Halloween at the Parks:

This year at the theme parks, the Halloween haunts are more fun than ever at Knotts, a little sparse at Six Flags, and family friendly at Disneyland. Any way you go, it’s bound to be a ghoulishly good time.

Knotts Berry Farm hosts their annual Halloween Haunt again and this year is better than ever. Their numerous mazes and two haunted rides are mostly scary but some are just fun. The best maze in the park is definitely one called “Cornstalkers.” It revolves around the classic Wizard of Oz story, but when Dorothy returns home to Kansas, the Wicked Witch of the West follows her home and unleashes her minions on the corn fields and transforms every scarecrow into an evil one and brings the corn itself to life. Definitely not to be missed. Knotts is the best park around for teens and adults. Definitely not for children at all.

For a family with children, visit the Disneyland Resort and their Halloween Time celebration. At Disneyland park , many Halloween happenings are taking place, as well as at Disney’s California Adventure. In the Haunted Mansion, Jack Skellington is back to take over Christmas at Halloween. This ride through is based on 1993’s “Nightmare Before Christmas” and is set up every year from end of September to beginning of January for the Halloween to Christmas seasons and is always a great attraction. For other happy haunts, visit Candy Corn Acres at DCA. Goofy is trying to grow a candy corn farm in the main plaza of DCA but of course it comes out a little Goofy. And be sure to visit Main Street U.S.A. to see the wonderful decorations on display on every lamppost, window, and giant Mickey pumpkin in sight. A must for every Disney fan.

And finally, the least impressive park: Six Flags Magic Mountain. In past years, Six Flags has been the best for Halloween haunts, but this year it was severely lacking. They only offer a few mazes and only one is really good. The lines are long, the other guests are loud and misbehave with little influence from the park, and between the drive and ticket, it just isn’t worth it.

The Halloween season is upon us and there are many ways to celebrate the holiday. But whether at a theme park, party, or even just trick-or-treating, remember to use good judgment and be safe. Happy Halloween to everyone.

CHARLY SHELTON can be reached at luckyday@tmail.com.