California Haunted Houses and Halloween Happiness

Discover ghosts, goblins and Halloween costumes along with ghoulishly fun frights at California haunted houses, theme parks and other Halloween venues. Since the fright industry has grown so quickly, both mild and terrifying fun are available throughout the fall.

We’ve found some great events (many of them free) in San Francisco, Santa Clara, Vallejo, Anaheim, Buena Park, Los Angeles, Long Beach and Hollywood. They’re categorized based on “freak out” level. The younger kids will probably enjoy our lowest freak out factor while more ambitious teens will probably go for the highest fear features!

Chucky is one  of the stars of Universal Hollywood's Halloween Horror Nights, the wildest of California haunted houses. Photo c.Universal Studios.

San Francisco & Bay Area Halloween Freak Out Fun for Teens

San Francisco can be terrifying! Teens especially should appreciate the special evening cruise tours of Alcatraz Tuesday to Saturday nights. They leave from Pier 33 and cost more than daylight tours. Plus, it’s guaranteed to be cold and windy. Just imagine how you’d feel if the boat pulled away and left you visiting this legendary prison after dark. If you are interested in day light tours, they offer a Family Ticket Special for two adults and two children ages 5-11 that’s worthwhile. Alcatraz is one of those bucket list items that won’t disappoint.

Need a discount California hotel?

Every weekend from late September through October, California theme parks drag out the cobwebs and ketchup to create truly terrifying Halloween environments. For example, at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo, Kids Boo Fest is back. Hundreds of zombies and costumed little ones roam the park by day, but they’re kid-friendly. The scariest score here is that season ticket and day pass holders get to enter the mayhem for free.

Fright Fest, recommended for ages 13+ is also back. These special haunts include four haunted houses, five scare zones and night-lit thrill rides. It’s all just for fun, but if you’re afraid of bugs, ghosts or zombies (real or fake), don’t go! Grownups also have Oktoberfest select dates Sept. 14 – Nov. 3 so they can recover with a wurst and a craft beer.

Great Adventure Style Low Freakout California Haunted Houses

Snoopy and family
Family in costume greets Snoopy at Knott’s Berry Farm’s Spooky Farm Halloween event. Photo c. VisitBuenaPark.com

If you’re closer to Santa Clara, select nights between late September and Oct. 26, California’s Great America theme park launches a PG-rated Tricks and Treats. The park is elaborately decorated with gentle themed scare zones and cobwebs in the Tricks zone. The Land of Treats includes two uniquely festive areas: Everfall and Sweet Tooth Acres. Pumpkins have their own special section throughout the park and there are a few live stage shows.

All ages will appreciate that the park’s collection of thrill rides is open. Wait until dusk for Gold Striker, one of the coolest wooden coasters on the planet. It sounds like rattling skeleton bones each Halloween.

Peculiar Family Freak Out: Haunted Winchester House in San Jose

Winchester Mystery House
Free Trick-or-Treating at the Winchester Mystery House at Halloween.

For a century, the castle-like Winchester Mystery House on a quiet residential street in San Jose has mystified neighbors and thrilled fans of eccentric ‘folly’ homes. Built by Sarah Lockwood Pardee Winchester, heiress to the rifle-maker fortune, the Victorian mansion really shines over Halloween. Seek out Ms. Winchester’s bizarre construction elements such as staircases that lead nowhere, doors that open to walls, and windows that look into other rooms. The seasonal, weekends-only “Unhinged Hotel” is immersively horrible; beware before you buy. Winchester Mystery House, best seen with school age and older kids, is fascinating any time of year.

SLO Frights and Haunts in San Luis Obispo

Yes! Go zombie hunting and axe throwing at Gladiator Paintball Park this year. The popular astroturf Paintball space undergoes some wild transformation during October. Hunt for gruesome zombies, practice your Paintball skills or for a softer version, check out the much gentler GellyBall. If you haven’t slain enough zombies, try your swing at one of four outdoor axe throwing lanes.

Not your speed? Let the teens join in on the mayhem while you try some wine tasting at local vineyards.

