This year, COVID-19 has turned trick-or-treating taboo and made masks a must (whether your costume calls for one or not), forcing us to rethink how and where we’ll find spooky fun this Halloween. Oakland Parks and Recreation Foundation Board Member Itzel Diaz, senior manager of communications and external affairs for The Unity Council by day, is here to share 5 ideas for how you can safely have a great outdoor Halloween with your family in Oakland parks.
1. Host a candy scavenger hunt at Dimond Park: Park scavenger hunts are really fun, especially in a beautiful setting like Dimond Park! The first thing you want to do is make a list of the places where you can hide the candy — the way you list the items will depend on the child’s age. For elementary school kids, your list can describe the hiding places instead of listing them. For example, you would say “the area where people eat in the park,” instead of the “picnic table.” If your children are younger or don’t like lists, you can always play the old fashioned hot and cold game.
2. Host a doggie costume contest at Estuary Park: Does your family love dressing up your pup on Halloween? Invite your friends and their dogs for a socially-distanced doggie costume contest at Estuary Park; the winner gets a treat! But let’s be honest, all dogs look adorable in costume, so take treats for all the pups. If Estuary Park is not that close to you, do not worry — the Oakland parks and recreation system has five fenced Dog Play Areas where canines can run free, play and meet new friends, as well as several dog-friendly parks. Click here to see the list.
3. Carve a pumpkin at Maxwell Park: If you live near Maxwell Park, get your bikes out and get ready to pick up a pumpkin at the new pumpkin patch on the corner of MacArthur Boulevard and High Street! You can buy your pumpkin, ride to the park and carve a fun design at one of the picnic tables.
4. Visit the old Victorian at Peralta Hacienda Historical Park: The 1870 Peralta House located within the 6-acre Peralta Hacienda Historical Park represents Spanish-speaking California on the cusp of a new era after the Gold Rush and California’s annexation by the United States. Externally, the house is restored and maintained to its original appearance, but you may hear creepy noises in the exhibit rooms when you go inside. The neighbors say that the spirit of Antonio Peralta roams the house during Halloween.
5. Paint a pumpkin at Lakeside Park: This is an excellent all-day-out activity at Lakeside Park. Bring your pumpkins, paint and brushes, and get ready to create a masterpiece of a pumpkin. You will have fun and get your creativity going, plus the pictures with Lake Merritt as your background will have you trending on social media. Stick around as the sun sets to walk under the lake’s Necklace of Lights to transport you into the spooky Halloween night.
Remember to wear a mask, avoid group gatherings and practice social distancing when you visit parks in Oakland this Halloween.
Mosswood Recreation Center is sending a big thank you for the donation of treats and thoughtfulness! We sincerely appreciate the support and our children enjoyed earning the candy as prizes at the Mosswood Spooktacula Event. We wore our masked and played social distancing Halloween activities. Your candy, fruit snacks, and rice crispy treats help to put smiles on all of the children’s faces. From all of our youth and staff to OPRF and others involved, we are sending big hugs and warm gratitude. Thank you again for your support!
Ms. Terri Westbrook, Center Director
Thank you so much for taking the time to write, Terri. We’ll make sure your kind words make it to the team here.