things to do

Events for Kids in Southern California

Fri

19

September 19

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October 20

Griffith Park,

Los Angeles

September 19 - November 2: Experience a Halloween party at Janelle Monáe's Monáe Manor, take a hayride through Midnight Falls, go trick-or-treating, watch live shows, and take part in attractions like axe throwing and mini escape games.

Wed

1

October 1

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October 31

San Diego,

San Diego

October 1-31: During the entire month of October, kids 12 and under receive free admission with a paid adult to more than 60 of San Diego County's favorite museums, historic sites, aquariums, gardens and more. Many are even free for the whole family!

Fri

3

October 3

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October 5

Huntington Beach,

Huntington Beach

October 3-5: A visual feast of exhilarating non-stop aerial action with the backdrop of one of California’s most beautiful beaches over 3 days. See performances by the USAF Thunderbirds, A-10 Demo Team and F22 Raptor Demo Team and many, many more.

Fri

3

October 3

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October 5

Saint Sophia Cathedral,

Los Angeles

October 3-5: Savor Greek food, wine, dancing, kids’ activities, and cathedral tours at the LA Greek Fest.

Fri

3

October 3

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October 5

Downtown Carpinteria,

Carpinteria

October 3–5: Celebrate everything avocados in Carpinteria, featuring 60+ bands, tons of food, and the return of Glowcado Groove dance party for the kids.

Fri

3

October 3

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November 2

Mr. Jack O’ Lanterns Pumpkins in Torrance,

No venue assigned.

October 3 - November 2: Mr. Jack O’ Lanterns Pumpkin Patch features games and activities include pumpkin bowling, pumpkin decorating, farm animals, and more.

Fri

3

October 3

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October 5

Columbus Tustin Park,

Tustin

October 3-5: Enjoy a parade, carnival rides, entertainment, vendors, brewfest, and more.

Fri

3

October 3

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October 5

The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens,

San Marino

October 3-5: Experience lanterns, performances, and seasonal traditions at night.

Sat

4

October 4

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October 4

Union Station Los Angeles,

Los Angeles

October 4–5: Explore 50+ rare book exhibitors and Frankenstein-themed talks at Union Station.

Sat

4

October 4

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October 5

Irvine Spectrum Center,

Irvine

October 4–5: Decorate Tama cases, snap pics with characters, and check out exclusive merch at the Tamagotchi Road Trip stop in Irvine. FREE!

Sat

4

October 4

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October 5

Southern California Railway Museum,

Perris

Weekends, January 11 - October 26: Take a ride on the Museum Railway on a real operating trolley or behind a locomotive every weekend. Parking, entry to grounds, and entry to open exhibits are free (except during special ticketed events).

Sat

4

October 4

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October 4

San Diego Zoo Safari Park,

Escondido

Weekends, October 1-26: Celebrate the season with wildlife, special entertainment, and culinary comforts. Meet Robert the Zebra, Safari Parker, hoedown with not-so-scary scarecrows, enjoy live music, navigate through a maze, and more.

Sat

4

October 4

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October 4

Knott’s Berry Farm,

Buena Park

September 18 - November 1: The fully transformed theme park features uniquely haunted mazes and attractions, sinister shows, and more than 1,000 horrifying creatures lurking in the fog and hiding in every corner of the park.

Sat

4

October 4

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October 4

Fort Cross Old Timey Adventures,

Santa Ysabel

September 20 - October 26: Enjoy hayrides, crafts, cider pressing, and live shows.

Sat

4

October 4

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October 5

Manhattan Beach,

October 4-5: Event features live entertainment from artists and performers, alongside a variety of attractions such as Beer and Wine Gardens, game booths, and a dedicated Kid Country area with face painting, petting zoo, face painting and more. FREE!

Sat

4

October 4

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October 4

Downtown Torrance,

October 4: Trick-or-treat, meet Addams Family’s Sean Cassidy, and explore Spooky Trails. FREE.

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Sat

4

October 4

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October 26

Discovery Cube – Orange County,

Santa Ana

Weekends, October 4–26: Discover spooky science, glowing slime, and eco-friendly fun at Discovery Cube’s Pumpkin Palooza, featuring a dance party with 20-foot DJ pumpkin Jack-o-Lynn.

Sat

4

October 4

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October 4

Getty Villa Museum,

Pacific Palisades

September 21 - January 10: In this free, drop-in, perfume-making workshop, you can create your own perfume inspired by an ancient recipe from Pylos, in southern Greece.

Sat

4

October 4

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October 5

Discovery Cube – Los Angeles,

Sylmar

Weekends, October 4 - November 2: Trick-or-treat, launch pumpkins, explore mazes, and solve a new escape room mystery at Discovery Cube LA.

Sat

4

October 4

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October 4

City Hall Complex – Gardena,

Gardena

October 4: Celebrate fall with music, vendors, kids’ activities, and a cornhole tournament at Gardena’s Harvest Festival. FREE!

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