55 Best Things to Do with Kids in Los Angeles in October 2026
October in Los Angeles is a little bit magic. The mornings turn crisp (well, crisp for LA), pumpkin patches pop up in parking lots and on real working farms, and whole neighborhoods start glowing orange by the time the sun sets. If you have been wondering what to do with the kids this month, the honest answer is: more than you can possibly fit in.
That is exactly why we built this guide. We rounded up the 55 best things to do with kids in Los Angeles in October 2026, from farm-style pumpkin patches and glowing jack-o'-lantern trails to free festivals, Día de los Muertos celebrations, theme-park Halloween events, and family shows. Every date, address, and price below was checked against the organizer's own website, so you can plan with confidence instead of crossing your fingers.
Bookmark this page, share it in the group chat, and circle a few weekends. Halloween falls on a Saturday this year, so the last weekend of the month is going to be one big, candy-filled celebration. Let's make it a good one.
Things to Do in Los Angeles in October 2026: Key Dates at a Glance
Short on time? Here are the dates LA families will want to save first. Details, prices, and parent tips for each one follow below.
Oct. 2–4: Pacific Airshow in Huntington Beach and Reyes Adobe Days in Agoura Hills
Oct. 9: ArtNight Pasadena (free)
Oct. 10: Culver City Arts Festival (free)
Oct. 11: CicLAvia Heart of LA and Depot Day at Travel Town (both free)
Oct. 17: Getty Family Festival, Griffith Observatory Public Star Party, Spooky Science Night, and Sea Scare
Oct. 17–18: Fall Festival at the Original Farmers Market
Oct. 18: World Famous Pumpkin Race in Manhattan Beach and the Calabasas Pumpkin Festival
Oct. 23: Scarium Family Night at the Aquarium of the Pacific
Oct. 23–25: Bluey's Big Play at the Hollywood Pantages
Oct. 24: Grand Ave Arts: All Access, the Anaheim Halloween Parade, and Día de los Muertos at Hollywood Forever
Oct. 24–25 and 31: Boo at the L.A. Zoo
Oct. 25: Día de los Muertos Family Day at LA Plaza; Olvera Street celebrations run Oct. 25–Nov. 2
Oct. 31 (Saturday): Boonion Station, DTLA Halloween Festival for Kids, and Halloween STEMebration at Battleship IOWA
Best Pumpkin Patches and Fall Farms Near Los Angeles
Nothing says October like a wagon ride and a kid trying to lift a pumpkin that is clearly bigger than they are. These are our favorite patches this season, from sprawling farms worth a day trip to quick in-town stops. Want even more? Our huge list of pumpkin patches and fall festivals has dozens of extra options.
Underwood Family Farms
3370 Sunset Valley Road
Moorpark, CA 93021
Daily through Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026
9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Fifty acres of farm fun make this the pumpkin patch other patches want to be when they grow up. Expect wagon rides, barnyard animals, themed weekends, live entertainment, and a gigantic field of pumpkins that is ideal for toddlers and big kids alike.
Weekday admission is $16 at the gate, while weekends run $30 to $38 and require online tickets. Children under 2 and parking are free. Parent tip: visit on a weekday afternoon if you can; the lines are shorter and the price is roughly half. Read our full Underwood Fall Harvest Festival guide for coupon info.
Tanaka Farms
5380 3/4 University Drive
Irvine, CA 92612
Through Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026
Monday to Thursday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Friday to Sunday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
This family-run Irvine farm serves up unlimited wagon rides, a corn maze, barnyard animals, and its famous pumpkin cannon, which is exactly as fun as it sounds. The late weekend hours make it a great pick for families who want a golden-hour pumpkin photo.
Admission is $23 on weekdays and $27 on weekends, reservations are required, and pumpkins are $1.39 per pound. Weekend parking must be reserved in advance for $12, and street parking is not allowed.
Irvine Park Railroad
1 Irvine Park Road
Orange, CA 92869
Through Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026
Weekdays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; weekends, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Hop aboard a little train, get lost (just a little) in the hay maze, and pick a pumpkin under the oaks of Irvine Regional Park. The haunted house, hay maze, and photo spots are free, while activity tickets are $8 each or $100 for a book of 15.
