by Jenn Reid
Halloween is the best holiday for kids — they get to stay out late for once, tell fun and spooky stories, dress up and get free candy! Granted adults can do some of these things too, but it just seems more magical when you’re a kid. Whether kids want to carve a pumpkin, scare themselves silly or just show off their costumes, there are plenty of age-appropriate ways to do so in Toronto. Check out these kid-friendly Halloween events and activities. [Photo courtesy of the Sony Centre]
Downsview Pumpkinfest
Downsview Park’s Pumpkinfest is a chance to have all the fun of a pumpkin patch right here in the city. There’s pumpkin activities like bowling, carving and a pie eating contest, plus other farm-style fun. You can also check out a midway with rides and games, arts and crafts, face painting and more.
Night of Dread
The West End celebrates Halloween every year with Night of Dread, a Halloween parade and festival. The family-friendly event has a parade of black and white masked ghouls (anyone can join), followed by a fest with fire-spinners, stilt-walkers and other bizarre acts.
Toronto West Halloween Fest
St. Joseph’s hospital celebrates Halloween with a combined street festival and fundraiser. There’s a costume parade that walks through the neighbourhood, plus a haunted house, trick or treat stations, games, live performances and more.
Fort York After Dark
Fort York was founded in 1793, and you know there’s a lot of history there. Fort York After Dark lantern tours takes you across the grounds at night, where you learn about the history of the area, including the bloody Battle of York. There’s also a visit to the two military cemeteries nearby. Fort York is reportedly haunted, and this is a perfect chance to find out for yourself. Recommended for ages eight and up.
Boo at the Zoo
Bring your little ones to the zoo for Halloween, and don’t forget a costume! All kids under 12 wearing a costume get in free, when accompanied by an adult. There’s also plenty of Halloween displays for photo ops in between animal exhibits.
Junction Pumpkinfest
Every year, the Junction neighbourhood celebrates fall and Halloween all in one with Pumpkinfest. The family-friendly festival has games, crafts and pumpkin carving contests. Local businesses will also have special fall activities and specials for guests to enjoy.
Pumpkin Party
What do you do with your Jack-O-Lantern once Halloween is over? Show it off! The Gibson House Museum is hosting a pumpkin party for families. Bring in your best carved pumpkins to show off your designs, and see what creative offerings others have made. There is also hot apple cider and snacks from the historic kitchen.
Haunted High Park
Explore High Park after dark and learn about it’s scary past, including funerals and the haunted history of Colborne Lodge. There’s also a Victorian séance at the end of each walk, and themed refreshments. Some walks are scarier than others and are marked accordingly: adults/teens only for those walks, and children over eight for the others.
Camp Spooky
While the adults (and older kids) head to Canada’s Wonderland at night for Halloween Haunt, the families and younger kids get to enjoy Camp Spooky during the day. There’s fun Halloween activities for kids, including mazes and trick or treating, plus Planet Snoopy and Kidzville rides.
Harry Potter in Concert
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets will play with live orchestra at the Sony Centre just in time for Halloween. The Toronto Symphony Orchestra will perform the score live, note for note, during a screening of the film for an ultimate surround sound experience.
