Pumpkin patches, trick-or-treat strolls, Día de los Muertos celebrations, and a few special outings worth the drive - all happening between now and Halloween night.

There's something about October in North County. The mornings turn a little crisp (by our standards, anyway), the farm stands overflow with pumpkins, and every weekend suddenly fills with sweet ways to spend time together. With Halloween landing on a Saturday this year, we still have three full weekends ahead of us, plus the big day itself.

We've gathered the pumpkin patches, harvest festivals, trick-or-treat events, and Día de los Muertos celebrations happening between now and October 31, along with the details busy parents need: dates, prices, parking and the little things worth knowing before you load up the car. Bookmark it, send it in the group chat, and start planning those costumes (if you haven’t already.)

OCTOBER HAPPENINGS

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OCTOBER HAPPENINGS 〰️

The Big Outings

Brick-or-Treat at LEGOLAND California

Where: LEGOLAND California Resort, 1 Legoland Dr., Carlsbad
When: Saturdays and Sundays, Oct. 10–11, 17–18 and 24–25, plus Halloween day. Trick-or-treating begins at 3:00 p.m. and runs until the park closes.
Cost: Included with park admission. Online tickets start at $39 for kids and $69 for adults, with prices varying by date. Parking is $40.
Best for: Ages 2 to 12
Tickets + details: legoland.com/california · Brick-or-Treat guide

LEGOLAND goes all in for Halloween, and this year's star is the brand-new Brick or Treat Street: six walk-through LEGO monster homes belonging to characters like the Wacky Witch, the Mummy and a delightfully leafy Plant Monster. As the sun sets, the street becomes a glowing light trail, which makes late afternoon the sweetest time to be there. You'll also find a pumpkin patch in Dino Valley, costume contests, a 17-foot Halloween tree built from more than 680,000 bricks and a lineup of seasonal shows. Spend the morning on rides, then stay for the glow.

Know before you go: Pick up a free paper treat bag at the MINILAND check-in, or bring your own. Treats aren't allergy-friendly, so pack alternatives if your little one needs them. Kids may wear full masks, while adults are asked to stick to partial masks. Leave inflatable costumes and toy weapons at home, and plan for capes and loose props to come off on rides.

Autumn Festival at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park

Where: 15500 San Pasqual Valley Rd., Escondido
When: Weekends, Oct. 10–11, 17–18 and 24–25, 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Cost: Adults $78, or $73 on value days when booked online. Through Oct. 31, kids 11 and under get in free with a paying adult (up to six children per adult). Parking is $20.
Best for: All ages
Tickets + details: sdzsafaripark.org/autumnfestival · Kids Free October

Leave the costumes at home for this one and come for the fall festivities. Weekends bring a wildlife-themed clue hunt through a maze, bluegrass and a country dance party, juggling scarecrows and burrowing owl talks, and each festival day closes with a lovely lantern ceremony at 6:45 p.m. Best of all, Kids Free October means a family of four pays for just two tickets, making this one of the best values of the season.

Know before you go: Value-day pricing is available online only, so book ahead.

Carlsbad Strawberry Company Pumpkin Patch

Where: 1050 Cannon Rd., Carlsbad
When: Daily through Nov. 8. In October, open 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Activities close at 5:30 p.m. and tractor rides at 5:00 p.m.
Cost: $20 Monday through Thursday, $25 Friday through Sunday. The corn maze and tractor ride are $10 each, and the animal areas are $5, or choose the $25 bundle that covers all three.
Best for: Toddlers through about age 10. The haunted maze is for teens and adults.
Details: carlsbadstrawberrycompany.com

A coastal favorite for good reason. Just off Cannon Road, the patch comes with plenty to keep little ones happily busy: a tricycle track, a hay pyramid for climbing, games and lots of photo spots, plus chocolate milk from the Hollandia "saloon" on weekends. Add-ons include the corn maze, a tractor ride and Jurassic Fright, a walk among animatronic dinosaurs. For teens, Friday and Saturday nights through Oct. 31 bring a haunted corn maze ($25), with a portion of proceeds supporting the Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation.

Know before you go: Tickets are sold at the farm stand only. Weekday admission is $5 less.

