Where to Trick or Treat Around Hancock Park and Larchmont

If you’ve ever been trick or treating around Hancock Park, you know some streets take Halloween very seriously.

Think giant skeletons, pirate ships, glowing ghosts, and front yards that look like they belong on a movie set. Other streets keep things a little quieter, which can be just right when you have little ones in tow.

So where should you go? That depends on the kind of Halloween night your family is looking for. Here are a few areas around Hancock Park, Larchmont, and Windsor Square to help you plan your route.

For toddlers and preschoolers: Melrose to Rosewood

Suggested ages: 2 to 5
Where to go: Between Melrose Avenue and Rosewood Avenue, from Wilcox Avenue to Lillian Way

If your little one is still getting the hang of Halloween, start here. This area is a good choice when you want to keep the walk short and avoid some of the bigger, scarier displays.

There tend to be fewer elaborate decorations, but that can be a plus for kids who are more interested in showing off their costumes and collecting a few pieces of candy than walking past a giant skeleton.

Bring the wagon or stroller, pick a few blocks, and see how it goes. Sometimes the best Halloween plan with little kids is the one that leaves room to head home whenever they’re ready.

Why we like it for little ones: It’s easy to keep the outing short, and the decorations tend to be less overwhelming.

Keep in mind: You may see fewer decorated homes here than in the busier neighborhoods.

For young kids ready for a little more: Rosewood to Beverly

Suggested ages: 5 to 8
Where to go: Between Rosewood Avenue and Beverly Boulevard, around Rossmore Avenue and Larchmont Boulevard

If your kids are ready to walk a little farther and see more Halloween decorations, explore the neighborhood streets around Rossmore and Larchmont.

This is a fun area to wander at your own pace. You can choose a few blocks and keep things manageable or keep walking if everyone is still having fun.

For kids who like Halloween but aren’t quite ready for the really spooky stuff, consider heading out earlier. You’ll have a chance to see what’s ahead and skip any houses that look like they might be a little too scary.

Why we like it for young kids: There’s room to explore, with the flexibility to make the walk as short or as long as you want.

Keep in mind: Decorations can change from one block to the next. What’s fun for one child might be a little much for another.

For kids who want the full Halloween experience: Windsor Square

Suggested ages: 8 and up
Where to go: Norton Avenue and Van Ness Avenue, south of Beverly Boulevard

If your kids are hoping to see the houses that really get into Halloween, put Windsor Square on your list.

The neighborhood draws trick-or-treaters from around Los Angeles, and some homeowners go all out. This is where older kids who love costumes, decorations, and a little spooky fun can take their time exploring.

Norton and Van Ness are two streets to keep in mind. Give yourselves time to wander and look around, because the houses are part of the fun.

Younger kids can enjoy Windsor Square too, especially earlier in the evening. Just know that the crowds and some of the decorations may feel overwhelming for children who prefer a quieter Halloween.

Why we like it for older kids: A lively atmosphere, plenty of Halloween spirit, and a longer walk for kids who aren’t ready to call it a night.

Keep in mind: Parking can get tricky as more families arrive. If you’re driving, give yourself extra time and be prepared to walk.

For kids who love a good scare

Some kids want cute pumpkins. Others want the biggest, spookiest house they can find.

Around Hancock Park and Windsor Square, you may come across everything from friendly inflatables to elaborate displays with skeletons, ghosts, and characters that look a little too real. Part of the fun is seeing what the neighbors have come up with.

If your child loves a scare, take your time exploring the busier residential streets. If they’re unsure, it’s completely fine to admire a display from across the street and keep walking.

Going out with kids of different ages?

You don’t have to pick just one kind of Halloween night.

Start with a short walk for the youngest members of your group, then see how everyone is feeling. If the older kids still have plenty of energy, you can head to a livelier area afterward. Or meet up with friends and make a plan for the little ones to head home when they’re ready.

A wagon, a few snacks, and a meeting spot can make things a lot easier when everyone has a different idea of how long trick or treating should last.

A few things to know before you go

Start early with little ones. You’ll have more time to explore while it’s still light and before the busiest part of the evening.

Plan for parking. The more popular neighborhoods can get busy, so allow extra time and be prepared to walk from your car.

Bring a light. A flashlight or small light can help everyone stay visible once it gets dark.

Wear comfortable shoes. This goes for parents too. Even a few blocks can feel longer when you’re carrying costumes, candy bags, and a tired child.

Choose a meeting spot. If you’re going with friends, pick somewhere easy to find before everyone gets distracted by the decorations.

Let the kids set the pace. Some will want to visit every house. Others will be perfectly happy after a few stops.

Find your family’s kind of Halloween

Maybe this year calls for a handful of houses and an early bedtime. Or maybe your kids are ready for bigger decorations, a longer walk, and seeing how much candy they can carry.

Wherever you end up, I hope you have a fun night exploring the neighborhood. And if you have a favorite street I should add to the list, I’d love to hear about it.

Want to see the areas on a map? Head to my Instagram for the neighborhood guide and save it for Halloween night.