Reservations of $16 to $22 are required on select weekends. Park parking is $3 on weekdays and $5 on weekends. Parent tip: bring a wagon, because the walk from the lot to the patch feels longer with a 20-pound pumpkin.
Kellogg Ranch at Cal Poly Pomona
4102 S. University Drive
Pomona, CA 91768
Saturdays and Sundays, Oct. 10–31, 2026
10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Run by agriculture students, this weekend-only festival has pick-your-own pumpkins, an antique-tractor hay wagon ride, a sunflower and corn maze, and a petting farm. It feels like a real farm day without driving to the Central Valley.
Tickets are $18 online or $22 at the gate, children under 2 are free, and parking is $5. The corn maze, hay ride, and cow train close at 6 p.m., so arrive early.
Mr. Bones Pumpkin Patch
10100 Jefferson Boulevard
Culver City, CA 90232
Friday, Oct. 2, to Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026
Generally 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; later on weekends and peak dates
Westside families love this pop-up patch for its towering pumpkin piles, slides, bounce houses, and endless photo ops. It is a fast, easy fix when you want pumpkin-patch magic without a long drive.
Admission runs $10 to $25 depending on date and time, and children under 3 are free. Activities require separate tickets. On-site parking and a stroller parking area are available.
Juan Bautista de Anza Park
3701 Lost Hills Road
Calabasas, CA 91301
Sunday, Oct. 18, 2026
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
This one-day community festival packs a pumpkin patch, rides, games, and hometown fall spirit into a leafy Calabasas park. It is a classic for Valley and Conejo families.
Advance tickets are $15 per person and gate tickets are $20, plus fees. Children under 24 months are free. Enter and park at the corner of Lost Hills Road and Agoura Road.
Santa Anita Park (Infield)
285 W. Huntington Drive
Arcadia, CA 91007
Oct. 24–25 and Oct. 31–Nov. 1, 2026
12:30 to 6 p.m. (gates open at 11 a.m.)
The historic racetrack's infield turns into a fall playground with a pumpkin patch, inflatable jumpers, a straw maze, and a trackless train. Watching the horses between activities is a bonus kids rarely expect.
Adult field admission is $5 and kids are free. Rides and activities are $2 to $10 each, or grab a starter pack for the best value.
The Original Farmers Market
6333 W. 3rd Street
Los Angeles, CA 90036
Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 17–18, 2026
Check the Market's website for hours
A country fair in the middle of Fairfax? Yes, please. The Market's annual Fall Festival brings a petting zoo, a pumpkin patch, fall crafts, photo spots, and live music to one of LA's most beloved food destinations.
The Market had not posted hours or activity prices at press time, so check its event page before you go. Parent tip: grab a Du-par's pancake or a Bennett's ice cream cone while you are there. Nobody has ever regretted that.
Glowing Jack-o'-Lantern Trails for Magical October Nights
Once the sun goes down, LA's gardens trade their daytime calm for thousands of flickering pumpkins. These nighttime walks are more wonder than fright, which makes them perfect for mixed-age families. Book early; weekend slots sell out fast.
King Gillette Ranch
26800 Mulholland Highway
Calabasas, CA 91302
Select nights through Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026
Grounds open 5:30 to 10 p.m.; timed entry 6 to 9 p.m.
Follow a one-mile trail lined with thousands of hand-carved jack-o'-lanterns, then stick around for light displays, carnival rides, and food. The artistry here is jaw-dropping, and kids love spotting their favorite characters carved into pumpkins.
Tickets range from $24.99 to $74.99 plus fees, with timed entry required for every guest. Children under 3 are free. Parking passes must be bought online in advance. See our complete Night of the Jack 2026 guide.
10. Carved
Descanso Gardens
1418 Descanso Drive
La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011
Nightly, Friday, Oct. 2, to Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026
6 to 10 p.m. (timed entry)
Descanso's oak woodland becomes a glowing wonderland of carved pumpkins, luminous art, and the beloved pumpkin house. The mile-long path is stroller-friendly, and the magic is gentle enough for little ones.
Nonmember tickets are $29 to $52 for adults and $19 to $37 for children, depending on date and time. Children under 2 are free but still need a ticket. Parking is free.
