Best Family-Friendly Halloween Events on the Peninsula: October 2025

The Peninsula offers some of the most magical Halloween experiences for families, showcasing exactly why communities like Redwood City, Palo Alto, and San Mateo are incredible places to raise children. From aviation-themed spooks to world-famous pumpkin patches, here's your complete guide to fall family fun that highlights the unique character of Peninsula neighborhoods.

Aviation Adventures: Hiller Aviation Museum's Haunted Hangar

San Carlos transforms into Halloween headquarters at the Hiller Aviation Museum, where the Haunted Hangar runs October 17-27, 2025. This isn't your typical Halloween event—kids explore spooky aviation-themed decorations, participate in the "Great Pumpkin" scavenger hunt, and enjoy hands-on activities like aircraft checkouts and cockpit exploration.

Special Weekend Events:

• Paint-A-Plane Sessions: October 19 & 20, 10 AM-12 PM
• Halloween Kid's Festival & Helicopter Pumpkin Drop: October 26 & 27, 10 AM-12 PM (with the dramatic pumpkin drop at noon!)

The museum's unique blend of education and entertainment perfectly captures what makes Peninsula communities special—innovative, family-focused experiences that you won't find anywhere else. Museum admission includes all Haunted Hangar activities, and members get free entry.

Pumpkin Capital of the World: Half Moon Bay

Just a scenic drive from Peninsula neighborhoods, Half Moon Bay lives up to its title as the "Pumpkin Capital of the World." The coastal climate creates perfect pumpkin-growing conditions, resulting in patches that draw families from across California.

Top Peninsula-Area Pumpkin Patches:

Farmer John's Pumpkin Farm (Half Moon Bay)

• Open daily September 5-October 31, 9 AM-6 PM
• Over 60 varieties of pumpkins and squash
• Perfect for carving pumpkins and making memories
• Located at 850 Cabrillo Highway

Lemos Farm Halloween Palooza (Half Moon Bay)

• Family-friendly activities year-round, extra spooky in October
• Features haunted house, Ghost Train, and extensive pumpkin selection
• Visible from Highway 92, making it a Peninsula favorite

Webb Ranch (Portola Valley)

• Local Peninsula favorite offering U-pick pumpkins
• Beautiful setting in the Portola Valley hills
• Family-owned operation supporting local agriculture

World Championship Events:

• 53rd Annual Safeway World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off: October 13, 2025
• Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival: October 18-19, 2025

The Peninsula Advantage for Families

These Halloween events showcase why Peninsula communities consistently rank among California's best places to raise children. The combination of educational opportunities, community involvement, safety considerations, and innovative programming creates an environment where families thrive year-round.

From the STEM-focused fun at Hiller Aviation Museum to the agricultural education at local pumpkin patches, Peninsula Halloween events reflect the region's values: innovation, education, community, and family connection. Whether you're considering relocating to the Peninsula or already call it home, these October traditions demonstrate the special quality of life that makes this region so desirable for families.

Ready to explore your Peninsula neighborhood this Halloween? Start with these verified events and discover why so many families choose to make the Peninsula their permanent home.