Halloween and Fall Events for Kids in South OC
Published Oct 12, 2026
October is the busiest month of the year for family events in South Orange County. Libraries run spooky storytimes and craft afternoons, community associations host trunk-or-treats, and harbors and parks put on hayrides and festivals.
Everything below is a published listing on South OC Kids, sorted by the next date. Past dates drop off on their own, so this page stays current through Halloween. Each listing shows its city, age range and price as the provider gave them; where a price or age range is not confirmed yet, the listing says so.
Festivals, trunk-or-treats and hayrides
Community festivals and trick-or-treat events are the big-ticket outings of the season. Many are free; some ask you to register ahead so organizers can plan for candy and crafts.
EventsSpooktacular Storytime & Craft: Ghosts
Orange County (CA) Public LibraryIn celebration of Spooky Month join us for a special ghost themed storytime followed by a ghost tube craft at 11:00am.
EventsTeen Eats: Pizza Skulls
Orange County (CA) Public LibraryJoin us for a spooky food demonstration where you can learn how to make pizza skulls! All supplies will be provided.
EventsTeen/Tween Campfire Ghost Stories
Orange County (CA) Public LibraryWhat better way to celebrate Spooky Month than by sitting around a "campfire," telling ghost stories, and eating s'mores? No registration required.
EventsPumpkin Splash
City of San ClementeSwim in a floating pumpkin patch, enjoy Halloween activities and inflatables, and pick a pumpkin to decorate.
Events
EventsPumpkin Rescue
City of Laguna NiguelRescue a pumpkin from the floating pumpkin patch, decorate it, then enjoy the inflatable slide and open diving boards.
EventsSpooktacular Storytime & Craft: Vampires
Orange County (CA) Public LibraryIn celebration of Spooky Month join us for a special vampire themed storytime followed by a coffee filter bat craft at 11:00am.
EventsHalloween Spooktacular & Trunk or Treat
City of Dana PointFamily Halloween event with games, crafts, entertainment, a spooky maze, and Dana Point Police Services trunk-or-treat displays..
EventsHarbor Hayrides
Ocean InstituteA 45-minute Halloween harbor cruise aboard R/V Sea Explorer with apple cider, temporary tattoos and activities.
EventsSpooky Seas
Ocean InstituteFamily-friendly Halloween event with bioluminescence laser tag, a mad scientist lab, costume contest, haunted ship tours, aquarium access and more.
EventsHalloween Storytime & Trick or Treat Stations
Orange County (CA) Public LibraryIn celebration of Spooky Month join us for a special Halloween themed storytime followed by a Trick or Treat stations at 11:00am.
EventsBoo Bash Costume Party
Orange County (CA) Public LibraryJoin us for the Annual Boo Bash Halloween Costume Parade & Party.
EventsTeen & Tween Candy Sushi
Orange County (CA) Public LibraryGet into the spooky spirit with candy sushi! Join us to create your own candy sushi using a variety of delicious treats.
EventsTrick or Treat at Sea Country
City of Laguna NiguelFree community trick-or-treat event at the Sea Country Senior & Community Center..
EventsSAMLARC Halloween Family Festival
SAMLARCFree family Halloween festival with games, music, inflatables, petting zoo, pumpkin decorating, face painting, climbing wall, trick-or-treating, costume contests and an outdoor movie..
Pumpkin painting and spooky crafts
Library craft afternoons and studio workshops are a calmer option for younger kids, and several are free. Check whether supplies are included and whether spots are first come, first served.
Arts & MusicSpooky Crafting Afternoon
Orange County (CA) Public LibraryJoin us for a hauntingly fun time creating a variety of spooky (and not so spooky) crafts.
Arts & MusicSpooky Month: Creepy Crafting
Orange County (CA) Public LibraryListen to a creepy story and make spooky crafts, including creepy slime.
Arts & MusicCrafty Saturday: Pumpkin Painting
Orange County (CA) Public LibraryJoin us to paint a mini pumpkin that you can take home and keep! Suggested ages: 4-12.
Arts & MusicTeen Pumpkin Painting
Orange County (CA) Public LibraryCalling all teens, tweens, and older kids! It's time for the Annual Mini Pumpkin Painting Party at Ladera Ranch Library! Bring your own pumpkin or choose one of ours while supplies last.
Arts & MusicSpooky Month: Pumpkin Decorating
Orange County (CA) Public LibraryDecorate a mini pumpkin in your own style and take it home.
Arts & MusicSpooky Month: Haunted "Gingerbread" House Decorating
Orange County (CA) Public LibraryCreate and decorate a haunted edible house, then take it home or enjoy it.
Arts & MusicCrafty Saturday: Halloween Crafts
Orange County (CA) Public LibraryCelebrate Halloween at the library with a variety of themed crafts! Suggested ages: 4-12.
Costume runs, dance parties and more
For kids who would rather move than make something: fun runs, dance parties and a costume chess tournament.
SportsDance Party Presents: Monster Bash
Orange County (CA) Public LibraryCalling all ghouls and ghosts! Take your Halloween costume for a test drive and join us for a dance party, a costume parade, and lots of tricky treats! Supported in part by the Friends of the Rancho Santa Margarita Library.
SportsMonster Dash & Creepy Crawl Fun Run
City of San ClementeSan Clemente's Halloween-themed Monster Dash and Creepy Crawl Fun Run at the Community Center.
STEMHalloween Costume & Chess Tournament
Strategic KidsSpecial Halloween-themed Friday Knight chess tournament and costume contest.
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