Last Minute Halloween Plans

Halloween only comes once a year, so you better get your fill this weekend. Check out one, two, or all of these Orange County Halloween Happenings...

Friday, October 30th:
* La Habra Mini Monsters Bash, 10:30am - 12pm
* Tustin Halloween Howl
* Spooky Science: Skeletons at the Discovery Science Center
* Tanaka Farms Pumpkin Patch, FREE Admission
* Irvine Park Railroad Pumpkin Patch, Irvine Regional Park
* FREE Boo Cruise, 6-8pm at Dana Wharf
* Boot Hill Haunted House Haunted House
* The Empty Grave Haunted House
* The Terry Haunt Haunted House
* The Haunting: Haunted House. FREE admission.
* Benedict August Haunted House 530 S. Illinois St., Anaheim, FREE
* Sinister Pointe Haunted House
* Cook Haunt Haunted House
* Coffin Creek Haunted House

Saturday, October 31st:
* FREE admission at Orange County Museum of Art for costumed trick-or-treaters, 3-5pm
* FREE Pumpkin Launch at Cal State Fullerton, 9am-12pm
* Tanaka Farms Pumpkin Patch, FREE Admission
* Spooky Science: Skeletons at the Discovery Science Center
* Irvine Park Railroad Pumpkin Patch, Irvine Regional Park
* Halloween at the Orange County Zoo, 10am-4pm. Crafts, face painting, trick-or-treating & more. FREE with zoo admission.
* Anaheim Spooktacular Halloween Parade & Fall Festival: FREE admission
* Halloween Parade at the HB Equestrian Center, 2pm (no horse necessary)
* HB Halloween Fest on Main Street, 4pm-8pm
* La Palma Halloween Carnival, 5:30-8:30pm at La Palma Central Park
* Haunted Fullerton Walking Tour, 6:00pm
* Cypress Halloween Carnival, 8:30pm Community Center
* Halloween Family Fun at Irvine Ranch Outdoor Education Center, 4-8pm
* The Empty Grave Haunted House
* The Terry Haunt Haunted House
* The Haunting: Haunted House. FREE admission.
* Benedict August Haunted House 530 S. Illinois St., Anaheim, FREE
* Sinister Pointe Haunted House
* Cook Haunt Haunted House
* Coffin Creek Haunted House

xoxo, K

Treats in the Streets

Looking to get more "bang" out of those Halloween costumes? Then, break out those pillowcases (or whatever it is you use to collect all that candy), because you can start trick-or-treating TODAY. Yep, Yep! Today, Thursday, October 29th is the Annual Treats in the Streets Autumn Festival in Old Towne Orange Plaza. Trick-or-Treat around the circle, games & activities and costume parade. Here are all the details...

Treats in the Streets Autumn Festival (Chapman Avenue and Glassell Street in Orange)
4-5:30 pm: Trick-or-Treating
4-7 pm: Music, kids games and activites, non-profit food booths and community displays
5:30 pm: Costume Parade at the main stage

xoxo, K
images via Ana Brandt Photography

This is Halloween.

Halloween is just around the corner, can you believe it? We know you'll be busy finding costumes, gathering goul-ish decor, putting out the candy... making this the "best" Halloween ever. Because we know you wouldn't want to miss any of our local events, we've put together a comprehensive list of "things to do & places to go" this Halloween season. Happy Haunting!

Anaheim:
* Halloween Time at Disneyland: until November 1st.
* Mickey's Trick or Treat Party at California Adventure: October 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 21, 22, 23, 28, 29, 30 & 31
* Anaheim Spooktacular Halloween Parade & Fall Festival: October 31st, FREE admission
* The Empty Grave: October 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18, 23, 24, 25, 28, 29, 30, 21 & November 1, Anaheim Garden Walk. 6:30pm - Midnight on Fridays & Saturdays, 6:30pm - 1pm on weeknights.
* The Terry Haunt: October 23, 24, 25, 28, 29, 30, 31, hours vary by day.
* The Haunting: October 31st, 6pm-1opm, FREE admission. 7-10pm on weekdays, 7pm - Midnight on the weekends.

