Who says Halloween fun has to be packed into just one day? This year, instead of trying to cram all the spooky shenanigans in on October 31st, stretch the fun out over the entire month of October. Fabulous fall weather and amazing autumn events make it the perfect month to get your little ghouls and goblins out for some fun fall adventures. Here are five of our favourite ways to fill your family’s fall with more haunting Halloween activities.
Jacked Up Pumpkin Carving
Rather than a rushed panic to pick up a pumpkin from the grocery store and get it carved before the sun sets on October 31st, turn the pumpkin carving fun into an all-day adventure. Start with a trip to a pick-your-own pumpkin patch. The pumpkin picking is just a fraction of the fun that awaits at Merry Farms in Hamilton. The farm also offers a corn maze, giant slides, farm animals, a spider web to climb, a tire mountain and more. Other great options for pumpkin picking include Brantwood Farms in Brantford and Andrews Scenic Acres in Milton.
Treat Them To A Fun Fall Surprise Outing
Surprise the kids by showing them that a bag full of candy isn’t the only awesome treat out there. Pick a Saturday or Sunday in October for an unexpected family adventure. Some kid-friendly favourites include:
- Floating on a giant raft down the Grand River
- Enjoying a family bike ride on a scenic off-road trail
- Exploring the craggy cliffs of the Niagara Escarpment
- Ziplining through the treetops at Binbrook Conservation Area
- Racing each other around the GoKart track
After your adventure, surprise everyone with a super fun final stop: Pumpkins After Dark! Running from September 23rd through October 30th, this 2.5-km guided drive-through trail at Country Heritage Park in Milton has over 6000 hand-carved pumpkins that can be enjoyed from the comfort of your car.
Turn Up The Crunch Factor
While most trick or treaters are less than impressed when a piece of fruit gets dropped in their bag instead of a piece of candy, apples are WAY more fun when you get to pick them yourself. Visit Chudleigh’s in Milton, and in addition to picking apples, your crew can enjoy a wagon ride, meet friendly farm animals, swing on ropes while exploring the on-site nature trail, and enjoy a play area with huge slides, a tower and hay bale jumps.
The Apple Festival at Battlefield House Museum and Park on Saturday, October 8th, is another fantastic family outing that offers a pancake breakfast, games, pumpkin decorating, demonstrations and entertainment.
Give Out The Best Treats On The Block
There’s no debating the fun of other people giving you free candy, but kids also take great pride in having the house that’s known as giving out the best loot! This year, get your kids involved with the candy selection, even if it’s just some extra special treat bags for neighbours and close friends. You can easily turn this exercise into an all-day adventure by creating a day trip itinerary built around a variety of shops where they can stock up. Great candy store options in Hamilton Halton Brant include:
- Candi Werx in Hamilton
- Across The Pond British Imports in Hamilton
- Walker’s Chocolates in Burlington
- Miss Bailey Brown Chocolate in Milton
- Chocolate Sensations in Paris and Ancaster
- Le Chocolat du Savoie in Brantford
- A Chocolate Lab in Oakville
Find a Haunting New Halloween Event
Judging by the number of Halloween-themed events taking place throughout October, Hamilton Halton Brant is on board with the concept of stretching Halloween fun out over the entire month. Great options include:
- Pumpkins After Dark from September 23 to October 30
- Scare In The Square in Brantford on October 7 and 8
- The Great Pumpkin Stroll at Fieldcote Memorial Park and Museum on Thursday, October 27
- Haunted Hayride and Barn at Brantwood Farms on the last two Friday and Saturday nights of October
- Steam Museum After Dark Family Flashlight Tour on October 29
- Halloween Fun Fair at Bell Homestead National Historic Site on October 30
- Kids Halloween 1-km Costume Run at Leander Boat Club on October 30
