For many parents, October is all about Halloween. Family life tends to get a bit more hectic as the spookiest day of the year approaches. There are costumes to plan, pumpkins to carve, and bags of candy to buy. While running around can be tiring, we suggest saving some of your energy to have fun with the kids. Here are five eerie (and eerily fun) Halloween celebrations the whole family can enjoy.
1) Boo at the Zoo
What could make a day at the zoo even better? For kids who love Halloween, the answer is obvious: dressing up and collecting sweets. During the last two weekends in October, the Toronto Zoo will be transformed to celebrate the approach of All Hallow’s Eve. Your little ones will love dropping by the event’s on-site trick-or-treating stations, taking part in animal-themed trivia, and seeing some of their favourite zoo exhibits.
2) Retro Halloween Drop-In
If you haven’t been to Todmorden Mills, you should check it out. Located in the Don River Valley, this heritage museum features gorgeous historic homes and a variety of other buildings from the 19th century. On October 27th, you can tour the site in costume as part of its Retro Halloween Family Drop-In event. Check out the sights, munch on old-time treats, and create some fun seasonal crafts.
3) Halloween Boo Barn
For families, Riverdale Farm is always worth the trip. This scenic, 7.5-acre site gives kids the opportunity to see farm life up close—including their favourite barnyard animals. On October 20th and 21st, this urban farm will get into the Halloween spirit with its Boo Barn event. Your kids will enjoy getting their faces painted, carving pumpkins, and delving into some crafts. Admission is free, but donations to Riverdale Farm are greatly appreciated.
4) Spirit Walk at MacKenzie House
If you have kids over the age of eight, consider checking out the Spirit Walk at Mackenzie House. This ghoulish event takes place at the former home of Toronto’s first mayor, Willian Lyon Mackenzie. Listen to ghost stories while enjoying some mulled cider. Better yet, explore nearby downtown alleyways that are said to be haunted. If your family enjoys the spookier side of Halloween, be sure to make room on your calendar for the Spirit Walk, which will take place on October 26th and 27th.
5) Howling Hootenanny
One of our favourite Halloween events takes place at Black Creek Pioneer Village. During the last two weekends in October, the heritage museum hosts its annual Howling Hootenanny. Your kids will have a blast trick-or-treating, decorating pumpkins, and exploring the haunted maze in this old-fashioned village. The event also features live family entertainment—and even an apple slingshot, for those who are feeling adventurous.
These are just a few of the fantastic, family-friendly Halloween events taking place in the GTA this year. So get your costumes ready, because it’s going to be a spooktastic October!
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