Spooky Fun Family Events and Activities for Halloween in Ottawa
October 31st is creeping closer, and there no shortage of festive and spooky events for Halloween in Ottawa for families to enjoy! Whether you’re looking for gentle, kid-friendly fun or a slightly spooky adventure, Ottawa has you covered with Halloween events that will delight ghosts and goblins of all ages. Here’s a roundup of the best family-friendly events happening for Halloween in Ottawa this year.
Spooktacular Family Fun for Halloween in Ottawa
Pumpkin Days and Fright Fest at Saunders Farm
Where: Saunders Farm, 7893 Bleeks Road, Munster
When: Fridays & Saturdays from September 21 until Oct. 31; plus Halloweek (Oct 22-24 & 27-31): 6pm – 10pm
Saunders Farm is known for its epic fall festivals. Fall days = Pumpkin Days — hunt for the gourd-geous pumpkin of your dreams, explore the hedge mazes, hop on a hayride, and check out family-friendly versions of the Fright Fest haunted attractions. Fall nights = Fright Fest, the ultimate ghoul’s night out. Sip on a Saunders Cider, treat yourself to some farm-fresh bites, and keep the thrills going with ziplines, arcade games, Jumbo Jumpers, and live scary stage shows.
Billings Estate National Historic Site’s Halloween Heist
Where: Billings Estate National Historic Site, 2100 Cabot Street
When: Saturday and Sunday October 26 and 27 from 10 am to 4 pm
The Billings Estate hosts a fun and spooky Halloween event perfect for families with young children. Troublesome ghouls keep trying to sneak away with all of the Halloween candy. To keep it safe, it’s locked away in a top-secret hiding place. Explore the museum grounds in a fun, self-guided adventure while completing games and activities. Along the way, gather clues to gain access to the vault and collect a sweet treat for cracking the code. Costumes are encouraged! Suggested for ages 10 and under.
Halloween Hijinks at the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum
Where: 901 Prince of Wales Drive
When: Weekends in October: 5-6, 12-14, 19-20, 26-27
The Canada Agriculture and Food Museum brings Halloween fun to the farm with their Amazing Autumn Weekends event. Kids can enjoy trick-or-treating, Halloween-themed games, and spooky science experiments. There’s also a costume parade, pumpkin decorating, and visits with the animals, making it a fun-filled day for families who want to combine Halloween fun with a trip to the farm.
Ghost Tours of Ottawa
Where: Ottawa’s Haunted Locations (Departure from Bytown Museum, 1 Canal Lane)
When: Until October 31, 2024
If your family loves ghost stories and historical tales, check out one of Ottawa’s famous Ghost Tours. The haunted walk takes you through Ottawa’s most eerie spots, including the Bytown Museum and Ottawa Jail Hostel, while tour guides share chilling stories of the city’s haunted past. The tours offer a mix of history and spookiness, suitable for kids aged 8 and up.
Trick or Treat with the Mayor
Where: Ottawa City Hall, 110 Laurier Avenue West
When: Saturday, October 26
Mayor Jim Watson invites families to Ottawa City Hall for the annual Trick or Treat with the Mayor event. This free, fun-filled day includes Halloween-themed activities, face painting, and, of course, trick-or-treating. It’s a great way for younger kids to experience a safe and friendly Halloween celebration in the heart of the city.
A Barnyard Halloween at Valleyview Little Animal Farm
Where: 4750 Fallowfield Road
When: Thursdays to Sundays October 24-27
Valleyview Little Animal Farm is hosting a Barnyard Halloween, perfect for younger children who want to enjoy some not-so-spooky Halloween fun. Kids can dress up in their costumes, visit the farm animals, and enjoy Halloween-themed games, a spooky puppet show, and a fun scavenger hunt. It’s the perfect spot for families with little ones looking for a gentler Halloween celebration.
Halloween Fun at Pumpkins After Dark
Where: 401 Corkstown Rd., Nepean
When: Until Thursday October 31st
Take a short drive to Nepean to experience Pumpkins After Dark, a family-friendly Halloween event that features thousands of hand-carved pumpkins displayed in stunning, illuminated scenes. Walk through this glowing pumpkin trail, enjoy the festive atmosphere, and take part in the photo opportunities along the way. It’s a magical Halloween experience for all ages.
Halloween Skate
Where: Skate & Play, 1101 Baxter Rd., Ottawa
When: Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 26-27
For families looking for a unique way to celebrate Halloween, join the Halloween fun at Skate & Play. Kids can wear their costumes while gliding around and they’ll enjoy a festive, spooky roller skate with music, prizes, and treats. It’s a fun and active way to celebrate the holiday while keeping the spirit of Halloween alive and on wheels.
Ottawa is buzzing with exciting Halloween events for families this year, offering everything from fun farm visits to spooky ghost tours. Whether you’re looking for a mild-mannered pumpkin patch or a haunted adventure, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this Halloween. So grab your costumes, carve those pumpkins, and get ready for a spook-tacular time in the capital! Happy Halloween, Ottawa!
