Illustration of a fall festival scene (Halloween at the Boardwalk)
Family-Friendly Fall Activities

Halloween at the Boardwalk

Celebrate Halloween at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk with a day of festive fun. Kids can enjoy trick-or-treating from 11 am to 8 pm, collecting candy in a special Boardwalk bag and receiving a MyBoardwalk Card for games. Dare to enter the 'Fright Walk' for a spooky adventure, and don't miss the chance to enter the costume contest for exciting prizes.

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What to Expect

Boardwalk trick-or-treating and Fright Walk attraction

Event Details

Duration

11am - 8pm

Ages

All ages

Neighborhood

Beachfront

Timed Entry

No

Organizer

Santa Cruz Seaside Company

Food & Drink

Participating food and shopping locations on the Boardwalk

Get Tickets

Local Insight & Ratings

Scare Factor

👻 👻 👻 👻 👻 (3/5)

Family Friendly

👶 👶 👶 👶 👶 (5/5)

Best For

Families, kids, teens

Vibe

Festive, spooky, classic amusement park

Energy Level

Medium

Budget

$

Photo Friendly

High

Weather Sensitivity

Medium

Know Before You Go

  • Tickets: $ – Get tickets
  • Parking: The Boardwalk operates two main parking lots adjacent to the park. Off-site parking with Boardwalk shuttle service is available on busiest weekends at the County Government Building, 701 Ocean Street. Metered street parking is also available. Check rates and shuttle operation at beachboardwalk.com/directions/
  • Accessibility: https://beachboardwalk.com/accessibility/
  • Pets: No pets allowed (service animals welcome)

Tips & Advice

  • Pre-purchase your trick-or-treat package online to ensure availability, as day-of sales may be limited due to candy supply.
  • Visit the Main Entrance photo op banner to submit your costume contest entry between 11 am and 8 pm on October 31st.
  • Consider arriving early, especially if you plan to participate in trick-or-treating or the costume contest, as crowds may increase throughout the day.
  • The 'Fright Walk' is a walk-through attraction; be prepared for a potentially spooky experience.
  • MyBoardwalk Cards can be used for games and attractions, and they do not expire, making them a great souvenir for future visits.

Special Events & Promotions

  • Trick-or-Treat Package includes candy bag and $10 MyBoardwalk Card
  • Costume contest with prizes for multiple age categories and a grand prize
  • Fright Walk attraction

Quick Actions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the Trick-or-Treat Package?

The $12 Trick-or-Treat Package includes a collectible Boardwalk candy bag to fill with treats from participating locations and a $10 MyBoardwalk Card for games.

How does the costume contest work?

Take a photo at the Main Entrance photo op banner between 11 am and 8 pm on October 31st and submit it via the provided link to enter the contest.

Are there age restrictions for the event?

The event is suitable for all ages, with specific prize categories for the costume contest ranging from 0-5 years up to 16+ and group costumes.

Can I purchase the trick-or-treat package on the day of the event?

Yes, purchases can be made at the Main Ticket Booth on October 31st, but day-of sales may be limited due to candy availability.

What are the operating hours for Halloween?

The Boardwalk is scheduled to be open from 11 am to 8 pm on Halloween.

Tags

trick or treatcostume contestfamily friendlyhalloween festivalcommunity eventcarnivalhaunted attraction

More Halloween Events Near Santa Cruz

Always check the official website for the most current information.

We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly.

Contributors & Updates

Last Updated: Sep 3, 2026
Original Submitter: Sep 17, 2025 The Halloween Events Near Me editorial team