Halloween season isn’t just about Pumpkin Spice Lattes but also about going out and doing things. Even though it doesn’t feel like fall here in Los Angeles (currently 90 degrees out as I write this) there are plenty of fall activities or even spooky activities to help celebrate. However if you’re like me and have a special needs child those activities aren’t always as inclusive as you’d like. For example, Universal Studios has Halloween Horror Nights which is more of an adult event and it even spills over a bit into the park making it creepier even if you’re not at the event. I know my son would get nightmares seeing some of the decorations in the day time.

So for families that might need something milder to do, I’ve compiled a short list of things that can get you in the spirit. There’s nothing too crazy on this list but I’ve ranked these from least spooky to slightly spooky.

Petersen Automotive Museum

One of my favorite museums here in LA, the Petersen has a great collection of cars that are works of art. They also have cars from movies and tv that are perfect for Halloween, like the Batmobile above or the Mystery Machine:

They also have one of the most iconic movie cars of all time on display, a movie that also takes place during the fall, the Back to the Future Delorean:

The experience is definitely very relaxing, not stimulating, there are no crazy lights or loud noises. They also have an activity center for children with drawing and Hot Wheels racing. I’d also highly recommend paying extra to visit their Vault where they store extra cars. They have a fantastic Ferrari collection down there and some movie/tv cars not on the main floors. This is a great place for kids of all ages and inclusive year round.

Academy Museum

One of the most recent additions to the Miracle Mile Museum District in Los Angeles is the Academy Museum, a museum dedicated to the preservation of film history. This is the same Academy that hands out golden statuettes to the best movies of the year if you haven’t heard of them. They have many cool exhibits and nothing too creepy or spooky.

Their animation section is great for kids with some Halloween favorites on display. They have some really great props and costumes on display throughout the museum and with minimal light/sounds in most exhibition areas.

There’s currently a Dia De Muertos ofrenda as part of an exhibit celebrating Mexican filmmaker Lourdes Portillo that’s festive. Be warned there are some adult exhibits in the museum like the Almodovar area and currently there’s a John Waters exhibition. These areas are easily avoided and you still get a great experience. Don’t forget to say hi to Bruce the shark!

Ripley’s Believe It or Not (Hollywood)

Right on Hollywood Boulevard is the tourist attraction staple, Ripley’s Believe It or Not! This attraction might be in your area if you’re not in Los Angeles and is a great way to celebrate the creepy and weird during Halloween time in a family friendly way. There were some areas with lights and sounds but it was for the most part a calmer sensory experience. Plus areas with some lights/sounds are easily avoided.

There was a Star Wars dedicated room which had some neat sculptures and memorabilia. There was also a really cool Indiana Jones themed room, that my son really loved (Indiana Jones is his favorite thing ever). That room had a few spooky things, not too intense but once again, easily avoided.

I have a personal connection with Ripley’s, since I was also a very sensitive child. I avoided scary things and really disliked Halloween. One family visit to San Antonio we visited Ripley’s and I found it just right for my tastes (though I threw a huge tantrum about going in because I wanted to avoid the attached wax museum with a House of Horrors). Ripley’s is a great Halloween activity that doesn’t push children in an extreme way, especially those with sensitivities.

Magic of the Jack O’Lanterns

For the final activity on my list I’ve chosen Magic of the Jack O’Lanterns here in Los Angeles, there is also a Denver attraction. Seasonal activities are many but they skew older with haunted house and scare performers. There are traditional pumpkin patches and apple picking but Magic of the Jack O’Lanterns brings a new festive twist to the season. It brings the feeling of seeing cool Halloween decorations in your neighborhood to one dedicated location. This walkthrough attraction was very family friendly with only a few of the pumpkins having creepy designs on them. Most are pop culture icons and staples that are fun for children.

Dinosaurs, Star Wars, sharks, and pirates are just some of the cool designs you’ll see made with pumpkins. I got a Christmas vibe with this activity that brought that flavor to Halloween. This is on the spookier end since it happens at night and there are some flashing lights, my son had no problem with that though it could be a bit overwhelming for others. They do offer Sensory Friendly evenings so check the calendar for those dates.

Those are my picks for family friendly activities that are not only sensory friendly but also cost effective. Do you have any spooky season recommendations for the whole family? Let me know down below!