Fiendish Fun For All

Fiendish Fun For All
By Shelley T. Hudson

DANA POINT
A fun-for-the-whole-family event is Dana Wharf Sportfishing’s annual Halloween Kids Boo Cruise. Each 20-minute harbor cruise leaves from Dana Point Harbor and features a costume contest, candy and more. This popular event is free and always draws a crowd, so come early and be prepared for a boatload of fun on Friday, October 29th from 5 to 7 p.m. For further info, call 949. 496.5794.

The Ocean Institute continues its Halloween tradition with the Tidepool of Terrors providing fun and learning for all ages. Interactive “spooky science labs” including Vampires of the Deep and Ghastly Goo encourage hands-on participation and trick-or-treating throughout the aquarium keeps those busy little legs moving. Critter crafts and a story-telling pirate round out the activities. Regular admission is $4.50 for children and $6.50 for adults, but kids in costume are free and eligible for the costume contest. This event takes place on Saturday, October 30th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and is a fun, easy introduction to ocean sciences and marine life. Call 949.496.2274 for details.

Little ghosts and goblins can also enjoy the Haunted Campground event at Doheny State Beach on Saturday, October 30th from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Each year the campground is transformed into a carnival with crafts, booths and a special “kid fun zone.” Children are encouraged to wear costumes and to bring along a non-perishable food item to donate. Admission is free. Phone 949.496.6172 for more information.

LAGUNA NIGUEL
The 10th Annual Haunted Trails in Laguna Niguel runs for three nights and promises to be scarier than ever! This year’s theme is “Niguel-o-polis: Urban Terror.” The outdoor walk-through maze will lead you through frightening cities of the year 2050 including New York City’s subway system and Central Park and San Francisco’s Chinatown. Special guests will include New Orleans zombies and various other nefarious characters. Your 15-minute guided tour will end in a swampy graveyard—if you make it that far. This event is best for thrill-seekers aged eight and older. Remember to wear comfortable shoes to walk (or run!) the trails. Admission is $10 at the onsite Parks & Rec building. Event dates and times are Thursday, October 28th from 6:30 to 9 p.m., Friday, October 29th from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. and Saturday, October 30th from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. Call 949.362.4351 to learn more.

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO
The Haunted House of Illusions at Zax Studios in San Juan Capistrano is billed as “a magic show with a haunted twist.” This unconventional haunted house features professional magicians performing scary tricks that fool the eye and send shivers down the spine. Each elaborate scene is another terror-fying performance! Proceeds benefit the CARE Foundation and the local school district. Great for gremlins eight and older. Tickets are $8 and may be purchased at Zax Studios, participating costume stores and online. Check it out Friday, October 29th from 5 to 9 p.m. and Saturday, October 30th from 4 to 9 p.m. For additional information, call 949.388.5802 or log on towww.hauntedhouseofillusions.com.

The San Juan Capistrano Historical Society’s Walking Ghost Tours are offered at 6:30, 7:00 and 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 30th. Each tour begins at the O’Neill Museum and the haunting ghost tales of California’s oldest neighborhood are told while you wander down Los Rios Street. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 949.493.8444. Bundle up, because the Ghost Tour is chilling!