Fall Festival at San Diego Botanic Garden

Where: 300 Quail Gardens Dr., Encinitas
When: Saturday, Oct. 17, 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Cost: Included with garden admission: $20 adults; $18 seniors, military and students; $12 ages 3 to 17; free for children under 3
Best for: Little ones, early elementary kids and visiting grandparents
Tickets + details: sdbg.org

For a gentler afternoon, the Botanic Garden's Fall Festival is a delight. A bubble artist fills the lawn with bubbles from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., The Yamaokas play from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., and in between there's Plant Bingo, botanical crafts and lawn games. The Hamilton Children's Garden is open, too, and for many little ones it's the highlight of any visit. Grab lunch from Surf Me A Taco, and grown-ups can toast the season with a Fox Point Brewing beer made in collaboration with the garden.

Know before you go: Reservations are strongly recommended, as walk-ins aren't guaranteed. The garden is cashless. Members enjoy early access from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

Pumpkin Plunge

Where: Alga Norte Aquatic Center, 6565 Alicante Rd., Carlsbad
When: Saturday, Oct. 17, 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Cost: $15 per person. Children 3 and under are free but still need to register.
Best for: Kids ages 3 to 12 who love the water
Register + details: carlsbadca.gov

This may be the most charming event on Carlsbad's fall calendar. At the Pumpkin Plunge, the pumpkin patch floats: kids lasso a pumpkin right out of the pool and take it home. There are also floating obstacles, pool games with prizes, a splash pad for the littlest swimmers, a bounce house and lawn games.

Know before you go: Register online by 5:00 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16 (no refunds). If spots remain, wristbands are also sold at the event. Only pool noodles and Coast Guard-approved flotation devices are allowed. It's an evening swim in late October, so pack towels and cozy layers for afterward. Food is available for purchase.

Pumpkin Patches + Farms

Bates Nut Farm

Where: 15954 Woods Valley Rd., Valley Center
When: Daily through Oct. 31. Weekdays 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and weekends 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with extended hours until 6:30 p.m. on Fridays, Oct. 16 and 23. Closes early on Halloween.
Cost: Free admission, with activities priced individually
Best for: All ages (and leashed pups)
Details: batesnutfarm.biz

A North County tradition for generations, Bates Nut Farm still has all the charm you remember. Hayrides and the straw maze run daily, as do pony rides, a petting corral, a corn pit and a bounce house. Weekends add face painting, a rock wall, crafts, a mechanical bull and live music, and the farm zoo is always free. Before you head home, stop into the farm store for a treat for the drive.

Know before you go: Admission is free, and activities start around $2.50, with pony rides from $14 to $26. Weekend parking has been reported at $10.

Mellano Farm Stand Pumpkin & Marigold Harvest Festival

Where: 5714 N. River Rd., Oceanside
When: Pumpkin & Marigold Harvest Festival: Oct. 10–11, 24–25 and Oct. 31–Nov. 1. Día de los Muertos Festival: Oct. 17–18. All dates 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Cost: Parking is about $5. Visit the farm's website for activity pricing.
Best for: All ages, and your favorite family photo of the season
Details: mellanofarmstand.com/events

Every October, the Mellano family's fields in Oceanside's San Luis Rey River valley glow orange with marigolds, and it's one of the prettiest sights in the county. Wander the flower rows, find your way through the corn maze and choose a pumpkin to take home. Midway through the month, the farm hosts a Día de los Muertos Festival among the same blooms, the cempasúchil marigolds traditionally used to decorate ofrendas. Bring your camera; this is a photo you'll want to frame.

Know before you go: Ticketed extras include Breakfast at the Farm on Saturday, Oct. 24 (9:00 to 11:00 a.m.) and a kids' afternoon program on Friday, Oct. 23 (3:00 to 5:00 p.m.).

Rancho Bernardo Pumpkin Farm

Where: 13421 Highland Valley Rd., Escondido (just off I-15 near Rancho Bernardo)
When: Daily through Oct. 31, 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. The hayride and corn maze close at 6 p.m.
Cost: Free admission and parking. The corn maze, hayride, train and petting zoo are $5 each. The sunflower field is free Monday through Thursday and $5 per adult Friday through Sunday.
Best for: Inland families and sunflower lovers
Details: pumpkinstation.com

An easy, pay-as-you-go outing, which makes it lovely for little ones with short attention spans. The sunflower field beside the pumpkin patch is the star of the show (cut-your-own stems are $2), and outside food is welcome, so pack a picnic and settle in for the afternoon.

