Haunted South Orange County: Where Are The Haunts In Your Area?

SAN CLEMENTE, CA — Events like Knott's Scary Farm in Buena Park have become a staple event for the whole of Orange County. Monsters, killer clowns, ghouls from the Roaring 20's and scares around every corner fill the theme park after dark through Halloween, but if you're looking for something a little less immersive — or just a little more local, we at Patch have compiled a list of Halloween events taking place across south Orange County.

Spooky San Clemente, San Clemente

The City of San Clemente wants you to visit the city's community center Saturday for an evening of carnival games, tricks (and treats), magic shows and pumpkin patches — among so many other things.

To top the night off, the city will be hosting a free showing of "The Addams Family" on the lawn outside the community center.

The fun doesn't stop there — the San Clemente Downtown Business Association and local shops plan to open for "Treat Street" down Avenida Del Mar. Participating stores have a purple balloon outside their shop, so families are encouraged to be ready with open bags to be filled with free candy and other treats.

For more information on pre-sale wristbands, you can visit the City of San Clemente's website.

Haunted Trails, San Juan Capistrano

This event in San Juan Capistrano is a winner for lovers of history and the paranormal. The Haunted Trails in San Juan Capistrano is back and runs through Saturday.

The tour will go through old San Juan Capistrano as guests are guided through the Los Rios District and Camino Capistrano. The tour will reach its conclusion at Mission San Juan Capistrano. Guests can expect to hear tales of headless spirits, bandits and some dark history about the old city and the mission itself.

More information can be found on Haunted OC's website.

Halloween Family Festival, Rancho Santa Margarita

This event takes place on Halloween day, and is suitable for families with kids of all ages — especially if the trick-or-treat game in your neighborhood isn't up to par. The City of Rancho Santa Margarita invites you to its Halloween Family Festival at Central Park. Children can play in bounce houses and inflatables and join in the child and pet costume parade.

There will also be a festive photo booth, and no registration is required.

Haunt of Halloween, Mission Viejo

Visit The Kaleidoscope at Mission Viejo, and prepare to be scared — thrill-seekers are encouraged to head over and join the fun.

The event runs throughout the Halloween season and tickets must be purchased in advance. There are five total attractions included with ticket purchases, including a "Face Your Fears" sensory attraction, a Halloween-themed photo opportunity, a reptile exhibit courtesy of Southern California Herpetology Association & Rescue, an up close horror pop-up and creepy shows on a half-hour basis.

For the younger thrill-seekers, Haunt of Halloween offers a not-so-scary maze on select days. The seasonal event takes place at Kaleidoscope, 27741 Crown Valley Pkwy. More information about tickets and times can be found on Haunt of Halloween's website.

The Halloween Spooktacular & Trunk or Treat, Dana Point

You'll want to make a day out of this one. The Halloween Spooktacular & Trunk or Treat combines two great events into one day. On Saturday at the Dana Point Community Center, families can experience a haunted house maze, games and cookie decorating along with a hauntingly good costume parade and treats for young ones. The Trunk or Treat will be held in the parking lot of the community center as Dana Point Police Services introduces the community to the Blood Hounds, Bomb Squad, K-9 Unit, Mounted Patrol and more.

At 6:30 p.m., showtime begins. A Halloween movie will be held at the ball field near the community center, and free hot chocolate and snacks will be passed out to attendees.

For more information you can visit the City of Dana Point's website.

Did we miss some of your favorite local Halloween events? Let us know!