Trick or Treak in Yaletown. Photo: Yaletown BIA
Costumes, candy, Trick or Treat—Halloween is a big deal when you’re a kid, and there are lots of things to do in Vancouver to celebrate the holiday for kids 10 and under.
While a few of the Top 10 Vancouver Halloween Events & Attractions are appropriate for younger kids, many aren’t (they’re genuinely scary or better for teens than toddlers), and there are other, smaller events just for kids that I didn’t include in that Top 10 list. So here’s a round-up of all the Vancouver Halloween events for the younger set:
Vancouver Halloween Events & Attractions for Kids 10 & Under
1. Stanley Park Ghost Train – October 7 – 31, 2011 – All Ages
One of the best Vancouver Halloween attractions for kids under 10, the Ghost Train takes you on a gently spooky ride through the nighttime forest, where you pass by imaginative, live-action tableaux created by the master performance artists of Mortal Coil. Admission to the 2011 Ghost Train also includes face painting, crafts, pumpkin carving and the Haunted Maze.
2. Pumpkin Patch at Richmond Country Farms – October 8 – 31, 2011 – All Ages
Located just 20 minutes south of Vancouver, Richmond Country Farms has lots of Halloween fun for all ages: a pumpkin patch, corn maze, animals, and more.
3. Halloween at Burnaby Village Museum & Carousel – October 27 – 29, 2011 – All Ages
The Burnaby Village Museum has several, inexpensive kid-friendly Halloween events happening later this month: a Haunted Mansion, a Haunted Howl with family games, and Halloween Hoopla with ice skating.
4. Little Spooks and Friendly Ghosts at VanDusen Botanical Garden – October 29, 2011 – Kids 9 & Under
The beautiful VanDusen Botanical Garden and Public Dreams (the organization behind the Parade of Lost Souls/Secret Souls Walk) co-host this family event, which features games, Halloween crafts, Giant Jenga, and live performers. Tickets are available in advance at the Garden Entrance or at the Gate on the day of the event.
5. Fish or Treat at the Vancouver Aquarium – October 29, 2011 – All Ages
A Halloween tradition at the Vancouver Aquarium, Fish or Treat is a chance to Trick or Treat through the Aquarium’s galleries (in costume, of course), play games, and sleep over in front of the Belugas.
6. Halloweenie at the Kids Market – October 30, 2011 – All ages
Every year, the extraordinary Kids Market on Granville Island hosts a free Halloween party perfect for little kids: Kids can Trick or Treat through the market, get their face painted, and—if they come in costume–get a free hotdog and beverage, too.
7. Halloween in Yaletown – October 31, 2011 – All Ages
Don’t live in a neighbourhood where Trick or Treating is possible? All kids can Trick or Treat in Yaletown on Halloween night: this free event includes Trick or Treating at shops and merchants around Yaletown, plus some (appropriate) scary fun. Note: The website still has the 2010 details, but I spoke with the Yaletown BIA and Halloween in Yaletown is on for 2011.
Have a toddler? Check with your local Vancouver Community Centre for more Halloween fun; many community centres have Halloween carnivals and pumpkin carving workshops scheduled for this month.
Have more ideas for Vancouver Halloween fun for little kids? Please share in the comments!
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