19 Fun Things To Do In Orange County In October (2024)
Looking for all the best things to do in Orange County in October?
Orange County hosts a variety of special events all throughout October like haunted houses, theme park Halloween events, and plenty of family friendly events.
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Fun Things To Do In Orange County In October
1. The Witching Hour Halloween Boutique at Roger’s Gardens
This plant nursery in Corona Del Mar, near Newport Beach, has been transforming it’s Halloween boutique for several years now.
Each year it gets a new theme and the big reveal is always so exciting!
When you walk through the boutique you’ll find lots of Halloween decor that is available for purchase, plus even more decor that just sets the scene of the year’s theme.
Check out our blog pos where we share everything you need to know about visiting Roger’s Gardens in the Fall.
2. Tanaka Farms Pumpkin Patch in Irvine
The Tanaka Farms Pumpkin Patch is open daily from September 14th – October 31st.
With admission, you’ll get access to unlimited wagon rides, the barnyard, and more.
This year they are also lighting the. pumpkin patch on select nights!
Parking passes are required in advance on weekends and they are $10.
Check out our blog post where we share everything you need to know about the Tanaka Farms pumpkin patch.
3. Knott’s Scary Farm at Knott’s Berry Farm
Also on select nights is Knott’s Scary Farm.
This is another event that is not recommended for young children.
There is also a new curfew in place that anyone under the age of 18 needs to be with someone 21+.
During the day there are plenty of non-scary Halloween and Fall things to at Knott’s Berry Farm, then on select nights it transforms into Knott’s Scary Farm.
Check out our blog post where we share everything you need to know about Knott’s Scary Farm.
4. Zoe Escape Room in Fullerton
This escape room is wild.
You must be at least 16 years old to experience this escape room due to the high intensity of the experience.
It’s a 100 minute escape room, with live actors, and it’s FULL CONTACT.
Many quit before it’s over.
Do you think you have what it takes?
5. The Hide At Escape Room Era In Anaheim
This is another INTENSE escape room, but this one is no contact, so it’s not quite as terrifying.
The premise here is that you’re in a serial killer’s basement while he’s away from home and you need to collect evidence before he returns.
Like it says in the name, hiding is required throughout the experience to not get caught.
You’ll also have a night vision camera on you to record your entire experience, which will be emailed to you after.
It’s easily the scariest experience I’ve ever had in my life.
6. 13th Basement Escape Room At The Exit Game In Anaheim
This escape room is a little different from the two mentioned above.
13th Basement is more of a parody of horror themed escape rooms.
You’ll be blindfolded to begin your experience and the rest of your time here will feel like you’re living in the movie Saw.
It’s meant to be spooky and scary, but in a fun way.
7. The Initiation At Nerdy By Nature In Mission Viejo
This escape room is perfect during spooky season.
The theme is the Illuminati and your goal is solve all the puzzles to become initiated before time runs out.
8. Irvine Park Railroad Pumpkin Patch
This event runs from September 14th – October 31st.
It’s a great activity to bring the whole family.
Admission is free, but there is a parking fee.
On week days you can visit from 10 am – 6 pm and on weekends you can visit from 8 am – 6 pm.
There are activities you can enjoy while you’re there that come with additional fees.
You can book activity ticket books to do more for less.
There are train rides, hay rides, a moon bounce, face painting, panning for gold, John Deere races (kids sized), cookie decorating, carnival games, and more.
9. Disneyland Resort Oogie Boogie Bash
Disneyland and California Adventure get all decked out for Halloween all season long.
Visit the parks at any time in September and October to experience the Fall decor, special Halloween treats, and special Halloween events.
10. Oktoberfest at Old World Village In Huntington Beach
Oktoberfest at Old World Village in Huntington Beach is the best Oktoberfest celebration in Southern California.
We’ve visited a few times over the years, even when it’s not Oktoberfest season and we just love it.
From the authentic German foods and drinks to the live entertainment, it’s really the place to be if you can’t make it to Munich.
11. Shop At Halloween Bootique In Costa Mesa
Halloween Bootique is a year round shop at The Triangle in Costa Mesa.
They have over 8,000 square feet and just about every costume or accessory you could ever need for anything.
12. The Haunted Car Wash Tunnel Of Terror
If you’re in Orange County, visit Big Wave Car Wash at 2219 Lincoln Avenue, Anaheim, CA 92801.
On select nights from October 3rd – 30th, the haunted carwashes will be running for $30 per vehicle.
