The Count’s Halloween Spooktacular 2024 at Sesame Place San Diego

Join your Sesame Street friends for a not-so-scary Halloween celebration at Sesame Place San Diego. Enjoy Halloween themed shows, parades, games, treats & more!
Todd Sarouhan
Some of the links in this article are affiliate links. This means if you make purchases through them, I may be compensated at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain my own.
The Count’s Halloween Spooktacular
Halloween at Sesame Place
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A Whirlwind of Spooky Fun at Sesame Place San Diego

Big Bird at the Counts Spooktacular at Sesame Place San DiegoDancing Elmo in Skeleton Outfit in a Parade at Sesame Place San Diego

If you’re in search of an entertaining, family-friendly Halloween event that’s perfect for younger kids, I may just have the perfect event for you!

The Count’s Halloween Spooktacular 2024 at Sesame Place San Diego in Chula Vista will transform the park into the “not-too-spooky” place to celebrate the season.

From Halloween themed shows to dance parties and scavenger hunts, there’s silly Halloween fun designed for young kids that can still be fun for kids of all ages.

The Counts Halloween Spooktacular at Sesame Place San Diego
The Counts Halloween Spooktacular at Sesame Place San Diego

When is The Count’s Halloween Spooktacular 2024 at Sesame Place San Diego?

The Count’s Halloween Spooktacular will run from September 14th to November 3rd.

That’s 1-2-50 days of Halloween fun… Ah, ah, ha!

Sesame Place is open on Saturdays and Sundays in September and October. Additionally, it will be open on Friday, October 4th and Monday, October 7th.

The park opens at 10am and usually closes at 6pm. However, there are days when it closes at 5 and 5:30pm.

Check the official website calendar for the exact times on the days you wish to attend.

Monster Snacks at the Counts Spooktacular at Sesame Place San Diego
Monster Snacks at the Counts Spooktacular at Sesame Place San Diego

How Much are Tickets to the Event?

The Spooktacular event is included as part of your Sesame Place admission.

There are no extra fees upon arrival. I’d recommend you purchase your ticket ahead of time to avoid the potential of ticket lines at the gate.

Main Swimming Pool at Paradise Point Resort and Spa
Main Swimming Pool at Paradise Point Resort and Spa

Where to Stay When Attending The Count’s Halloween Spooktacular

Paradise Point Resort & Spa is an oasis nestled inside gardens, lagoons, and a stretch of sandy shoreline.

This Mission Bay resort - and its comfy bungalow-style rooms - is perfect for families looking to get away, while still having access to plenty of pools, restaurants, and family-friendly activities.

Kids Reading Zoo Map at the San Diego Zoo
Kids Reading Zoo Map at the San Diego Zoo

Bonus Idea - Do More With a Go City San Diego Pass

If you’re looking for some family-friendly activities for your trip to complement The Count’s Halloween Spooktacular at Sesame Place San Diego, have a quick look at the Go City San Diego pass.

The pass will give you access to dozens of family-friendly attractions and tours at a fraction of the cost, like visiting the world famous San Diego Zoo and saying hi to Xin Bao and Yun Chuan.

If theme parks are more your thing, you’ll also have access to Knott’s Berry Farm, LEGOLAND California, and so much more! Use discount code GVSD5OFF for an additional savings.

Birch Aquarium Kids Shark Photo Booth
Birch Aquarium Kids Shark Photo Booth

One of My Favorite Attractions in San Diego for Kids

With my kids, we love animals and I’m always looking for attractions that are family-friendly, educational, and interactive. If you have a couple days in town, checkout our list of San Diego’s Halloween events then I recommend you visit the Birch Aquarium at Scripps.

The aquarium is interactive and perfect for young kids, with the Giant Kelp Forest and touch pools being two of my family’s favorite parts of the aquarium.

Local Tips
Ready to Dress Up?
At Spooktacular 2024 at Sesame Place San Diego, dress the little ones in costumes for the daily parade! Plus, the Trick-or-Treat stations open early, so grab your candy bags and hit them first to avoid long lines later!

Family-Friendly Halloween Themed Attractions and Experiences

Trick-or-treating around the park, games, and plenty of family photo opportunities makes this one of our favorite Halloween events for families with kids, especially the little ones!

So grab your costumes (yes - costumes are encouraged!) and get ready to explore this friendly Spooktacular.

Water Play Structure at Sesame Place San Diego
Water Play Structure at Sesame Place San Diego

Sesame Street Meets Halloween: Rides and Attractions

Sesame Street’s rides and water slides will be open during this special event, so you can still ride your favorites while enjoying Halloween in the park.

Then say cheese as you check out one of the Sesame Street Character Photo Opportunities like Photos With Elmo & Friends. Who will your favorite characters be dressed as?

