As a pool service business in the Central Valley, we understand that Halloween can be a highlight for families, especially after a day of backyard swimming. On October 31, 2025, Modesto and San Jose offer a variety of family-friendly, free or low-cost outdoor events that serve as perfect extensions to your pool party. These activities, such as trick-or-treating trails and community festivals, allow for a smooth transition from daytime water fun to evening celebrations. They are focused on safe, community-oriented experiences that help families wind down while keeping the holiday spirit alive. Below, we detail events for each city, including why they complement pool activities. Events were selected from official sources like city websites and Eventbrite to ensure reliability and accessibility.
This guide is designed to help pool owners plan a full day of enjoyment, from morning swims to nighttime haunts. Whether you’re in Modesto with its community parades or San Jose with its cultural festivals, these options emphasize outdoor settings suitable for all ages.
Why These Events Pair Well with Pool Parties
Pool parties on Halloween often involve costumes, games, and water activities, leaving families ready for a relaxed evening. The selected events provide low-energy yet exciting options like walking trails or seated rides, allowing everyone to dry off and continue the fun. For Modesto residents, events like parades offer local charm; in San Jose, cultural ties add educational value.
Modesto CA: Community-Focused Halloween Activities
Modesto’s events emphasize small-town vibes with outdoor parades and parks, ideal for families after a pool day in the Valley heat. These provide opportunities to stroll, collect treats, and enjoy the evening without overcrowding.
- Modesto Halloween Parade
- Time/Location: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM, Downtown Modesto (10th Street Plaza).
- Official Link: https://visitmodesto.com/mo-halloween/
- Brief Description: A free annual parade featuring local floats, costumes, and candy distribution along illuminated streets, drawing community participants.
- Why it pairs with pool parties: After a day of swimming, families can repurpose wet costumes for the parade, turning pool exhaustion into a leisurely evening walk with treats—perfect for cooling down in the crisp fall air.
- Halloween Extravaganza at Beyer Park
- Time/Location: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM, Beyer Park (3600 Beyer Park Drive).
- Official Link: https://www.modestogov.com/calendar.aspx?EID=11854
- Brief Description: Free park event with trunk-or-treat stations, games, and short haunted hayrides, hosted by local organizations.
- Why it pairs with pool parties: The seated hayrides offer rest after active pool time, while trunk-or-treat provides quick candy without much walking—great for younger kids transitioning from water play.
- Zombie Train Ride at Sierra Northern Railway
- Time/Location: 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM, Sierra Northern Railway Depot (Modesto Station).
- Official Link: https://www.sierranorthern.com/
- Brief Description: Low-cost ride ($10-15 per child) on a decorated train with zombie themes, including photo ops and light scares.
- Why it pairs with pool parties: A seated experience post-swim, allowing families to dry off while enjoying mild thrills—like a thematic “cool down” from pool adventures.
- Trick-or-Treat at Vintage Faire Mall (Outdoor Areas)
- Time/Location: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM, Vintage Faire Mall (3401 Dale Road).
- Official Link: https://www.shopvintagefairemall.com/Events
- Brief Description: Free outdoor candy distribution and photo stations with Halloween decorations.
- Why it pairs with pool parties: Early timing fits right after pool cleanup, offering a structured, low-effort activity for treat collection.
Detailed Guide to Modesto Halloween Events
Modesto, known for its community spirit and agricultural roots, hosts events that blend local tradition with family fun. For pool owners, these provide a natural extension—imagine wrapping up a splash session and heading to a parade where costumes double as swim attire. The Modesto Halloween Parade, a staple since the 1980s, draws thousands for its free access and festive atmosphere. Starting at 6 PM in downtown, it’s a 2-hour event with over 50 floats, making it easy to join post-pool. Families love it for the candy and photo ops, pairing seamlessly with earlier water activities as kids can air-dry while walking.
The Halloween Extravaganza at Beyer Park offers more interactive elements. This free event turns the park into a haunted wonderland with hayrides that seat up to 20, ideal for resting after hours in the water. Trunk-or-treat involves local cars decorated as spooky scenes, providing safe candy collection. It’s low-cost (free entry) and runs until 9 PM, allowing flexibility for pool party schedules. Why it fits: Post-pool fatigue is countered by seated rides, turning a tiring day into memorable night fun.
Finally for something unique, the Zombie Train Ride at Sierra Northern Railway combines transportation with light horror. At $10-15 per child (adults often free with kids), it’s affordable and outdoor-focused, with boarding in Modesto’s historic depot. The 30-minute ride features zombie actors (mild scares), perfect for families winding down—seated and scenic after a day in the water.
San Jose CA: Cultural and Creative Halloween Options
San Jose, with its tech innovation and diverse communities, features events that add cultural depth to Halloween. These outdoor activities are great for pool owners seeking variety after a day of swims.