South Coast Botanic Garden
26300 Crenshaw Boulevard
Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA 90274
Select nights, Oct. 1–31, 2026
6:30 to 10 p.m.
South Bay families get their own glowing garden trail, complete with larger-than-life pumpkin displays, slides, and s'mores. It is a sweet, not-scary evening outing that feels festive for every age.
Tickets range from $19.99 to $39.99 depending on date and entry time, and optional add-ons cost extra. Open nights are Oct. 1–4, 8–11, 14–18, and 20–31.
Best Kid-Friendly Halloween Events in Los Angeles
Looking for trick-or-treating, costume parades, and just-spooky-enough fun? These Halloween events are designed with kids in mind. For even more ideas, browse our 89 best family-friendly Halloween events in Los Angeles.
Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens
5333 Zoo Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90027
Oct. 24–25 and Oct. 31–Nov. 1, 2026
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (trick-or-treat stations 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.)
Costumed kids collect treats while the animals get their own Halloween surprises, like pumpkins to smash and snack on. It is one of the most beloved October traditions in Griffith Park.
Activities are included with Zoo admission or membership, and advance tickets are recommended. Get the details in our Boo at the L.A. Zoo 2026 guide.
Kidspace Children's Museum
480 N. Arroyo Boulevard
Pasadena, CA 91103
Through Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026
Generally 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; costume parades at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m.
Little pumpkins can parade in costume three times a day, brew pretend potions, and build friendly monsters. It is the perfect first Halloween outing for toddlers and preschoolers.
Halloween activities are included with regular museum admission. Book tickets online ahead of time.
Bob Baker Marionette Theater
4949 York Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90042
Through Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026
Saturdays at 10:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., and 4:30 p.m.; Sundays at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
More than a hundred puppets dance, sing, and spook their way through this Highland Park classic. Kids sit on the carpet just inches from the action, and the ice cream at the end is a tradition.
Tickets are $28, and lap children under 2 are free. A sensory-friendly show runs Saturday, Oct. 10, at 10:30 a.m. Shows often sell out, so reserve early.
Santa Monica Playhouse
1211 4th Street
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Weekends, Oct. 3–31, 2026
Saturdays at 2 p.m.; Sundays at 12:30 p.m.
This silly, sing-along family musical is Halloween with the scares turned way down. It is a sweet choice for preschoolers who love costumes but not creepy stuff.
Tickets are $15 for children 12 and under and $17.50 for adults. Call the box office at 310-394-9779, ext. 2.
Aquarium of the Pacific
100 Aquarium Way
Long Beach, CA 90802
Friday, Oct. 23, 2026
6:30 to 9 p.m.
The Aquarium turns spooky for one night only, with trick-or-treating among the fish, a scavenger hunt, a DJ, a magician, photo stations, and kids' activity booths.
Tickets are $30.95 ($20.95 for members), children under 3 are free, and advance purchase is required. Leave full-face masks, toy weapons, and flashlights at home.
Columbia Memorial Space Center
12400 Columbia Way
Downey, CA 90242
Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026
4 to 9 p.m.
Budding scientists can tinker in a spooky robotics lab, make super slime, and explore hands-on experiments with zero scary content. It is science, Halloween-style.
Admission is just $5 per person, and children 3 and under are free. Presale tickets are sold in person only at the space center starting Sept. 29.
Cabrillo Marine Aquarium
3720 Stephen M. White Drive
San Pedro, CA 90731
Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026
7 to 10 p.m.
San Pedro's seaside aquarium hosts a family-friendly haunted house inspired by the legendary monsters of the deep, plus food trucks from 5 p.m.
Presale tickets are $18 for adults and $12 for children.
Discovery Cube Orange County
2500 N. Main Street
Santa Ana, CA 92705
Saturdays and Sundays, Oct. 3–Nov. 1, 2026
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Two floors of Halloween science fun include dance parties, trick-or-treating, and hands-on activities. A sensory-friendly show runs Sunday, Oct. 18, at 9:50 a.m.
Pumpkin Palooza is a separate ticket from general admission; check the official page for prices. Children under 3 are free, and parking is $10.
Burton Chace Park
13650 Mindanao Way
Marina del Rey, CA 90292
Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 24–25, 2026
4 to 10 p.m.
