Fall Fun at San Diego’s Theme and Amusement Parks
There’s no shortage of great reasons to visit San Diego in the fall — including amazing weather, lots of sunshine, and summer-like vibes that never seem to end. Of course, autumn is also the ideal time to visit our famous theme parks! The kids are back in school, the lines are shorter, and there are even some fantastic deals and seasonal events if you know where to look. In particular, Including San Diego’s city-wide Kids Free Month is on for all of October! Planning a trip to visit San Diego in the coming months? Here’s the low-down on our local attractions and fall festivities. Mark your calendars now!
Fall Frights at SeaWorld San Diego (1 mile)
(Photo: @seaworldsandiego)
Face your fears this fall at this aquatic wonderland,where marine life and entertainment come together in perfect harmony. SeaWorld San Diego offers exhilarating roller coasters & captivating live shows featuring dolphins, orcas, and sea lions annually — with additional fun and frights for the family this fall. Weekends between September 15 – October 29, families can enjoy trick-or-treating throughout the park, Halloween dance parties, and scavenger hunts during Seaworld Halloween Spooktacular. If you’re looking for more of a fright, Howl-O-Scream reawakens from September 29 – October 31. Tickets must be purchased separately for this nighttime haunt, featuring haunted houses, terrors around every corner, zombie DJ’s and sinister cocktails.
500 SeaWorld Dr, San Diego, CA 92109
Fall Fest at Belmont Park (1.1 miles)
(Photo: @belmontparksd)
Families, thrillseekers, and anyone looking for a great time will find much to love at Belmont Park. This timeless boardwalk-style waterfront rides-and-games destination is located in picturesque Mission Beach — and features favorite attractions like the Giant Dipper roller coaster, mini-golf, rock climbing, classic oceanside dining, and more. As summer transitions to fall, we’re looking forward to Fall Fest, returning in 2023 through October 31!, This celebration offers special events like Mr. Jack-O’-Lantern’s Pumpkin Patch, live music, seasonal menus, Sunday Trick-or Treating, and the first community 5K in honor of Breast Cancer awareness.
3146 Mission Blvd, San Diego, CA 92109
Inflatable World (7.2 miles)
(Photo: @inflatableworldsd)
Looking for an experience that’s a little out of the ordinary? Inflatable World delivers a bouncy, fun-filled adventure suitable for all ages Adjacent to Mission Valley Mall. This amusement park features a variety of inflatable structures, obstacle courses, and slides that promise hours of active entertainment. Visiting during the autumn months means more moderate temperatures and lighter foot traffic, making it an excellent time to enjoy the energetic atmosphere.
Inflatable World, 1640 Camino Del Rio N, San Diego, CA 92108
San Diego Zoo’s Fall Food Festival and HalGlowWeen (8.2 miles)
No visit to San Diego is complete without a trip to the world-renowned San Diego Zoo. Home to a vast menagerie of 650-plus different species of animals from around the globe, the zoo welcomes more than 3.2 million visitors every year. Fall’s cooler weather ensures a comfortable stroll through the lush exhibits, where you can observe everything from majestic lions, to awe-inspiring giraffes, to great primates, playful pandas and much more — all in environments designed to mimic their natural habitats. If you’re planning an autumn adventure,make sure to check out September’s Wildest Tasting event, and October’s HalGlowWeen weekend festivities. This year’s celebration lights up the nights with a live Skeleton band, bubble dance party and Dia de los Muertos mariachi music. While walking the grounds, don’t forget to look up, and make way for the Scarecrow stilt-walkers passing through.
2920 Zoo Dr, San Diego, CA 92101
Countdown to The Count’s Halloween Fun at Sesame Place (23.4 miles)
(Photo: @sesameplaceca)
Younger adventurers and families with children will find pure joy at everyone’s favorite family-friendly waterpark. This whimsical theme park is filled with beloved Sesame Street characters, interactive play areas, and kid-friendly rides that spark imagination and create lasting memories and fall’s warm weather allows for comfortable exploration. Starting mid-September through October 29, the park will transform for Halloween fun. The Count’s Halloween Spooktacular celebration includes park-wide trick or treating, Halloween-themed parades, scavenger hunts and more.
2052 Entertainment Circle, Chula Vista, CA 91911
LEGOLand California (31.5 miles)
(Photo: @legolandcalifornia)
Immerse yourself in a world of imagination with the return of LEGOLand California’s annual Halloween event. Perfect for families and toy enthusiasts alike, this lively park features intricate LEGO sculptures, interactive rides, and even a water park for warmer fall days. As the summer crowds disperse, fall visitors can enjoy the park’s numerous attractions at a leisurely pace while appreciating the detailed craftsmanship that goes into each LEGO masterpiece. Fall also brings the annual Brick-Or-Treat celebration, complete with live concerts, family events, special Halloween-themed characters and displays, and — of course — lots of candy!
One Legoland Dr, Carlsbad, CA 92008
San Diego Zoo Safari Park’s Autumn Festival (37.6 miles)
For a more immersive wildlife adventure, head to this amazing animal experience. This sprawling park provides a unique opportunity to observe incredible beasts in expansive, open-air enclosures that resemble their native environments. Fall’s mild temperatures are conducive to both animal activity and visitor exploration, allowing you to embark on safari adventures and witness the majesty of rhinos, giraffes, and cheetahs in a semi-wild setting. Guests can also enjoy the park’s Autumn Festival this October, which features live country music, fun educational Safari experiences and fall food and drink specials.
15500 San Pasqual Valley Rd, Escondido, CA 92027
Explore Autumn at The Dana
Headed to “America’s Finest City” this Autumn? Great choice! Fall is extra fun at The Dana this time of year, as we prepare for the return of our frighteningly fun Halloween happenings, our annual Thanksgiving feast, and delicious seasonal menus and offers. Not to mention, if you’re traveling with the family, October is “Kids Free Month” in San Diego. Countless museums, attractions, and local businesses will be offering kids-first deals citywide. Here at The Dana on Mission Bay, we’re featuring our “Kids Eat Free” all month long (with purchase of adult meal) at our own Firefly Eatery! Our fall events are starting to heat up now, stay tuned for official details and dates coming soon.