* Benedict August: Friday, Saturday & Sunday evenings October 15-31st, 6:30 - 10pm, 530 S. Illinois St., Anaheim.
Brea:
* Sinister Pointe: October 2, 3, 4, 8, 9, 10, 11, 15, 16, 17, 18, 22, 23, 24, 25, 27, 28, 29, 30 & 31
Buena Park:
* Knott's Camp Spooky: weekends in October.
* Knott's Halloween Haunt: October 1-4, 7-11, 14-18, 21-25, and 28-31st
7pm-1am or 2am depending on the night
Costa Mesa:
* Pumpkins & Pancakes: at South Coast Plaza, October 25th, 8-11am
* Halloween Spooktacular Concert Series: October 17th at 10 &11:30am, Orange County Performing Arts Center
Cypress:
* Cypress Halloween Carnival: October 31st, 8:30pm Community Center
Dana Point:
* Doheny State Beach Haunted Campground: October 24th, 6:30-8:30pm.
Fullerton:
* Fullerton Arboretum's 5th Annual Haunted Garden: October 23rd & 24th, tours starting at 6:30pm, 7:30pm & 8:30pm.
Huntington Beach:
* Trick or Treat on Main Street: October 31st, starts at 4pm, FREE admission.
Irvine:
* Boot Hill Haunted House: October 23, 24, 25, 28, 29, 30, 7-10pm, FREE admission.
* Tanaka Farms Pumpkin Patch, open daily 9am-6pm until October 31st, FREE admission
La Habra:
* Pumpkin Carving: October 25th 1:30-3pm, Children's Museum of La Habra.
* Mini Monsters Bash: October 3oth 10:30am-12:30pm, Children's Museum of La Habra. (Little ones dressed in costume receive 50% off admission.)
Laguna Niguel:
* Haunted Trails: October 22, 23, 24, starting at 6pm.
Orange:
* Treats in the Streets: Old Towne Orange, October 29th, trick-or-treating 4-5:30pm
* Halloween at the Orange County Zoo: October 31st, 10am-4pm. Crafts, face painting, trick-or-treating & more. FREE with zoo admission.
* Irvine Park Railroad Pumpkin Patch, Irvine Regional Park
San Juan Capistrano:
* Zoomars Petting Zoo's Old Fashioned Family Pumpkin Patch, open daily 10am-5pm
Santa Ana:
* Spooky Science: Skeletons at the Discovery Science Center
* Boo at the Santa Ana Zoo: October 17, 18, 24, 25, 30. 5:30-8pm
Seal Beach:
* Trick or Treating on Main Street: October 31, 11am - 4pm, Seal Beach, FREE admission
Tustin:
* Halloween Howl: Columbus Tustin Activity Center, October 31st, 3-5pm, FREE admission
Yorba Linda:
* Cook Haunt: October 30 & 31, 7-11pm

Corona:
* Coffin Creek: October 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18, 23, 24, 25, 28, 29, 30. 31. Times vary by day.
Los Angeles:
* Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights: select nights during October
Mission Hills:
* Forneris Farms Corn Maze: 9am - 5pm on weekends, 2-5pm weekdays
Temecula:
* Big Horse Corn Maze: 10am 4pm on weekends, 1-5pm on weekdays.
San Diego:
* Sea World's Halloween Spooktacular: weekends October 3rd - November 1st

xoxo, K

12 for Tuesday: Halloween Treats to Eat & Crafts to Make

1. Pumpkin Trick-or-Treat Bag Tutorial
2. Crescent Mummy Dogs
3. Pumpkin Dump Cake
4. Vampire Balloon Bats
5. Spooky Candy Haunted Houses
6. Shrunken Apple Head Decorations
7. Pumpkin Spice Magic Bar Minis
8. Papie Mache Pumpkin Lanterns
9. Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
1o. Spider Cupcakes
11. Pillowcase Trick-or-Treat Bags
12. Spider Pops

xoxo, K

Baby Loves Disco

I have to admit I've never been, but I definitely want to check out Baby Loves Disco. Maybe if all my babies get over their sicknesses by Saturday afternoon, we'll hit the dance floor...

