Halloween In Los Angeles: A MapQuest Guide

From zombie parades and costume contests to haunted houses and hayrides (to haunted anything!), the Halloween season casts its spell and awakens our inner ghouls and goblins. As part of FrightQuest -- a MapQuest series on spooky destinations and activities -- here are three options to celebrate Halloween in Los Angeles that are sure to be a scream.
— Wendy Gould

Los Angeles Haunted Hayride

Would you expect anything less than cinematically terrifying from the horror-movie capital of the world? Every year, the Los Angeles Haunted Hayride chooses a theme for its haunted hayride. This year, scare seekers can explore "Through the Eyes of a Child," the fictional story of the Clifton twins, two young girls who suffered from violent, uncontrollable nightmares. Other attractions include the on-foot "In Between Maze" and the Human Menagerie sideshow featuring black magic, psychics, demonic stilt walkers and food servers who look like the food they are serving. Children under 10 are discouraged from coming.

4730 Crystal Springs Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90027 | Get Directions

West Hollywood Halloween Carnival

Perfect for Halloween lovers who aren't easily offended, the West Hollywood Halloween Costume "Carnival" is the ultimate block party for teens and adults. Every year, the carnival shuts down Santa Monica Blvd. for an evening and invites everyone to come dressed in costume for a chance at a $1,000 grand prize. Noteworthy activities at the West Hollywood Halloween Costume "Carnival" -- which boasts the title for largest Halloween street party in the world -- include live entertainment, food vendors and a pumpkin-carving contest.

Santa Monica Boulevard and Doheny Dr., West Hollywood, CA 90069 | Get Directions

Boo At the Zoo In Griffith Park

Children and grown-ups alike will appreciate the Los Angeles Zoo's spooky makeover this Halloween. The zoo grounds are transformed into Halloween-themed areas where guests can trick-or-treat, watch performances, carve pumpkins, do crafts and check out the animals. This annual Halloween event is more fun than it is scary, making it appropriate for the little ones.

5333 Zoo Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90027 | Get Directions

Footage from the 2010 Los Angeles Haunted Hayride at Griffith Park.

Did we miss a Halloween event in Los Angeles? Tell us about it in the comments section below.

Want other great Halloween-season ideas? Check out FrightQuest and our coverage in California, San Francisco and Arizona.

FrightQuest Special: Los Angelino Tom Kenny -- yes, the voice of Spongebob -- gives his take on Halloween, the holiday in which little kids ring his doorbell...dressed as him.