Family-friendly Halloween events and activities in the San Francisco Bay Area

October 23, 12:49 PMSF Parenting & Education ExaminerMaya Creedman

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Patty Duke in WICKED
Courtesy of Zeum

Are you looking for a Halloween-themed alternative to candy collecting, costume parades and pumpkin patches? Opportunities abound for a unique experience that will please even those who would rather stay at home.

Zeum, San Francisco’s hands-on multimedia arts and technology museum, partners with the WICKED Broadway show to provide a wicked Halloween at Zeum. Participants will have the chance to create WICKED-themed claymation movies, to start and produce music videos, make craft projects and view WICKED costumes and set designs. Patty Duke and other cast members will act as judges for a “Go Green” Costume Contest with the winner earning VIP tickets to WICKED. The contest is free and includes 1 free ride on the Zeum carousel. Admission to Zeum is $8 for youth/seniors and $10 for adults.
Saturday, October 31, 11am-5pm.

 
Future historians, authors, artists and sociologists might enjoy doing a little Halloween scholarly research. Children can read up on the historical period or genre of their costumes or Halloween, in general. Other projects could include writing stories or plays about their character or creating new "props" to further develop their character or costume. The possibilities are endless. The San Jose Scholarly Research Examiner offers more Halloween research ideas.

Animal lovers can show off their costumes to the flamingos and gorillas at the San Francisco Zoo and watch the animals enjoy their own Halloween treats. Boo at the Zoo days include a haunted nature trail, crafts, magic and puppet shows, and, of course, trick or treating. Discounted admission for costumed children.
Saturday, October 25 & Sunday, October 26, 10am to 4pm.

Future pastry chefs might enjoy a Halloween-themed baking class offered by Cake Art Supplies in San Rafael. Children will make and decorate a haunted house using cookie dough, icing, ghosts and spiders. Friday’s class will include candle lighting. $45. Call for reservations.
Friday, October 23, 6:30–8 pm and Saturday, October 24 10:30am–noon 

The Chabot Space and Science Center presents Aliens, Asteroids and Adventure, Oh My! In addition to traditional trick or treating activities, costumed children can participate in discovery lab activities, spooky story time and spooky simulated space encounters. Advance registration is required for simulated space flights.
Saturday, Oct 31, 11am-5pm 

The Exploratorium presents Creature Features on Halloween, October 31st from 3-8pm. Scary science attractions include a steam-powered haunted house, sugar skull-making, leeches, giant insects and carnivorous plants among other eerie sights and sounds. Discounted admission if you come in costume!

For nature lovers, try a haunted night hike in costume at Hidden Villa, a Farm and Wilderness area in Los Altos Hills.  For families with children 12 years old and under, the interactive hike includes hot cider, treats and stories and songs around a campfire. $18 per person.
Friday, October 23 and Saturday, Oct 24, 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm