One of the best things about raising a family in Los Angeles is that every neighborhood has its own way of celebrating the season. Some families go all in on decorations and trick-or-treating. Others make October about weekend outings, pumpkin picking, and getting everyone out of the house before bedtime.
If you’re looking for family-friendly Halloween activities in LA, these are the outings I’d put on the calendar.
Pick a Pumpkin at Mr. Bones
Mr. Bones Pumpkin Patch is a fall tradition for many LA families. It has that festive, take-the-annual-photo feeling, but the kids also get to explore and choose the pumpkin they’ll insist is the one. Its 2026 season runs October 2 through 31 in Culver City.
I’d give yourselves time to enjoy the visit instead of treating it as a quick stop. Pick the pumpkins, take the pictures, and make lunch part of the outing. One of the pleasures of living in LA is being able to build a full Saturday around a simple family tradition.
See Descanso Gardens After Dark
Carved at Descanso Gardens is my pick for a Halloween-season evening with a little magic and a lot less fright. The paths are filled with hand-carved pumpkins and illuminated displays. It runs October 2 through November 1, 2026.
Descanso is also a lovely reminder of how much the setting matters in Los Angeles. We spend so much time talking about square footage and floor plans in real estate, but access to gardens, trails, and places to spend time together is part of what makes a location feel like home. Plan ahead for tickets, and choose a time that works for your kids’ energy levels.
Celebrate Día de los Muertos at Hollywood Forever
Día de los Muertos at Hollywood Forever is one of Los Angeles’s most meaningful fall traditions. On Saturday, October 24, the grounds will fill with elaborate altars, art, music, dance, and food for a celebration of loved ones and the lives they lived.
I would give this event its own afternoon or evening rather than trying to fit it between other plans. Take time to see the altars and learn the stories behind them. Celebrations like this are part of what gives Los Angeles its character, and a reminder that the communities around a home shape the experience of living there.
Browse the Venice Street Fair
The Venice Street Fair is an easy way to spend a Sunday on the Westside. Browse local art, vintage finds, handmade goods, and food vendors along 3rd Avenue, then take a walk around the neighborhood or stop for lunch nearby. The fair is held on the second Sunday of each month, which falls on October 11 this year.
I love an outing that lets you get a feel for a neighborhood while you’re enjoying yourself. Spend a little time walking beyond the fair and you’ll notice the shops, streets, and everyday places that give Venice its personality. Those details can tell you more about what it would be like to live somewhere than a listing ever could.
See Halloween Puppets at Barnsdall Art Park
For a creative Halloween outing with younger kids, head to Hollyhock House at Barnsdall Art Park on October 18. Bob Baker Marionette Theater will perform its Hallowe’en Spooktacular on the lawn at 9:30 and 11 a.m., with family art activities between and after the shows.
Bring a blanket and arrive early. The performances are free and no RSVP is required, but lawn space is limited. It’s a lovely way to spend a morning together, with puppets, art, and a chance to enjoy another side of LA.
Take an Evening Trip to Lavender Nights
If you’re willing to make a drive, Lavender Nights at 123 Farm is an October evening worth setting aside. The lavender fields and olive grove glow with lights, while live music, an outdoor market, and lavender-inspired food and drinks make it easy to stay awhile. The event runs through October 25, 2026, on Wednesdays through Mondays.
I’d make this a proper evening out rather than trying to squeeze it into a busy weeknight. Arrive with time to wander, stay for dinner, and enjoy the change of scenery. That’s one of my favorite things about life in Los Angeles: there’s always somewhere new to go when you’re ready to get beyond your usual routine.
Enjoy Halloween Close to Home, Too
The big outings are fun, but some of the best October moments happen right outside your front door. Walk around your neighborhood to see the decorations. Let the kids help with the porch. Invite friends over before trick-or-treating.
When buyers tell me they want a neighborhood with a strong sense of community, these are the kinds of moments I think about. A home is more than its interior finishes. It’s also the sidewalks you walk, the neighbors you get to know, and the traditions you can imagine making there year after year.
Los Angeles may not give us the fall weather we see in the movies, but we have no shortage of ways to make October memorable. Choose a couple of outings, leave space for the little traditions, and enjoy the season at your family’s pace.
Event details can change. Check the organizer’s site before you go.
