A Parent’s Guide to a Spooktacular Halloween: Fun, Family, & Frights
Halloween is creeping up, and parents everywhere are asking the same question: How can we make this year magical without the mayhem?
At Teachertainment, we’re all about mixing learning and entertainment — so we’ve gathered a treasure chest of parent-approved resources, family events, and screen-time picks that will keep your little goblins giggling, not shrieking!
Costume Craze: Pop Culture Meets Creativity
If your kids are still deciding between a superhero, princess, or pop icon, you’re not alone! Here are some trendy (and easy-to-assemble) ideas for every personality and budget:
Movie Magic: Elsa & Anna, Black Panther, or Star Wars’ Rey and Grogu are still fan favorites.
Literary Legends: Matilda, Harry Potter, or The Cat in the Hat — perfect if you love tying costumes to their favorite books.
Gaming Gurus: Mario, Sonic, or a Minecraft Creeper bring digital adventures to life.
Pop Star Power: Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour looks or Billie Eilish’s signature green streak? Instant hit with tweens!
Meme Madness: Got a creative kid? Let them turn a trending meme or viral moment into this year’s DIY masterpiece.
Pro Tip: Mix store-bought basics with homemade accessories — it’s budget-friendly and uniquely personal!
spooky (But Sweet) Screen Time
Not every Halloween needs a haunted house! Snuggle up with a bowl of popcorn and enjoy these family favorites that deliver thrills without the chills.
For the Littles
Winnie the Pooh: Boo to You
It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown
Super Monsters Save Halloween
Curious George: A Halloween Boo Fest
For the Big Kids
Hocus Pocus
The Nightmare Before Christmas
Monster House
Halloweentown
Parent Tip: Preview new titles and keep Common Sense Media handy to check age ratings. Watching together helps you guide the “scary” moments — and makes for great bonding time!
Local Family Events You’ll Love
If your family loves getting out and about and you’re located in SoCal, it’s packed with parent-approved Halloween events. Here are the top picks:
Family Favorites
Boo at the Zoo
La Mirada Halloweenfest (Oct 31) – Trick-or-treat trails, pet-friendly fun, and carnival games for all ages.
DTLA Halloween Festival for Kids (Oct 31) – Magic shows, crafts, and a dance party downtown.
Boo at the Zoo (Oct 18–26) – Trick-or-treat stations, animal pumpkin feedings, and spooky photo ops.
Kidspace Halloween (Through Oct 31) – Parades, potion-making, and an “Adopt-a-Monster” workshop that sparks imagination.
Carved at Descanso Gardens
Bob Baker Marionette Theater’s Hallowe’en Spooktacular – Over 100 silly puppets in a whimsical Halloween revue (now featuring a Día de los Muertos tribute).
Carved at Descanso Gardens – Thousands of glowing jack-o’-lanterns and a magical nighttime pumpkin trail.
Night of the Jack (Calabasas) – Breathtaking pumpkin displays, food trucks, and themed drinks for parents (yes, you deserve one!).
Halloween doesn’t have to be sugar-fueled chaos — with the right mix of activities, shows, and local fun, it can be a season full of learning, laughter, and memory-making.
So grab your capes, charge your camera, and get ready for a boo-tiful October. At Teachertainment, we believe that every celebration — even one full of candy and costumes — can be an opportunity to learn, connect, and grow together.
