Girl holding a Jack O'Lantern - Family friendly Halloween events in Modesto, California

It’s getting to be that time of year again!

The monsters start to come out of hiding, the fake spider webs are going up, costumes are flying off the shelves, and stores are starting to see serious profit from candy sales.

Halloween is upon us once again!

Over the years, Modesto has had its share of spooky events during the fall season, and 2019 is gearing up to be no exception.

But what Halloween tradition are you looking for? Do you want to be scared out of your wits in a haunted maze? Perhaps you’re looking for a safe and fun place to take your family trick-or-treating. Or maybe corn mazes and pumpkin patches are more your speed.

We’ve put together this list of what we consider to be the best Halloween events in and around Modesto for 2019.

1. Dell’Osso Family Farm and Pumpkin Maze

“The Best Corn Maze on the West Coast”

Where: 501 Manthey Road, Lathrop, CA 95330

When: September 28 – October 31, 10:00am – 8:00pm

How Much: $12-95-$19.95 per person, depending on time of day and day of week. Other attractions are priced separately

Looking for a big event that’s great for small kids and grown ups alike?

Dell’Osso Family Farms in Lathrop has been offering up family-friendly Halloween attractions to the Central Valley since 1997.

Owned and operated by the Dell’Osso family, Dell’Osso Family Farms has been a historical staple in Lathrop’s community since the 1920’s.  And since 1997, with the opening of their massive corn maze, Haunted House, Pumpkin Blaster, and more, the Dell’Osso Family Farms has grown to become one of the nation’s premiere Halloween destinations.

Come check out their gigantic 18-acre specially designed corn mazes, where getting lost is the fun of it! For a screaming time,  head to the Haunted Castle that sits nestled on the edge of the grounds, just waiting for the next victims to step through its’ doors.

Dell’Osso Family Farms also has two types of hay-rides; a haunted hayride, and a calmer one for the faint-of-heart. With carnival attractions, Speedway Pedal Cars, an Animal Zoo, a pumpkin patch, a pirate themed rope course, and so much more available, you may have to visit multiple times just to see and do everything!

They’re open daily, beginning September 28 through October 31 from 10AM – last entry at 8PM (attractions may start closing at 9 depending on crowds)

2. Downtown Trick or Treat in Turlock

Ghost dog, way of the samurai

“Fun for the Whole Family”

Where: 115 South Golden State Boulevard, Turlock, CA 95380

When: October 31,  11:00 am – 2:00 pm

How Much: Free

If you’re looking for somewhere to go with the family on Halloween night, why not take them down the road to Turlock?

Downtown Turlock’s trick-or-treat event offers a safe space for kids to sport their costumes, hang out with family and friends, and above all, get lots and lots of candy!

3. Strut Spooktacular Trunk or Treat

“One Part Spook, One part Spectacular”

Where: Strut Performing Arts. 623 Bitritto Ct., Modesto, CA 95356

When: October 30, 5:00 pm – 8:00 PM

How Much: $5 for adults, $3 for 2-18 years, free for under 2 years

Strut Performing Arts’ Trunk or Treat is back for its third year, and it’s going to be bigger than ever!

Enjoy classic carnival games, train rides, food stalls, popcorn, and of course, plenty of that sweet, sweet candy.

If you don’t want to wait in line at the ticket booth, purchase yours online here.

3. Higbee Horror Haunt

“A Scary Good Time”

 

Where: 2936 Veneman Ave., Modesto, CA 95356

When: October 11 – 12, 18 – 19, 25 –26, and 31, 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm

How Much:  $25

Ready to be scared?

The Higbee Horror Haunt event has upped its game for Halloween 2019.

The Higbee Horror Haunt is a full-scale haunted house, full of twists, turns, surprises, and lots of frights. This year’s attractions are set to include Scairy Tales, Streets of London, Krinkle’s Diner, and The Doll Maker scare zones.

Higbee Horror Haunt also hosts multiple special events, including a nonprofit Halloween event for autistic guests on October 5th.

Please note: It’s strongly recommended that kids under the age of lucky number 13 be accompanied by a parent, as this place can get kind of scary.

4. Halloween Horror at Boomers!

“The Best Kid-Friendly Scary Halloween Event”

Where: 4215 Bangs Ave, Modesto, CA 95356

When: September 27 – October 27th, 9pm – midnight

How Much: $22.99-$24.99 general admission. Season pass holders enter free.

