Family Friendly Halloween Fun

It’s Trick-or-Treat season and, if you have young children, chances are you’re looking to emphasize the Treat when choosing Halloween activities – you know, stuff likely to produce more smiles than screams. Well, Long Beach can offer you Halloween-themed scavenger hunts, train rides and craft classes as well as the traditional pumpkin carving, costume wearing and, yes, trick or treating. So many options, it’s scary … but in a good way!

Credit: LB Special Events & Filming

GHOULS NIGHT OUT

Retail center 2ND & PCH (6400 E. Pacific Coast Hwy.) is inviting the community to a Halloween-themed edition of its Beachside Beats Fest live concert series. The "Ghouls Night Out" event on Oct. 26 from 5 to 8 P.M. begins with a Michael Jackson Tribute and Thriller flash mob dance tutorial. Filipino band, Browndition, takes the stage at 6:30 P.M. in honor of Filipino American History Month, covering crowd favorite hits from Bruno Mars, Michael Jackson and Prince. Kids and families are welcome to come in costume and participate in arts and crafts, facepainting and airbrush tattoos.

SCARIUM OF THE PACIFIC

For the 24th year, the Aquarium of the Pacific (100 Aquarium Way) will celebrate Halloween for several family-friendly days. Scarium of the Pacific takes place October 28 and 29 (9 a.m.-5 p.m.) and features the annual children’s costume contest with prizes, magic shows with a vampire magician, and more. Meet creepy critters and watch the aquarium’s divers carve pumpkins underwater! There will also be a Halloween Family Night on October 20 (6:30-9 p.m.) where families can dress up in their favorite costumes, explore the Aquarium's animal exhibits while on a self-guided scavenger hunt. Oh, and goodie bags. Goodie!

Credit: Aquarium of the Pacific

EL DORADO FRONTIER PUMPKIN PATCH

On Fridays through Sundays throughout the month of October, the mini amusement park El Dorado Frontier (7550 E. Spring St.) will host its 5th annual Pumpkin Market, featuring a pumpkin patch and live music. Take a ride aboard the Frontier Express Train and learn the origin of the Jack O’ Lantern, or do some prospecting at Panning for Goldie’s Treasure where you get to keep what you find. Located inside El Dorado Park, El Dorado Frontier also has a carousel and mine buggy ride. Food, like hotdogs and cotton candy, and drinks are available for purchase.

Credit: El Dorado Frontier

PA’S PUMPKIN PATCH

One of the city’s great Halloween traditions, Pa’s Pumpkin Patch (6701 Pacific Coast Hwy.) has been bringing joy to families for more than 40 years amid its country fair-like atmosphere. As you’d expect, Pa’s is the place where you can buy your pumpkins for carving, but it also offers a carnival-style collection of rides, midway games and attractions, everything from a petting zoo to dragon rides to ponies to bounce houses and mirror mazes. While it’s free to pick out your pumpkin, the rides and attractions require a reservation and entrance fee along with ride tickets. There’s also plenty to eat, whether you’re partial to popcorn or tacos.

SHAQTOBERFEST

With the Queen Mary as a backdrop, Shaqtoberfest (1126 Queensway Hwy.) offers fun Halloween activities for kids and their families during the Trick or Treat Party on Sundays, October 15, 22, and 29, from 6 to 8:30 P.M. Admission includes trick or treat trails, a dance party, carnival rides, a giant inflatable slide and obstacle course, a costume contest and parade, and a scavenger hunt. For an additional charge, your little one can enjoy a basketball shaped cookie or other treats, decorate a pumpkin to take home, or get their face painted.

Credit: LB Special Events & Filming
About the Author
Steve Lowery
Steve Lowery is a longtime local. Over the years he has written for the Los Angeles Times, ESPN, and others. If you're looking for the hidden gems of Long Beach, Steve is your go-to.