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 Week in Orange County

Looking for something fun to do this week? Need to break up the monotony of your week? Break out the red pen, & mark your calendars - here are some of my favorite Must-Dos, happening in Orange County this week. (For the BIG list of what to do & where to go, check out our ENTIRE calendar of Orange County happenings HERE.)

Tuesday, October 27th:
* Surf City Nights, 5-9pm, Main Street, HB

Wednesday, October 28th:
* Eco-Glam Photo Shoots at Belly Sprout, 9am-Noon. $35

Thursday, October 29th:
* City of Orange Treats Through the Streets Autumn Festival, Orange Circle, 4-7pm
* Irvine Pumpkin Pickin' & Carvin', 6-8pm

Friday, October 30th:
* La Habra Mini Monsters Bash, 10:30am - 12pm
* Tustin Halloween Howl
* FREE Boo Cruise, 6-8pm at Dana Wharf

Saturday, October 31st:
* Halloween at the Orange County Zoo, 10am-4pm. Crafts, face painting, trick-or-treating & more. FREE with zoo admission.

Looking for more Halloween-ey activities? Count down to the BIG day, with any (or all) of the activities on THIS comprehensive guide to Halloween Orange County.)

xoxo, K

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: 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

Disneyland's Halloween Screams Fireworks Show

Have you figured out yet how much we LOVE Halloween Time at Disneyland yet? We've always been big Disneyland fans, but when the "villains" took over the Parks, they really outdid themselves! & Although the "boo-tiful" decorations, yummy" treats" & spooky-fied rides are all incredible, I think, no, I know,  my absolute favorite Halloween Time addition is definitely the Disneyland Halloween Screams Firework Show. It is amazing! Absolutely A-mazing! Once again, the "villains" know how to take care of business...  As the fireworks explode in the night sky, the castle is bathed in ghostly lights, all the while each of the "villains" takes his or her turn commanding "center stage," so to speak. But, words alone can't even begin to describe the firework show (or extravaganza as I like to think of it), you absolutely have to see it! Here's your personal 11-minute sneak peak of the Disneyland Halloween Screams Firework Show. (And if you want to catch the real thing, all you have to do is head on out to Disneyland before November 1st).





Can't watch all 11-minutes? Not a problem.  Here's Disneyland's 30-second version...



xoxo, K

October 2009 Calendar

Halloween is a month-long celebration here in Orange County. With so many Halloween inspired activities & events we found it easier to list them all separately. So, for Halloween bashes & haunted houses, be sure to check out THIS list.

1st

* Tideland Tot's at the Peter & Mary Muth Interpretive Center, 10:30 - 11:15 am. Fun-filled parent & child experiences that may include hands-on activities, crafts, story telling & nature walks. Pre-registration required: (949)923-2275, $5 per participant, ages 2-5.
* Toddler Class at the Orange County Zoo, 10-11am. Come learn at the zoo... class includes hands-on learning & fun crafts. Phone registration required (714)973-6846. $5 for one child & parent (Irvine Park parking Fee not included). Ages 3-4.
* Toddler Playtime at Scooter's Jungle in Aliso Viejo, 10:30am - 12 noon, ages 6 & under.
* Open Play at House of Bounce in Anaheim, 10am-12pm & 3:30pm-5:30pm.
* Open Play at Partyopolis in Lake Forest, 10am-12pm.
* Toddler Playtime at Scooter's Jungle in Placentia, 10:30am - 12 noon, ages 6 & under.
* Junior Ranger Program at Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, 4-5:30pm. 2nd & 3rd graders are invited to learn about wilderness plants, animals & how to take care of the land. Reservations required: (949)923-2235, $10 fee.
* FREE Post-season Angel Rally, 6pm
* Haunted Fullerton Walking Tour, 6pm
* FREE Stargazing with Dr. Krupp at the Irvine Ranch Outdoor Education Center, 6:30pm
2nd:
* Tustin Tiller Days

* Wild Tales at the Peter & Mary Muth Interpretive Center, 10:30 - 11:15 am. Story telling fun. After the story, learn more about the natural history of the bay through crafts and nature walks. Pre-registration required: (949)923-2275, $5 per participant, ages 2-7.
* Pier Plaza Art-A-Faire, an arts & crafts event at Pier Plaza in Huntington Beach, noon to sunset
* Balboa Island Stroll, 6-9pm. Shops will be open late & many will be serving cheese, crackers & other refreshments.

