The Halloween season is morphing into a frenzy of terrorizing haunted houses and zombie-apocalypse-themed attractions, but for kids and those with a nostalgic-heart, this time of season just isn’t right without a good ol’ fashioned apple-bobbing contest and some homemade costumes. To help you and your little ones reconnect with the not-so-frightful side of the season, check out our list of the most anticipated Halloween events, attractions and pumpkin patches in the Lower Mainland. These Halloween activities for kids in Vancouver will keep the entire family smiling.
Attractions
Halloween Train Ride to the Pumpkin Patch
Location: 13750 – 88th Avenue at King George Blvd, Surrey, BC
Runs from October 5 to October 31, 2018
Times: 10 am to 4:30 pm
Tickets: $10 (kids 2 and under are free)
Come ride the Bear Creek trains and play a round of mini-golf before taking in Halloween-inspired crafts. Then hop on the Pumpkin Express train before it chugs through the spooky decorated forest.
Each child will get a personal, kid-sized pumpkin when they leave. The attraction is open rain or shine.
Ghost Train
Location: Stanley Park, Vancouver, BC
Runs from October 11 to October 31, 2018
Monday to Thursday: 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm
Friday to Sunday: 5:30 pm to 10 pm
Tickets: $6 and up
Want your kids to revel in the magic of make-believe? Consider the 14-minute Ghost Train through Vancouver’s iconic Stanley Park. The children’s daytime ride doesn’t include live performers, so the scare-factor isn’t there. Instead, they can enjoy this year’s Alien Invasion theme, which is a wonderful journey through the forest among the themed displays. After the ride, enjoy the Haunted Maze, arts and crafts, even a pumpkin patch.
Don’t forget to share your favourite moments on social media with #GhostTrainYVR and don’t forget, the train runs rain or shine.
VanDusen Glow in the Garden
Location: 5251 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC
Runs from October 19 to October 31, 2018
Daily: 4:30 pm to 9 pm
Tickets: $9 t0 $13.50 (cheaper online)
VanDusen Glow in the Garden invites you to join us this Halloween season for an adventure through a whimsical garden with curious twists and magical moments from the classic tale Hänsel and Gretel. Follow the bread crumbs 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. New this year – Enjoy an expanded event area, new food vendors, and timed tickets. If you come in costume, make sure you share your photos with #VanDusenGlow for a chance to win a great prize.
Halloween at Burnaby Village
Location: 6501 Deer Lake Avenue, Burnaby Village Museum
Runs from October 27, 2018
Times: 11 am to 2pm
Tickets: $5.85 to $6.50 per person
Don your best costume and make your way to the Carousel for this family-friendly Halloween event. This is Halloween without the fright factor and appeals to young children. Take part in carnival games, Halloween crafts and enjoy a children’s entertainer, as well as unlimited carousel rides.
Pumpkin patches, farms and mazes
Mann Farms
Location: 790 Mckenzie Rd, Abbotsford, BC
Open: Everyday
Times: Sunday – Thurs: 9 am to 6 pm
Friday-Sat: 9 am to 10 pm
Tickets: $8.50 and up
This family-owned farm still operates as a sizeable business in the Abbotsford area. But realizing a need, the family opted to open up their gates. Now, there’s a direct from the grower to the consumer fruit and veggie stand, a small petting zoo (chickens run wild!), a children’s playground and, in the fall, a pumpkin patch.
Chilliwack Corn Maze & Pumpkin Farm
Location: 41905 Yale Road West, Chilliwack, BC
Open: September 1 to October 31
Thursday: 6 pm to 9 pm
Friday and Saturday: 11 am to 9 pm
Sundays and holidays: 11 am to 6 pm
(Closed Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday)
Tickets: $12.50 (save .50 if you book online)
Want to get lost! You will at this 12-acre corn maze! Not only is the corn maze great fun for the entire family but your admission ticket also gets you hay bale maze, animal displays, use of pedal cars, the sandbox, the kiddy play area (including a spider climbing web) and a giant jumping pillow.
Laity Pumpkin Patch
Location: 21145 128th Avenue, Maple Ridge, BC
Open: September 29 to October 31
Monday to Friday: 12 pm to 5 pm (for north); 2 pm to 5 pm (for south)
Saturday and Sunday: 9:00 am to 5 pm (north & south)
Tickets: $6 (kids 2 and under are free)
Fans of this Maple Ridge farm couldn’t get enough, so the family decided to build a second location. Located at 12725 Laity Street, this pumpkin patch to the south offers kids six and up a chance to explore a hobbit-like village before running loose in the patch.
With all the festive options ranging from pumpkin patches to corn mazes to the Halloween Parade, you’ll find a variety of Halloween activities for kids in Vancouver and the surrounding Lower Mainland suitable for the entire family.
Content updated as of October 11, 2018