The party, Halloween party that is, is taking place THIS Saturday, October 10th from 2-5pm at the Shark Club in Costa Mesa. Still trying to figure out what in the world Baby Loves Disco is? In their own words Baby Loves Disco is slowly but surely transforming the hippest night clubs into child proof discos as toddlers, pre-schoolers & parents (perfect for those ages 7 & younger) looking for a break from the routine playground circuit let loose for some post naptime, pre-dinner fun. (I LOVE this part...) Make no mistake, this is not the Mickey Mouse Club, and Barney is banned. Baby Loves Disco is an afternoon dance party featuring real music spun and mixed by real DJs blending classic disco tunes from the 70s, & 80s guaranteed to get those little booties moving and grooving." 

This honestly sounds like a parents dream... bubble machines filling the air, egg shakers, hula hoops, face fainting, sock puppets, snacks & juice boxes. Books, stuffed animals & play tents for when the little ones need to "just chill," & for those non-driving parents a paid bar. I LOVE the idea of being able to let my little guys run free in a totally kid friendly zone!

So grab your kids, pull-out the costumes (if you dare), & join 'em on the dance floor for the "Monster Mash."

What: Baby Loves Disco

When: Saturday, October 10th, 2009, 2-5pm

Where: Shark Club, 841 Baker St., Costa Mesa 92626

Cost: $15 per "walking" human in advance, $18 at the door, non-walkers FREE! Buy tickets HERE.

Can't make the party this week? Not a problem! Put November 14th on your calender, for the Baby Loves Disco pajama party. Buy tickets HERE.

xoxo, K

image via Baby Loves Disco.

12 for Tuesday: Celebrating Halloween All Month Long

Halloween may not be until Saturday, October 31st (speaking of which, do you have your costumes yet?), but here in Orange County we like to celebrate Halloween all month-long. Here are 12 things to keep you busy this spooky season.

1. Tanaka Farms: Pumpkin Patch, Tractor Rides, Petting Zoo, Corn Maze & more. Open everyday from 9am-6pm.

2. The Empty Grave Haunted House at Anaheim Garden Walk: October 9th, 10th, 11th, 16th, 17th, 19th, 23rd, 24th, 25th, 28th, 29th, 30th, 31st & November 1st. Open 6:30pm - Midnight on Fridays & Saturday, and from 6:30pm - 10pm on weeknights. Cost is $13/ person, (see website for a coupon for $3 off).

3. Spooky Science Skeletons at the Discovery Science Center: Solve a forensic science mystery, piece together a skeleton, play a larger-than-life Operations-style game, explore a spooky 3-D maze. October 17th - November 8th, 10am - 5pm. Cost for adults: $12.95, children (3-17): $9.95, children 2 & under are free.

4. Mickey's Trick-or-Treat Party & Halloween Time at Disneyland

5. Boo at the Zoo: Fun & Safe trick-or-treating in a "Merry not Scary" Zoo atmosphere with educational programs throughout the evening & a costume parade. October 17-18th, 24th, 25th, 30th, 5:30-8pm.

6. Night of the Living Dead at the Maverick Theater: October 9th, 10th, 16th, 17th, 23rd, 24th, 27th, 28th, 30th, & 31st at 8pm. $19. (Starting October 16th, for $30 you can catch a Double Feature: Night of the Living Dead & The Rocky Horror Show).

7. Zoomars Petting Zoo: Pumpkins, a Petting Zoo, Hay Maze, Games & Crafts. 10am - 5pm everyday.

8. Haunted Trails in Laguna Niguel: October 22nd-24th. Recommended for 8 years old+, a "less scary" event is offered on Saturday, October 24th from 5-6:30pm. Cost is $10.

