Slide 1 of 9
October 21: Floating Pumpkin Patch, Ridgway Swim Center, Santa Rosa
The fall family trip to the pumpkin patch is no longer limited to farms and fields: now you can take a dip in the pool with your squash of choice. The 4th annual Floating Pumpkin Patch returns to Ridgway Swim Center for a day full of games, pumpkin decorating, and the highly competitive in-water pumpkin hunt. Swimmers and non-swimmers welcome for the fun. $10, tickets required. (Photo by Alvin Jornada)
Slide 2 of 9
October 21, Kids Halloween Extravaganza, Sebastopol: The Copperfield’s store in Sebastopol is celebrating Halloween early with snacks, a costume contest and other Halloween fun for kids of all ages. This free event starts at 4 p.m. Find out more at copperfieldsbooks.com.
Slide 3 of 9
October 23: Ghostbusters, Sonoma
Introduce your kids to Slimer and the Stay Puft Marshmellow Man when the Sebastiani Theatre presents the classic 1984 film: Ghostbusters. The eccentric storyline follows four quirky guys - a paranormal investigator, an engineer, a physicist, and a loudmouth local - as they try to prove that ghosts exist in modern day New York City. With their proton packs on their backs, the film climaxes with an epic battle between the Ghostbusters and thousands of ghosts in Time Square. Tickets $10.
Slide 4 of 9
October 28: Halloween at Howarth Park, Santa Rosa
Dress the kids up in costumes and head down to Howarth Park for the 12th annual Halloween at Howarth. Kids under 12 can trick-or-treat throughout the park, stopping by treat stations hosted by local businesses and organizations. Kids can also ride the historic Howarth Park train and carousel and giddy up on a pony ride. Tickets start at $6.
Slide 5 of 9
October 28: Boos, Bones and Walking with the Dead, Santa Rosa
Kids who love animals will go wild for the Halloween festivities at Safari West, a wildlife sanctuary. Dress the kids in conservation-minded costumes for their annual eco-friendly, costume contest (think: costumes made of recycled materials). Trick-or-treat through the park's new skeleton exhibition and take a trick-or-trek tour around the park, which includes white rhinos and giraffes. Tickets also include bites at a taco bar. Children 12 and under $25 and adults $50.
Slide 6 of 9
October 28: Pumpkin on Pikes, Petaluma
A magical, nocturnal experience, Pumpkins on Pikes showcases the creative skills of attendees who start the afternoon by carving a Jack-O-Lantern. By sunset, the pumpkins are displayed on pikes in a corn field and are candle lit, glowing a haunting, yet heartwarming, way in the night. A barbecue dinner is served and guests are encouraged to bring a favorite dessert to share. Children under 6 free. Tickets start at $15.
Slide 7 of 9
October 28: Monster Mash and Haunted Tour, Santa Rosa
Celebrate the spookiest time of the year for a good cause at the AMVETS Post 40's annual Monster Mash and Haunted Tour. Tour the Dungeon of Shadows, Dracula's Dressing Room, and other scary spots and then participate in a costume contest, listen to ghost stories, make Halloween-y crafts, have your fortune read, and dance the night away. Small bites (not from vampires!) will be served and a no host bar will be on hand for parents. Proceeds benefit programs helping veterans in Sonoma County. Children under 6 free, children 7-15 $5, adults start at $20.
Slide 8 of 9
October 31: Halloween Trick or Treat Trail, Petaluma
Hundreds of costumed children will descend on downtown Petaluma for a safe and fun afternoon of trick or treating. Over 60 local businesses open their doors to cute, scary and creepy little ghouls, passing out treats and other surprises. Parents are also encouraged to dress up and join the fun. Children 12 and under welcome.
Slide 9 of 9
October 31: Phantoms and Fugues: "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown," Rohnert Park
Halloween isn't complete without a viewing of the cartoon classic "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown." Bring the kids, in costume, to Sonoma State University's Schroeder Hall for a showing of the famous Peanuts movie, followed by a spooky performance of organ songs by organist David Parsons who will play the hall's Brombaugh Opus 9 organ. Tickets start at $8. Free for Sonoma State students.
