Ever since we were kids, we loved this time of the year. The weather is starting to cool down and almost everywhere you look, there’s no shortage of Halloween fun. Whether you’re into costume parties, haunted thrill rides or prefer family friendly events, there are plenty of fun activities to choose from. In Mission Beach, Belmont Park has been transformed into a frightfully fun Halloween zone. The masterminds behind San Diego’s popular attractions, “The Haunted Hotel” and “The Scream Zone” teamed up with Belmont Park to create its first-ever family-friendly haunt, BOOmont Park. The Halloween festivities are held Friday through Sunday and on Halloween Day starting at 5 p.m. So far, this new attraction is a big hit with locals. “Our family has kids ranging from 2 years old up to 16 years old, so it’s great because there’s something for everyone,” said Pacific Beach resident Tamara Ramirez. “BOOmont Park is perfect for big families like mine because it’s literally a one-stop shop.” BOOmont’s attractions include BOOmont Manor, a family-friendly haunted house, free trick-or-tricking, Zombie Laser Tag and pumpkin patch painting. www.belmont-park.com
In La Jolla, one of the best bets for family-friendly and affordable fun is the 13th Annual Haunted Birch Aquarium: Shipwrecked! This interactive exhibit is every kid’s dream. Guests are encouraged to come in costume to wander the museum halls, collect sweet treats and hear Halloween stories. The event also features live music from zydeco band Billy Lee & the Swamp Critters, as well as prizes for best costumes. Kids 2 and under are free. Check out www.aquarium-.ucsd.edu for tickets and more information about the Oct. 25 and 26 event. Old Town will host the third annual Old Town San Diego Zombie Walk on Oct. 26 at sundown (6:06 p.m.). Zombies of all ages are welcome to participate in the free event. Zombies will meet an hour before the walk begins at the El Campo Santo Cemetary, 2410 San Diego Ave., for instructions and directions. www.facebook.com/ otsdzw or [email protected].