Know before you go: Leashed dogs are welcome. Pumpkins are priced by size.

Del Mar Pumpkin Station

Where: 15555 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar
When: Daily through Oct. 31. Monday through Thursday 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Sunday 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Cost: Free admission and parking. Rides and activities are $5 each.
Best for: Ages 2 to 9
Details: pumpkinstation.com

Right off I-5, this cheerful pumpkin patch is made for the toddler and preschool set. Alongside rows of pumpkins, you'll find an antique carousel, kid-sized rides including a Ferris wheel, giant slides and a petting zoo. It's an easy after-school stop when you want a little fall fun without a long drive.

Know before you go: Socks are required on the giant slides. Adults ride the carousel free with a child. Outside food and leashed dogs are welcome.

Fall Antique Tractor Show

Where: Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum, 2040 N. Santa Fe Ave., Vista
When: Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 17–18 and 24–25, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. each day
Cost: Single-day general admission is $10, or $9 for museum members. Children under 3 are free.
Best for: Kids who wave at every tractor they pass
Details: agsem.org

For little ones who light up at the sight of a tractor, this is a real treat. Over two weekends, the museum's fall show brings out working steam and gas engines and rows of antique tractors, and past years have included live demonstrations like blacksmithing and a working sawmill. With four days to choose from and little ones under 3 free, it's an easy, budget-friendly outing that feels distinctly North County.

Free + Easy Community Fun

Halloween Spooktacular: Trunk or Treat

Where: Mance Buchanon Park, 425 College Blvd., Oceanside
When: Saturday, Oct. 17, 2:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
Best for: Kids 12 and under
Host a trunk: Register on ACTIVE

Oceanside Parks & Recreation hosts a daytime trunk-or-treat where decorated cars compete for awards like Spookiest, Funniest and Most Creative, so expect some impressive trunks. There's also a crafts booth, inflatables and group games. Hosts are asked to keep decorations gore-free, which makes this a sweet first Halloween outing for preschoolers.

Know before you go: Want to decorate a trunk yourself? Host registration closes Monday, Oct. 12.

Fallbrook Harvest Faire + Scarecrow Days

Where: Downtown Fallbrook, Main Ave. at Alvarado St.
When: Sunday, Oct. 18, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Scarecrows line Main Avenue all month.
Cost: Free. Pony rides are $5.
Best for: All ages
Details: fallbrookchamberofcommerce.org

Fallbrook's Harvest Faire is small-town fall at its finest. Scarecrows line Main Avenue all month, and on Oct. 18 downtown fills with a kids' corner, pony rides, stilt walkers, live music and contests for pumpkins, costumes and pies. Little ones can join a scarecrow scavenger hunt, and grown-ups can enjoy the beer and wine garden.

Know before you go: Street parking downtown is free; arrive early if you need an accessible space. Dogs aren't permitted in the festival area.

Once Upon a Hallowe'en at Old Poway Park

Where: Old Poway Park, 14134 Midland Rd., Poway
When: Saturday, Oct. 24, 3:30 to 8:15 p.m.
Cost: Free to attend in past years, with small fees for games, food and the haunted house
Best for: Ages 3 to 10
Details: powaymidlandrr.org

Old Poway Park's historic train rides take on a Halloween twist for the evening, with haunted carnival games and a small haunted house. It's old-fashioned in the most charming way, and the train ride is often the part little ones talk about all week. Recent years have also featured a costume parade and a pumpkin-decorating contest.

Know before you go: In past years, the haunted house hasn't been recommended for kids under 5. Bring small bills for games and treats.

Halloween Family Campout at Lake Poway

Where: Lake Poway Recreation Area, 14644 Lake Poway Rd., Poway

When: Saturday to Sunday, Oct. 24–25. Activities begin at 3:00 p.m.
Cost: Registration fee through the City of Poway
Best for: Kids old enough for a night hike
Register: active.com

A wonderful choice for older kids who are ready for a night under the stars. A ranger leads a spooky night hike, and the evening includes a costume contest, trick-or-treating around camp, s'mores and a craft before everyone settles in by the lake. For families who love to camp, it's a Halloween to remember.