13. Pirates Dinner Adventure Halloween Show – Vampirates
On select nights through October 31st, Pirates Dinner Adventure in Buena Park hosts Vampirates: Undead Men Tell No Tales, a Halloween-themed dinner show suitable for all ages.
Pirates Dinner Adventure’s general admission includes a three-course dinner with unlimited soft drinks.
Children ages two and under are free.
14. Boo At The Zoo: Santa Ana Zoo
The Santa Ana Zoo hosts “Boo at the Zoo” on October 19th, 20th, 26th, and 27th from 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm.
There will be trick or treating, lights, animal presentations, a scavenger hunt, and more.
15. Haunt Of Halloween At Kaleidoscope Mall In Mission Viejo
UPDATE: No dates have been announced for 2024 as of August 27th.
Haunt of Halloween is a haunted maze at the mall.
It takes about 10 minutes to go through the maze, but there are other things to do here too like photo ops and live entertainment.
Children as young as 5 years old are welcome!
16. 17th Door Haunted House
Located at the Buena Park Mall, 17th Door is a prison themed haunted house experience.
There is also an add-on experience called “The Field Trip”.
This is a 50 minute add-on experience where you have been selected as a good inmate that is seeking rehabilitation care.
“You are in for a wild ride that includes chasing, hiding, drops, sparks, music, dancing, and a bunch of cool cars.
Part drive through, part walk through, all fun, this intense experience is like nothing ever done before.”
17. Newport Beach Film Festival
This year is the 25th Annual Newport Beach Film Festival.
It is one of the largest film festivals in Southern California.
This year’s festival will take place from October 17th-24th.
18. Fall Harvest Festival In Aliso Viejo
The Fall Harvest Festival in Aliso Viejo takes place Saturday, October 19th from 10 am – 12 pm at Grand Park.
It’s a great family friendly event with pony rides, games, costumes, a parade, and trick-or-treating.
19. Taste Of Laguna: Food & Music Festival
This year’s Taste of Laguna festival is on Thursday, October 3rd from 6 pm – 9:30 pm.
It’s a 21+ only food & music event, where you can enjoy foods from over 30 local restaurants.
General admission is $100 and it goes towards the Laguna Beach Chamber of Commerce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some of our most frequently asked questions we see about things to do in Orange County in October.
What Is The Weather Like In Orange County In October?
Temperatures usually range from the mid-60s to the low 70s during the day.
Evenings can be 10-20 degrees cooler.
Rain isn’t very common, so it’s usually nice and sunny!
Are There Free Things To Do In Orange County In October?
Absolutely!
Beaches, parks, community events, and festivals for the most part are always free.
You likely only have to pay for parking.
Are There Kid Friendly Things To Do In Orange County In October?
Definitely!
Attractions like the Santa Ana Zoo or Pretend City Children’s Museum are both great in October.
You can also explore pumpkin patches and Halloween-themed events, like Boo at the Zoo or haunted hayrides.
More Fun Things To Do In Southern California In The Fall
Below are more fun things to do in Southern California this Fall.
If it’s not too late when you’re reading this, there are a ton of events going on in September:
- Best Things To Do In Anaheim In September
- Fun Things To Do In Orange County In September
- Best Things To Do In Los Angeles In September
- Things To Do In San Diego This September
Additionally, if you’re looking ahead, here are our recommendations for November:
- Fun Things To Do In Anaheim In November
- Fun Things To Do In Orange County In November
- Best Things To Do In San Diego In November
Now for just some overall recommendations of things to do in Southern California this Fall.
🎃 Fun Things To Do In Anaheim In October
Anaheim has a variety of things to do in October from spooky escape rooms to Dia de los Muertos festivals, theme park special events, and more!
🎃 Fun Things To Do In Los Angeles In October
October is a great time of year to visit LA.
There are festivals for just about anything you could imagine.
Plus so many Halloween events like haunted hayrides, pumpkin trails, and more.
🎃 Fun Things To Do In San Diego In October
San Diego is a great place to visit in October.
From haunted trails in Balboa Park to Oktoberfests all throughout the area, there is something for everybody here.
🎃 The Best Things To Do In Southern California This Fall
For even more ideas, check out our list of all the best things to do in Southern California this Fall.
We’ve got events, festivals, Oktoberfests, Fall foliage towns, and more.
Conclusion: Fun Things To Do In Orange County In October
Orange County is a great place to be in October.
Our theme parks host special seasonal events, we have a variety of pumpkin patches and Fall festivals, and there are so many Halloween activities from kid friendly to adults only events.
