The end of October is just around the corner, and as Halloween celebrations come into full swing, each iconic event displays its own unique haunted charm.
Boo at the L.A. Zoo
For the entire month of October, the L.A. Zoo’s annual Boo at the Zoo brings in fall time activities for children and families.
The event features reptilian and Halloween themed props with a mini pumpkin patch in a lively Spooky Stroll photo op section. Every day, guests can interact with reptiles in the Animals and Boo show and view similar scaly animals in the walk-in tour at the L.A.I.R.
Trick-or-treat events will be held on Oct. 21-22 and Oct. 27-28 alongside a Special “Boo” Creature Camp Out on Oct. 27, which includes a special nighttime tour of the zoo.
The L.A. Zoo is open everyday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and parking is free. Tickets for children 12 and under are $16 each, while tickets for those 13 and older are $21 each.
Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor
Along the nighttime shores of Long Beach, the Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor opens once again from Sept. 27 to Nov. 2., bringing to life the supernatural speculation surrounding the cruise ship in time for its annual Halloween event.
Six mazes called B340, Circus, Deadrise, Feast, Lullaby and Intrepid terrify guests as they make their way through dim and smoky hallways, past eerie mirror reflections and numerous jump scares.
Wait times for the mazes are approximately two to three hours, so other entertainment options are available, such as the Sinister Swings and live performances featuring daring stunts.
“Overall, the event is really fun, and it really gets your heart pumping,” Senior Harry Yu said. “Because of the rumors that the ship is actually haunted, the Queen Mary is more focused on the realism behind its scares. So compared to other Halloween events, this one is really up there.”
General admission tickets are $20-29 online, with the Fast Fright pass starting at $69 and V.I.P. admission starting at $99. Parking is available both on and off site.
Knott’s Scary Farm
Experience Knott’s Berry Farm’s transformation as the theme park entices guests into exploring its many nighttime mazes from Sept. 20 to Oct. 31.
“Most of the mazes included jump scares by monsters, many bloody props and a lot of fog,” Sophomore Amelia Nguyen said. “I liked that Knott’s Scary Farm isn’t afraid to get gory and up close to everyone.”
Knott’s Scary Farm’s maze designs immerse guests in common terrors such as zombie and clowns. The theme park also features its classic roaster coaster attractions in the dark.
Tickets begin at $44 and fast passes at $120. For $22, parking for the event can be reserved online as well.