October is here, and you know what that means, time to figure out how to tire out your costumed kiddos while actually having fun yourself! Whether you've got a toddler who's obsessed with pumpkins or a teen working on their rizz in a Halloween costume, we've got the ultimate guide to family-friendly spook-tacular events happening right in our backyard.
From free carnival fun in Marina del Rey to Santa Monica Pier thrills, here's your go-to list for Halloween events that won't break the bank OR your sanity =)
MARINA DEL REY
When: October 25-26, 4:00-10:00 PM
Where: Burton Chace Park, 13650 Mindanao Way, Marina del Rey
Cost: FREE (yes, really!)
Best for: All ages (but especially perfect for families with mixed age kids)
This is THE event if you want maximum Halloween bang for zero bucks. Two full days of festivities mean you can pick the day that works best for your crew: or hey, go both days because why not?
What's included:
Face painting (prepare for glitter everywhere)
Arts and crafts stations
Carnival games that actually let kids win
Giant inflatables (aka toddler paradise)
Fun house obstacle course
Treasure hunt for the adventure seekers
Parent Pro Tips:
Arrive earlier (4-6 PM) with younger kids: the scary factor amps up as darkness falls
Bring a wagon! The park is big and little legs get tired
Free parking can fill up fast, so give yourself extra time
Pack layers: Marina gets breezy after sunset
SANTA MONICA
When: Open throughout October
Where: Santa Monica Pier
Cost: Park admission + attraction fees
Best for: Ages 5+ (unless your 3-year-old is fearless)
The brand-new 2,800-square-foot Funhouse is like stepping into a spooky fever dream: but the fun kind! Nine mysterious rooms packed with optical illusions and sinister sounds that'll have your kids saying "again!" and you saying "my head hurts."
Highlights:
Coin-operated fortune teller (because who doesn't want their future told by a creepy machine?)
Meet Sprinkles the dessert-wielding clown (oddly charming, not terrifying)
Optical illusions that'll mess with everyone's brain
Easy access to the iconic West Coaster afterward
Parent Pro Tips:
Weekday visits = shorter lines and less chaos
Combine with dinner on the pier for a full evening out
Parking is pricey: consider rideshare or public transit if possible
The Funhouse is climate controlled (blessed relief from October heat!)
When: Saturday, November 1st | 5:00PM - 8:00PM
Where: Santa Monica Pier, 200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Best for: All ages
What to expect:
Face painting, live music, dancing, delicious food, and more
Heartfelt blessing ceremony at the west end of the Pier
Intricately designed community altars (viewable through Nov 4)
Opportunity for families to honor loved ones by contributing a photo to the communal altar
Experience a lively, meaningful blend of art, tradition, and community spirit
Parent tip: Free event on the Pier. It’s festive, educational, and a wonderful chance for kids to learn about Dia de los Muertos traditions in a family-friendly setting. Costumes welcome!
WESTCHESTER
Westchester Family YMCA Halloween Spooktacular
When: October 24, 6:00-9:00 PM
Where: Westchester Family YMCA
Cost: FREE (but registration required)
Best for: Ages 2-12
YMCA events fly under the radar, but it's pure gold for families who want classic Halloween fun without the overwhelming crowds. The YMCA knows how to throw a party that feels like a neighborhood block party: but better organized.
What's happening:
Costume parade (prepare for maximum cuteness overload)
Carnival-style games
Food trucks (because nobody has time to cook dinner first)
Family-friendly haunted walk-through
Craft stations for the artsy kids
Parent Pro Tips:
Registration fills up fast: don't sleep on this one
Perfect for families with multiple young kids
Indoor/outdoor combo means weather isn't a factor
Great option if crowds stress out your little ones
VENICE BEACH
Halloween on the Boardwalk
When: Friday October 27, 4-7pm
Where: Venice Beach Boardwalk
Cost: Free to wander, costs vary by activity
Best for: Ages 8+ (younger kids might find the vibe intense)
Venice being Venice, Halloween here is... an experience. The regular boardwalk performers amp up their acts, street art gets extra spooky, and the whole place has this electric energy that's part festival, part street party.
What to expect:
Enhanced street performances (fire breathers, anyone?)