Halloween Day: Saturday, Oct. 31

With Halloween falling on a Saturday, you can make a full, festive day of it. One lovely way to spend it: begin with Día de los Muertos at Leo Carrillo Ranch in the morning, stroll Carlsbad Village around lunchtime, trick-or-treat at The Forum in the afternoon, and finish along Highway 101 in Encinitas as the sun goes down. If your crew would rather spend the day at LEGOLAND, Brick-or-Treat runs on Halloween, too.

Día de los Muertos at Leo Carrillo Ranch

Where: Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park, 6200 Flying Leo Carrillo Ln., Carlsbad
When: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
Best for: All ages
Details: City of Carlsbad

A meaningful and beautiful way to begin the day. The City of Carlsbad's celebration at the historic ranch includes storytelling, face painting, crafts and a community ofrenda, with Ballet Folklórico at 11:00 a.m. and a family concert by Grupo Bella at 12:30 p.m. The adobe is open for tours, and Gaby's Tacos has lunch covered. If Saturday is already full, the decorations stay up the week before and after.

Know before you go: The city's website hasn't posted its 2026 details yet, so double-check before heading out.

Halloween in the Village

Where: Throughout Carlsbad Village. The costume contest is at Village Faire, 300 Carlsbad Village Dr.
When: 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
Best for: All ages
Details: carlsbad-village.com

Carlsbad Village becomes one big trick-or-treat route. Look for the candy-corn sign in shop windows to find the businesses handing out treats. Costume contest sign-ups open at 11:30 a.m. at Village Faire, with judging from noon to 1 p.m. across four categories. At the Boys & Girls Club on Roosevelt Street, you'll find carnival games and a bounce house, and Lily Field Realty (2965 Roosevelt St.) offers allergy-friendly treats and sensory-friendly activities, a thoughtful touch for families who need them. The first 250 kids to stop by CalRes Homes (2691 State St.) will receive a pumpkin candy bucket.

Know before you go: The Village fills up quickly on a Saturday, so give yourself extra time to park, or take the Coaster to Carlsbad Village Station.

Halloween Spooktacular at The Forum Carlsbad

Where: The Forum Carlsbad, Calle Barcelona. Begin in the garden area near YETI.
When: 2:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
Best for: Ages 2 to 10
Details: theforumcarlsbad.com

The Forum's Spooktacular is festive and easy to navigate with little ones in tow. Kids trick-or-treat through the shops and restaurants, meet the Sanderson Sisters and Beetlejuice at the "Haunted Cauldron" and play carnival games hosted by Wednesday Addams. There's live music, too, and children receive a free Halloween tote while supplies last.

Encinitas Safe Trick-or-Treat

Where: South Coast Hwy. 101, from Encinitas Blvd. to K St.
When: 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
Best for: All ages
Details: encinitas101.com

A beloved tradition for more than two decades, Encinitas Safe Trick-or-Treat turns downtown into the kind of Halloween street so many of us remember from childhood, with the ocean just a block away. Shops along Highway 101 hand out candy and live music fills the air, and past years have included activities in the Lumberyard courtyard and kids' crafts at Pacific View Arts Center.

Know before you go: Sunset is around 6 p.m., and the crowds are part of the fun. Plan to park in the surrounding neighborhoods and stroll in.

Día de los Muertos

Oceanside Día de los Muertos Festival

Where: Civic Center Plaza, 300 N. Coast Hwy., Oceanside
When: Sunday, Oct. 25, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
Best for: All ages
Details: friendsofoceansidediadelosmuertos.org · Instagram

Now in its 25th year, Oceanside's Día de los Muertos Festival is a beautiful way to share the meaning of the holiday with kids, as a celebration of family and remembrance. Community altars fill the plaza next to City Hall, a chalk cemetery stretches across the pavement, and the Por Siempre car show brings out gleaming lowriders and lowrider bikes. Add Danza performances, a Catrina contest, kids' activities and food vendors, and you'll want to stay a while.

Know before you go: Downtown parking is limited. The Oceanside Transit Center, served by the Coaster and Sprinter, is a short walk away.

Día de los Muertos at Rancho Guajome Adobe

Where: Rancho Guajome Adobe, 2210 N. Santa Fe Ave., Vista
When: Saturday, Oct. 17, beginning at 10:00 a.m.
Cost: Tickets are sold in advance through the San Diego County Parks Society and listed at $3 to $6.
Best for: All ages
Tickets: givebutter.com/ddlm26

The 1850s adobe hacienda at Rancho Guajome is a moving setting for this celebration, with community altars, live entertainment, food and free arts and crafts for kids. It's a lovely, manageable size, and with Mellano Farm Stand's Día de los Muertos Festival the same weekend about 15 minutes away, it's easy to enjoy both.

