Welcome to Restored Pathways Family Counseling Collective, where our commitment is to serve not only the mental and emotional needs of our clients but to go the extra mile in supporting families through various challenges. We understand that as parents, your needs extend far beyond the realm of counseling. For those of you with children facing behavioral issues, sensory disorders, or who are neurodivergent, special events and activities can sometimes turn into overwhelming and stressful experiences for both caregivers, the child with special needs, and even their siblings.
As the Halloween season approaches, you might have noticed an increase in spooky decorations adorning houses in your neighborhood. Some of these decorations are incredibly impressive, realistic, and even a bit on the eerie side. However, through the innocent eyes of a child, they can transform into something utterly terrifying! While many of us have fond memories of dressing up and trick-or-treating with friends in our safe neighborhoods, we recognize that not every family has that same opportunity.
That’s why, in the spirit of the season, we’ve gone the extra mile to research and compile a list of family-friendly Halloween events in the Orange County community. These events are designed to cater to families with young children, teens, and those with special needs, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the Halloween festivities without the overwhelming spookiness. So, if you’re looking for a safe and fun way to celebrate Halloween with your family, look no further. Here are some wonderful events hosted by different cities and churches, specially crafted with your family’s needs in mind:
- Treats in the Street – October 26th, 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Location: 1 Plaza Square, Orange, California 92866. Why attend? It’s an outdoor delight with charming decor in Old Town Orange, perfect for family fun. Bring your friends and proudly showcase your kids’ costumes. To skip the trick-or-treat lines, aim to arrive early. And don’t worry if your little ones aren’t fans of waiting – there are plenty of booths and activities to keep them entertained and plenty of space to help little ones decompress! 🎃👻🧡
- Trunk or Treat at IKEA – October 28th, 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Location: 1475 S Coast Dr, Costa Mesa, CA 92626. While this event isn’t tailored specifically for kids with special needs, Trunk or Treats offer flexibility at your own pace. Imagine creatively decorated cars handing out candy, fantastic activities for all ages, and designated zones for each experience, like the Food Zone, Dance Zone, and Haunt Zone (avoidable if necessary). Plus, enjoy delicious eats from Mezzo Calzone and tasty treats from Tikiz. 🎃🚗🎉
- Pretend City Spooky Spectacular – October 29th, Time, Location: Pretend City 29 Hubble, Irvine, CA 92618 Pretend City, where the fun never ends! Perfect for kids who love to play pretend. Join them for a special event, featuring a captivating reading of “Room on the Broom” by Julia Donaldson, led by Jukie Davie at 11:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. After story time, get ready for a spooktacular Witches Brew Science Experiment. Don’t forget to trick-or-treat at various stations throughout the City with your eager kiddo. And remember, they’ve got a fantastic neurodivergent family event on October 26th (currently sold out, but give them a call just in case a spot opens up). Join us for some spooky fun!🧙♀️📚🎃
- Light the Night Fall Festival – October 31st, 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Location: 1010 N. Tustin Ave, Santa Ana, CA 92705, Calvary Church of Santa Ana is throwing a big 10-acre party for the whole family with fun attractions, game booths, tons (literally a TON) of candy, delicious food trucks, live entertainment and more! There will also be a special carnival area just for preschoolers and kindergartners. And, they even have a Trackless Train that will be giving out rides on campus all night.
We hope these recommendations help your family have a memorable and enjoyable Halloween season, free from the unnecessary spookiness that might otherwise cause stress and discomfort. After all, every child deserves to experience the joy and magic of Halloween in their own unique way. Rest assured that we’re here to support you and your family every step of the way, not just in our counseling offices, but in every aspect of your life. Happy Halloween!
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