This year’s Trick-or-Treating event is another fun activity I think your kids will love. It will require the purchase of a reusable tote bag which can be found at Hooper’s Store, Sesame Souvenirs, and some merchandise carts.

Once you have your kids have their bags, they can collect goodies as they trick-or-treat their way through Sesame Place’s attractions and Halloween events.

Elmo During the Counts Spooktacular Parade at Sesame Place San Diego
Elmo During the Counts Spooktacular Parade at Sesame Place San Diego

Engaging Shows and Parades

Treats this year also include a theater show, dance party, story time, and so much more!

“Countdown to Halloween” follows the Count as he learns the importance of friendship - with both new and old friends - during his favorite night of the year. October’s schedule isn’t available on the official website yet, but September showings are at 1:30 PM at the Sesame Street Theater.

“Furry Friends Halloween Dance Party” lets you sing and dance alongside your favorite characters. Boogie on down to Big Bird’s Lawn at 11:30 AM and 4:15 PM. After all, what’s spooky season without listening to the Monster Mash at least once!

“Halloween Storytime” is the perfect chance to wind down, relax, and enjoy a non-scary Halloween tale. Stay after the story for a hug and photo with your favorite furry friends. “Halloween Storytime” is only taking place in 2024 on select days, so be sure to check the official calendar for more info.

The “Sesame Street Halloween Cavalcade” brings the block party to San Diego! From themed floats to music and plenty of dancing with your favorite Sesame Street characters, this Cavalcade is silly fun for the whole family. See the Cavalcade at 3 PM along the Parade Route.

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Local Tips
What attractions are included with a Go City San Diego pass?

Attractions that you can visit with a Go City San Diego pass include:

The San Diego Zoo, Birch Aquarium, SeaWorld, Safari Park, LEGOLAND, Harbor Cruise, USS Midway Museum, the NAT Museum, Whaley House, PETCO Park Tour, iFLY San Diego and many, many more!

Want to save more? Use our exclusive discount code GVSD5OFF to save an extra 5%!

Tricks, Treats, and Furry Friends: Interactive Activities and Contests

Lots of Fun Things at Sesame Place San Diego
Lots of Fun Things at Sesame Place San Diego

Visitors in 2024 will have plenty of activities, events, and more to choose from. After all, Spooktacular is tailor made for families looking for a not-too-spooky Halloween event.

The Scavenger Hunts

You know how the Count feels about counting!

You can grab an activity sheet for the” Sesame Scarecrow Scavenger Hunt” and count the scarecrows as you go through the park. Then don’t forget to turn in your sheet for a Halloween Surprise!

You can also search for the “not-too-spooky” ghosts throughout the park in the “Spot the Ghost Scavenger Hunt”. There are prizes for finding ghosts so don’t forget to collect your prizes when you’re done.

The Costume Parade and Contest

My family loves a good costume so the costume competition is one of our personal favorite parts of the entire event! The annual “Halloween Costume Contest” awards prizes for best child costume and best family theme.

Pssst! We’re cheering for you and your family to win first place, don’t tell the other readers.

Of course, no celebration is complete without a parade - and this one may just be our favorite!

Everyone is invited to show off their costume at the Halloween Costume Parade which begins in Abby’s Garden. Guests will make their way through the Sesame Street Neighborhood in all their costumed glory.

And at the end of the parade, participants will receive a special participation gift. It’s silly fun and lots of laughs for young kids. I would say this is something you definitely won’t want to miss!

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Sesame Place San Diego Tips for Visitors & My Final Thoughts

The Counts Spooktacular Sign at Sesame Place San Diego
The Counts Spooktacular Sign at Sesame Place San Diego

Making the most out of your visit to the Count’s Halloween Spooktacular is easy. Here are a few tips from a local that will make sure you are ready for the fun!

  • Check the official schedule ahead of your visit. Review the scheduled time of events and activities to plan your day effectively.
  • Don’t forget your costume! If you’re planning on joining in on the costume parade or contest, have it ready ahead of time. Do know though that costumes are not required to attend.
  • Make time for Meet and Greets! Photo opportunities are a great time to get a picture of the whole family together.
  • Pick up your Trick-or-Treat Reusable Bag! You’ll need to purchase one in order to take advantage of Trick-or-Treating around the park.
  • Take Breaks! Shows are one of our favorite ways to sneak in a little break. Check the official schedule to further plan your downtime.

Fun Parade at the Counts Spooktacular at Sesame Place San Diego
Fun Parade at the Counts Spooktacular at Sesame Place San Diego

Final Thoughts

The Count’s Halloween Spooktacular promises lively Halloween season fun that’s perfect for young families looking to celebrate the holiday without scaring the younger members of their group.

It’s a super fun, silly way to create lasting memories alongside beloved Sesame Street characters. So I say gather up your family, friends, and costumes and plan for an awesome time at this spooktacular Halloween adventure at Sesame Place San Diego!

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