Fun Things to Do in Toronto in October for Families

That crisp smell in the air means one thing: It’s officially autumn! Bring on the sweaters, pumpkin spice everything and an October crammed with ways to entertain your family and create special times together. Below we’ve rounded up over a dozen events and attractions that will let your family embrace this time of year. While we’ve included some Halloween-themed events, we’re working on a bigger list of spooky (but kid-friendly) entertainment happening in and around Toronto in October. Watch for that on the site in a week or two.

Fun Things to Do with Kids in Toronto in October

Farm Fun

Throughout October
Various Locations

Nothing quite says “autumn” like a trip out to one of the GTA’s many fun farms. These attractions often feature playgrounds, animals to feed and pet, tractor rides and more. If your family wants to pick apples and other produce (including pumpkins), check out our updated roundup here of where to go apple picking in Toronto.

One of the region’s most popular farms, Chudleigh’s Entertainment Farm (9528 Regional Rd. 25, Milton), often sells out while another favourite choice, Downey’s Farm (13682 Heart Lake Rd., Caledon), only sells tickets online. And you’re looking for a spot where you can get a taste of some Halloween creepiness, check out Synder’s Family Farm (936685 Blenheim Rd., Bright), where you can explore some of the displays used for the nighttime Fear Farm attraction.

The Fall Baby Show

Friday October 2 to Sunday October 4
Enercare Centre, Exhibition Place, 100 Princes’ Blvd., Toronto

Expecting a baby or navigating those early parenting years? The Fall Baby Show brings more than 200 baby and parenting brands together under one roof, along with seminars, demonstrations, and advice from parenting experts. Shop and compare baby gear, learn about everything from car seat safety and sleep to postpartum recovery and infant massage, and take advantage of a few parent perks, including complimentary massages. Kids 12 and under are free.

Toronto Botanical Garden Fall Ravine Festival

Saturday October 3
Toronto Botanical Garden, 777 Lawrence Ave. E., North York

Celebrate Toronto’s ravines and the arrival of fall at the Toronto Botanical Garden Fall Ravine Festival. This free family-friendly afternoon includes a nature scavenger hunt, hands-on activities, opportunities to learn more about local wildlife and ravine ecosystems, and prizes.

Nuit Blanche Toronto

Saturday October 3 to Sunday October 4
Various locations, Toronto

Toronto stays up all night for Nuit Blanche, celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2026. More than 70 contemporary art projects will pop up around the city from 7pm until 7am. Families certainly don’t have to make it out all the way until sunrise. Head out early in the evening to explore some of the colourful, interactive, and larger-than-life installations before bedtime.

Raffi in Concert

Saturday October 3 & Sunday October 4
Massey Hall, Toronto

Beloved children’s entertainer Raffi brings his singalong-friendly show to Toronto for a weekend of music that will likely be just as nostalgic for parents as it is fun for little ones. Expect family favourites and plenty of opportunities for kids to join in.

PumpkinFest Toronto

Saturday October 10 to Monday October 12
Downsview Park, 35 Carl Hall Dr., Toronto

Make the most of Thanksgiving weekend at PumpkinFest Toronto, a three-day fall carnival packed with activities. There’s a pumpkin patch, unlimited midway rides, jumping castles, an inflatable corn maze, tractor-pulled hayrides, games, live entertainment and plenty of festival food.

Queen’s Park Fall Festival

Saturday October 17
Queen’s Park, Toronto

Here’s a chance to celebrate the season — and explore Ontario’s Legislature — for free. The Queen’s Park Fall Festival features a pumpkin patch, pumpkin carving, crafts, inflatables, face painting, a petting zoo, lawn games, live performances, and a market. The first 500 visitors will even receive a free mini pumpkin.

Applefest in Leaside

Saturday October 17
Bayview Avenue, Leaside

Celebrate all things autumn during Applefest in Leaside. The neighbourhood festival takes over Bayview with free family activities, live music and entertainment, along with plenty of opportunities to grab a bite and browse the shops along the street.

BooFest Cloverdale

Saturday October 17, Sunday October 18, Saturday October 24 & Sunday October 25
Cloverdale Mall, Etobicoke

Get an early start on Halloween at BooFest Cloverdale, where families can check out a pumpkin patch, midway fun, seasonal photo ops and local vendors. Admission is only $5, and each family can take home a free pumpkin while supplies last.

Halloween at the Village

Saturday October 24, Sunday October 25 & Saturday October 31
The Village at Black Creek, 1000 Murray Ross Pkwy., North York

Halloween gets an old-fashioned twist at Halloween at the Village. Kids can trick-or-treat their way through the historic village, make Halloween crafts and puppets and catch a Slimy Science Show. It’s designed to deliver plenty of Halloween atmosphere without the serious scares, making this one a good choice for younger kids.

Riverside Family Halloween Fest

Sunday October 25
Joel Weeks Park, 10 Thompson St., Toronto

Put on those costumes and head to Riverside for a free afternoon of Halloween fun. The annual family celebration features kids’ activities, treats, pumpkin decorating and more. Four-legged family members can get in on the action too, thanks to a dog costume party.

Howl-O-Ween Unleashed

Sunday October 25
Downsview Park, Toronto

If your dog is as much a member of the family as the kids, Howl-O-Ween Unleashed might be your perfect Halloween outing. This free Downsview Park event puts pets at the centre of the festivities, so dig out the dog’s Halloween costume and bring the whole crew.

Toronto International Festival of Authors

Wednesday October 28 to Sunday November 1
Victoria University, University of Toronto

Book-loving families will want to check out the Toronto International Festival of Authors, which brings writers and readers together for more than 100 events. Watch for kid- and family-friendly programming among this year’s readings, conversations, performances, and other literary events.

The Kingsway Pumpkinfest

Saturday October 31
The Kingsway, Etobicoke

Celebrate Halloween right on October 31 at the Kingsway Pumpkinfest. This free neighbourhood event features trick-or-treating, a costume contest, crafts and live entertainment, making it an easy way to add a little extra fun to Halloween day before heading out for the evening’s candy haul.

Halloween on Church

Saturday October 31
Church Street, Toronto

Older kids and teens who aren’t quite ready to give up on Halloween might enjoy experiencing one of Toronto’s biggest Halloween celebrations. Church Street closes to traffic and fills with elaborate costumes and thousands of revellers for Halloween on Church. Families with teens may want to arrive toward the beginning of the evening before the later-night crowds take over.