This free harbor-side party has face painting, crafts, carnival games, magic shows, and a haunted maze. Early evening is best for little kids; the scares ramp up after dark.
Admission is free, but guests must complete a liability waiver. Nearby county lots cost $8 to $10.
Manhattan Heights Park
1600 Manhattan Beach Boulevard
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026
1 to 5 p.m.
A costume contest and parade kick things off at 1 p.m., followed by classic carnival games and activities. Small-town charm, big Halloween energy.
Entry is free. Activity bracelets are $20, or pay $2 per activity ticket.
Center Greens
305 E. Broadway
Anaheim, CA 92805
Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026
Festival 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; parade at 7 p.m.
One of the oldest Halloween parades in the country rolls through downtown Anaheim after a daytime festival and classic car show. Bring chairs and claim a curb spot early.
Admission is free; some food and vendor items cost extra. Free parking is available at the Center Street Parking Garage.
Los Angeles Union Station (South Patio)
800 N. Alameda Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026
11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Union Station's free Halloween party is a daytime treat for families. Ride Metro in costume and make the train trip part of the adventure.
Admission is free and no tickets are needed. Parking starts at $8 in the station lots.
Grand Hope Park
919 S. Grand Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90015
Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026
5 to 8 p.m. (last entry 7:30 p.m.)
Designed for kids ages 2 to 8, this evening party features a trick-or-treat trail, character meet-and-greets, crafts, a dance party, and puppet and magic shows.
Tickets are sold through Eventbrite; 2026 prices had not been posted at press time. Children under 3 are free.
Battleship IOWA
250 S. Harbor Boulevard
San Pedro, CA 90731
Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026
6 to 10 p.m.
Trick-or-treat aboard a real World War II battleship while tackling STEM stations and crafts. It is a clever way to sneak some learning into Halloween night.
This event is free. Parking next to the ship is free for the first hour and $2 per hour after that.
Theme Park Halloween Fun for Kids in Southern California
If your crew lives for rides, October is prime time. Every major SoCal park adds daytime Halloween activities for younger kids. Check each park's calendar before you go, since hours change often.
Disneyland Resort
1313 Disneyland Drive
Anaheim, CA 92802
Through Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026
Park hours vary
Giant Mickey pumpkins, Haunted Mansion Holiday, and Plaza de la Familia in Disney California Adventure make this the most decorated place in SoCal. Plaza de la Familia stays open through Monday, Nov. 2.
Halloween Time is included with park admission. Oogie Boogie Bash runs select October nights from 6 to 11 p.m. ($169 to $199; children 3 and up need a ticket), but Disney lists it as sold out. Read our complete Halloween Time at Disneyland guide.
Knott's Berry Farm
8039 Beach Boulevard
Buena Park, CA 90620
Thursdays through Sundays through Oct. 31, 2026, plus Monday, Oct. 12
Check the park calendar for hours
Knott's daytime Halloween event for kids includes trick-or-treating in Ghost Town, Peanuts "Spooktivities," costume contests, and a critter corral. It is the not-scary sibling of Knott's Scary Farm.
Spooky Farm is included with park admission. The pumpkin patch and cookie decorating cost extra.
Six Flags Magic Mountain
26101 Magic Mountain Parkway
Valencia, CA 91355
Select days, Oct. 2–Nov. 1, 2026
Noon to 5 p.m.
Kids 13 and under can wear costumes and walk the Trick or Treat Trail in Looney Tunes Land, then hit Patch's Pumpkin Patch, crafts, and a dance party. October dates are Oct. 2–4, 8–11, 15–18, 22–25, and 29–31.
The event is included with park admission.
LEGOLAND California Resort
1 LEGOLAND Drive
Carlsbad, CA 92008
Saturdays and Sundays in October, plus Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026
Typically 3 p.m. to park closing
Trick-or-treat through LEGO monster houses on Brick or Treat Street, then catch shows and costumed LEGO characters. It is ideal for kids ages 2 to 12.
Brick-or-Treat is included with park tickets. Online tickets start at $39 for kids and $69 for adults, and children under 2 are free. Get more tips in our LEGOLAND Brick or Treat guide.
