Carved at Descanso Gardens
When it comes to family-friendly Halloween fun, Descanso Gardens Carved Event in La Cañada Flintridge, California, was a note worthy event. Our recent trip to this enchanting event left our kids in awe and added a little something extra to the magic of the season.
Getting There:
We arrived at Descanso Gardens for the second time slot of the day, and even though it was early, the place was buzzing with activity. Luckily, parking is included and was well directed. The event offers time slots every 30 minutes to help manage the crowd effectively. Don’t worry if you arrive a bit early there are a bunch of vendors selling snacks, drinks, and light up pumpkins/necklaces/bracelets/whatever else you can imagine to help pass the time while you wait.
Pumpkin Delights:
Descanso Gardens Carved Event is a pumpkin paradise. We encountered various pumpkin scenes, from water monsters to scarecrows, each intricately carved with incredible detail. The highlight was a gourd house, and nearby, a packed hay maze that kept the kids entertained. This did get a bit rowdy so if you have young ones definitely try to get the early time slots.
Refueling:
There were two food areas, one about 1/4 way in and the second 3/4 the way through. Although we found the prices a bit steep it was nice to have a place to take a break and refuel. The first area was larger and had a few picnic tables, benches and bar tables set up. The second area was next to the pumpkin carving stations. Standard event food like hot dogs as well as Alcoholic beverages, cider and hot chocolate were on the menu.
Magical Lights:
One of the most captivating aspects of the event was a large area with multiple pumpkin scenes. It felt like stepping into a Halloween wonderland. Our kids were enthralled by the area adorned with twinkling lights wrapped around the trees. They spent a good 15-20 minutes chasing these magical lights. In the rose garden, we discovered flashing green lights that the kids couldn't resist chasing either.
Artistry in Pumpkins:
While we were there, we saw two talented pumpkin carvers in action. They were in the process of marking out their pumpkins, hinting at the incredible artistry that would soon emerge. The detail in these carved pumpkins was nothing short of amazing.
Spooky Spiderweb:
One particularly captivating feature was an area with rope hanging above our heads, creating a realistic spider's web. The effect with the lighting was impressive, but the only downside was the dirt underneath, which became quite dusty due to the large crowd.
Cost Considerations:
Descanso Gardens Carved Event undoubtedly offers a fantastic Halloween experience, but it's worth noting that it can be on the pricey side. Our total expenditure for just the tickets came to $150. Comparatively, the Longwood Gardens Christmas event, which we have previously attended, offered a grander and more expansive experience for just $60. Perhaps that's the just the cost of living in LA.
Conclusion:
Our visit to Descanso Gardens Carved Event was a magical adventure filled with pumpkin artistry, twinkling lights, and Halloween enchantment. It's a fantastic way for the kids to don their Halloween costumes one more time and immerse themselves in the holiday spirit. While the cost may be a consideration, the memories created are priceless, making it a worthwhile experience for families looking for a unique Halloween adventure. Now we just have to figure out if we should attend the Enchanted Forest of Light event at Descanso Gardens.
