By JASMINE ROSALES

With Halloween here, it can be hard to tell what’s open due to social distancing requirements and restrictions. There are many different festivities to partake in from music festivals to pumpkin patches in Redlands, CA or in surrounding areas. Here are just a few suggestions in town or within an hour or so driving distance, listed from near to far.

In Redlands, a “Flick or Treat” Halloween drive-thru aims to keep family fun safe and socially distanced. This will take place at the Redlands Sports Complex on Dearborn Ave. starting at 4 p.m. on Oct. 31. Flick-or-treaters must stay in their vehicles as they view the Halloween magic from a safe distance. Stay or return afterwards to top off the event with a drive-in theatre experience to view the movie, “The Nightmare before Christmas.” Visit the website https://www.cityofredlands.org/post/flick-or-treat-3 for more info.

Near the Redlands community, the most popular places to go this season are our local pumpkin patches. A popular patch is Live Oak Canyon in Yucaipa, not just for their friendly atmosphere and assortment of fall fruits and vegetables, but also for their unique corn maze. It is open everyday of the week, Monday through Thursday from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Fridays from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. Visit their website at https://liveoakcanyon.com/

“Live Oak Canyon’s Pumpkin Patch was like a carnival with so many activities to do and beautiful scenery for pictures” said Josephine Wyland, freshman from Redlands High School. 

Another local pumpkin patch near Redlands is Greenspot Farms in Mentone. Every Saturday they open from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday they open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. They’re open everyday of the week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and once the sun sets they begin the scary part of your night from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Starting from Thursday all the way through Sunday, during these times there will be a Haunted Hayride and Haunted trail. Visit their website at https://www.greenspotfarms.com/

“I enjoyed Greenspot Farms a lot, everything had a reasonable price. Being with friends made the trip very memorable as well as the actors, they were friendly and did not break from their character. I would totally go back and visit again” said Normariaam Essa, a freshman from Citrus Valley. 

A Fall festivity just about twenty minutes from Redlands is the Happy Hauntings at Castle Park in Riverside. A fee of $20 provides one round of miniature golf, two skill games, a snack voucher, and one Terror Trail walk. This even opens at 7 p.m. More information can be found at their website https://www.castlepark.com/castle-park-happy-hauntings

Just a bit further, but also famly-friendly, is in Ontario at the Tunnel Of Terror Haunted Car Wash, hosted by So Cal Express Car Wash. This car wash has been transformed into a haunted house for your vehicle, as a safe event to enjoy from the safety of inside a car. Crew will be on site to provide candy for children. This event will be held on Friday and Saturday from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at a cost of $20 per vehicle, which also includes a free themed lava wash for your car.  The event is located at 1151 W Holt Blvd, Ontario, CA 91762. For more information, call (909) 988-1860.

About 40 minutes away in Hesperia, a “High Desert Second Chance Trunk or Treat” will take place on Oct. 31. Online registration is required in order to secure a free parking spot. The event will begin at 2 p.m. and end at 6 p.m. Visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/high-desert-second-chance-trunk-or-treat-car-participation-and-registration-tickets-123201297397 for tickets and information.

Another option for those who love food and Halloween attractions, and are willing to stay on the freeway a little longer to get it, is The Bite LA. This drive-thru haunted attraction offers Halloween treats as you sneak your way around eerie Legg Lake. The package includes 8 different bites, campfire dessert, fall favorite beverages and entertainment you can enjoy within the comfort of your own vehicle. This attraction has a starting price at $43. Visit their website https://www.thebitela.com/ for more info.

Be sure to check websites or call ahead to make sure to be informed about last minute cancellations or other changes to event venues, times, or requirements.