Scary Halloween Activities in San Diego

At one time Halloween meant children dressing up and going door to door looking for treats. While in some places that is still prominent, a child's fancy (at least the older children) now turns to all things scary and creepy. Adults also can join in and family scare nights are growing. Here in San Diego, there are five attractions that all must experience. They change yearly and continue to grow and become more intense. They are intended for mature audiences, but PardeeHomes Monster Manor does offer what they call a "lite fright" for children.

The Haunted Hotel - www.hauntedhotel.com - located in downtown San Diego in the Gaslamp District brings horror movies to life. Special effects and illusions match those of Hollywood. From classics like Texas Chainsaw Massacre to more current movies such as Hostel. Each year a new set of horror movies are chosen and not released to the public so one must experience it for themselves. Open from September 26^th to November 1^st. The attraction is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. The price for entry is $14.99 per person.

The Haunted Trail - www.hauntedhotel.com - located in lovely and scenic Balboa Park. Opens September 26^th and runs through November 1^st. Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. This attraction is too big for a standard venue. A pleasant walk, or should I say run, that you will not forget soon. The Brothers Grimm have nothing on the macabre fairy tales that come to life. Brought to you by those who created The Haunted Hotel and the Scream Zone, you know that the effects and illusions are top notch. Leave the dress shoes at home and wear a pair of running shoes to escape alive.

The Scream Zone - www.hauntedhotel.com or www.sdfair.com/screamzone - At the Del Mar Racetrack. The final of the three major events brought to you by the horror masters who originally brought The Haunted Hotel to life. There are three different zones from a haunted hayride through haunted barns to the largest spinning tunnel in San Diego. Each zone is $14.99 per person, but an entire package that allows access to all three zones can be purchased for $27.99. This attraction is the largest in San Diego County and it highly recommended for those over the age of ten.

National Comedy Theatre Halloween Spookacular - www.nationalcomedy.com - in Downtown, San Diego. This comedy show puts the laughter back into Halloween with its annual show which has been dubbed by some as a perversely hysterical cross between Friday the 13^th with Whose Line is it Anyway. The show runs from October 31^st through November 1^st and the ticket price range is $8 for military to $15 per person. Tickets can be purchased online as well as obtaining directions to get to the show.

PardeeHomes Monster Manor (aka Mira Mesa Monster Manor) - www.monstermanor.org - This onetime small community project has now expanded to over 4,000 square feet of horror all run by volunteers and those in the community. It offers a "lite fright" for children from Noon to 4pm for a mere $5 and a more intense fright for older children and adult from 7pm until it closes for $10. There is also a $1 off coupon on the website as well as directions and what it is performing.

These are but a few of the attractions for one to experience in San Diego along with the Waley House which is one of two registered haunted locations within San Diego County. Happy Halloween.