Worth the Drive

Julian Autumn Jubilee at Fort Cross

Where: Fort Cross Old Timey Adventures, 4425 Hwy. 78, Santa Ysabel (a few minutes from downtown Julian)
When: Saturdays 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sundays 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., through Oct. 25
Cost: General admission $10. The Festival Package is $25, the Adventure Package $20 and the combo $40. Two children 3 and under are free with each paying adult.
Best for: Ages 3 to 12
Tickets + details: Book on FareHarbor · fortcross.com

Celebrating its 10th year, the Autumn Jubilee is a hands-on, old-fashioned fall day in the mountains. General admission includes animals, a hoedown, the pumpkin patch, a maze and trails. The Festival Package adds a hayride, cider pressing, candle dipping, a reptile show and a treasure hunt (about three hours of fun), while older kids will love the Adventure Package, with archery, tomahawk throwing and a slingshot range. Make a day of it and finish with dinner, or at least a slice of apple pie, in Julian.

Know before you go: Booking ahead is recommended; walk-ins are welcome as space allows. Wear closed-toe shoes (it can be dusty) and bring layers for cooler mountain weather. Outside food is welcome. Leashed dogs are welcome, too, though not in the animal or u-pick areas.

Along Highway 78: Mountain Valley Ranch in Ramona is celebrating its 30th pumpkin season, open daily 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. through Oct. 31 with free admission and parking, a $3 corn maze and a free petting zoo. Closer to town, Julian Farm & Orchard is open Friday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with u-cut pumpkins, hayrides and a petting zoo; apple picking there requires a separate reservation. This year's apple crop is on the lighter side and several orchards have limited availability, so call ahead before planning a day around apple picking.

HalGLOWeen at the San Diego Zoo

Where: San Diego Zoo, 2920 Zoo Dr., Balboa Park
When: Fridays through Sundays through Oct. 31. Festivities begin at 5:00 p.m. and run until about 9:00 p.m.
Cost: Included with Zoo admission. Adults $78, with lower prices on value days. Through Oct. 31, kids 11 and under get in free with a paying adult.
Best for: All ages, especially kids who can stay up a little late
Tickets + details: zoo.sandiegozoo.org/halgloween · Kids Free October

There's something magical about the Zoo after dark. HalGLOWeen fills the evening with glowing light, The Skeleton Band, stilt walkers, acrobats, games and wildlife presentations, with music that celebrates both Halloween and Día de los Muertos. Arrive in the afternoon to see the animals while they're active, then stay as the glow comes to life. With Kids Free October, it's an especially sweet deal this month.

Know before you go: Children 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Bring layers for the evening.

Halloween Spooktacular at SeaWorld San Diego

Where: 500 SeaWorld Dr., Mission Bay
When: Fridays through Sundays through Nov. 1. The candy trail runs 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Fridays and 1:00 to 7:00 p.m. on weekends.
Cost: Included with park admission, from $59.99 online. A free kids' ticket comes with each adult "any day" ticket through Nov. 1. Parking is additional.
Best for: Toddlers to about age 10
Tickets + details: seaworld.com

Little trick-or-treaters will love Captain Sweet Tooth's Candy Trail, plus a Baby Shark Halloween show, Spookley the Square Pumpkin dance parties, character meet-and-greets and a pumpkin patch made for photos. If SeaWorld has been on your list, October's free kids' ticket offer makes this the month to go.

Know before you go: A reusable candy bag is required; bring one from home or buy one for $4.99. Reserved Baby Shark seating is $9.99. Guests 13 and older can't wear masks. Howl-O-Scream, the park's scare event for teens and adults, runs on select nights, so check the calendar before planning an evening visit.

The Count's Halloween Spooktacular at Sesame Place San Diego

Where: 2052 Entertainment Circle, Chula Vista
When: Saturdays and Sundays through Nov. 1
Cost: From $61.99 online, and each adult ticket includes a free ticket for a child ages 3 to 9. Children under 3 are free.
Best for: Ages 1 to 8
Tickets + details: sesameplace.com

For the preschool crowd, this is pure joy. Kids can trick-or-treat at Big Bird's Nest and Hooper's Store, watch the Sesame Street Halloween parade and the new "Monster Mayhem" show, and show off their costumes in the daily costume parade. Water attractions stay open through October, so pack swimsuits.

