Fun with Kids for Halloween

1. Howling Hootenany at Black Creek Pioneer Village

Halloween at Black Creek merges their usual educational activities with seasonal fun. Visit the farm animals, plus see spiders, snakes, rats and more at the "Creepy Creatures Show". Enjoy fall harvest treats like pumpkin tarts and candied apples along with fair foods like burgers and fries. Entertainment includes ghost stories and a fire eater, while activities include "Creepy Crafts", creating a Victorian ghost photo and taking your turn shooting the apple slingshot. Visit the website for more.
In 2009:
• Saturdays & Sundays, 11am - 4:30pm
• October 17 & 18, 24 & 25, and 31
• Free for members, $15 adults, $14 seniors and students, $11 children ages 5-15, ages 4 and under free; parking is $6

2. Boo at the Zoo

Head to the Zellers Discovery Zone for a hay maze, entertainment and treats. You can take part in the twice-daily Critters and Costumes Parade at 12:00pm or 2:00pm. Up to two children 12 and under will be admitted to the zoo for free with a paying adult - IF the kids come in costume!
In 2009:
• Saturday October 24 & Sunday October 25th, Saturday October 25, 10am-4pm
• Learn more about visiting the Toronto Zoo

3. Halloween Hoot at Riverdale Farm

The Friends of Riverdale Farm host this afternoon of family fun. Children aged 3-10 can visit the decorated "Boo Barn" with their parents while kids and adults of all ages can purchase a pumpkin to carve and enjoy treats from the wood-fired oven.
In 2009:
• Saturday October 24th, 9:30am - 3:30pm
• Learn more about Riverdale Farm

4. Halloween Howl at the Toronto Botanical Garden

For one afternoon only, families can dress up in costume and visit the Haunted Garden, search for treats and enjoy apple cider.
In 2009:
• Saturday October 24, 1pm-3pm
• Public $10, Members $7, adult accompaniment and registration required

5. Casa Loma's Trick or Treat & Pumpkin Carving Contest

Enjoy magic, storytelling and a trcik-or-treat scavenger hunt aimed at children 10 and under. Children 13 and under are invited to enter a contest to carve and keep a scary or funny jack-o-lantern with the chance to win a family pass to Casa Loma's Christmas program.
In 2009:
• Saturday October 31st, 9:30am - 5pm
• Included with regular admission ($18 adults, $12.50 youth/seniors, $10.50 children ages 4-13
• Pre-registration for carving contest required

6. Casa Loma Estate Ghost Tracking

Ghost researchers Michelle Desrochers and Patrick Cross will give a presentation on the techniques and equipment of their trade before leading participants on a spirit investigation. Bring a digital or disposable camera!
In 2009:
• Monday October 26 to Thursday October 29, 7pm
• Adults $25 (plus GST), Children up to age 14 $15 (plus GST); Pre-registration required
• Note: Although billed as a family event, content may not be suitable for all ages - parental discretion is advised

7. Halloween at the City's Historical Museums

Many of Toronto's historic museums are having spooky stories and tours to celebrate Halloween. Click the link above to head to the City of Toronto's Museums webpage to learn more about the pricing and age suitability for any of the following events:

• Spirit Walk at Mackenzie House, October 23, 24, 30
• Haunted High Park at Colborne Lodge, Family program (not recommended for kids under 8) October 24
• Halloween Mask Making Workshop at Todmorden Mills, October 25
• Halloween Hauntings at Todmorden Mills, Family program (not recommended for kids under 8) October 29
• Skeleton Women and Other Spooky Canadian Tales at Montgomery's Inn, October 30

8. Halloweek and the Halloween Hullabaloo

With plenty of adult events in the evenings, the Church and Wellesley BIA's Halloweek events also include daytime activities for families, including the 519 Church Street Community Centre's "Halloween Hallabaloo". (More 2009 details TBA)
In 2009:
• Saturday October 24th
Cawthra Park/519 Community Centre, 519 Church Street