One of my favorite SeaWorld celebrations, our Halloween Spooktacular, is back, and this year it’s bigger, better and sweeter! You and the whole family can enjoy this kid-friendly event every Saturday and Sunday from 11a.m. to 6 p.m., weekends through Oct. 27.
There’s so much fun to be had. There’s free candy at 10 sea-themed trick-or-treat stations, special Halloween-themed shows, special costume characters, pumpkin and cookie decorating stations, and, oh, don’t forget about the FREE CANDY!
Here are some helpful T.O.T.T. (Trick-or-Treat Tips) for you to enjoy your spooky undersea adventure!
1. Know Before You Go
I always like to have a general idea as to what my day will look like when I am taking a trip. This includes what time I will arrive and leave, what the weather may be like, and if there is anything special that I want to do that will need reservations. Remember, the Internet is your friend and you can find all of the basic information you will need on our home page.
2. Dress to Impress, Not Distress
Keep in mind that this is a kid-friendly event, versus a “scare-the-pants-off-mom-and-dad” event, when choosing a costume. Also keep in mind that this is sunny San Diego, so you may want to make sure that you and your little ones will be comfortable as you travel from one treat station to another. More often than not, the little ones in full costumes take their impressive gear off about an hour or two into their trick-or-treating fun on a warm day.
Homemade costumes are usually some of the best ones that I see. Some of the more memorable ones are: Shamu trainer, the Rainbow Fish (from Marcus Pfister’s children’s book) and Shark Week (the group had shark-like sweaters with a letter representing each day of the week). Of course, you are more than welcome to come as yourself, or your “evil twin”!
3. Grab a Goodie Guide (Park Map)
Pretty self-explanatory: the map tells you where everything is located, including the candy stations! Just as important is what you will find on the back of your map: details on rides, exhibits and attractions, unique animal experiences, restaurants and the schedule of shows.
4. Saving (Sand) Dollars
As part San Diego’s “Kidvasion,” one kid age 3 through 9 may receive a free admission to the park with one full-paid adult. The same offer is valid at Dine With Shamu. On top of that, one kid age 10 to 12 and at least 4 feet tall may experience SeaWorld’s Dolphin Interaction Program (DIP) and Beluga Interaction Program for free with one full-paid adult participant.
All-Day Dining Deal: For those who want to eat more than just candy all day, check out the food lover’s dream deal! Pay one price, and be able to visit all of our main restaurants an unlimited number of times for one entrée, one non-alcoholic beverage and one side or dessert.
5. Additional Tasty Tidbits
SeaWorld will offer special activities on these select weekends: On Oct. 5–6 and Oct. 26-27, you can meet some of Animal Connections’ spooky and not-so-spooky animal ambassadors at noon and 2 p.m. each day. On Oct. 12–13, young guests and their families can decorate a special mural made out of Jelly Belly jelly beans!