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
Thursday October 1 to Sunday October 4
Metcalfe Fairgrounds, 2821 8th Line Rd., Metcalfe
Celebrate 170 years of country fun at the Metcalfe Fair. One of the area’s longest-running fall traditions, the fair brings together midway rides, agricultural exhibits, farm animals, entertainment, competitions, food and plenty of family activities just south of Ottawa.
Carleton University Butterfly Show
Saturday October 3 to Sunday October 11
Nesbitt Biology Building, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Dr., Ottawa
Step into a tropical oasis filled with more than 1,300 live exotic butterflies at Carleton University’s annual Butterfly Show. Timed perfectly for Thanksgiving weekend, this popular annual event gives families an up-close look at butterflies from around the world. Admission is $5.
PumpkinFest at Saunders Farm
Weekends throughout October
Saunders Farm, 7893 Bleeks Rd., Ottawa
Celebrate fall with pumpkins, hedge mazes, hayrides and plenty of outdoor play at PumpkinFest. The daytime event is designed for families, with kid-friendly Halloween attractions alongside the farm’s signature mazes and seasonal activities. Save FrightFest, the farm’s much scarier nighttime event, for the older crowd.
Pumpkin Fest at Proulx Farm
Weekends through Saturday October 31
Ferme Proulx Farm, 1865 O’Toole Rd., Cumberland
Head about 30 minutes east of downtown Ottawa for a day of fall fun at Proulx Farm’s annual Pumpkin Fest. Families can explore mazes, take a wagon ride and enjoy farm activities and Halloween fun during the daytime. At night, the farm transforms into the considerably spookier Skreamers, which isn’t recommended for kids under 10.
Annual Thanksgiving Market
Saturday October 10 & Sunday October 11
Les Serres Robert Plante Greenhouses, 4228 Navan Rd., Navan
Shop local over Thanksgiving weekend at this free fall market featuring more than 200 vendors and artisans. Browse handmade goods, seasonal finds, food and more while enjoying a family outing among the greenhouses.
ArohaFest Diwali Dhamaka
Thursday October 15 to Sunday October 18
National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin St., Ottawa
Celebrate Diwali through music, dance and culture when ArohaFest Diwali Dhamaka returns to the National Arts Centre. The multi-day festival is a colourful opportunity to introduce kids to the traditions surrounding the Festival of Lights.
Hintonburg Howl-O-Ween
Saturday October 17
Parkdale Park, Ottawa
Get those costumes ready early for Hintonburg Howl-O-Ween. This neighbourhood Halloween celebration takes over Parkdale Park for some family-friendly seasonal fun well before the big night arrives.
Glebe Halloween Village
Saturday October 17
Bank Street & Glebe Avenue, Ottawa
Halloween arrives early in the Glebe with a neighbourhood celebration along Bank Street. Dress up the kids and make an afternoon of exploring the area and joining in the Halloween festivities.
Ottawa Parent & Child Expo
Saturday October 17 & Sunday October 18
Nepean Sportsplex, 1701 Woodroffe Ave., Nepean
Billed as the National Capital Region’s longest-running parenting and kids show, the Ottawa Parent & Child Expo brings family-focused exhibitors, activities and entertainment together under one roof. This one’s also a handy rainy-day option if October weather isn’t cooperating.
Spooky Symphony
Sunday October 18
National Arts Centre, Southam Hall, 1 Elgin St., Ottawa
It’s all treats and no tricks when the NAC Orchestra gets into the Halloween spirit with the Spooky Symphony. This family-friendly concert features appropriately spooky music, including The Sorcerer’s Apprentice and the unmistakable theme from Ghostbusters. Tickets start at $15.
Halloween Costume Party at The Log Farm
Thursday October 29 to Sunday November 1
The Log Farm, 670 Cedarview Rd., Nepean
Put on your costumes and head to the farm for some Halloween fun without the scares. The Log Farm’s kid-friendly celebration includes non-scary wagon rides along with its usual fall favourites, including farm animals, a corn maze and pumpkin patch. Advance tickets are required.
Toddlers’ Halloween Hunt
Friday October 30 & Saturday October 31
Diefenbunker: Canada’s Cold War Museum, 3929 Carp Rd., Carp
Even Ottawa’s famous underground bunker is getting into the Halloween spirit with the Toddlers’ Halloween Hunt. Little ones can come dressed in costume and explore the Diefenbunker in search of hidden Halloween surprises during this special event designed specifically with toddlers in mind.
Day of the Dead Festival
Friday October 30 to Sunday November 1
ByWard Market, East York Street & William Street Plaza, Ottawa
Head to the ByWard Market for a colourful celebration of Mexican culture and Día de los Muertos. The Day of the Dead Festival is a free three-day event returning for its eighth edition with cultural programming and festivities in the heart of downtown Ottawa.
Halloween Howl
Saturday October 31
New Edinburgh Park Fieldhouse, 203 Stanley Ave., Ottawa
Little ghosts and goblins can celebrate Halloween at this free neighbourhood party in New Edinburgh. The longstanding community tradition is aimed especially at younger children, giving families another daytime opportunity to show off those costumes before trick-or-treating begins.
Pumpkinferno
Friday October 2 to Saturday October 31
Upper Canada Village, 13740 County Rd. 2, Morrisburg
If you’re up for a road trip, the spectacular Pumpkinferno is about an hour south of Ottawa. Wander a kilometre-long nighttime trail through Upper Canada Village illuminated by around 7,000 handcrafted glowing pumpkins arranged in elaborate displays. It’s spooky-looking without being a haunted-house experience, making it a fun Halloween outing for families.