Welcome Back Freaky Queen Mary, Hello to Gentle Long Beach Aquarium

Shipwreck fans can once again board the classic Queen Mary ship museum for a night of frightful fun on The Queen Mary in Long Beach harbor. Prior to becoming a museum, she served many years ferrying military to the Pacific during WW2 in addition to all her glamorous trans-Atlantic cruises. Imagine the haunted stateroom tales to tell. The amazingly elegant ship is a true California haunted house at sea. Every fall, on select nights from late September to early November, The Queen Mary transforms the ship and the harbor into the Dark Harbor: a huge halloween festival with highlights such as mazes, monsters, haunted attractions, carnival rides, spooky treats, and live entertainment.

Families with brave souls under 12-years should check out Scarium Family Night at the nearby Long Beach at Aquarium of the Pacific. This Halloween themed deep sea haunt takes place on mid-October weekend. For more than two decades, families have enjoyed a children’s costume contest, creepy coloring contest, a vampire magician, underwater pumpkin carving, and .

Halloween ghouls
Trick or Treat Maze at Knott’s Berry Farm’s Scary Farm Halloween event. Photo c. VisitBuenaPark.com

Extreme Low to Xtreme High (Maybe Explosive) Freak Outs at Knott’s Berry Farm, Buena Park

The “Knott’s Spooky Farm” for ages 3-11 at Knott’s Berry Farm features adorable Camp Snoopy’s Spooktivities. Little ones love the trick-or-treating, cookie decorating, pumpkin decorating and the Calico Carnival Costume Cavalcade. There’s even original seasonal shows at the Camp Snoopy Theatre and some events require a separate ticket. Trust us; if you’re only 36″ tall, you’re going to get a little kick out of this.

Then there’s Knott’s Scary Farm designed to terrify any age group with Southern California’s largest event. Expect twisted mazes, scare zones, thrilling rides and shows packed with hundreds of costumed and active participants, often members of the living dead. The special Halloween Haunt ticketed event for ages 13+ is open select nights between late-September and early November. Even the rollercoasters and thrill rides increase their scare factor.

Gentle Freak Out at Disneyland in Anaheim

Mickey and Minnie Mouse celebrate Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort.
Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort will bring frightfully fun experiences to guests from Sep. 3 through Oct. 31, 2021; photo c. Disneyland Resort.

Of course, Disney’s two-park kingdom in Anaheim transforms with seasonal overlays on rides and attractions. Disney does Halloween-themed décor right and to the max. Plus, guests encounter friendly Disney characters as well as dastardly Disney villains in their Halloween finery.

The Disneyland Resort rocks with magically made-over attractions, shows and rides included in admission. Watch for special themed events along Main Street and elsewhere in the parks. Book ahead, however, for the separate-ticket events, such as the two-hour Disney’s Happiest Haunts Guided Tour. Most programming occurs select nights between late August and October 31. So you know, count on wearing Halloween costumes to enjoy special attractions like the immersive Villains Grove, food and beverages, treat trails and character sightings – plus the “Mickey’s Trick and Treat” show and “Frightfully Fun Parade.”  

Cars Land for Low Freakout Fun & a California Haunted House

At Disney California Adventure Park, Cars Land’s set transforms into Radiator Screams during the same season. As part of their Haul-O-Ween celebration, local residents decorate their establishments and don their favorite “car-stumes.” Our favorite Guardians of the Galaxy becomes Guardians of the Galaxy – Monsters After Dark to thrill older family members.

At Haunted Mansion Holiday, Jack Skellington and his friends from Tim Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas” take over the classic ride.

Additionally, Plaza de la Familia at Disney California Adventure Park honors Dia de los Muertos in September and on the celebration days of Oct. 31, Nov. 1 and Nov. 2 with Mexican cuisine and entertainment from Disney and Pixar’s Academy Award-winning “Coco.” Check out the special Hispanic-inspired treats on sale at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa.

High Freak Out Factor: Universal’s Halloween Horror in Hollywood, LA, California Haunted Houses and More

Character from Dr. Oddfellow's Collection of Horror at Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights.
The artistry in makeup, special effects and costumes seen in Dr. Oddfellow’s Collection of Horror at Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights beats all the competition. Photo c. Universal Studios

You don’t need to have seen Quentin Tarantino’s “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” to know that Hollywood’s always a nightmare. Universal Hollywood hosts a bunch of Halloween Horror Nights from late August to Halloween night. Expect an awesomely high freak out factor, a variety of frightful experiences in eight haunted houses, six mazes, plus four scare zones and live entertainment. Watch out for some of the most infamous characters. They who are on the lookout for unsuspecting visitors.