9. Sinister Point Haunted House: A very scary (self-proclaimed) haunted house located in Brea. October 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 15th, 16th, 17th, 18th, 22nd, 23rd, 24th, 25th, 27th, 28th, 29th, 30th, 31st. Open from 7-10pm on weekdays, 7pm - Midnight on the weekends. Tickets start at $13.

10. Haunted Walking Tours of Fullerton:  Wednesdays & Thursday through November 6th. Tour begins at 6pm & lasts about 2 1/2 hours. Cost is $18 per person & reservations are required (714)738-6545.

11. Irvine Park Railroad Pumpkin Patch: Train & Hay rides, Pumpkin Patch, Face Painting & more. Open 10am - 5pm on weekdays, & 10am - 6pm on weekends.

12. Knott's Camp Spooky & Halloween Haunt: select dates throughout October

xoxo, K

You've Been BOO'ed!

Around Halloween, one of our favorite family traditions is to ding-dong-ditch friends & neighbors. We pack up several plates of goodies, attach the following poem & watch as the ghosts take over the neighborhood...


You’ve Been BOO'ed!
The air is cool, it’s time for fall,
Soon Halloween will come to all
Ghosts and goblins, spooks galore,
Tricky witches at your door.

The spooks are after things to do,
In fact a spook brought this to you !!!
The treats that came with this short note,
Are yours to keep, enjoy them both.

The excitement comes when friends like you,
Will copy it & make it two,

We'll all have smiles upon our faces,
No one will know who BOOed our places!

Just be sure that you don’t tell,
Keep it secret, hide it well.
Please join the fun, the seasons here.

Just spread these "BOO's" & Halloween cheer.

Want to start the tradition in your neighborhood as well this year? Print out your very own "You've Been BOO'ed!" template HERE .

xoxo, K

Halloween Time at Disneyland

The "villains" have taken over Disneyland & transformed the parks for the Halloween Season, September 25th - November 1st. Of course, we've already mentioned the ever-popular Mickey's Trick-or-Treat Party (have you gotten your tickets yet?), but that's just the beginning of the festivities! Disneyland recently treated C & I to a "Halloween Preview," so we can tell you first hand, they've got a few tricks up their sleeves...

First of all, the "villains" have completely 'boo'-tified the Parks. "Wild candy is growing at Candy Corn Acres at Disney's California Adventure Park" not to mention all of the amazing & clever "jack-o-lanterns, candy corn, ghouls, bats & other fabulously frightful Halloween decorations that are 'boo'-tifing both Parks." & You definitely don't want to miss the ginormous 16-foot tall Mickey Mouse jack-o-lantern on main street! But that's not all the fun in store...although the "villains" may be in charge, all of the characters have gotten into the spirit of things - I'm sure you'll see a character (or two) fully decked out in their own Halloween costumes.

Once again, Jack Skellington has returned to take over the Haunted Mansion & bring back the Haunted Mansion Holiday to New Orleans Square in Disneyland. "Transformed to a mix of Halloween spookiness and Christmas tradition, Haunted Mansion Holiday is inspired by the classic animated film Tim Burton’s Nightmare Before Christmas. Jack and his friends provide plenty of havoc and surprises as they celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Haunted Mansion in their unusual style. Jack’s return to the Haunted Mansion includes the traditional Halloween/Christmas gingerbread house in the Mansion Ballroom, with some special spooky surprises in this year’s design."

New this year, and recommended for older kids & adults (although my 4 year old LOVED it), is Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy. "The scary new experience will begin as a typical Space Mountain adventure, but will suddenly launch voyagers into an uncharted and haunted section of the universe. Ghosts appear out of the starry darkness and swirling galaxies of Space Mountain, reaching out as if to grab guests as they speed through space. The exhilarating drops and curves of the journey are punctuated by piercing screams, creepy sound effects and haunting music. The Halloween transformation occurs outside the mountain as well, as frightening images, audio and lights illuminate the Space Mountain exterior."