Free Things to Do with Kids in Los Angeles in October
Great family days do not have to cost a fortune. These free festivals, open streets, and community events are some of the best things happening in LA all month. Looking for more budget-friendly ideas? Check out our guide to free family events in LA.
30. Reyes Adobe Days
Reyes Adobe Historical Site and Park
30400 Rainbow Crest Drive
Agoura Hills, CA 91301
Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 3–4, 2026
Festival 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; parade Saturday at 10 a.m.
Agoura Hills celebrates its history with a hometown parade, pony rides, a petting zoo, live music, and food trucks. It feels like a small-town fair in the best way.
Festival admission is free; pony rides, food, and some activities cost extra.
Bowers Museum
2002 N. Main Street
Santa Ana, CA 92706
Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026
11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Celebrate the Persian festival of friendship and harvest with dancing, live music, face painting, and sweet treats in the Bowers' Key Courtyard.
The festival is free, with advance registration requested through the Farhang Foundation.
Aquarium of the Pacific
100 Aquarium Way
Long Beach, CA 90802
Tuesdays, Oct. 6 and Oct. 20, 2026
6 to 9 p.m.
After hours, families can visit Shark Lagoon and gently touch rays and sharks at the touch pools, completely free.
Admission is free with a reservation, and spots go quickly.
Pasadena City Hall (central hub)
100 N. Garfield Avenue
Pasadena, CA 91101
Friday, Oct. 9, 2026
6 to 10 p.m.
More than 20 Pasadena museums and arts spaces open their doors for free, with all-ages crafts, workshops, and puppet shows at spots like the Armory Center for the Arts and the USC Pacific Asia Museum.
Everything is free, and free shuttles loop between venues on four routes.
Culver City Arts District
Washington Boulevard between La Cienega Avenue and Hutchison Avenue
Culver City, CA 90232
Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026
10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Washington Boulevard closes to cars for a day of live art-making, music, food trucks, and kids' activities. Budding artists will leave inspired.
Admission is free. Parent tip: come early, before the afternoon crowds and heat.
Travel Town Museum
5200 Zoo Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90027
Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026
10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Griffith Park's train museum throws its annual open house, and train-obsessed kids will be in heaven among the vintage locomotives and railcars.
The museum is free, and so is parking.
CicLAvia Heart of LA Route (Echo Park Hub)
1632 Bellevue Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90026
Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Six and a half miles of car-free streets connect Echo Park, Downtown, Chinatown, Little Tokyo, and Boyle Heights. Bike, scoot, skate, or stroll; there is no official start or finish.
It is free and no registration is needed. Helmets are required by law for riders under 18. Take Metro, because parking on the route is prohibited.
Getty Center
1200 Getty Center Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90049
Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Getty celebrates Mexican and Chicano/a culture with ballet folklórico, mariachi, bilingual storytelling, a DJ, and hands-on workshops like Lotería hat-making and sign painting.
The festival is free, but you need a free timed-entry reservation. Parking is $25 per car, or $15 after 3 p.m.
Griffith Observatory
2800 E. Observatory Road
Los Angeles, CA 90027
Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026
2 to 9:45 p.m.
Local astronomers set up telescopes on the lawn so families can peek at the sun by day and the moon, planets, and stars after dark.
It is free with no reservation needed. Parking near the Observatory is paid, and personal telescopes are not allowed.
Manhattan Beach Pier
Manhattan Beach Boulevard at the pier
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Sunday, Oct. 18, 2026
Noon to 5 p.m.; races begin at 2 p.m.
Kids build pumpkin race cars and send them zooming down Manhattan Beach Boulevard toward the ocean. It is hilarious, a little chaotic, and completely wonderful.
Watching is free. Pumpkin racer kits cost $35 in advance or $40 on event day.
Grand Avenue, Temple Street to 6th Street
Downtown Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA
Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026
11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
More than a dozen downtown institutions, including The Broad, MOCA, the LA Phil, the Music Center, and the Central Library, open their doors for free performances, tours, and family activities.
Admission is free, and the event happens rain or shine. RSVP on the official site.
The Shops at Sportsmen's Lodge
12833 Ventura Boulevard
Studio City, CA 91604
Wednesdays, Oct. 7, 14, 21, and 28, 2026
5 to 6 p.m.
