Halloween Spooktacular at SeaWorld San Diego vs. HalGLOWeen at the San Diego Zoo

Both Halloween events take place in incredible locations, but there are some key differences to be aware of before you go.

Seaworld from Mission Bay with Downtown San Diego in the Background

Where is SeaWorld San Diego?

SeaWorld San Diego is located in Mission Bay Park. It’s easy to park in the area with other attractions like Belmont Park and their Beachside Fall Fest, and Mission Bay itself right there. I personally love to take my stand-up paddleboard (SUP) or kayak out on Mission Bay, but I’d also recommend relaxing on one of Mission Bay Park’s beaches, having a picnic, or even fishing in the area.

SeaWorld San Diego is also quite handicap accessible with paved sidewalks and wheelchair rentals available.

Tropical Rain Forest at the San Diego Zoo

Where is the San Diego Zoo?

You’ll find the San Diego Zoo in Balboa Park, just minutes from Downtown San Diego. The park has green space and trails, cafes and family-friendly museums, gardens and more! It’s also where you’ll find one of Todd’s son’s favorite Halloween attractions, the Haunted Trail at Balboa Park, an awesome attraction for teenagers and adults.

When you visit the San Diego Zoo, I can say that most of the park is paved and that wheelchairs and electronic conveyance vehicles are available to rent.

Comparing Locations Winner: HalGLOWeen at the San Diego Zoo

As someone who loves both locations and has been to both many times, I would say the San Diego Zoo has the better location. Balboa Park makes it a great spot when it comes to parking and easy access by public transit.

I love both of these events because they offer so many activities! Let’s have a look at both and compare the special family-friendly fun at each event.

Trick or Treat Stations at the Halloween Spooktacular at SeaWorld San Diego

Halloween Spooktacular Fun

If you attend Halloween Spooktacular, I suggest that you put these activities on your to-do list. The kids will thank you later!

• Spookley Dance Party (new for 2025)
• Bones Brother Quartet (new for 2025)
• Character Meet & Greets
• Trick-or-Treating Candy Stations
• Live Musical Performances (Local Tip: don’t miss the Pirate Sea Shanty Band!)
• The Manta Rollercoaster - with a special Halloween-themed multimedia for the season

It’s a good thing that you have all day at the park so you can pace yourself and get all of these activities in!

Boo Crew During Halgloween at the San Diego Zoo

HalGLOWeen Must-See Activities

HalGLOWeen is also a crowd-pleaser with these 2025 standout activities being my family’s personal favorites.

• DJ Front Street
• Interactive Fun with Boo Crew and Python Path
• Dance with the Boolahoops (Local Tip: Complete with family games and prizes, if you’re kids like to sing & dance, they’ll probably love this event.)
• Dr. Zoolittle
• Wildlife Explorers Basecamp
• Spider’s W.E.B.
• The Glow-Go’s (animated pumpkins)

Since these activities are all in the evening and at night, from 5:00pm to 9:00pm, be sure your little kids take a nap during the day, so they’re ready to party until close.

More to See and Do Winner: Halloween Spooktacular

While both offer plenty of activities for kids, teens and even adults, SeaWorld’s Halloween Spooktacular comes out on top in this category.

The event offers more classic Halloween fun like trick-or-treating, themed shows, and of course the park’s rides, making it slightly more exciting for kids craving candy and variety.

Consider how much ground you have to cover with those tiny feet in tote and how much time you have to see it all. Size does matter here – so let’s compare each event’s total size.

Dancing with the Kids at the Halloween Spooktacular at SeaWorld San Diego

Visiting the Halloween Spooktacular at SeaWorld San Diego

Everywhere you turn, there is something to do at the Halloween Spooktacular. Don’t forget, you can choose to be here all day as the event kicks off at 10:00am, offering a maximum of nine hours to explore.

This will give you time to do and see a lot, and still sit and rest, without feeling like you’re going to miss out on something.

Enchanted HalGLOween Forest at the San Diego Zoo

The Ins and Outs of the San Diego Zoo

Many of the exhibits that are open during the day are closed during HalGLOWeen. While that may seem unfortunate, we’re talking about live animals that have to rest and sleep, so it really does make sense.

But consider that with less ground to cover and a shorter time to do it in, this can be the better option if you’re looking for a quicker event, four hours maximum, that will still get you in the holiday spirit.

As a bonus tip, if your kids love animals like mine, visit the San Diego Zoo’s sister park, the San Diego Zoo Safari Park in Escondido for their Autumn Festival. That park is much larger with lots of animals and a fantastic seasonal event in October as well.

The Larger Attraction Winner: Halloween Spooktacular at SeaWorld

If you’re looking for a full day of family fun, the Halloween Spooktacular is the way to go so that’s our winner for this category.

But you can also make memories at HalGLOWeen in a shorter time, which can be an incredible choice and more than enough for families with small kids.

If you’re like me, you’re always searching for the “wow factor” of any event. Neither of these events will disappoint!

Mariachi Band Playing on a Stage at Seaworld San Diego

Spooktacular Additions

At the Halloween Spooktacular, rides will be open, including the park’s newest coaster, Arctic Rescue. Manta will feature a special Halloween-themed multimedia show just for the fall season as well!

You’ll also want to take part in the scavenger hunt and take a trip to the waterfront pumpkin patch. And don’t forget about all of the tasty limited-time seasonal treats that are available along the way. My suggestion for you is that if you find one of the park’s pumpkin cupcakes, don’t wait, buy it!

For an extra special experience, participate in the 2nd annual SeaWorld San Diego Howl-O-Sprint 5k run on Sunday, October 19th. The 5k starts at 7:00am with the kids 1-mile Fun Run starting at 8:30am. You’ll get a nice t-shirt and finishers will get a cool price, a special medal!

If you’re lucky enough to visit on November 1st or 2nd, be sure to check out the Día de los Muertos celebrations, with catrina statues and more. This is just one of the many incredible Día de los Muertos celebrations scheduled in San Diego this year!

Live Show at Halgloween at the San Diego Zoo

More Than the Glow!

The bright lights and glo-tastic fun are just part of HalGLOWeen. You’ll also want to check out organist Dusty Keys, the Spooky Revue acrobatic show, and the Dr. Harry & Friends meet and greet. They’ll be in their Halloween costumes as the Boo Crew!

There’s also the Día de los Muertos Mariachi band that circles the area for 30-minute shows at the top of every hour.

Where to Go for Unique Additions Winner: Halloween Spooktacular at SeaWorld

With the rides and day-long activities, plus all of the live music and chance to be part of the SeaWorld San Diego Howl-O-Sprint 5k run, the Halloween Spooktacular is the winner here when it comes to special experiences and add-ons!

Erika Having Fun with Stuffed Animals at Seaworld San Diego

The Overall Winner: Halloween Spooktacular at SeaWorld San Diego

Both of these events are fantastic for families with a wide range of festive fun, but for our team at Go Visit San Diego, Halloween Spooktacular comes out on top!

Halloween Spooktacular can be an all-day affair with trick-or-treating trails, themed shows, live music, character meet-and-greets, scavenger hunts, plus all the regular rides and sea-life exhibits as well!

But as a local who visits both parks for these events each year, if you want a shorter, low-stress event with glowing lights, music, and all at no extra costs from a daytime event, HalGLOWeen could also be your perfect ticket to some holiday fun!

Personally, my family is looking to hit both this year to experience all SeaWorld San Diego has to offer for Halloween Spooktacular and to catch the glow at the San Diego Zoo this Halloween season!