Things to Do in Carlsbad: 7 Family-Friendly Halloween Events for October 2026
Pumpkins, costumes and a little spooky fun from October 13–31.
Fall in Carlsbad has its own personality. We can spend an afternoon picking pumpkins and still need sunscreen. Halloween plans might involve a swimsuit. And a costume-covered stroll through the Village fits right in beside our usual coffee stops.
If you’re searching for things to do in Carlsbad before October ends, there’s still plenty to put on the calendar. From a floating pumpkin patch to LEGO monsters and daytime trick-or-treating, these family-friendly events offer options for a weekend visit, an after-school outing or a new local tradition.
1. Pick pumpkins at Carlsbad Strawberry Company
When: Daily through October 31, with the season continuing into November
Where: 1050 Cannon Road
Hours: Sunday–Thursday, 9 a.m.–6 p.m.; Friday–Saturday, 9 a.m.–10 p.m.
Admission: $20 Monday–Thursday; $25 Friday–Sunday. Select activities cost extra.
The strawberry fields have traded their spring lineup for pumpkins, flowers and fall activities. General admission includes the pumpkin patch, marigold and celosia fields, games, a tricycle racetrack and photo spots. A daytime corn maze, tractor rides and animal encounters are available for an additional fee.
For families looking for seasonal things to do in Carlsbad, this is an easy place to build an afternoon around. Choose a pumpkin, take the pictures and leave time for the kids to explore.
Planning tip: Daytime activities close at 5:30 p.m. The separately priced Haunted Corn Maze runs Fridays and Saturdays in October. For younger children or anyone who dislikes scares, stick with the daytime activities. Carlsbad Strawberry Company
2. Meet the monsters at LEGOLAND’s Brick-or-Treat
Remaining October dates: October 17, 18, 24, 25 and 31
Where: LEGOLAND California, One LEGOLAND Drive
Admission: Included with dated admission tickets for event days. Annual pass access varies by tier.
If your kids would happily wear their costumes all month, give them another reason to put them on. Brick-or-Treat brings candy stops, live entertainment, costume contests and LEGO monster characters to LEGOLAND California.
New this year, Brick or Treat Street features six life-size LEGO monster homes and an interactive Halloween light trail. Expect playful Halloween atmosphere with plenty of silliness.
For visitors planning things to do in Carlsbad with kids, this can be the main event of your weekend. Locals can make it their annual costume outing.
Planning tip: Select an eligible event date when buying tickets, and check your specific annual pass benefits before heading over. LEGOLAND® California Resort
3. Lasso a pumpkin at Pumpkin Plunge
When: Saturday, October 17, 5–8 p.m.
Where: Alga Norte Aquatic Center, 6565 Alicante Road
Admission: $15 per person; children 3 and under are free but must be registered.
Only in our corner of California does “bring your swimsuit” belong on a Halloween checklist.
Pumpkin Plunge combines pool games, floating obstacles and splash pad fun with lawn games and a bounce house. The standout is the floating pumpkin patch, where each child can lasso a pumpkin to take home.
It’s one of the more unusual things to do in Carlsbad this October, especially if your family loves the pool as much as the pumpkin patch.
Planning tip: Bring towels and a dry change of clothes. Check ticket availability beforehand; admission at the event depends on whether it sells out. Carlsbad, CA
Check Pumpkin Plunge registration
4. Catch a free screening of Hocus Pocus
When: Wednesday, October 21, at 4 p.m.
Where: Schulman Auditorium at Carlsbad City Library, 1775 Dove Lane
Admission: Free
Movie rating: PG
The Sanderson sisters are making an afternoon appearance at Dove Library. This screening of the original 1993 Hocus Pocus gives families a simple midweek Halloween plan without coordinating a full day out.
If you’re looking for free things to do in Carlsbad, an afternoon movie is an easy addition to the calendar. Choose it for kids who enjoy witchy mischief, keeping the PG rating and your child’s comfort with spooky scenes in mind.
Planning tip: Doors open 30 minutes before the movie. Food isn’t allowed, but drinks with lids are welcome. Carlsbad City Library, CA
5. Start Halloween weekend at the Haunted Halloween Bash
When: Friday, October 30, 4:30–6:30 p.m.
Where: Pine Avenue Community Center
Admission: Check the city’s registration listing for pricing and availability.
Get another evening out of those costumes at the city’s Haunted Halloween Bash. The event includes carnival games, inflatable activities, Halloween crafts and a haunted house.
It’s a convenient pre-Halloween outing for families who want games and activities before Saturday’s trick-or-treating. The haunted house adds a scarier element, so consider each child’s comfort level when choosing activities. City Newsroom
See event information and registration links
6. Celebrate Día de los Muertos at Leo Carrillo Ranch
When: Saturday, October 31, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Where: Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park, 6200 Flying Leo Carrillo Lane
Admission: Free; no registration required.
Alongside the Halloween festivities, Leo Carrillo Ranch hosts a Día de los Muertos celebration centered on remembrance, Mexican traditions and community.
Families can enjoy storytelling, face painting, arts and crafts, live performances and a traditional ofrenda honoring the Carrillo family. A community ofrenda offers a place to remember loved ones, too.
This is a meaningful choice for anyone looking for cultural things to do in Carlsbad with children. Give yourselves time to explore the decorated historic setting rather than rushing straight to the next stop.
Planning tip: Additional parking is available at Carrillo Elementary School. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. Carlsbad, CA
7. Go trick-or-treating at Halloween in the Village
When: Saturday, October 31, 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
Where: Throughout Carlsbad Village, including Village Faire Shopping Center
Admission: Free.
Tiny ghosts, superheroes and princesses will be making the rounds through Carlsbad Village on Halloween afternoon. Participating businesses will hand out treats, while the event also includes a costume contest at Village Faire, crafts and games.
The lineup includes allergy-friendly treats and sensory-friendly activities at Lily Field Realty. Complimentary pumpkin candy buckets will be available for the first 250 children at CalRes Homes, 2691 State Street, while supplies last.
For families searching for things to do in Carlsbad on Halloween, daytime trick-or-treating makes it easier to celebrate before the evening gets busy. Make time for lunch in the Village and enjoy seeing downtown in costume.
Planning tip: Look for the candy corn icons identifying participating trick-or-treat stops. carlsbad-village.com
Plan your Halloween in the Village visit
Make the most of October in Carlsbad
You don’t have to fill every weekend to make the season feel special. Pick the outing that suits your family: pumpkins and photos, a poolside celebration, a favorite Halloween movie or an afternoon collecting candy in the Village.
Whether you live nearby or are visiting North County San Diego, these things to do in Carlsbad give you plenty of ways to enjoy the rest of October.
Save this guide, send it to the friend who always organizes the plans, and give those costumes another day out.
Event details checked October 13, 2026. Confirm schedules, tickets and availability with each organizer before attending.
Categories
Recent Posts
GET MORE INFORMATION