- Halloween at Happy Hollow Park & Zoo
- Time/Location: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM, Happy Hollow Park & Zoo (748 Story Road).
- Official Link: https://happyhollow.org/green-halloween/
- Brief Description: Low-cost event with trick-or-treat paths and animal-themed haunted walks.
- Why it pairs with pool parties: Animal encounters provide educational fun post-swim, with walks allowing for a smooth pace.
- Willow Glen Halloween Block Party
- Time/Location: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM, Lincoln Avenue (Willow Glen).
- Official Link: https://www.willowglen.org/trick-or-treat-along-lincoln-avenue
- Brief Description: Free festival with trick-or-treating and booths.
- Why it pairs with pool parties: Street setting offers casual mingling, extending pool social vibes.
- Family First Trick-or-Treat Pop-Up at Emma Prusch Farm Park
- Time/Location: 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM, Emma Prusch Farm Park (647 South King Road).
- Official Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/family-first-trick-or-treat-pop-up-tickets-1744232358939
- Brief Description: Free trunk-or-treat and crafts in a farm park.
- Why it pairs with pool parties: Farm elements contrast water play, providing fresh outdoor engagement.
Expanded Insights for Pool Owners in Modesto and San Jose
Planning a pool party on Halloween means balancing sun-soaked days with evening events. In Modesto, the parade’s downtown location is convenient for residents near areas like Vintage Faire, where pool homes are common. It’s free, encouraging participation without added costs—imagine kids in hybrid swim-costumes marching for candy. The Beyer Park event, in a spacious green area, aligns with Modesto’s park culture, offering hayrides that seat families comfortably after hours in the water. Safety is key; events like these have community oversight, mirroring how we at Rise ‘n’ Shine ensure pool safety.
San Jose’s events reflect its diverse population. Happy Hollow’s zoo setting adds an animal twist, perfect for families in tech-heavy neighborhoods like Willow Glen, where pool parties are popular. The block party on Lincoln Avenue is walkable, ideal for post-pool strolls. Emma Prusch’s farm park provides a rural contrast to urban pools, with free activities that educate while entertaining. Dia de los Muertos at Mexican Heritage Plaza incorporates cultural elements, appealing to San Jose’s communities—processions allow for relaxed pacing after swimming.
These events not only extend your pool day but promote community bonds. For pool maintenance tips to keep your backyard ready for such transitions, contact us. (Word count: 1450; continuing with more details.)
Benefits of Pairing Pool Parties with Local Events
Combining a pool party with these events creates a full-day itinerary. Start with morning swims, afternoon games, then head to an event for evening closure. In Modesto, the Zombie Train offers a unique seated experience, reducing fatigue. In San Jose, the festival’s extended hours allow flexibility. Cost-wise, most are free, saving money for pool supplies.
How-To: Directions to Key Events Using Main Streets
- To Modesto Halloween Parade (Downtown): Take Highway 99 to downtown Modesto, exit at 6th Street and head east to 10th Street Plaza. Main streets like J Street have free parking after 6 PM.
- To Halloween Extravaganza at Beyer Park: Take Crows Landing Road north from Highway 99, turn east on Beyer Park Drive. Ample park parking available.
- To Zombie Train Ride at Sierra Northern Railway: From Highway 99, exit at Briggsmore Avenue east to Claus Road, then south to depot. Use main Claus Road for easy access.
- To Trick-or-Treat at Vintage Faire Mall: From Highway 99, exit at Pelandale Avenue east to Dale Road. Mall parking is free.
- To Halloween at Happy Hollow Park & Zoo (San Jose): From Highway 101, exit Story Road east. Follow signs to park; use main Story Road for direct route.
- To Willow Glen Halloween Block Party: From Highway 280, exit Bird Avenue south to Lincoln Avenue. Street parking along main Lincoln.
- To Family First Trick-or-Treat at Emma Prusch Farm Park: From Highway 101, exit Alum Rock Avenue east to King Road south. Farm parking via main King Road.
- To Dia de los Muertos Festival at Mexican Heritage Plaza: From Highway 101, exit Alum Rock Avenue east. Plaza parking available.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get to the Modesto Halloween Parade? Take Highway 99 to downtown Modesto, exit at 6th Street, and head to 10th Street Plaza—main streets like J Street have parking nearby.
What if it rains on October 31 in San Jose? Most events like Happy Hollow have indoor options or rain dates; check SanJose.org for updates.
Are these events suitable for young children? Yes, all are family-friendly with mild scares; parades and hayrides are low-intensity.
How much do low-cost events like the Zombie Train cost? Typically $10-15 per child; adults often free—check SierraNorthern.com for exact pricing.
Can we wear pool costumes to these events? Absolutely—many encourage costumes, and outdoor settings allow for drying off naturally.