Make your way through spooky California haunted houses and mazes, inspired by “Evil Dead” and “The Purge.” Catch classic horror icons ranging from Freddy Kruger and Leatherface. Don’t miss the Backlot Tour via Terror Tram; it’s always got hidden frights so watch out on October nights.

Forget the general admission rates and go for the killer deals and discounts promoted on the website. Front-of-the-line passes are also available; rates will make you heart-sick. No kid’s tickets are sold, since Universal doesn’t recommend this event for anyone under 13. Remember: No costumes or masks are allowed; here’s an HHN blog with more gruesome details.

Freaky All Over:  Annual West Hollywood Carnaval

Some Halloween pics. #halloween #halloweencostume #westhollywood #weho #wehohalloween #wehohalloweencarnival #costumes #westhollywoodhalloween

A photo posted by Christopher J. Smith (@sonofsammie) on

Nearly half a million revelers will once again descend on Santa Monica Blvd. between Doheny Drive and La Cienega Blvd. in West Hollywood for this year’s West Hollywood Halloween Carnaval. This legendary WeHo parade returns from 6pm-11pm for the first time since the pandemic began.

Heed the rules! Management recommends you leave pets and young kids at home to better enjoy the parade’s risque costumes to the max. No backpacks, camera bags or totes are allowed at the Halloween Carnaval. For everyone’s safety, please carry items in clear plastic bags. (Or, just carry an ID and credit card with you.) Additionally, plan on rideshares to get there (no parking) and food trucks (businesses close) to keep you sated. Expect a busy night ahead.

Gentler Boos in Los Angeles & San Diego

Meerkats enjoy Halloween season at the Boo at the L.A. Zoo events. Photo c. LAZoo
Meerkats enjoy Halloween season at the Boo at the L.A. Zoo events. Photo c. LAZoo

Look for smaller California haunted houses and more local ways to celebrate this year in Los Angeles and the SoCal region. Boo at the L.A. Zoo at the Los Angeles Zoo is a delight for younger children, especially the extinct animal graveyard. Special events take place every weekend in October.

SeaWorld San Diego hosts five haunted houses and seven scare zones for the annual Howl-O-Scream. It is recommended for adults but don’t be scared. The fun runs from late September to early November. You’ll enjoy imaginative California style haunted houses, roaming haunts, interactive bars, live shows, and more. 

San Diego Zoo presents a family-friendly Halloween celebration, HalGLOWeen this October. Dress up and join their nocturnal animals for a night at the zoo. Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday after 5pm, come for live music, a reptile show, stiltwalkers, bubbles, acrobats, and more. Zookeepers are on hand to facilitate your animal interactions.

Find more Halloween fun at haunted houses for kids and spooky events around the country. 

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6 Replies to “California Haunted Houses and Halloween Happiness”

  • todobigo

    On January 15, 2015, Google announced that it would stop selling the Google Glass product to consumers — who became its “Explorers” — while it makes more improvements to the technology and hardware. Simultaneously, the product will move from its test phase at Google X and become its own department within the giant technology company.

    For complete details, please see this story: Google Glass Sales Halted.

  • alli65

    This is a great summary of emerging family travel trends in 2015. I am very excited to see ecotourism evolving to include the youngest travelers as well as multi-gen travelers.  Very interesting to see uber attempt to dig into the family market. As for all-inclusive hotels, after years of resisiting, I am finally a convert.  My kids have always loved them and now their parents finally see the ease and economy of the pay-one-price concept.  Happy Travels in 2015!

    • todobigo

      great feedback on what we’re seeing for 2015; agree that ecotourism has become so mainstream that it’s time all ages and all abilities (including those with disabilities) are included in nature-focused travel.

      And yes, disruptive technologies like uber and airbnb are usually started by young people and grow by appealing to young travelers, but as we all know, they too will settle down and have kids and then look at new ways to make their services more “family-friendly.”  So that’s an area where we see tremendous growth potential and hope for fresh ideas.

      excited about what’s coming in 2015! Thanks for your comments.

