Southland Screams: Scary SoCal Theme Parks for Halloween

Fright Nights at Southern California Parks

Since the original Halloween Haunt at Knott’s Berry Farm in 1973, the Southland’s theme parks, zoos, and other attractions have gotten into the scary spirit. While some are downright terrifying, others are family-friendly with the little ones in mind.

Universal Studios – Universal City

Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios is a living horror movie with eight haunted houses, multiple scare zones (some infested with zombies), and a terror tram.

Select nights September 8 – October 31

Legoland California – Carlsbad

Legoland's Brick or Treat features family-friendly activities like a Monster Party, spooky (but not too scary) characters, and, of course, plenty of trick-or-treating for the little ones.

Saturdays September 17-October 29

Knott’s Berry Farm – Buena Park

California's first theme park, Knott’s Berry Farm host the original, longest-running, and possibly scariest Halloween-themed amusement park event with Halloween Haunt.

September 22-October 31

San Diego Zoo – San Diego

HowlGLOween has musical entertainment, dance parties, and turns San Diego Zoo’s famed Reptile Plaza into a scary Python Path.

Weekends in October.

San Diego Zoo Safari Park – Escondido

Autumn Festival at San Diego Zoo Safari Park features a hay maze, lantern festival, special entertainment, and Safari Parker to answer all your wildlife questions.

October 16-17, 23-24, & 30-31

Disneyland Resort – Anaheim

There are frights to be had across the entire Disney resort with special parties and decorations. California Adventure attractions take a sinister turn, while Disneyland’s Haunted House gets The Nightmare Before Christmas treatment.

September 2-October 31