractions difficult for preschoolers. Families can combine seasonal programming with normal animal viewing instead of purchasing a second after-hours ticket.

Plan well: Arrive early and read the day’s activity schedule before choosing a route. Bring sun protection and a costume suitable for walking. The zoo has paid-visit logistics that should be confirmed on its current visit page; transit generally requires a connection. DayZora recommends this as the easiest first Halloween event for cautious young children.

Official zoo schedule and tickets

2. Haunted Museum 2026 at the Natural History Museum

Date/hours: Saturday, October 10, 5–9 p.m.
Location: Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, 900 Exposition Blvd., Los Angeles.
Price: Member-exclusive. Individual, Dual and Family members: $50 per adult (18+), $30 per child (3–17), and free for ages 2 and under. Discoverer-level and higher memberships include specified complimentary-ticket allocations; verify your level before checkout.
Best for: School-age children who like creatures, science and story-driven discovery.

This after-hours museum program offers a more educational style of spooky fun than a commercial haunted house. Its twilight setting and creature-focused story can feel adventurous without relying on constant chase actors. Because sensitivity varies, parents should still review the official description with children and ask about sound, darkness or performance intensity.

Getting there: Expo Park is served by the E Line at Expo Park/USC, which can be easier than event parking. Arrive with enough time for security and orientation. Museums can involve significant standing, so confirm accessibility and rest options. DayZora recommends it for families who want a one-night event with learning value rather than a pumpkin-photo trail.

Official Haunted Museum page

3. Carved at Descanso Gardens

Dates: October 2–November 1, 2026.
Location: Descanso Gardens, 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge.
Price: Timed admission required; prices vary by date. The official page currently marks Halloween Anytime Tickets as sold out, although other timed inventory may differ.
Best for: Families seeking glowing pumpkins and art rather than scares.

Carved transforms the gardens with jack-o’-lanterns, large hand-carved pumpkins, illuminated railroad displays, wood-spirit installations and other seasonal visual work. Halloween night includes trick-or-treating with Carved admission. It suits mixed-age groups because the experience is visually rich without being marketed as an aggressive haunt.

The visit is an evening walking experience, so footwear, layers and a realistic bedtime plan matter. Pick an entry time that leaves younger children energy for the route. Halloween “anytime” inventory can sell out, and visitors should not assume walk-up availability. Confirm parking, stroller and food policies with Descanso before leaving.

Official Carved information and tickets

4. Night of the Jack

Dates: The official 2026 page currently presents September 26–November 1 on scheduled nights; use its live ticket calendar as the final authority.
Hours: Grounds 5:30–10 p.m.; trail 6–9:15 p.m.; food and activities 5:30–9:30 p.m.
Location: King Gillette Ranch, 26800 Mulholland Highway, Calabasas.
Price: Dynamic timed-ticket pricing; verify the selected date at checkout.

The reimagined one-mile trail uses illuminated pumpkins, large displays, photo moments and seasonal food. It is designed around atmosphere rather than actors chasing guests, making it useful for children who enjoy darkness but dislike jump scares. The one-mile length is the key family tradeoff: visually impressive, but tiring for very young children.

Advance purchase is important because timed sessions can sell out. An advance parking pass is required and the organizer states that parking is not sold onsite, so add it during checkout. Bring a layer and choose shoes for an outdoor trail. DayZora recommends an early entry for families; later sessions better suit older children who can manage bedtime and colder temperatures.

Official schedule and ticket portal

5. DTLA Halloween Festival for Kids

Date/hours: Saturday, October 31, 5–8 p.m.
Location: Grand Hope Park, 919 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles.
Price: Free.
Best for: Young children and families watching the budget.

This is the strongest confirmed family option for Halloween night when admission cost matters. The three-hour format is easier to manage than a long attraction and gives downtown families a specific destination. Because public events can use RSVP or capacity controls, read the organizer page before leaving even though admission is free.

Nearby garages are paid. Metro’s A and E Lines can reduce parking pressure, but check service alerts and the final walk with children. Arrive close to opening for activity availability and establish a simple family meeting point. DayZora recommends this over West Hollywood Carnaval for young kids because the program is built for families rather than an adult costume crowd.

Official DTLA Alliance information

6. Bob Baker Hallowe’en Spooktacular

Bob Baker Marionette Theater is a credible recurring family favorite, but DayZora has not verified a 2026 schedule, hours or ticket price. We therefore do not publish last year’s run as current. Families interested in puppetry should monitor the theater’s official calendar and newsletter.

If announced, compare show length and sound level with your child’s attention span. Arrive early enough for seating and confirm whether lap children require tickets. This watch-list entry is best for families wanting an indoor performance rather than an outdoor walking trail.

Official theater website

7. Mr. Bones Pumpkin Patch

Mr. Bones is commonly associated with daytime pumpkin shopping, play and family photos, but its 2026 dates, hours, admission and activity prices were not confirmed at this update. Do not rely on an archived ticket page. Check the official organizer before planning.

If the patch returns, calculate the full cost rather than only entry: rides, games, pumpkins, food and parking may be separate. Daytime heat and limited shade can also matter. It is usually a stronger fit for toddlers and preschoolers than an evening light trail, provided parents choose a less crowded session.

Official Mr. Bones website

8. Scarium Family Night at the Aquarium of the Pacific

The Aquarium of the Pacific has hosted family Halloween programming, but DayZora has not verified a 2026 Scarium date, hours or ticket price. This remains a watch-list choice for families who enjoy marine life and prefer a controlled venue to a street festival.

If announced, determine whether the program is daytime, after-hours or included with normal admission. Review costume rules and check whether all galleries remain open. Downtown Long Beach has transit and paid parking options; families should compare the return trip with the event end time.

Official aquarium events calendar