  • Ron

    I’m in, would love to win a stay at the Camelback water park in Pennsylvania. Close to my NJ home and sounds like a fun snowy or rainy day break with my boys. Sign me up!

  • KitBernardi
    Congratulations to the 2014 writing and photography winners! I’m so proud to be part of the Family Travel Forum’s contest administration by helping orchestrate the Society of American Travel Writers’ role for eight years providing scholarship prize money and judges for the Family Travel Forum Teen Travel Writing Scholarship. This contest designed to foster the development of young travel journalists is one of the most rewarding things I’ve done in my travel writing career. There’s so much talent out there, and thanks to Family Travel Forum there’s a global venue for it to be showcased. Write On!  Kit Bernardi
     
  • admin

    After returning from a vacation with her daughter, C.S. shared this review of the Dreams Punta Cana resort in the Dominican Republic.

    “Hi, we did not get sick at Dreams Punta Cana, stuck to bottled water, they were nice there not really attentive at concierge or lobby not knowledgeable and internet not working well, entertainment was okay and food just okay beach nice, tours not organized very well for swim with dolphins and no shopping for malls provided.

    Yes the food was not great at all, hoping for better at gourmet restaurants, they always burnt the steak and not great the food, the world café was fine, buffet.

    Kids club for my 8 year old she was bored, most of the kids were younger and not a lot to do for the 8 to 9 year olds, riviera maya dreams does a better job with kids club and takes them out to the real pool for kid games that is always nice.

    I like Riviera Maya Mexico still a lot better.”

  • aje1084

    “The Singing Tower.” Bok Towers Gardens. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 July 2014.

  • alli65

    The Vera Bradley outlet sale sounds like a midwestern version on Filene’s Running of the Brides!  It sounds like a paisley lovers dream and a fun Mother/Daughter bonding event.  Thanks for sharing!

  • todobigo

    How’s the weather up there now? Would it be warm enough to swim outdoors in late April, or still chilly? Seems like a fun spring break getaway since we only have a few days.  Thanks for sharing.

  • CaseyB

    I love Rocky Mountain National park! It’s great for all Colorado seasons. In the winter, when other parts of the park are closed down, they open up sledding areas. When I went, we shared the hill with just one other small group. A great afternoon for all ages!

  • alli65

    In spite of all the cold weather we  have been experiencing, this story makes me want to head up to Montreal for a frosty weekend of fun.  The Montreal en Lumiere festival sounds like a winner, as does the hotel.  Thank you for the terrific seasonal suggestions!

  • NMT

    Skiing is such a wonderful way to experience Colorado’s beauty! There is such pride in that state and I love that so many resorts really cater to children too. 

    Eldora Mountain Resort wasn’t mentioned on this list, but on Saturday, March 8, they are hosting a scavenger hunt to raise money for Leave No Trace, an organization dedicated to teaching people to take care of the world around them, while also having fun. How awesome is that?! Can’t wait to hear more about it.

  • KitBernardi

         This is an excellent article. Well researched, thoughtful and motivating.  I know as a parent right now considering a family cruise this Spring Break in March, kids drowning will be on my mind even though my son is on a swim team and swims two miles five nights a week for practice.  Drowning can happen to anyone, any time, at any age.  As a former swim instructor and lifeguard myself for many years to earn summr spending money and put myself through college, I know how water is dangerous — whether in a pool, lake, baeach or bathtub.  But we all need reminding and education about what drowning looks like. And that is what you’ve done for me today. Thank you.     

         As a teen life guard, I saved a kid at our local pool who was “just floating.”  It was a crowded pool on a sticky, hot Midwest day.  A swimmer in the middle of the packed giant kids’ pool started yelling at me and pointing to the child “floating.”  I’ll never forget doing mouth-to-mouth, his wide vacant eyes, his limp body, and then him catapulting upwards, spitting, sputtering to life.  I tear up as I write this.  What if he hadn’t lived?  The guilt, the fright, the parents, the park district, the system…who to blame if the child had died?  Would I be blamed for not seeing him inactive sooner? Would the pool be blamed for allowing too many people in?  Would the park district be blamed for booking the swimming event?  Did anything change after this incident?  Yes.  I got fired. And went to work for another pool heading up their swimming lessons program.