Every Wednesday brings a free show on the lower deck: Party Pal Puppets (Oct. 7), a Cool Critters animal show (Oct. 14), Halloween magic (Oct. 21), and Halloween marionettes (Oct. 28).
It is free for everyone.
Forest Lawn Museum
1712 S. Glendale Avenue
Glendale, CA 91205
Through Sunday, Feb. 7, 2027
Tuesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Disney fans can see a real Dumbo ride vehicle, a Matterhorn bobsled, and rare Disney materials in this free exhibition.
Admission and parking are free.
Día de los Muertos Celebrations for Families in LA
Los Angeles hosts some of the most meaningful Día de los Muertos celebrations in the country. They are a beautiful way to talk with kids about family, memory, and culture through ofrendas, music, and marigolds.
Olvera Street at El Pueblo de Los Angeles
125 Paseo de la Plaza
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Daily, Oct. 25–Nov. 2, 2026
10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
LA's birthplace glows with altars, papel picado, and a nightly procession with a 6 p.m. Teatro del Barrio performance.
Admission is free; face painting costs extra.
LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes
501 N. Main Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026
Starts at noon
Kids can paint masks, make flower crowns, and watch Oaxacan dance performances, then collect workshop stamps for a giveaway.
Admission is free with an RSVP; walk-ins are admitted as space allows.
Hollywood Forever
6000 Santa Monica Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90038
Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026
Noon to midnight
LA's largest Día de los Muertos festival features altars, art, music, dance, and food. The noon-to-4 p.m. window is the easiest time with kids.
General admission is about $36 to $46, kids 5 to 12 are about $27 for the noon window, and children under 5 are free.
Family Shows, Airshows, and Big October Weekends
From glowing ballets to monster trucks, these ticketed events are worth planning around.
Pacific Airshow
21351 Pacific Coast Highway
Huntington Beach, CA 92648
Friday to Sunday, Oct. 2–4, 2026
Gates open at 9 a.m.; flying roughly 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Jets roar over the waves in one of the biggest airshows in the country, with a Kids Zone and STEM activities on the sand.
Saturday general admission is $45 for adults and $20 for ages 4 to 17. Parking fills early, so carpool or rideshare.
Long Beach Arena
300 E. Ocean Boulevard
Long Beach, CA 90802
Saturday, Oct. 3, and Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026
Sat. at 11:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.; Sun. at 1:30 p.m.
Glow-in-the-dark monster trucks and fire effects make this a loud, bright, unforgettable show. A pit party starts 2.5 hours before each performance.
Ticket prices vary by section, with discounted kids' pricing. Pack ear protection for little ones.
The Eli and Edythe Broad Stage
1310 11th Street
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026
4 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Dancers in glowing costumes retell Sleeping Beauty in a sparkling 60-minute show with no intermission.
Tickets range from $44 to $72 plus fees, and the show is for ages 5 and up.
Ayres Hall, Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden
301 N. Baldwin Avenue
Arcadia, CA 91007
Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026
4 p.m.
The Melodia Mariposa Chamber Orchestra brings Saint-Saëns' playful musical zoo to life, with Tony nominee Dorian Harewood as narrator. It is a wonderful first orchestra concert for curious kids, and the Arboretum's famous peacocks make a great encore on the way out.
Tickets are free but required, and you do not need separate Arboretum admission. Enter through Gate 2.
Corriganville Park
7001 Smith Road
Simi Valley, CA 93063
Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026 (plus a Tarzana show on Sunday, Oct. 25)
10:30 a.m.
Kids in fairy wings help the faeries on an interactive outdoor adventure of songs and make-believe. It is best for ages 2 to 9.
Tickets are $20 to $40 per person, and children 23 months and under are free.
51. Bluey's Big Play
Hollywood Pantages Theatre
6233 Hollywood Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90028
Friday to Sunday, Oct. 23–25, 2026
Fri. at 6 p.m.; Sat. and Sun. at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
The Heelers come to life with puppets in this 50-minute stage adaptation of the hit show. For real life? Yes, for real life.
It is recommended for ages 2 and up, and every guest needs a ticket. Nearby parking typically costs $15 to $25, and the Hollywood/Vine Metro station is across the street.
