2010 Halloween Events in Bakersfield, California

There are several Halloween events in Bakersfield, California for families and children. Halloween is my favorite time of year because I enjoy taking my kids to these activities. The kids have fun and they make for perfect photo opportunities. If you're like me, then you're probably already searching for what Halloween events will be in Bakersfield. This article will help narrow down your choices by detailing the top three to attend.

2010 Halloween Events in Bakersfield, California #1: Safe Halloween at the KernCountyMuseum

The Kern County Museum puts on a yearly two night event called Safe Halloween. The museum grounds are transformed into a Halloween wonderland. Different vendors and businesses sign up to have a booth that they decorate themselves. Then they pass out free candy and other goodies to the kids and parents who attend. It's all in a fenced environment so if you don't want to take your kids door to door in neighborhoods, this is a safe alternative.

Kids 3 to 12 years old can trick or treat. If you want your child under 3 to trick or treat, you have to buy a ticket for them (otherwise kids under 3 are free but won't be able to trick or treat if you don't purchase a ticket). Kids over 13 and up are not allowed to trick or treat but if they come, they still have to have a ticket to be with their family. Parents also have to buy a ticket too.

The event starts at 4 PM and ends at 8 PM (this is an earlier start and end time then before). If you want to get a good parking spot, I recommend getting there early. When you arrive, you walk through a gate. Ticket takers are sitting at long tables. Once you hand over your ticket your children will receive a bag. The bag has different spots on it where the booths can check off their number. This means that you child can't go back to that area once they get a goody. This ensures that all the kids who attend get something from each station.

In past years there has been a pirate area, mazes, fun ghoulish displays by the train and more. There isn't anything really that scary but little kids might be a little scared at a few areas. All in all it's geared for kids so you won't see disgusting Halloween aspects. There will be a few ghosts, spiders, etc. It's all good, clean fun.

In addition to trick or treating, there are food and drink vendors. Bring a few extra dollars if you want to indulge. Some of the food they sell are hot dogs, pizza and in years past, Mexican food. There is also a school like carnival that you need to buy tickets for and a costume contest. Then costume contest is done by age and they start at different times. If you win, a ribbon is your prize.

Tickets are $8 dollars but if you are a museum member you may be able to get them for a little cheaper. Tickets will be sold through Valli Tix, at the Kern County Museum and at Kern Schools Federal Credit Union.

This event is being held on October 30^th and October 31^st.

Be sure to bring your camera because there is a bevy of photo opportunities.

2010 Halloween Events in Bakersfield, California #2: Boo at the Zoo

Boo at the Zoo at CALM is another family favorite of mine. It used to be held one day a year but last year they extended it to two days and will continue that tradition in 2010. This year, Boo at the Zoo is on October 23^rd and October 24. It starts at 9 AM and ends at 4 PM. Children ages 3 to 12 are free with a paying adult. If you have a CALM membership, you are free. If you don't, regular admission prices apply for adults which is $9 dollars. Seniors are $7 dollars.

There will be several game areas for kids. Last year they had tossing games, fishing games, etc. There was also an area for kids to put on temporary tattoos. My children's favorite part was the bounce house and the train ride. If you get hungry, there is a vendor on the grounds that sell food and drink.

In addition to all the Halloween fun, there are wildlife presentations so your kids will be learning about animals as they spend time at CALM. This is a very family friendly event, you won't find anything that will scare your kids here and it is another place that is perfect for taking fun, family pictures.

The California Living Museum (CALM) is located at 10500 Alfred Harrell Hwy Bakersfield, CA 93306 and their contact number is (661) 872-2256.

2010 Halloween Events in Bakersfield, California #3: Murray Family Farms

Murray Family Farms is another Bakersfield favorite. During the entire year you can go to the farm and visit their petting zoo, ride on a Hay Wagon and pick whatever fruit is on season. But when October rolls around, Murray Family Farms has an "October Fest." There will be corn mazes and hay rides, all with Halloween touches. Don't forget to pick out a pumpkin. Admission for adults is $10 dollars on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 AM to 6 PM. Weekday hours are 1 PM to 4 PM and admission is $7 dollars. Admission for children under 12 is $5 dollars.

The fun starts on October 1^st and lasts the entire month.

Murray Family Farms is located at 6700 General Beale Rd Bakersfield, CA.. For more info, call (661) 330-0100.