         Thank you for writing this and your call to action for everyone to take responsibility for children around water at all hours of the day and night. Your “unthinkable” article has given us all much to think about.

  • KitBernardi

    Would be a fun vacation if you could really save money by doing it too!

  • alli65

    What an adventure, I would love to do embark on a journey like this with my teens.  The flora and fauna seem incredible, the guides professional. Thank you for sharing!

  • FTFstaff

    We’ve heard the Boeing factory tour is really interesting – wondering now if there any exhibits or parts areas that relate to the new Dreamliner. Would love to see one up close, especially being assembled after all the battery snafus.

  • FTFstaff

    Wish we all could have been there, Morocco looks fabulous and during the winter it would be a very productive coder’s retreat.

  • alurafer

    Congratulations to ALL of the students who entered in the FTF Writing Scholarship contest :3 Of course a big "congrats" should be merited to our winners, but  I think every student who entered deserves a pat on the back–hopefully they'll be inspired to continue writing, too! 

  • alli65

    This sounds like a great resort for my all-inlusive loving teen children, who have a " bigger is better" attitude.  I love that it is so close to the Cancun Airport, so you can get right to the fun as soon as you land.

  • admin

    I love the idea that guests at the hotel can "assemble" their own favorite meals from a variety of healthy offerings.  Sounds like a great idea.  If only I had time to cook so many different options every night at home!

  • cricketgirl786

    This looks like a fascinating experience to remember and to go too! I have always wanted to go to Dubai and going there is a vacation never to forget!

  • laurajones135

    One of the best states to come visit!

  • todobigo

    You make me want to go there and spend weeks on end, reconnecting with nature and making friends.  And blobbing too.  Thanks for sharing this.

  • grotel

    Cincinnati, Ohio. Just another city in the Mid-West, right? Wrong. Cincinnati is one of the greatest cities in Ohio. With our stunning river front view, our bustling downtown, and the newly gentrified Over-the-Rhine, what else could we have in store?

    For starters, Cincinnati has the 7th best zoo in the nation.Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens is a great location for exploration and learning. People of all ages can appreciate the wide variety of animals found in the Zoo. Not only are the animals astounding, but guests get the chance for a hands on experience with many of the animals. For example, in Giraffe Ridge, guests can purchase a snack for the Giraffes and then feed them over the balcony. These moments will be remembered and cherished for the rest of a person's life.

    Another great accessory Cincinnati has is the new, urban planned area called "The Banks. The Banks features apartments on the second floor of the buildings and restaurants and music venues on the first floor. This is a great area for younger couples to hang out at night.

    Findlay Market is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon or weekend. Findlay Market is the oldest public market in the state of Ohio. The market is open every day but Monday and is one of the best places to find locally and organically grown foods. Another great feature about Findlay Market is that the area surrounding the market is newly gentrified, meaning that it has been refurbished. This makes the area even more desirable.

    The Newport Aquarium</a>is not located in the city of Cincinnati itself but it is an awesome place for family fun. Newport, Kentucky is only a 10 minute drive from downtown Cincinnati and has other amenities. Other places to visit while in Newport would be Dewey's Pizza, Brothers, Brio, and the Haufbrau House. All these restaurants give a different essence to the name "Cincinnati". Dewey's is a local pizza joint that runs the gamut in available options. Clever names and quick service make for a great time. Brothers and Brio are Italian restaurants that serve authentic Italian cuisine (Brothers is the less expensive option). The Haufbrau House is a German Bier Garten style restaurant that offers a large selection of beers and sandwiches. Along with normal options, the HaufBrau House also provides authentic German food. After you eat, the chicken dance is played, giving patrons the opportunity to dance on the table tops.

    Other Cincinnati food traditions are Goetta and Skyline. When German immigrants came over to America, they settled along the Ohio River, then called the "Rhine". The Germans created a meat similar to sausage called Goetta. Goetta consists of ground pork or beef, oats, and a variety of spices. This specific meat can only be found in Cincinnati and occasionally there are large festivals for Goetta and German heritage. On the other hand Skyline is chili, created by Greek immigrants. The name "Skyline" originates from the owner believing that the Cincinnati skyline was the most beautiful he had ever seen. Skyline chili has a unique flavor due to the large amount of chocolate used in the chili. 