3rd:
* Orange County Fire Authority Open House, 9am - 2pm
* FREE Story time & crafts, 10-11am at Lakeview Learning Center: come meet the author of the new book "Baby Lauren and Theodore"
* 10th Annual Kidsfaire
* Tustin Tiller Days
* Laguna Niguel Fall Crafts Faire
* FREE admission to the Discovery Science Center with any Bank of America, check, ATM or credit card.
* FREE admission to the Muzeo with any Bank of America, check, ATM or credit card.
* Target FREE First Saturday at the Children's Museum at La Habra, 1:30-3:30pm. Face painting, crafts & stilt walkers.

* Bolsa Chica Wetlands Tour, FREE tours begin every 15 minutes from 9 - 10:30 am.

* Kids Workshop, a FREE kid-friendly "How-To Clinic", at your local Home Depot, 9am-12pm. This month's project is a firehouse bank
* FREE crafts for kids at Lakeshore Learning Centers in Fountain Valley & Laguna Hills, 11am - 3pm.

4th:
* Mighty Rubber Ducky Derby at Wild Rivers Water Park
* 10th Annual Kidsfaire

* Tustin Tiller Days

* FREE admission to the Muzeo with any Bank of America, check, ATM or credit card.
* Target FREE First Sunday at the Bower's Museum & Kidseum

* Village Art Fair, 9 am, Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente.

* Bowers Museum, FREE day for Santa Ana Residents

* Centennial Heritage Museum, FREE day for Santa Ana Residents
* Dana Wharf FREE kid's fishing clinic, noon.

5th:
* Taco Bell Discovery Science Center, FREE day for Santa Ana Residents
* Auto Club Mega Travel Show, 9am-3pm: learn about benefits and discounts, certified mechanics conduct under-the-roof demonstrations and more.
* Mommy & Me Playtime at Hullabaloos Clubhouse in Orange, 10:30am-1pm.
* Open Play Nights at Hullabaloos Clubhouse in Orange, 5-8pm.
6th:
* Story Time, Pottery Barn Kids (South Coast Plaza or The Shops at Mission Viejo), 11-11:30 am.
* Mommy & Me Playtime at Hullabaloos Clubhouse in Orange, 10:30am-1pm.
* Open Play Nights at Hullabaloos Clubhouse in Orange, 5-8pm.
* Surf City Nights, 5-9pm, Main Street, HB
* Family Night at Partyopolis in Lake Forest, 5pm - 8pm.
7th:
* Toddler Playtime at Scooter's Jungle in Aliso Viejo, 10:30am - 12 noon, ages 6 & under.
* Open Play at Partyopolis in Lake Forest, 10am-12pm.
* Sea Tales at the Newport Harbor Nautical Museum, 9:45 - 11 am. Reservations required (949)675-8915. (cost is $3 for members & $5 for non-members)
8th:
* Toddler Playtime at Scooter's Jungle in Aliso Viejo, 10:30am - 12 noon, ages 6 & under.
* Open Play at House of Bounce in Anaheim, 10am-12pm & 3:30pm-5:30pm.
* Open Play at Partyopolis in Lake Forest, 10am-12pm.
* Toddler Playtime at Scooter's Jungle in Placentia, 10:30am - 12 noon, ages 6 & under.

9th:
* Garden Grove Korean Festival
* Pier Plaza Art-A-Faire, an arts & crafts event at Pier Plaza in Huntington Beach, noon to sunset
* FREE Mommy & Me Hang out at Belly Sprout, 12-1pm
* Photo Shoot Fridays at Belly Sprout, $10 for 15 pictures, 10am-2pm, Appointment necessary

10th:
* Orange County Fire Authority Open House
* Family Golfun Adult & Child Tournament, 1-5pm
* Orange County Walk to Remember
* 45th Annual Placentia Heritage Festival
* Sea Tales at the Newport Harbor Nautical Museum, 9:45 - 11 am. Reservations required (949)675-8915. (cost is $3 for members & $5 for non-members)
* Garden Grove Korean Festival
* FREE crafts for kids at Lakeshore Learning Centers in Fountain Valley & Laguna Hills, 11am - 3pm.
* Baby Loves Disco, 2-5pm
11th:
* Surf City Surf Dog Contest, 8am - 1pm
* Target FREE Second Sundays at the Orange County Museum of Art
* Garden Grove Korean Festival
* Dana Wharf FREE kid's fishing clinic, noon.

