5 fun Halloween activities for 2020

Check out this list of pandemic-friendly ideas for all ages

Halloween pumpkin

Halloween will look very different this year. Canva photo

Noelle Mortensen, Multimedia Journalist, Newscene

With everything gone virtual, holidays such as Halloween are starting to look a little different this year. You might have been wondering what this Halloween would shape up to be.

Earlier this week, Dr. Mark Ghaly, California Health and Human Services Secretary, stopped short of canceling Halloween. But he did say that we should not go trick-or-treating or mix with others.

“The whole act of going door-to-door in groups, ringing doorbells, digging into buckets of delicious candy, creates a risk of spreading COVID-19,” Ghaley said.

Even before the recommendation came, many local San Diego events were planned with slight modifications. There are many different options, no matter what age or where you live in San Diego County. 

When taking part in these activities, please remember to adhere to the COVID-19 health requirements that may vary by location, and don’t forget to wear your mask.

Halloween Trail and After Dark Movies at Petco Park 

Halloween Trail at Petco Park
Costumed kids travel along a one-way path at the Halloween Trail. Padres photo

You don’t have to be a baseball fan to take in the Halloween Trail at Petco Park, which runs Oct. 23 to Nov. 1.

Kids will wind their way on a one-way path to collect goodies through contactless methods, ensuring the safety of everyone at the trail.

There will be adult fun as well. Adults 21 and over can purchase tickets to Halloween movies such as BeetleJuice, Scream and Psycho. 

For more information, click here.

Halgloween at The San Diego Zoo

The San Diego Zoo is holding its Halgloween Party on Oct. 23-25 at 5 p.m.

There will be entertainment like  the spooky Python Path, a glo-bubble area and Dr. Zoolittle’s masquerade show. Kids under 11 are free throughout October.

Visitors are encouraged to come in costume and all attendees are required to wear masks. 

For more information, click here.

The Virtual Halloween Beer Festival 

Calling all beer lovers! Tap That Oceanside is hosting a Halloween-themed virtual beer festival on Oct. 24.

Starting on Oct. 23, you can pick up your package of 10 autumn-inspired craft beers, ranging in flavors such as pumpkin, candy and fall.

These beers will also be paired with 10 treats that are a replacement for adult trick-or-treating. 

There will be a link that goes live from 8-10 p.m with live music from a zombie rock band, comedy sketches and ghost stories. 

For more information, click here.

Bonita Pumpkin Farm

We can’t forget about a good classic pumpkin patch!

Stroll through a pumpkin patch, run around a corn maze or take a hayride at the Bonita Pumpkin Farm.

Admission and parking at the farm are free and all the other attractions cost less than $5.

The farm is open daily, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., until Nov. 1.

Bonita Pumpkin Farm is located at 5354 Sweetwater Rd., Bonita, CA 91902. For more information, click here

Boo at the Zoo 

Wild Wonders animal rescue in North County is having a Boo at the Zoo, where all the nocturnal and creepy creatures will be out to play.

There will also be candy and apple cider stations for the family. Kids are encouraged to wear their costumes and flashlights will be provided by the zoo.

The event will be held next weekend (Oct. 24-25) and Halloween weekend (Oct. 31-Nov. 1).

Wild Wonders is located at 5712 Vía Montellano, Bonsall, CA 92003. For more information, click here.


Looking for other suggestions?

Check out these links for more ideas.

Guidance for Safer Halloween and Día de los Muertos Celebrations during COVID-19, California Department of Public Health

Guidance for Celebrating Halloween during the COVID-19 Pandemic, County of San Diego

Halloween & COVID-19: Have Fun While Staying Safe, healthychild.org

Updated! A Guide to Halloween 2020 in San Diego, San Diego Magazine