Pop-up vendors with Halloween gear
Costume contests throughout the day
Skate park action with costumed skaters
Parent Pro Tips:
Daytime visits are more family-friendly
Keep kids close: it gets crowded and chaotic
Bring cash for vendors and performers
This is more "experience the vibe" than organized activities
Click to register
When: Tuesday, October 31, 3 PM – 6 PM
Where: Venice Beach Recreation Center & Venice Pier Project, 1800 Ocean Front Walk, Venice, CA 90291
Best for: School-aged kids, tweens, teens, families who love skateboarding!
What to expect:
Skateboard competition with prizes for best skater in costume
Raffles held every half hour for all participants
Hosted by City of LA Dept of Recreation & Parks + The Venice Pier Project
Parent tip: Fill out the registration form beforehand to enter the contest or raffles. Skater vibe but welcoming to all skill levels. Great spot to enjoy Halloween by the beach!
Halloween at the Playground: Venice Lutheran Church & École Claire Fontaine
When: Saturday, October 25, 10 AM – Noon
Where: 815 Venice Blvd, Venice (enter at the gate on Victoria Avenue)
Best for: Ages up to 10
What to expect:
Free trick-or-treating in a beautiful, peaceful playground
Costume parade at 11:15 AM (costumes optional, low-key vibe)
Playground features: lots of apparatus, space for sports, ride bikes and scooters (provided!)
The kind, caring staff makes it extra welcoming for parents and little ones
Parent tip: Easy street parking. Hosted by École Claire Fontaine, First Lutheran Church Venice, and Venice Moms. Great for a mellow Halloween morning with younger kids!
PLAYA VISTA
Playa Vista Neighborhood Halloween Events
When: Various dates throughout October
Where: Various locations in Playa Vista
Cost: Most are free or low-cost
Best for: All ages, especially great for building community
The Playa Vista community goes all-out for Halloween with multiple family-friendly events that feel like stepping into a suburban dream. These events are perfectly organized and genuinely wholesome.
When: Sunday, October 26, 10 AM – 2 PM
Where: Runway Playa Vista, 12775 Millennium Dr, Playa Vista, CA 90094
Best for: Ages 1–12 (and siblings, parents encouraged!)
What to expect:
Crafts, games, petting zoo, photo booth and spooky characters
Community trick-or-treat at local RUNWAY businesses (1:30–2:00 PM)
The Candy Coach Experience: Each ticket includes a candy bag and 5 minutes on a festive candy-filled bus! (One parent per child, tickets required for bus)
Parent tip: Free RSVP for the Bash; tickets needed for The Candy Coach (book in advance). Plenty of parking. Costumes 100% encouraged, but come as you are!
QUICK SCAN EVENT CALENDAR
October 24: Westchester YMCA Spooktacular (6-9 PM)
October 25: Halloween at the Playground (10 AM–Noon) - Venice Lutheran Church & École Claire Fontaine
October 25-26: Marina Spooktacular (4-10 PM both days)
October 26: Runway Playa Vista Halloween Bash & Candy Coach (10 AM–2 PM) — Runway Playa Vista; Trick-or-treat 1:30–2 PM; Candy Coach tickets required
October 28: Dia De Los Muertos Celebration: Return of the Monarch (12-9 PM) — Santa Monica Pier; Altars on view through Nov 4
October 31: Venice Boardwalk Halloween + Playa Vista trick-or-treating
All Month: Santa Monica Pier Funhouse
Parent Survival Guide
Download parking apps ahead of time
Pack snacks (hangry kids + Halloween = disaster)
Charge your phone
Bring wet wipes (trust us on this one)
Buy glow sticks beforehand, use in the bathtub later
Budget-Friendly Focus:
Most of these events are completely FREE, which means you can splurge on costumes or save money for the holiday season. The Santa Monica Pier is your only real cost, but it's worth it for the experience.
Age-Mixing Success:
Most of these events work for mixed-age families. The Marina Spooktacular is especially clutch if you've got a toddler AND a tween: early evening for the little one, stick around for scarier fun with the older kids.
Remember: Halloween is supposed to be fun, not stressful. Pick one or two events that actually sound enjoyable to YOUR family, not what looks good on Instagram. Your kids will remember the laughter and the time you spent together way more than whether you hit every single event.
Check our Venice Rising calendar for any last-minute additions or changes: because you know how Venice does things, and sometimes the best events pop up last minute!
Happy haunting, Venice families! 👻
Venice Parent Hack: The week after Halloween, swing by CVS for 75% off Halloween decorations. Stock up now for next year.
Did we miss your event?
Comment or email us so we can add it to the Venice Rising calendar!