Segerstrom Center for the Arts (Samueli Theater)
600 Town Center Drive
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Saturday, Oct. 24, and Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026
Sat. at 10 a.m. (sensory-friendly) and 1 p.m.; Sun. at 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.
This playful family show is recommended for ages 4 to 8, and Saturday morning's relaxed performance is great for kids with sensory needs.
Ticket prices are to be announced; check the official website for updates.
Los Angeles Convention Center
1201 S. Figueroa Street
Los Angeles, CA 90015
Friday, Oct. 30, to Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026
Fri. 3 to 9 p.m.; Sat. 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sun. 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cosplay, comics, gaming, and anime take over downtown on Halloween weekend. Your kids' costumes will get plenty of wear.
Kids 12 and under get in free with a Kids Pass added to an adult ticket. Adult day tickets start at $49. Parking is very limited; take Metro.
Indoor Adventures for Hot or Windy October Days
October in LA can still bring heat waves and Santa Ana winds. These indoor picks save the day.
Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
900 Exposition Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90007
Through Sunday, Dec. 6, 2026
9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Walk among hundreds of orb-weaving spiders spinning webs just inches away. It is creepy-crawly science at its seasonal best.
Tickets are $10 plus museum admission, and free for NHM members.
Bubble Planet Los Angeles
634 Mateo Street
Los Angeles, CA 90021
Daily through at least Monday, Nov. 30, 2026
9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Eleven themed rooms of giant bubbles, a ball pit, and a foamy Bubble Bath make this an Arts District favorite.
Tickets are $18.90 for kids 3 to 12 and $24.90 for adults, and children 2 and under are free. Bring socks for the Bubble Bath room.
Tips for Planning October Outings with Kids in LA
A little planning goes a long way this month. Here is what we have learned from years of pumpkin patches, parades, and too much candy.
Book timed-entry tickets early. Night of the Jack, Carved, and Magic of the Jack O'Lanterns sell out on October weekends.
Go on weekdays when you can. Pumpkin patches like Underwood cost less and are far calmer.
Plan for heat. October in LA can hit the 90s, so bring water, hats, and sunscreen.
Halloween is on a Saturday. Expect bigger crowds on Oct. 31, and consider daytime events for younger kids.
Use Metro for big downtown events. CicLAvia, Comic Con, Boonion Station, and Día de los Muertos are all easier without parking.
For trick-or-treating neighborhoods and safety advice, see our best LA neighborhoods for trick-or-treating and trick-or-treat safety tips.
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Takeaway
October is one of the best months of the year to explore Los Angeles with kids. Farm-style pumpkin patches, glowing jack-o'-lantern trails, free festivals, and heartfelt Día de los Muertos celebrations mean there is something for every age and budget.
Pick a few favorites, book the popular ones early, and leave room for spontaneous fun. We will keep adding events to our family events calendar, so check back all month.
FAQs About Things to Do with Kids in Los Angeles in October
1. What are the best free things to do with kids in Los Angeles in October 2026?
Top free picks include CicLAvia Heart of LA and Depot Day at Travel Town (Oct. 11), ArtNight Pasadena (Oct. 9), the Getty Family Festival and Griffith Observatory Star Party (Oct. 17), Grand Ave Arts: All Access (Oct. 24), and Día de los Muertos on Olvera Street (Oct. 25–Nov. 2).
2. Where can toddlers enjoy Halloween in LA without getting scared?
Halloween at Kidspace, Boo at the L.A. Zoo, Bob Baker's Hallowe'en Spooktacular, Absolutely Halloween! at the Santa Monica Playhouse, and Spooky Science Night are all gentle, kid-focused options.
3. Is Halloween on a weekend in 2026?
Yes. Halloween falls on Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026, so many family events, including Boonion Station and the DTLA Halloween Festival for Kids, happen that day.
4. When is Día de los Muertos celebrated in Los Angeles in 2026?
Olvera Street celebrates daily from Oct. 25 to Nov. 2, LA Plaza hosts its Family Day on Oct. 25, and Hollywood Forever holds its festival on Oct. 24.
5. Which October events in Los Angeles need tickets in advance?
Book ahead for Night of the Jack, Carved, Magic of the Jack O'Lanterns, Scarium Family Night, Bluey's Big Play, and weekend visits to Underwood Family Farms and Tanaka Farms.
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