Halloween season: A guide to spooky and scary haunted houses, trails and mazes in San Diego County

‘Tis the season for spooky and spine-tingling times as haunted trails, houses and mazes are popping up in San Diego County.

As the sun sets, zombies, ghosts, goblins and environmental horrors creep into the night to entertain and educate. Here’s a list of various local haunted attractions to celebrate Halloween in 2025.

Fright for Future: The horrors can impact humans, animals and Earth are on full display at Fright for Future. This interactive haunted maze is designed to educate visitors about the dangers of pollution, animal abuse and climate change through 20 interactive activations. Some of these attractions in the maze include a biohazard unit, a butcher shop, a poacher camp and a witch’s cauldron. New this year are four attractions: tech-known terrors, the harm of processed foods, the influence of big tobacco and pain caused by pharmaceutical companies. This haunted maze is intended for those 10 years and older. It is free for students with a school identification. Oct. 17-19, 24-26. 37ECB, 3720 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego. $10. frightforfuture.org

Haunted Amusement Park: A one-mile haunted trail with a spinning vortex tunnel, a haunted manor, a graveyard, a zombie land and a spider’s cave are all part of the Haunted Amusement Park. This Halloween attraction is built as a trail meant to scare visitors as they move through 1960s carnival rides such as a roller coaster, bumper cars and a Ferris wheel. The Haunted Amusement Park is on the old grounds of Marshal Scotty’s Playland in the East County. Sept. 26-28. Oct. 3-5, 10-12, 17-19, 23-26, 30-31. Nov. 1. 14011 Ridge Hill Road, El Cajon. $25-$30. scaretrail.com

Haunted Corn Maze: The Carlsbad Strawberry Company is once the site of a haunted corn maze this fall. The Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation is also part of this Haunted Corn Maze, which turns the strawberry fields into a terrifying labyrinth. The Haunted Corn Maze is recommended for teenagers and adults. Also, 50% of the proceeds from the corn maze go to the foundation, according to the Carlsbad Strawberry Company. 7 to 10 p.m. Every Friday and Saturday from Oct. 3 to Nov. 1. 1050 Cannon Road, Carlsbad. $40-$60. aguahedionda.org/haunted-corn-maze

The Haunted Forest: Maneuver through ghosts and graveyards at The Haunted Forest in Banner Ranch. This half-mile outdoor Halloween trek has gory content, strobe lights and spooky sounds. The public can also spend the night at The Haunted Forest, which has tiny houses, covered wagons and camping sites. Food, cider and beer will be available for purchase. Event organizers encourage guests to wear costumes. Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from Sept. 26 to Nov. 1. 36342 California 78, Julian. $13-$15. eventbrite.com/e/the-haunted-forest 

Haunted Trail: One of San Diego’s largest Halloween experiences is at Balboa Park. The Haunted Trail at Balboa Park gives visitors two different experiences. The eXperiment Maze presents 3,500 square feet of twists and turns through various spooky encounters with childhood fairy tales remixed in Halloween-themed costumes such as “Goldilocks and the Three Bears.” The Haunted Trail takes visitors outdoors through a path with dense fog and several haunting installations with zombies, a ghoul bus, a graveyard filled with ghosts, chainsaw maniacs and more. Sept. 26 through Nov. 1. Balboa Drive and Juniper Road, San Diego. $34.99-$49.99. hauntedtrail.net

SeaWorld Howl-O-Scream: Back for the fifth time is SeaWorld’s Howl-O-Scream. This Halloween activation modifies the theme park into a haunted playground with eight scare zones. Guests can expect to see spooky creatures, a graveyard, a carnival of chaos and five haunted houses. There will also be music and live entertainment stages, themed bars and speakeasies. Plus, certain amusement park rides will be open. Select nights now through Nov. 1. $44.99-$144.99. seaworld.com/san-diego/events/howl-o-scream