2012 San Diego County Halloween Event Guide

It's that time of year again to bust out the cobwebs and start carving those pumpkins! Believe it or not, San Diego has a great lineup of events for Halloween-lovers of all ages. I have broken the events down by age group so you can see what may suit your fancy... Check 'em out!

For the youngsters:

• The San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy is undergoing a spooky makeover so that on Saturday, Oct. 20 and Sunday, Oct. 21 children from ages 2-12 will be invited to participate in the annual "Not-So-Scary-Estuary." This event will feature crafts, trick or treating on the "haunted" nature trail and will also offer the youngsters plenty of lessons about the importance of conservancy. For more information click here.

• Legoland is preparing itself for its "Brick-Or-Treat Trail" which will feature treat stations at the park as well as a costume contest, festive entertainment, music, and shows. For more information click here. 

• As it did last year, the city of Encinitas will host a "Safe Trick or Treat" event on Weds, Oct. 31 from 5-8pm. The event will take place on South Coast Highway 101 from Encinitas Boulevard south to K Street, and will feature music, activities, and of course... PLENTY OF CANDY! For more information click here. 

For those who can handle a real scare:

• The Del Mar Fairgrounds has converted itself into the annual "Scream Zone." Open through Oct. 31, the haunted fairgrounds will offer a haunted hayride, plenty of food, and of course, the infamous House of Horror! For more information or to purchase tickets in advance click here. 

• Always personal favorite of mine, visit the San Diego's historic Balboa Park through Oct. 31 and take a not so casual stroll through their annual Haunted Trail. Making it down the mile-long trail is anything but easy, dodging various creatures and entering and exiting terrifying but exhilarating exhibitions. For more information click here. 

• Finally, don't forget about San Diego's longest running haunted house, The Haunted Hotel located downtown in the Gaslamp District. Running through Oct. 31, visitors can come see where the "Hellevator" takes them, and explore Freddy Krueger's workshop, and come face to face with Jason himself. Or meet the night riders on the moving Subway and try to escape the terror of the Texas Chainsaw Massacre. The Haunted Hotel is packed full of spine tingling, heart pounding effects that are so real they will keep you screaming for your life as you try to find your way out. For more information click here.