It’s that time of year again: The days are getting shorter, there’s less daylight to enjoy and the air is becoming a bit cooler. But while these may seem like “cons” rather than “pros,” there are indeed exciting upsides to the fall season – that warm, fuzzy feeling that brings us back to trick-or-treating during childhood, the unmistakable crispness to the weather and, of course, Halloween.

As All Hallows Eve creeps upon us in about a month, there’s an exciting and spook-tacular Halloween event near Woodland Hills scheduled for October 27 guaranteed to delight the whole family and get everyone in the “creepy spirit.” Scare-amount Ranch, held at Paramount Ranch in Agoura Hills, is a one-of-a-kind extravaganza perfect for the Halloween season, sanctioned by the Santa Monica Mountains Fund as part of the National Park Service, and this year’s festivities will be held from 6 pm to 10 pm on the 27th.

36624997794_5724ab29f9_k

For nearly a century, Paramount Ranch has been the backdrop for hundreds of Hollywood films, TV shows and photo shoots, including (quite fittingly so) a number of monster, paranormal and other supernatural thrillers and programs, from 1932’s The Forbidden Trail to 2004’s Van Helsing as well as episodes of the X-Files and HBO’s Westworld. The Scare-amount Ranch event combines elements of film history and nature, with activities for the kids that include making fake motion picture blood and nocturnal animal-themed crafts. Groups can choose from two self-guided hikes into the backlot woods, one which offers a family-friendly vibe and the other being for those who don’t scare too easily.

Other activities planned for the October 27 Halloween event near Woodland Hills include a screening of the 1966 classic Munster, Go Home, which was filmed at Paramount Ranch; selfies in the jailhouse; a spider zoo and bug trap and ranger stations throughout the ranch grounds.

Indeed, from zombie-oriented theme parks to creepy old ocean liners (Queen Mary, we’re talking about you), Los Angeles doesn’t offer a short stick when it comes to Halloween attractions. This year, the National Park Servicethrows its hat into the ring by hosting this free spook-tacular event at the historic Paramount Ranch, a place that served as a backdrop for many of the studio’s classic films. Later, a permanent Western set was erected on the property, making it a popular spot for television shoots; most recently, the old west-style “ghost town” appeared prominently in the aforementioned HBO series Westworld.

36624991374_64856c8a82_k

Normally closed after sunset, the park has been staying open later on select days as of late, as the National Park Service embraces its spooky side – particularly with regard to an ill-fated racetrack that opened on the property in the 1950s and closed a year later following three fatalities. Interestingly, the remains of the track can still be seen today.

Scare-amount Ranch will offer complimentary parking, with flashlights and jackets recommended. Paramount Ranch is located at 2903 Cornell Road in Agoura Hills, and more information can be obtained by visiting http://www.samofund.org/calendar/#event|scare-amount-ranch|1396.

Don’t miss this unique Halloween event near Woodland Hills!

37287140706_1448cda745_k