Not sure why the most frightening time of year is geared towards kids, but fortunately, there are a ton of not-too-scary events happening all over the city. From haunted houses to trick-or-treating on mountaintops, here are the top family-friendly Halloween events happening around Vancouver.
1. Stanley Park Ghost Train (October 13 – 31)
There has been an alien invasion in Stanley Park! Journey into the restricted zones and witness the landing on this year’s Stanley Park ghost train. Riders will venture through a magical world inspired by Halloween and other spooky tales. In addition to the train, looks forward to a Haunted Maze, exhibits by the Stanley Park Ecology Society and a pumpkin patch. The entire site is wheelchair accessible. Be sure to dress warmly.
2. Li’L Haunters at Potter’s House of Horrors (October 6 – 31)
Photo: Lindsay William-Ross
From the minds behind Surrey’s very scary Potter’s House of Horrors, Li’l Haunters is a kids-only attraction with two mini haunted houses that are perfect for kids. The Mystic Village house includes a slightly creepy ghost town that sets the tone for fun to follow with the magic and mystery of House #2, Spooky Castle. No animatronics or actors are used in either house. Braver kids may want to check out Family Hour at Potter's House of Horrors, but remember that the Potter's regular haunted house is not for the faint of heart.
3. Vancouver Aquarium’s Fish or Treat Halloween Sleepover (October 28)
Start your Halloween celebrations a little early by joining the Vancouver Aquarium for a spooky, fun-filled, educational adventure through their building. End the night of kid-friendly trick or treating fun with a sleepover in one of the living marine galleries. There will be a snack in the evening and breakfast is included.
4. VanDusen Glow in the Garden (October 24 – 31)
VanDusen Glow in the Garden invites you to join us this Halloween for an adventure through a whimsical garden. Discover curious twists and magical moments from the classic tale—Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Follow the white rabbit on a wondrous walk with zany lights and sounds, and illuminated pumpkin caricatures. Visitors of all ages will enjoy tasty treats, crafts and much more.
5. Sea to Sky Gondola Trick or Treat (October 28)
The Sea to Sky Gondola welcomes costume-clad trick-or-treaters of all ages for an afternoon of seasonal surprises, face-painting and Trick or Treating. The first 250 trick-or-treaters are invited to pick up a special bag to decorate in the Basecamp Cafe. Admission is free with gondola lift tickets or a valid season/annual pass.
6. Burnaby Haunted Village (October 27 – 30)
Explore Burnaby Village in the dark of night. Come wonder at the curious, find the unusual and discover the unexpected. Visitors are encouraged to wear their costumes and their dancing shoes! Entrance includes trick-or-treating for the children, entertainment and carousel rides for all. The Ice Cream Parlour will also be open for ghoulish snacks and light meals.
7. Grave Tales at Fort Langley (October 13 - 30)
Join Fort Langley’s expert storytellers for a two or three-hour program of spine-chilling stories as you walk through the Fort Langley village at night at Grave Tales. The National Historic Site is also hosting a kids trick-or-treating event on October 29th.
8. Spoo-ook-tacular Halloween at Britannia Mine Museum (October 21-22)
It’s the witching hour at Britannia Mine Museum this Halloween! Enjoy two weekends of Halloween fun, including a witch’s house, strange science show, critter emporium and village fair! They’re also taking visitors inside the tunnels for a special underground train ride complete with spine-tingling stories.
9. The Valley Haunt (October 20 - 31)
North Van's family operated scare fest is back for another year of screams! Held in eerie shipping containers, the Valley Haunt is will consist of a thrilling walk-through haunt with tons of terrifying encounters! It's a bone-chilling attraction featuring everything from scary clowns to bloodthirsty butchers. Recommended for ages 10+, but all ages are welcome.
10. Halloween on the Heights 2017 (October 31)
A kid-friendly Halloween outing! Participating candy-giving merchants will have a pumpkin decal on their front door or window. Trick or treat down through the charming Heights of Burnaby! Next head over to the Burnaby Central Railway at Confederation Park for the Annual Spooky (but not too spooky) Halloween Trains in the Dark.
