Local Halloween Activities: Spook-tacular Fun in Ventura County

Halloween season in Ventura County brings a delightful mix of family-friendly festivities and spine-tingling adventures that cater to every age and scare tolerance. From charming pumpkin patches nestled in rolling hills to haunted trails that will test your courage, our local communities have transformed October into a month-long celebration of all things spooky and spectacular. Whether you're planning a fun family outing or seeking heart-pounding thrills with friends, Ventura County's Halloween scene offers something magical for everyone.

The beauty of celebrating Halloween locally lies in the variety of experiences available within just a short drive. You can enjoy a community festival with costume contests and trick-or-treating, and cap off the evening with a haunted attraction that'll leave you checking over your shoulder. Let's explore the best Halloween activities our area has to offer this spooky season.

Community Halloween Events

Trail or Treat Event at Grove Park - Camarillo
Oct 18 | 10am-1pm

https://www.pvrpd.org/2025-10-18-trail-or-treat

Halloween Haunted Trail, Costume Contest and Trick-or-Treat Street - Thousand Oaks
Oct 18 | 6-9pm

https://www.crpd.org/events/haunted-trail-costume-contest/

Boo at the Zoo Event at The Teaching Zoo - Moorpark
Oct 18-19 & 25- 26 | 11am-4:30pm

https://zoo.moorparkcollege.edu/boo-at-the-zoo/

Trick or Treating and Halloween Fun - Oxnard
Oct 22 | 5-7pm

https://thecollectionrp.com/portfolio/trick-or-treat-at-the-collection-2025/

Howl-O-Ween Event - Camarillo
Oct 25 | 10am-1pm

https://www.pvrpd.org/2025-10-25-howl-o-ween

Halloween “BooFest” Event - Camarillo
Oct 25 | 12-4pm

https://www.camarillomerchant.org/12th-annual-boo-fest

Howl-O-Ween Dog Costume Contest - Ventura
Oct 25 | 12-2pm

https://www.venturaharborvillage.com/event/howl-2024-2/

Parade of Frights and Other Halloween Activities - Oxnard
Oct 25 | 3-8pm

https://www.channelislandsharbor.org/event/2025-channel-islands-harbor-parade-of-frights/

Haunted Housing Run 5K - Ventura
Oct 26 | 8:30-11:30am

https://www.hauntedhousingrun.com/

Halloween Carnival - Oak Park
Oct 31 | 3-6pm

https://rsrpd.org/recreation/events/fall_(september_-_november)/op_halloween.php

Halloween in the Park - Camarillo
Oct 31 | 5:30-8pm

www.pvrpd.org/2025-10-31-halloween-in-the-park

Haunted High Street Event - Moorpark
Oct 31 | 4-7pm

https://www.moorparkca.gov/765/Haunted-High-Street

Spooky Attractions for Thrill Seekers

While family-friendly events dominate the Halloween landscape, Ventura County also caters to those seeking more intense Halloween experiences. The Reign of Terror Haunted House, now entering its 26th annual season, opened on Friday, September 26th at Janss Marketplace and stands out as one of the top-ranked immersive haunt attractions in the United States.

Reign of Terror Haunted House is the largest, indoor walk-through haunted house attraction in Southern California, featuring more than 135 custom rooms in 10 different, inter-connected haunt themed sections. What makes this attraction truly exceptional is its scale and attention to detail - covering 28,000 sq feet indoors under one roof with all 10 theme attractions connected so as you exit one attraction, you immediately enter the next.

This professional haunted house experience offers something for different comfort levels, including a "lights on" experience for patrons who are scared of the dark, making it accessible to those who want the thrill without complete darkness. The attraction has been continuously operating since 1999 and takes roughly 25-30 minutes to walk through all interconnected rooms, providing substantial entertainment value for thrill-seekers.

Located conveniently at Janss Marketplace in Thousand Oaks, Reign of Terror provides professionally designed scares with elaborate sets, talented actors, and carefully crafted atmospheres that transport visitors into horror movie scenarios. It's perfect for teenagers and adults who have outgrown gentler Halloween activities and crave something that'll test their nerves while supporting a local, long-running Halloween tradition.

Planning Your Halloween Adventure

With so many local Halloween options available, planning becomes key to maximizing your seasonal fun. Consider creating a Halloween itinerary that combines different types of activities: enjoy an afternoon community festival and cap off the evening with age-appropriate spooky entertainment.

The variety of local Halloween activities means you don't need to travel far or spend heavily to create memorable Halloween experiences. From free community events to reasonably priced entertainment venues, Ventura County offers Halloween fun that fits every budget and preference.

Ventura County's Halloween offerings prove that the best seasonal fun often happens close to home. From the community spirit of neighborhood Halloween events to educational zoo experiences, our local Halloween scene provides rich, varied experiences that create lasting memories without requiring long drives or expensive tickets.

Whether you're seeking gentle family fun, educational opportunities, community connection, or heart-pounding scares, Ventura County delivers Halloween experiences that capture the season's magic. The combination of beautiful October weather, diverse activities, and strong community involvement makes our local Halloween celebrations something truly special.

This Halloween season, skip the crowded distant attractions and discover the spook-tacular fun waiting in your own backyard. With so many excellent local options, your perfect Halloween adventure is probably closer than you think.