12th:
* Mommy & Me Playtime at Hullabaloos Clubhouse in Orange, 10:30am-1pm.
* Open Play Nights at Hullabaloos Clubhouse in Orange, 5-8pm.
13th:
* Story Time, Pottery Barn Kids (South Coast Plaza or The Shops at Mission Viejo), 11-11:30 am.
* Mommy & Me Playtime at Hullabaloos Clubhouse in Orange, 10:30am-1pm.
* Open Play Nights at Hullabaloos Clubhouse in Orange, 5-8pm.
* Surf City Nights, 5-9pm, Main Street, HB
* 6 week Hypno-Babies course starts at Belly Sprout
14th:
* Toddler Playtime at Scooter's Jungle in Aliso Viejo, 10:30am - 12 noon, ages 6 & under.
* Open Play at Partyopolis in Lake Forest, 10am-12pm.
* Eco-Glam Photo Shoots at Belly Sprout, 9am-Noon. $35

15th:
* Toddler Class at the Orange County Zoo, 10-11am. Come learn at the zoo... class includes hands-on learning & fun crafts. Phone registration required (714)973-6846. $5 for one child & parent (Irvine Park parking Fee not included). Ages 3-4.
* Toddler Playtime at Scooter's Jungle in Aliso Viejo, 10:30am - 12 noon, ages 6 & under.
* Open Play at House of Bounce in Anaheim, 10am-12pm & 3:30pm-5:30pm.
* Open Play at Partyopolis in Lake Forest, 10am-12pm.
* Toddler Playtime at Scooter's Jungle in Placentia, 10:30am - 12 noon, ages 6 & under.
* LA Fashion Week Exclusive: Private Runway Fashion Show Featuring Kami Shade & Supastar Clothing, 7-10pm
* FREE Green Smoothie Clinic & Demo at Belly Sprout, 7-8pm

16th:
* Pier Plaza Art-A-Faire, an arts & crafts event at Pier Plaza in Huntington Beach, noon to sunset
* Buena Park Silverado Day's, 4-11pm
* Lake Forest Haunt at Heritage Hill (ages 13+), 6-10pm
* FREE Mommy & Me Hang out at Belly Sprout, 12-1pm
* Photo Shoot Fridays at Belly Sprout, $10 for 15 pictures, 10am-2pm, Appointment necessary

17th:
* Train Rides at Costa Mesa's Fairview Park, 10am - 3:30pm: enjoy a ride aboard the Orange County Model Engineers miniature train & travel over 3 miles of track. For more information call (949)548-7246.
* Eco-Beauty Bar Makeup School at Belly Sprout, 10:30-noon, $35
* Buena Park Silverado Day's, 10am - Midnight
* FREE crafts for kids at Lakeshore Learning Centers in Fountain Valley & Laguna Hills, 11am - 3pm.
* Lake Forest Autumn Harvest Festival, 4-9pm

18th:
* Train Rides at Costa Mesa's Fairview Park, 10am - 3:30pm: enjoy a ride aboard the Orange County Model Engineers miniature train & travel over 3 miles of track. For more information call (949)548-7246.
* Buena Park Silverado Day's, 8am - 10pm
* Dana Wharf FREE kid's fishing clinic, noon.
19th:

* Mommy & Me Playtime at Hullabaloos Clubhouse in Orange, 10:30am-1pm.
* Open Play Nights at Hullabaloos Clubhouse in Orange, 5-8pm.
20th:
* Bowers Museum, FREE day for Santa Ana Residents
* Story Time, Pottery Barn Kids (South Coast Plaza or The Shops at Mission Viejo), 11-11:30 am.
* Mommy & Me Playtime at Hullabaloos Clubhouse in Orange, 10:30am-1pm.
* Open Play Nights at Hullabaloos Clubhouse in Orange, 5-8pm.
* Surf City Nights, 5-9pm, Main Street, HB
21st:
* Toddler Playtime at Scooter's Jungle in Aliso Viejo, 10:30am - 12 noon, ages 6 & under.
* Open Play at Partyopolis in Lake Forest, 10am-12pm.