Gracing the evening skies this ghoulish season is the "Halloween Screams - A Villainous Surprise in the Skies" Fireworks display. This "new fireworks spectacular will haunt the nighttime sky throughout the Halloween season. To start the show, 'Master of Scare-omonies' Jack Skellington appears in a flash of fire above Sleeping Beauty Castle. Thanks to Jack’s ghoulish charm, haunting melodies fill the air and a Halloween pyrotechnics extravaganza explodes into the night. Such classic Disney villains as Maleficent, Ursula the Sea Witch and Oogie Boogie join in the 'spirit' of the celebration, and even Zero, Jack’s faithful ghost dog, will make an appearance. Spectators in Disneyland are encouraged to participate in a bone-chilling Halloween Scream-Along during the show."

Amazingly enough, there is still more! As if ALL of that wasn't enough, you don't want to miss the Main Street Pumpkin Festival, the villain "meet & greet" at “it’s a small world” Mall in Disneyland, while other characters in seasonal costumes greet guests in Town Square, Main Street, U.S.A. in Disneyland and Sunshine Plaza in Disney’s California Adventure, the Halloween Roundup at Big Thunder Ranch, & all of the delicious seasonal goodies only available this time of year (my personal favorites? the caramel apple cider & candy corn rice krispie treats).

For more details information, crafts (including pumpkin craving patterns & more), Halloween videos, & very, very cool, very interactive computer games for the kids (or even you) be sure to check out Disneyland's Halloween Time website HERE.

xoxo, K
images via Disneyland

Mickey's Trick-or-Treat Party

Most kids look forward all year, to trick-or-treating. What's not to love? Costumes & candy all rolled into one fun-filled night? The only thing that could possibly top that, would be trick-or-treating at Mickey's Trick-or-Treat Party at Disney's California Adventure Park. This "not-so-scary" party encourages your little ghosts & goblins to join their favorite Disney characters for an evening filled with lively music, trick-or-treating, crafts & activities, and lots of other Halloween games & fun. C & I took our kiddos last year & they LOVED it. (You can read about it HERE.)

Ticket Prices & Event Dates

For the dates:
October 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 21, 22, 23, 28, 29
General Advance Purchase Price - $32
Day-of-Event Price - $42

For the dates:
October 30, 31
Price: $42

* Annual Passholders pay just $26 on advanced purchases on select days!

Event Times:
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thurdsay - 6:30 pm to 10:30 pm
Friday & Halloween Night - 7:30 pm to 11:30 pm

Buy tickets HERE.

xoxo, K
image via Disneyland

Knott's Scary Farms Halloween Haunt

For those of you who are looking to add a little fright to your Halloween festivities, be sure to check out Knott's Halloween Haunt. (Although, it is not recommended for children under 13.) Because I'm a complete & total chicken, I can't say that I've ever been. But, I have friends that LOVE it & go every year. Pre-sale tickets are $31.99 - $49.99 depending on the day (that's cheaper than last year!), while tickets on the day of the event are $53.99. Get your tickets HERE. You might also want to check out their add-ons "to extend the nightmare"... If I were brave enough to attend the Halloween Haunt, I think I'd probably do the "Pre-Scare Dinner", too. The specially themed "boo-ffet" dinner & early entry into the Haunt sounds like a fun date night.

What: Knott's Halloween Haunt
When: September 24-27, September 30 & October 1-4, 7-11, 14-18, 21-25, and 28-31st
7pm-1am or 2am depending on the night
Where: Knott's Berry Farm

xoxo, K
p.s. Check out THESE Halloween Hunt tips.

images via Knott's Scary Farms

SeaWorld's Halloween Spooktacular

Just outside of the Orange County "bubble," only a hop, skip & a jump down the road, you'll find SeaWorld. With Halloween right around the corner, SeaWorld is hosting their own Halloween Spooktacular. Trick-or-Treating, meet amazing sea creatures, silly & spooky shows & so much more! Kids can "come in costume or come as they are." Sea World's Halloween Spooktacular is happening weekends from October 3rd - November 1st, from 1-6pm & is included with park admission. Buy tickets HERE.

xoxo, K
image via the Halloween Spooktacular