As the leaves turn golden and the air gets crisp, Ottawa transforms into a Halloween wonderland. As a local mom who’s explored countless family activities, I’m excited to share the best spooky (and not-so-spooky) adventures our city has to offer this fall. Here’s your ultimate guide to Halloween fun in Ottawa for 2024.

Family-Friendly Fun

Pumpkin Fest at Proulx Farm

Just a 30-minute drive east of downtown, this maple farm becomes a Halloween playground perfect for younger kids. With wagon rides and seasonal mazes, it’s an ideal afternoon out.

The Diefenbunker

Join the Toddlers’ Halloween Hunt

Come dressed in your favourite costume and explore hidden Halloween surprises in our 100,000-square-foot underground bunker that will be decked out for the occasion.

Enjoy the fun atmosphere, music, decorations, and perfect photo ops as you search throughout the bunker to find treats, crafts, and other themed activities. Take home a photo printout as a memento, courtesy of Flash Photobooth Ottawa.

You won’t want to miss out on this fa-boo-lous event! 

Date: Wednesday, October 23 to Friday, October 25, 2024
Time: Reserve your tickets in advance, as there are designated time slots and limited spots available. Entry time slots are every 30 minutes between 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. The event ends at 12:30 p.m. 
Cost: $12 per person; Children 5 years old and under are free. Parking is always free!

Saunders Farm Haunting Season

Celebrating their 31st year, Saunders Farm offers the perfect daytime adventure for families. Kids will love:

• Hayrides through the countryside
• Multiple maze adventures
• Entertaining puppet shows
• New rainbow-colored Jumbo Jumper
• The Coven (a mildly spooky outdoor trail)
• NEW: Fully accessible, paved pathways

Head out to the Central Experimental Farm

Dive into Pumpkin Corner to learn about the pumpkin life cycle and pick your very own to take home. For some light-hearted fun, guests can explore the Halloween Games Room, filled with festive activities for all ages.  Families will enjoy screenings of engaging movies throughout the weekends, along with special story time sessions that include hands-on crafts. You won’t want to miss the delicious fall flavours from the Demonstration Kitchen, featuring seasonal treats like pumpkin cookies and witches’ brew pudding cups.

Join a Pumking Carving Event

Every October, Ottawa embraces the Halloween spirit with citywide pumpkin-carving festivities that bring together families, neighbors, and artists. From local farms offering complete autumn experiences with hayrides and corn mazes to community competitions and expert-led workshops, residents of all ages and skill levels can participate in transforming ordinary pumpkins into spooky or whimsical works of art. These seasonal events not only provide creative outlets but also foster community connections across the capital region, culminating in neighborhoods dotted with illuminated jack-o’-lanterns that welcome trick-or-treaters and celebrate the harvest season.

Have a Not-so-Scary Movie Night

Set the stage for a memorable movie night by creating a comfortable viewing area with blankets and pillows, and don’t forget the popcorn! Encourage the kids to dress up in their favourite costumes or whip up some themed snacks to enhance the festive atmosphere. This fun family movie night is a perfect way to embrace the Halloween spirit while keeping the mood light and enjoyable! Try Monsters Inc., Hotel Transylvania, Casper, or Scooby-Doo. These films combine light-hearted humour with just the right amount of spookiness, making them ideal for children and adults alike.

Evening Thrills (For Braver Souls)

Pumpkinferno at Upper Canada Village

September 27 – October 31, 2024

This breathtaking display features 7,000 hand-carved pumpkins creating magical scenes along a one-kilometer path. From mythical creatures to cultural icons, every turn offers a perfect photo opportunity. Pro tip: They offer special accessibility nights where families can drive through the exhibition.

The Haunted Walk Experiences

For history buffs and ghost hunters, these guided tours reveal Ottawa’s spooky past. Don’t miss:

• Downtown ghost tours
• The infamous Carleton County Jail tour (one of North America’s most haunted buildings)
• Virtual Haunted Campfires for families (best for ages 12+)
• At-home paranormal adventures for rainy nights

Acres of Terror at Cannamore Orchard

September 27 – October 30, 2024

Located in Crysler (40 minutes from downtown), this attraction offers both family-friendly daytime activities and spine-chilling evening experiences, including:

• Spooky Wagon Rides
• House of Terror
• Fog Maze
• Fully wheelchair accessible facilities

For Thrill-Seekers

Skreamers at Proulx Farm

After dark, this friendly farm transforms into a terrifying experience complete with unexplained phenomena and blood-curdling screams. Not recommended for children under 10

Saunders Farm Fright Fest

The farm takes on a darker tone after sunset with:

• The Haunted Hayride
• Enhanced version of The Coven
• The Shambles
• Street theatre performances
• Local craft beverages for parents
• NEW: Two state-of-the-art escape experiences

Year-Round Spooky Fun

Ottawa’s escape room scene offers year-round thrills:

• Escape Manor (downtown)
• Room Escape Ottawa
• Jigsaw Escape Rooms
• The world’s largest escape room at the Diefenbunker (in nearby Carp)

Mom’s Tips

1. Book early. Many events require advance reservations
2. Check venue websites for current health and safety protocols
3. Consider RIP/skip-the-line passes for popular attractions
4. Bring a camera – these memories are worth capturing!

Remember, Halloween isn’t just about the scares – it’s about creating magical memories with your family. Whether you prefer gentle thrills or spine-chilling adventures, Ottawa has something for everyone this spooky season.