22nd:
* Learn the tricks to wearing your baby at Belly Sprout, 11:30 - 1pm, FREE
* Tideland Tot's at the Peter & Mary Muth Interpretive Center, 10:30 - 11:15 am. Fun-filled parent & child experiences that may include hands-on activities, crafts, story telling & nature walks. Pre-registration required: (949)923-2275, $5 per participant, ages 2-5.
* Bayside Buddies at the Peter & Mary Muth Interpretive Center, 3:30-4:30 pm. Kids can discover our amazing natural world at the bay through hands-on activities, crafts & nature walks. Pre-registration required: (949)923-2275, $5 per participant, ages 2-8.
* Toddler Playtime at Scooter's Jungle in Aliso Viejo, 10:30am - 12 noon, ages 6 & under.
* Open Play at House of Bounce in Anaheim, 10am-12pm & 3:30pm-5:30pm.
* Open Play at Partyopolis in Lake Forest, 10am-12pm.
* Toddler Playtime at Scooter's Jungle in Placentia, 10:30am - 12 noon, ages 6 & under.
* Laguna Niguel Haunted Trails

23rd:

* Jack O'Lantern Jamboree, 5:30-8:30pm, Atlantis Play Center in Garden Grove.

* Fullerton Arboretum's 6th Annual Haunted Garden, children's party for kids 3-6: 1-3pm, all other ages: 6:30pm
* Toddler Class at the Orange County Zoo, 10-11am. Come learn at the zoo... class includes hands-on learning & fun crafts. Phone registration required (714)973-6846. $5 for one child & parent (Irvine Park parking Fee not included). Ages 3-4.
* Wild Tales at the Peter & Mary Muth Interpretive Center, 10:30 - 11:15 am. Story telling fun. After the story, learn more about the natural history of the bay through crafts and nature walks. Pre-registration required: (949)923-2275, $5 per participant, ages 2-7.
* Pier Plaza Art-A-Faire, an arts & crafts event at Pier Plaza in Huntington Beach, noon to sunset
* Laguna Niguel Haunted Trails
* FREE Mommy & Me Hang out at Belly Sprout, 12-1pm
* Photo Shoot Fridays at Belly Sprout, $10 for 15 pictures, 10am-2pm, Appointment necessary
24th:
* Green & Fabulous, Mommy & Me Recycled Fashion Show at Belly Sprout, 10am - 5pm, FREE

* Aliso Viejo Fall Harvest Festival, 10am-12pm
* Laguna Hills Ghostly Affair
* FREE crafts for kids at Lakeshore Learning Centers in Fountain Valley & Laguna Hills, 11am - 3pm.
* Laguna Niguel Haunted Trails

25th:
* Anytime Art Photography Workshop, 1-4pm
* Pumpkin Carving at the La Habra Children's Museum, 1:30-3pm
* Dana Wharf FREE kid's fishing clinic, noon.

26th:
* Mommy & Me Playtime at Hullabaloos Clubhouse in Orange, 10:30am-1pm.
* Open Play Nights at Hullabaloos Clubhouse in Orange, 5-8pm.
27th:
* Toddler Class at the Orange County Zoo, 10-11am. Come learn at the zoo... class includes hands-on learning & fun crafts. Phone registration required (714)973-6846. $5 for one child & parent (Irvine Park parking Fee not included). Ages 3-4.
* Story Time, Pottery Barn Kids (South Coast Plaza or The Shops at Mission Viejo), 11-11:30 am.
* Mommy & Me Playtime at Hullabaloos Clubhouse in Orange, 10:30am-1pm.
* Open Play Nights at Hullabaloos Clubhouse in Orange, 5-8pm.
* Surf City Nights, 5-9pm, Main Street, HB