Back again for the spooky season, Halloween Horror at Boomers! is offering up a few awesome experiences for all ages!

During the daytime, kids can enjoy a fun little hay maze, as well as participate in a Trick-or-Treat Trail. Halloween Horror at Boomers! also offers crafts and games for kids at specific times of the day.

Nighttime is when the adults can really get their scare on. Halloween at Boomers! offers up three scare zones, each with their own theme. If you’re scared of clowns, zombies, or g-g-ghosts, then these scare zones will be sure to get your heart racing.

Also back again this year is Pirate’s Point mini maze, a pirate themed horror maze that’ll make you rethink that childhood dream of sailing the seven seas.

Event runs September 27 through October 27 on Fridays and Saturdays from 9pm-12am.

Nightly wristbands can be purchased onsite for 24.99, or you can purchase from the online presale for $22.99. If you’re a Boomers! season passholder, you already have access to the event.

5. Dutch Hollow Farms

“Fun on a Budget”

Where: 5101 Oakdale Road, Modesto, CA 95357

When: September 27 – October 31, 9:00 am – 7:00 pm

How Much: Free admission to pumpkin patch; $5-8 for farm and/or corn maze access (children aged 3 or under are free)

Dutch Hollow Farms is both local to Modesto and a solid choice if you’re looking for an affordable, family friendly Halloween event. Parking and admission are free for the pumpkin patch, and you can pay a few extra bucks to gain access to the petting zoo, children’s area, and corn maze.

If you want the pumpkin patch experience without paying too much money, then Dutch Hollow Farms is the perfect place to spend your Halloween this year.

6. Monsters in Modesto

“The Creepiest Location for Haunted Houses”

 

Where: 1101 Crows Landing Road. Modesto, CA 95351

When: October 18 – November 2, 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm (limited nights)

How Much: $8-$18

Looking for a scare in the middle of nowhere?

How about a fright in the dead of the night?

Monsters in Modesto is Modesto’s premier haunted house attraction that will scare the pants off of you. In previous years, MiM used to set up in the parking lot of the Vintage Faire Mall, however they’ve decided to move someplace more suited to the spooky mood.

Between the haunted house, black light zone, and clown themed scare areas, you’ll be given more than enough reason to be sent screaming for your life.

Open from October 18 through November 2 (minus specific days), tickets can be purchased both in-person, and online, based on the level of scare you’re looking for. Some nights stay open until 11pm or 12pm, so plan accordingly.

Monsters in Modesto has moved a couple of times in the past, and we’re not yet sure where it will pop up this year. Stay tuned to learn more.

Please note: This event may be too scary for small children. All visitors under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

7. Ranch of Horror

“The Central Valley’s Largest Selection of Haunted Attractions”

 

Where: 900 N Broadway Ave. Turlock, CA 95380

When: Each Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in October, plus October 31st,  7:00 PM – 12:00 AM

How Much: Admission is free, attractions range $5-$25

Get ready for the horror thrill of a lifetime! Celebrating their 5th year in operation, Ranch of Horror offers up the Central Valley’s largest selection of haunted attractions, with fully immersive and interactive experiences ranging from family friendly to intense and scary.

Ever been to an escape room?

We’ll bet you’ve never experienced an escape town before!

In Zombie Escape, you are sent on a mission into a ruined town, armed with paintball guns, with the goal of finding a cure to apocalypse before the clock runs out. But keep a sharp eye out for the undead lurkers stalking throughout the town trying to infect you!

To really get your blood pumping, check out Contagion, a high speed paintball experience in back of truck. Your objective is to deliver care packages to survivors of a zombie quarantined town, while also surviving the lumbering zombies.

If you’re looking for a haunted house, check out House of Dystopia (Where Nightmares Become Reality). A self-guided tour through a haunted house, you’ll come face-to-face with scenes straight out of your worst fears and phobias.

And back by popular demand, Bloody Lullaby takes you through a twisted walk-through of the frighteningly real stories behind some of your favorite childhood nursery rhymes.

Also available are scary movie screenings (bring a blanket!), hayrides for kids, and a car show Trunk-or-Treat event for all ages on October 27th.

Admission to Ranch of Horror is free, with each attraction being individually priced.

Please note: While some Ranch of Horror attractions are appropriate for all ages, others require a minimum age of 8 or 12. Please plan accordingly.


And if it’s a little too cold to enjoy Halloween, be sure to remember Irish Heating & Air for quality furnace repair & replacement in Modesto.