  • tyun

    Come one come all! Memphis is the breeding grounds to fun and adventure!

  • Edmisson

    I truly love my City of Houston. Though I don't know where my education will take me, Houston will always be my home. 

  • dbruce2013

    Austin is a great place to live, love, and visit.  It has wonderful sites, people, and things to do. Everybody should visit Austin.

  • bleurose101

    Say what you will. An open mind is insightful.

  • alli65

    Thank you for this spot-on mini-review of Greve and Panzano, two of the most scenic and charming towns in Chianti.  Daniel Ferro's summer music program only adds to the area's beauty, with music in the piazza to entertain locals and visitors alike.  The rental property sounds like an excellent choice for families who choose to vacation in and explore the area.  Thanks for sharing!

  • rebornk

     

     Ames, Iowa provides many opportunities to experience American culture and become immersed in American history. Since the mid 1800s, Ames has become a booming college town. Culture has had lots of time to flourish in this time, and evidence of the age of this town can be found everywhere. Tourists coming to Ames can also feel safe and enjoy Ames' attractions without fear of crime. Gun fights in Ames are practically unheard of, and the friendly people never hesitate to wave, even at newcomers to the area. Any tourist can appreciate the age and personality of Ames, as well as its safety.

    To experience the culture in Ames, tourists must visit Stephen's Auditorium on Iowa State University's campus. This theater hosts a variety of concerts, plays, musicals, and other theatrical performances. Comfortable seating and awesome acoustics make this location a worthy contender for a relaxing night out. Big acts such as Bill Nye the Science Guy and the band Needtobreathe have to known to reserve this venue so one feels included in a special and popular event, but the space does not have an overwhelming size, so overcrowding and overheating will not deduct from the experience. Stephen's Auditorium will help in discovering the culture of Ames.

    Tourists wishing to discover some of Ames' culture would greatly benefit from attending Ames' Farmer's Market on Saturdays on Main Street. Vendors have local and homegrown produce, meat, eggs, pastries, jewelry, art and many other items for sale that offer a taste of Iowan culture. Musicians often perform for shoppers, so they can be entertained while shopping. Ames' Farmer's Market provides an excellent opportunity to experience the culture of Ames and Iowa.

    Evidence of Ames' history can be found in a visit to Iowa State University's campus. Founded in 1858, Iowa State University was the sight where George Washington Carver decided to do much of his botany research. Visitors to the college will see evidence of the age of this college in the buildings from this era that still exist. Iowa State University also housed the master minds who created the first computer. Tourists to Ames can take a trip to Durham Center in Iowa State and view the replica of this first computer. Main Street offers a taste of history also. The buildings in this area of Ames give a taste of what architecture looked like back in the early 20th century. A mural on Main Street depicts some of the founders of Ames. History holds great importance in Ames, and tourists can experience this without too much trouble.

    To curb tourist's hunger, Ames offers many excellent places for dining. No tourist should visit Ames without eating at Hickory Park. This restaurant is famous not only for its deliciously moist chicken but also its tangy barbecue sandwiches. After the main meal, enjoy sweet and creamy ice cream. Dublin Bay offers wonderful Irish cuisine for tourists to enjoy. Try the moist Shepherd's Pie with perfectly salted fries for contentment. For fans of Mexican food, El Azteca guarantees friendly service, free chips, and delectably flavorful food. Many restaurants with amiable service and food that delights the taste buds are available for hungry tourists.

    Though a relatively small town, Ames offers visitors a chance to learn about the history and culture of not only Ames, but the state of Iowa without fear of crime. Numerous attractions exist for this purpose. Visitors can also talk to the mayor of Ames, Ann Campbell, about the culture of history of Ames. City council members happily will answer questions from tourists. Tourists will not be sorry for visiting this town.

     

  • kehlianne

    Northern Nevada never stops to amaze.

  • alli65

    Sunday River has been on my radar for a potential family ski trip for quite a while.  This story is so loaded with good information, it seems like it is worth the extra time spent in the car to ski at such an excellent family resort.  Thanks!

  • alli65

    Wow, this sounds likea great merging of chocolate and history, two of my favorite subjects.
    I am looking forward to experiencing this for myself, thank you for the informative post.

