It appears that time is upon us again, Halloween! A joyous season for spending time with your loved ones and scaring the *expletive* hell out of them by hiding behind the shower curtain in full Killer Clown makeup. I will be sharing with you some of the most fun and spooky things going on across Los Angeles and neighboring areas.
The Haunted Hayride at Midnight Falls
Starting things off with an LA Classic; The Haunted Hayride.. OooOOoh!! Originally starting out in Calabasas, the haunted hayride has become one of Los Angeles' top spooky stops. It has been operating out of the Griffith Park area, near the city’s old abandoned (and probably haunted) Zoo, since 2009. Not only do you get to enjoy a somewhat bumpy ride through creepy and eerie landscape of the fictional town of Midnight Falls. You can also take a panic-induced run through their terrifying mazes & enjoy a delicious s’more afterwards at one of their s'more stations! With many more attractions, tasty treats and games lurking in the dark corners, The Haunted Hayride at Midnight Falls is one ride you won't want to miss.
Boney Island at the Natural History Museum
Up next: the only other place that has more bones than the Hollywood forever cemetery; the Natural History Museum..Dun dun DUNN! The Natural History Museum is perfect educational Halloween fun for kids & family. Although the museum embraces the Halloween spirit by hosting special Halloween themed programming throughout the month, you simply have to visit Boney Island! Rick Polizzi, a producer for The Simpsons, created Boney Island over 20 years ago, as a play on Coney Island. What started as a front-yard display for his friends & family quickly turned into a beloved spooky attraction that was moved to Griffith Park and later moved again to the Natural History Museum grounds where it has only grown in popularity since. The NHM will be putting its own spin with live animal presentations, trick-or-treating, and other terrifyingly cool installations.
If Halloween is truly your favorite holiday, then there's one place you absolutely must be on October 31st: West Hollywood, California. Every year, Santa Monica Boulevard transforms into a wild, weird, and unforgettable mile-long celebration of creativity, costumes, and community: the West Hollywood Halloween Carnaval. This isn't your grandma’s Halloween parade. This is an electrifying street festival that draws hundreds, if not thousands, of people in jaw-dropping costumes, from the hilarious to the horrifying and everything in between. And the best part? It’s totally and completely FREEEEEE!
Launched in 1987, the Carnaval has grown into one of the largest Halloween events in the country, celebrating not just the spooky season but also the spirit of self-expression and LGBTQ+ pride that defines West Hollywood. There's no formal parade; you and your friends ARE the show. Walk the street, strike a pose, grab selfies with aliens, zombies, fairy queens, and Elvira impersonators. With live DJs, a massive main stage at Santa Monica & San Vicente, and local bars and restaurants hosting themed parties, it's Halloween like you've never experienced before.
Boo at the L.A. Zoo
Lastly, if you're looking for a Halloween event that's more awe than “AHHH,” Boo at the L.A. Zoo should be at the top of your list. Held on the last two weekends of October (October 18–19 and 25–26 in 2025), this beloved annual event turns Griffith Park’s wildest corner into a festive, not-so-frightening wonderland — perfect for kids, parents, and animal lovers alike. What makes Boo at the Zoo so special? For starters, it's included with regular zoo admission, making it one of the best Halloween values in L.A. Once inside, you'll find trick-or-treat stations scattered throughout the zoo, each offering sustainable, wildlife-safe candy.
The fun doesn't stop at candy. Throughout the day, you can catch pumpkin-themed animal feedings, think gorillas cracking open gourds or elephants stomping into jack-o'-lanterns. There are also Halloween-themed bird shows, spooky (but educational) story times, and plenty of hands-on learning about nocturnal creatures like bats, snakes, and owls. Kids (and adults!) are encouraged to dress up, just be mindful of the zoo's costume policy (no full masks or scary props). There are tons of Instagram-worthy photo ops featuring seasonal decor and animal cutouts, so come ready to snap!
Whether it's your first time or a fall tradition, Boo at the L.A. Zoo blends festive fun with animal magic all under the warm autumn sun. It's Halloween with heart, and a wild twist.
Los Angeles Self Storage
As you pull out costumes, decorations, and props for Halloween, now’s the perfect time to clear out the clutter. Whether you're storing fall decor, seasonal gear, or last year’s costume collection, Los Angeles Self Storage has the perfect space to keep it all and out of the way. Conveniently located and easy to access, so you can grab your spooky stuff anytime the Halloween spirit strikes!
Los Angeles Haunted Hayride
4730 Crystal Springs Dr.
Los Angeles, CA 90027
323-593-6894
losangeleshauntedhayride.com
The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
900 Exposition Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90007
213-763-3466
Nhm.org
West Hollywood Halloween Carnaval 2025
October 31, 2025 – 6-11PM
Santa Monica Boulevard/Historic Route 66 between N. Doheny Drive and N. La Cienega Boulevard
Text “Halloween” to 323-848-500 for updates
