I don’t know whether to be happy, excited or sad. The last weekend of October is here! Halloween is just a few days away and then it is all over. There are so many choices for families to celebrate their love of the season. While it was difficult, I have narrowed it down to a sampling of highlights that I have found.

Haunted laguna trails runs this weekend. Make your way thru the mazes of the carnival with evil spirits at every turn. This event is not recommended for young children and there are no refunds so think twice before bringing your 5 year old. On October 28th, catch a “behind the scenes” tour and find out what makes this maze so terrifying.

The Orange Home Grown Farmers and Artisans Market celebrate Halloween with trick-or treating at the info booth! You’re sure to find several ingredients for your Halloween party menu at the market.  Come in your costumes and some of the vendors might have treats. Have you already carved your pumpkin masterpiece? Well, bring it down and enter it in the Jack-O-Lantern contest. Your pumpkin might fetch you a tote filled with market goodies and a $25 gift certificate that you can spend at the Potting Shed. More info click here.

The city of Los Alamitos hosts a Trunk or Treat on Saturday October 28th from 5pm-7:30pm. There will be a costume contest and new this year, a “family division” has been added. Mommy Fearist loves family costumes, I’m sure the winner will be spook-tacular!

Buster Balloon is up and down So Cal this weekend! On Friday October 27th you can find him in Calimesa at the library. Saturday October 28th at 11am the Manhattan Beach Library will be filled with laughter and balloon magic courtesy of Buster Balloon. Wrapping up the weekend the Buster Balloon Spook-tacular will be at the Rancho Mirage Public Library. Check out his tour dates and more information here

This is the last weekend to experience Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Garden’s “Boo at the Zoo.” You’ll find thrills and chills as you make your way through various photo ops, special animal presentations, puppet shows, a nocturnal adventure maze and pumpkin carving. Dare to experience the L.A.I.R. It’s crawling with creepy things. Good luck and let Mommy Fearist know how you like it!

This weekend, Stan Lee’s Los Angeles Comic Con takes over the LA convention center. While not specifically a “Halloween” event, the Fearist family loves a good con. As always, there will be astounding cosplay surrounded by all of your favorite geeky vendors. With plenty of panels, special guests and photo ops there is something for everyone at the con. For tickets and more info click here

Mommy Fearist would never think of leaving out our loyal, loveable furkids! This Saturday dress your dog, cat, bunny, lizard or ferret up for an exclusive photo op and a treat! Check Petsmart’s facebook page for more details and to find a store near you. Pets love Halloween too!

The Orange County Zoo located in the Irvine Regional Park is ready for some fall fun! Sure they have trick-or-treating, crafts and a scavenger hunt but the real draw is watching the zoo’s animals chow down on pumpkins! While your mother told you to never play with your food, no one is telling that to a bear. The first 100 kids in costume will get a free surprise! Check out more information here

Nothing screams Halloween like ghost stories. Ghost Walk Riverside has five different tours to choose from. Whether the you prefer your ghosts rated “G” or a more spine tingling “PG-13,” there is something spooky enough for everyone. Click for tickets and details