  • David Ng

    I love this post so much! I hope I will come here one day!

  • alli65

    This is a terrific article that I am so glad to have read.  I didn't know there was a car-free way to appreciate the beauty of the Grand Canyon. Sounds like a fun, scenic and eco-friendly option.

  • B.garbatysmith

    Your essay moved me to tears. I am also a finalist in the scholarship and I wrote about visiting Poland’s concentration camps. I would love your opinion on my essay.

  • B.garbatysmith

    I wrote this essay hoping to bring people closer to understanding, as close to understanding as we can get. I want to share an experience that had an impact on me. This trip truly changed me, and what I want do with my life. I suggest if you have the means or are able to visit Poland or go on March of the Living. I know there are teen and family trips with BBYO.

    Thank you so much for what you said. I truly appreciate what you said. I also visited the picture of your family. Your family is beautiful and I am so glad that they were able to make it through such a devastating time.

  • alli65

    I loved reading about your romantic return to what sounds like a beatiful and vibrant island.  Thanks for sharing some of its treasures.

  • alli65

    This is a great story, thank you for sharing the glories of Octoberfest in lesser known Nerumberg. My mouth was atering reading about all of the regional delicacies that accompany the beer!

  • kindercore

    Oh goodness, this is so sad! Thanks for sharing all of this information, a lot of these things I did not know until just now. We're taught about the Holocaust at school, but I'm sure that there is nothing like actually being at a concentration camp to understand how it actually was. Thanks for sharing.

  • kindercore

    wow! This sounds like such a wonderful experience. I'm sure it was very enlightening, and it really makes me happy to read that last paragraph. I think it's beautiful that you see things that way, and I hope to some day personally come to that realization through my own experiences. Thanks so much for sharing this.

  • admin

    Hi Debbie,

    You will want he Medical Authorization Form from each child's parents with a photocopy of their insurance card.

    Then you can use the last form which is for group tours, school outings etc. It is fine for domestic travel, Include travel info for each child so that parents assign you guardianship for certain period of time only.

    Get these forms notarized. Make several photocopies in case an adventure tour operator wants to keep one. Or, if you all travel on same flights, get one long form, like a petition, and be sure both of each child's parents or guardians sign it.

    You should be fine with it. Does the hotel know? Many states say it is illegal for a minor to occupy a room without an adult present. You may need connecting rooms guaranteed.

    Enjoy the trip and write about what you did!

  • admin

    JaguarZ writes to the Admin with a very good question:

    I will be traveling to Hawaii, originating on the eastcoast, with 4 minors (only 1 is my child) – they will all be 17 at the time of travel.  I need to be able to "act as their guardian" — for example, sign waiver forms for activities, seek medical coverage if necessary.
     
    I found a form or two on the site, but they seem geared toward international travel and do not seem to include the ability to "sign the waiver forms" I mention above.  Any suggestions?  I realize I may be able to get some of these forms signed before we leave, BUT for those activities they decide on when we are there — H E L P!
     
    Thank you so much for your anticipated support
    Debbie

  • kindercore

    This is really incredible. It is a dream of mine to visit Alaska, and I hope that if I ever do get to go, that I can experience what you did. My dad and I are avid kayakers, so it was somewhat relatable, although I doubt that Miami waters are NEARLY as cool (haha) as those in Alaska.This truly sounds like the trip of a lifetime.

    I wanted to add that I loved the way you described everything, it was so beautiful and real. 

  • kindercore

    Aw, I'm so sorry that happened to your dad but I'm glad something good came out of it. My family was actually planning on going to Gatlinburg next summer but we're all way too chicken to do this white water rafting haha. Thanks for sharing this.

  • kindercore

    Thank you for sharing this! That sounds like a truly beautiful experience. I love the bit about never underestimating yourself the most, very true. 

  • kojordan2013

    *2009 not 2008

  • sarutzick

    This is about my trip to South Dakota.

  • ridajavaid228

    This trip was indeed and enriching expreience. 

  • borregsnbacon

    If you copy and paste the URL at the bottom of the post into your browser, it will take you to a video clip of the event, and if you skip to the last 12 seconds of the video you will see myself and one of my good friends sprinting in to the finish. We ended up tieing for 9th place.

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