Halloween Time at Descanso Gardens

This fall, if you’re looking for a Halloween experience that's less about frights and more about the joy of the season, then Descanso Gardens has the perfect activity for you. Throughout the month of October, the Gardens will celebrate Halloween at Descanso, a pumpkin-filled extravaganza that invites guests to safely wind their way through socially-distanced pumpkin-themed displays in the most popular sections of Descanso Gardens. 

The boys, my mom and I absolutely loved spending the afternoon enjoying the slightly cooler California Fall weather at Descanso Gardens. Mom and I strolled and took in all the sights, while the boys ran around exploring, playing, stick fighting, following train tracks and watching the turtles at all of the various ponds.

We explored a twisting hay maze, played at the Garden's Pumpkin House, followed the path to the Camellia Forest and pleased our eyeballs at Oak Grove where a mandala of pumpkins, like sunbursts coming from the trunks of the trees in orange, white and green, swirled across the landscape.

Continuing along, the pathways to the Hilltop Gardens, the Japanese Garden and the main Promenade are decorated with hand-carved wooden jack-o'-lantern boxes, providing guests with surprises and delights at every turn. See video here.

“This has been a wild year,” said Juliann Rooke, Executive director, Descanso Gardens, “so we wanted to provide a fall experience that would not only celebrate the season but provide families with a way to enjoy Halloween safely and outside, in nature. We’re excited to be able to present ‘Halloween at Descanso’—a unique way to savor one of our favorite holidays in a comfortable, relaxing atmosphere without fear of crowds.”

Frankly, I'm so thankful for non-spooky Halloween fun for the kids. We truly all had a beautiful day and a great time enjoying the season.

All that time outdoors, running, playing, exploring and taking in the sights got our tummies rumbling. So we had a lovely lunch at The Kitchen.

All meals are prepackaged, so that minimal ands handle guest's food.

Of course, seating for The Kitchen at Descanso is set in a lovely garden, which made for the perfect end to our day.

I lied! No day at Descanso Gardens is complete without a visit to the gift shop! Grandma let the boys pick a toy each and THAT, folks, completed our Descanso Garden visit. See video here.

Children 14 and under are invited to wear their costumes – and masks – as they explore and enjoy autumn in the Gardens. The Kitchen at Descanso will have a variety of warm, fall-inspired drinks and soups available, along with such seasonal favorites as caramel corn and churros.  Hours will be 9am-5pm daily, with ticket prices of $4-$15.  Advance ticketing is required and can be purchased at descansogardens.org.  During Halloween week - Monday October 17 to Saturday, October 31 - the Gardens will offer extended hours from 5pm-8pm and small treat bags for kids.  On Halloween night, Saturday, October 31, extended hours will be reserved for Family Plus members.

About Descanso Gardens Founded as a public garden in 1953, Descanso Gardens is located at 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011. Descanso Gardens is open daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Admission is $15 for adults; $11 for seniors and students with a school I.D.; $5 for children 5 to 12, and free for children under 5. Descanso Gardens is a member-supported garden accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. Join Descanso Gardens and enjoy free admission and early entry year-round. Information: (818) 949-4200 or descansogardens.org.