28th:
* Toddler Playtime at Scooter's Jungle in Aliso Viejo, 10:30am - 12 noon, ages 6 & under.
* Open Play at Partyopolis in Lake Forest, 10am-12pm.
* Eco-Glam Photo Shoots at Belly Sprout, 9am-Noon. $35
* Human Options' Fall Fundraiser

29th:
* Tideland Tot's at the Peter & Mary Muth Interpretive Center, 10:30 - 11:15 am. Fun-filled parent & child experiences that may include hands-on activities, crafts, story telling & nature walks. Pre-registration required: (949)923-2275, $5 per participant, ages 2-5.
* Bayside Buddies at the Peter & Mary Muth Interpretive Center, 3:30-4:30 pm. Kids can discover our amazing natural world at the bay through hands-on activities, crafts & nature walks. Pre-registration required: (949)923-2275, $5 per participant, ages 2-8.
* Toddler Playtime at Scooter's Jungle in Aliso Viejo, 10:30am - 12 noon, ages 6 & under.
* Open Play at House of Bounce in Anaheim, 10am-12pm & 3:30pm-5:30pm.
* Open Play at Partyopolis in Lake Forest, 10am-12pm.
* Toddler Playtime at Scooter's Jungle in Placentia, 10:30am - 12 noon, ages 6 & under.
* City of Orange Treats Through the Streets Autumn Festival, Orange Circle, 4-7pm
* Irvine Pumpkin Pickin' & Carvin', 6-8pm

30th:

* La Habra Mini Monsters Bash, 10:30am - 12pm

* Wild Tales at the Peter & Mary Muth Interpretive Center, 10:30 - 11:15 am. Story telling fun. After the story, learn more about the natural history of the bay through crafts and nature walks. Pre-registration required: (949)923-2275, $5 per participant, ages 2-7.

* Sunset Stroll at the Peter & Mary Muth Interpretive Center, 7:30-9pm. Join the staff for a twilight nature walk. Then, create your own nocturnal critter to take home. Pre-registration required: (949)923-2275, $3 per participant.

* Pier Plaza Art-A-Faire, an arts & crafts event at Pier Plaza in Huntington Beach, noon to sunset

* Bird Survey at Shipley Nature Center

* Tustin Halloween Howl
* FREE Mommy & Me Hang out at Belly Sprout, 12-1pm
* Photo Shoot Fridays at Belly Sprout, $10 for 15 pictures, 10am-2pm, Appointment necessary

* FREE Boo Cruise, 6-8pm at Dana Wharf

31st:

* Halloween at the Orange County Zoo, 10am-4pm. Crafts, face painting, trick-or-treating & more. FREE with zoo admission.

* FREE crafts for kids at Lakeshore Learning Centers in Fountain Valley & Laguna Hills, 11am - 3pm.

* 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

* Events & Activities are always subject to change.

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

Irvine Park Railroad Pumpkin Patch

It's official, the Halloween season is nearly upon us! Have your kids picked out their costumes yet? Start the season off right with a trip to the pumpkin patch. The Irvine Park Railroad's Pumpkin Patch opens this Saturday, September 19th.

The Irvine Park Railroad's Pumpkin Patch runs Saturday, September 19th through Sunday, November 1st. The Pumpkin Patch is located just behind the Irvine Park Train Station and admission is FREE. (Although, remember that there is a gate fee to enter Irvine Regional Park.) With literally thousands of pumpkins of all shapes & sizes, I'm sure you'll find the perfect pumpkin. (For a coupon for $2 off any pumpkin over $1o go HERE.)

& Don't worry, there's so much more than just pumpkin picking... with train & hay rides, a photo booth, John Deere Tractor racing, a bounce house, carnival games, haunted house, hay maze, pony rides, paddle boats, you & your kiddos definitely won't be bored!

For more information about the Irvine Park Railroad Pumpkin Patch go HERE.

Irvine Park Railroad's Pumpkin Patch
1 Irvine Park Rd.
Orange, CA 92869

Open: September 19th - November 1st, 2009
Weekdays: 10am - 5pm
Weekends: 10am - 6pm

xoxo, K