Spook-tacular Fun in Ventura County: Your 2026 Halloween Guide

Halloween season in Ventura County is its own kind of delightful chaos — family-friendly trick-or-treat trails on one end, a 35,000-square-foot haunted house on the other. Here's this year's real, checked rundown of where to go, whether you're bringing toddlers in costume or looking for a genuine scare.

Community Halloween Events

Trail or Treat — Camarillo Grove Park

When: Saturday, October 17, 2026 · 10am–1pm

Cost: $10 registration

https://www.pvrpd.org/2026-10-17-trail-or-treat 

Costumed kids trick-or-treat along the Camarillo Grove Trail, with nature-themed trivia stations along the way that earn Halloween (and nature-themed) prizes instead of candy. A nice, low-key option for younger kids.

Boo at the Zoo — Moorpark College Teaching Zoo

When: Saturday–Sunday, October 24–25, 2026 · 11am–4:30pm

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

Trick-or-treating, pumpkin bingo, and animal encounters at the college's teaching zoo — one of the more unique family Halloween outings in the county.

Oxnard PD Trunk or Treat

When: Thursday, October 22, 2026 · 5–7pm

Where: 251 South C Street, Oxnard

https://www.oxnard.gov/event/opd-halloween-trunk-or-treat-spooktacular 

A community-safe trunk-or-treat hosted by the Oxnard Police Department.

Parade of Frights — Channel Islands Harbor

When: Saturday, October 24, 2026 · landside activities 3–8pm; boat parade at 7pm

https://www.channelislandsharbor.org/event/channel-islands-harbor-5th-annual-parade-of-frights/

A Halloween boat parade plus landside activities at the harbor — one of the more photogenic Halloween traditions in Ventura County.

Oak Park Halloween Carnival

When: Saturday, October 31, 2026 · 12–3pm

Where: Oak Park Community Center, 4201 Guardian St, Simi Valley, CA 93063

Cost: Ages 2–12: $5 presale / $10 at the door; under 2 free (presale only)

https://www.conejovalleyguide.com/local-events/halloween-carnival-in-oak-park 

Carnival games, face painting, arts and crafts, and plenty of candy, hosted by Rancho Simi Recreation & Park District. Note: strollers and pets aren't permitted inside.

Howl-O-Ween Dog Costume Contest — Ventura Harbor Village

When: Saturday, October 24, 2026 · 12–2pm

https://www.venturaharborvillage.com/event/howl-o-ween-dog-costume-contest-2026/

Ventura Harbor Village's dog costume contest is a local favorite most years, with prizes for every entrant plus grand prizes for the best dressed. Worth checking venturaharborvillage.com closer to the date to confirm this year's schedule.

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Spooky Attractions for Thrill-Seekers

Reign of Terror Haunted House — Thousand Oaks

When: September 25 – November 1, 2026 · 18 nights, most 7–11pm (opening night runs 7–10pm)

Where: Janss Marketplace, 285 N. Moorpark Road, Thousand Oaks

Widely considered one of the top-ranked immersive haunts in the country, Reign of Terror packs 145 rooms and 12 interconnected attractions into more than 35,000 square feet. It's not for the faint of heart — but it does offer two ways to experience it that aren't a straight scare marathon:

Lights ON (accessible daytime version): Saturday, October 17 · 12–3pm · $15 at the door only. Full lighting and effects, no darkness — a good option for younger fans or anyone who wants to see the sets without the jump scares.

Lights OUT (for the brave): Sunday, November 1 · the entire haunt in total darkness, lit only by one glow stick per group.

Planning Your Halloween Adventure

With this much happening across the county in a three-week span, the easiest way to enjoy it without burning out is to pick one daytime, family-friendly event and one nighttime, thrill-focused one, rather than trying to hit everything. Local events like Trail or Treat, Boo at the Zoo, and the Oak Park Carnival are inexpensive (or free) and close to home, while Reign of Terror is worth setting aside as its own night out.

Halloween has a way of making you notice your own street a little more — who's decorating, who's handing out the good candy, which block draws a crowd.