Know before you go: Check park hours for your date before you go. Parking is additional. The costume contest takes place on Halloween only.

Halloween Aglow at Birch Aquarium

Where: 2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla
When: Friday and Saturday, Oct. 23–24, 6:00 to 8:30 p.m.
Cost: $59.95 adults, $49.95 children 3 to 12. Members receive 20% off.
Best for: Ages 3 to 12
Tickets + details: aquarium.ucsd.edu

Trick-or-treating through a darkened aquarium, surrounded by glowing tanks, is the kind of experience kids remember. Past years have included a "Boo and Goo" slime lab, a costume parade and divers carving pumpkins underwater. It's an intimate evening with limited capacity, so it's worth booking soon.

Know before you go: Not to be confused with Oceans at Night: Halloween on Thursday, Oct. 22, which is for guests 21 and older.

Fright Deck at the USS Midway Museum

Where: 910 N. Harbor Dr., downtown San Diego
When: Saturday, Oct. 24. Doors open at 6:00 p.m., and entry closes at 7:30 p.m.
Cost: Tickets are sold online only; visit midway.org for pricing. Children 3 and under are free.
Best for: Ages 7 to 12
Tickets + details: midway.org

Picture a Halloween movie night on the flight deck of an aircraft carrier, with the San Diego skyline glittering around you. This year's feature is Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, and the evening includes costume contests with cash prizes, a DJ and a hunt for Captain Jack Marrow's missing skeleton crew. Bring a lawn chair, or add a chair bundle to your ticket.

Know before you go: Last year's event sold out, so book early. The deck gets breezy and cool after dark, so bring blankets. The film is rated PG-13. Bonus: October is Kids Free at the Midway during the day, with up to two kids ages 4 to 12 free per full-price adult using the code KidsFree.

Halloween at the Station + Trick-or-Treat on India Street

Where: Ingram Plaza at Liberty Station in Point Loma, and India Street in Little Italy
When: Sunday, Oct. 25. Liberty Station is 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., and Little Italy is 3:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
Best for: All ages (and the family dog)
Details: libertystation.com · littleitalysd.com

Two free celebrations, about 10 minutes apart, on the same Sunday afternoon. Start at Liberty Station for a car show, inflatable obstacle courses, crafts, trick-or-treating and a costume contest that even includes a pet category. Then make your way to Little Italy, where India Street closes to cars between Cedar and Grape, a 13-foot Jack Skellington presides over Piazza della Famiglia, and shops hand out candy until 7:30 p.m.

Know before you go: Liberty Station is collecting food donations for military families, so bring a few items to share.

Pumpkin Express at the Pacific Southwest Railway Museum

Where: Campo Depot, 750 Depot St., Campo
When: Oct. 24, 25 and 31. Trains depart at 10:30 a.m., 1:00 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.
Cost: Coach seats are $18.95 for kids ages 1 to 17 and $24.94 for adults. First class is $33.95 for kids and $39.94 for adults. Babies under 1 ride free on a lap.
Best for: Little train lovers
Tickets + details: psrm.org/pumpkin

Campo is about an hour and a half from Carlsbad, so this one is for the train enthusiasts in your family. A ride in costume aboard a vintage train through the backcountry makes for a memorable day trip. Locomotive cab rides ($50, ages 6 and up) are limited to two guests per train.

Know before you go: Online ticket sales close 36 hours before each departure. The Sip & Scare sunset train is for adults only.

The Celebration Continues

Día de los Muertos carries on just past Halloween. The California Center for the Arts, Escondido hosts its 31st annual Día de Muertos Festival on Sunday, Nov. 1, from 4:00 to 9:00 p.m., with altars, a Catrina contest, Ballet Folklórico and free museum admission. For a bigger celebration, Day of the Dead San Diego fills Old Town on Oct. 31 and Nov. 1. It's free and draws a crowd of more than 100,000.

However you spend it, we hope your October is full of crisp mornings, sticky fingers and at least one perfect pumpkin. Happy Halloween, North County!

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