Historical Halloween Haunts in OC

During the holiday season of last year I was in search of something unique to do with the children, when I stumbled upon a hidden gem in Orange County: Heritage Hill. My family got much more than we expected out of our first visit to this historical park, and we have returned multiple times since

Heritage Hill Historical Park property is home to four historic buildings from the early history of the Saddleback Valley from the Mexican Rancho-era. The historical buildings include St. George's Episcopal Mission(1891), El Toro Grammar School (1890) and the Harvey Bennett Ranch House (1908). Visitors can explore the park with guided tours Wednesday through Sunday. The tours educate visitors on the artifacts, architecture and historical facts of the buildings. 

Heritage Hill can be visited year-round, but this year they are hosting a special Autumn Harvest Festival for families that is not to be missed! There will be games, trick-or-treating, a maze and a haunted school house. Visitors can take a break from the family entertainment to take a narrative tour in the buildings during the event.  

The Autumn Harvest Festival will be on Saturday, October 20 from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Admission is $4 for adults and $3 for children (ages 3 to 12). Heritage Hill Historical Park is located at 25251 Serrano Road, Lake Forest, CA 92630. 

Another historical location that we like to bring the children to visit is the Newland House in Huntington Beach. The Newland House is the oldest residence built in the city of Huntington Beach in 1898 for pioneers William and Mary Newland and their 10 children. The house is now being maintained by the Huntington Beach Historical Society. 

Guests can visit the ranch for public tours on Saturday and Sundays on the first and third weekends of the month from noon to 4 p.m. Admission is $2 for adults and $1 for children. 

There will be a special haunted candle light tour Halloween experience at the Newland House on October 19 and October 20 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. There will be a $3 donation for this historical haunting event. The Newland House is located at 19820 Beach Blvd. at the corner of Beach Blvd. and Adams.

These two special events can give families an opportunity to have an educational experience while enjoying the festival Halloween season.