Fun Things to Do in Ottawa in October for Families

October is bursting with a variety of fun family events in Ottawa. The City’s vibrant colours with the leaves changing and crisp air invites you to visit the local apple orchard or explore some of these other fun events happening around the Ottawa. From pumpkin patches and spooky haunts to sports games and outdoor escapades there is something for everyone! October offers your family many opportunities to create lasting memories as you embrace the fall festivities.

Fun Family Events in Ottawa in October

Metcalfe Fair

From Thursday October 2 to Sunday October 5, don’t miss the Metcalfe Fair. This long-running fall fair with livestock displays, midway rides, agricultural exhibitions, and family entertainment is a rural tradition that gives city kids a taste of fair life.

Ottawa Panda Game

Don’t miss the Panda Game on Sunday October 5th at TD Place (Landsdowne). This is the ultimate showdown between the Ottawa Gee-Gees and the Carleton Ravens in an exciting university football match. The rivalry is intense and the stadium will be full of vibrating energy while the action on the field will be full on. Grab your tickets because this event always fills up!

Carleton University Butterfly Show

From Saturday October 4 to Sunday October 12, don’t miss Carlton University’s Annual Biology Butterfly Show at the Nesbitt Biology Building. Watch over 1,300 live exotic butterflies flutter in greenhouse-like displays. It’s warm, magical, and a perfect indoor escape. The kids will love feeding them orange slices and observing their delicate wings.

Ottawa Parent & Child Expo

Head to the Nepean Sportsplex October 18th and 19th for the Ottawa Parent & Child Expo presented by the Ottawa Parenting Times magazine. This year’s featured guests are none other than the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles plus Gabby from Gabby’s Dollhouse will be around throughout the weekend while you explore a wide array of vendors offering products and services from Ottawa and beyond.

Pumpkin Carving Contest

Great ready to get creative at the Canada Agricultural Museum pumpkin carving contest happening on October 25th and 26th. Join in the Halloween fun as you carve and craft with pumpkins at this fun fall festive event.  Dress for the outdoors as you explore around the farm.

Pumpkininferno

Experience the enchantment of Pumpkininferno at Upper Canada Village until Saturday November 1st. On site there are over 7000 handcrafted pumpkins illuminating all throughout Upper Canada Village creating a magical atmosphere that the whole family will enjoy. This is a popular event and we suggest heading out on a weekday evening if you want to beat the crowds!

Saunders Farm PumpkinFest

Don’t miss out on this pumpkin fall farm fun throughout October and until Saturday November 1st! Saunders Farm’s PumpkinFest. With hedge mazes, hayrides, live shows, festive storytelling and characters, and some spooky haunted spots (don’t forget FrightFest after dark for the older kiddos), Saunders Farm is THE spot for festive Halloween fun in the captial region.

Byward Market Day of the Dead Festival

The Byward Market Day of the Dead Festival is a non-profit organization focused on promoting the richness of Mexican culture through art, food, music and dance, appealing to all ages. This festival is an opportunity to experience a piece of Mexico in the heart of Canada, providing the people of Ottawa with an authentic taste of this captivating celebration that is the Day of the Dead for years to come. From Friday October 31 to Sunday November 2.