Halloween lands on a Saturday this year, which gives Ottawa families a full weekend of options. Whether you want a gentle pumpkin patch, a free Halloween event for kids or a costume party, this guide lists what is still ahead and which events fit which ages. Teens and adults looking for scares should read our haunted attractions guide.
Which Family Are You?
Halloween Timeline: Oct 19 to Nov 1
Halloween in the Forest (11 a.m.–2 p.m., Vanier), Wickedly Westboro trick-or-treating (1–4 p.m.), Stittsville Oktoboofest (10 a.m.–2 p.m.).
Halloween Hijinks at Cumberland Heritage Village ($24.04 per group, 10 and younger) and Halloween Heist at Billings Estate ($28.75 per group + tax).
Ottawa Humane Society. $5 per child aged 2–14; adults free.
9 a.m.–4 p.m. daily. About $13.77 per person plus fees, advance tickets only.
6–8 p.m., free, all ages. The ByWard Market festival runs Oct 30 to Nov 1.
Rideau HALLoween (10 a.m.–noon, free), Carp Farmers' Market Spook-Tacular (8 a.m.–1 p.m.), Halloween Howl at New Edinburgh Park (2–4 p.m., free), then trick-or-treating.
Free Halloween Events for Kids in Ottawa
| Event | When | Where | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Halloween in the Forest | Sat, Oct 24, 11 a.m.–2 p.m. | Museoparc Vanier Sugar Shack | Families, no registration |
| Wickedly Westboro | Sat, Oct 24, 1–4 p.m. | Westboro Village | Daytime trick-or-treating |
| Stittsville Oktoboofest | Sat, Oct 24, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. | Johnny Leroux Stittsville Arena | Families |
| Day of the Dead Celebrations | Fri, Oct 30, 6–8 p.m. | NAC | All ages |
| Halloween at the Bunker | Oct 30–31 | Diefenbunker, Carp | Youth and families; listed as free, with a paid museum admission option |
| Rideau HALLoween | Sat, Oct 31, 10 a.m.–noon | Rideau Hall | Children and families |
| Halloween Howl | Sat, Oct 31, 2–4 p.m. | New Edinburgh Park Fieldhouse | Younger children |
| Halloween Double Feature | Sat, Oct 31, 1 and 3 p.m. | OPL Main Branch | Free; age not stated, check the film |
The Stittsville Treat Accessibly Halloween Village is also free house-to-house trick-or-treating, but I could not find its date. Check the organizer.
Pumpkin Farms and Paid Family Events
| Event | Dates | Price (CAD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pumpkinferno, Upper Canada Village (Morrisburg, about 1 hour) | Oct 2–31 (some listings say to Nov 1) | $21–$23 | Walk-through trail of thousands of carved pumpkins; accessibility nights available |
| Pumpkin Fest, Proulx Maple & Berry Farm | To Oct 31 | $22.55–$23.60 | Under 2 free; daytime mazes and wagon rides |
| PumpkinFest, Saunders Farm | To Nov 1 | From $25 | Under 2 free; daytime hayrides, mazes, puppet shows |
| Acres of Terror, daytime | Weekend afternoons | $25 + HST; 3 and under free; $75 family special for 4 | Toned down, but some children may still find it scary |
For more patches and mazes, see our pumpkin patch and corn maze guide. Expect cold, muddy ground: boots matter more than costumes.
Trick-or-Treat in Ottawa: What to Know for October 31
Ottawa Police tips (from their Halloween safety release) include:
Reflective tape and glow gear make a big difference. Stock up on glow sticks or reflective tape before Saturday.
Costume Play: Ideas and Practical Tips
Ottawa Halloween nights are usually cold, so costume planning is half fashion, half logistics. These are practical suggestions, not official rules.
A Little Scare Without the Nightmares
Some tweens want a thrill but are not ready for full scare farms. Acres of Terror's daytime sessions are described as toned down for younger children, though the farm notes parents decide what is appropriate. Extreme Fear Hauntings has a $10 matinée without jump scares. Watson's Mill Haunt Nights (Oct 22–24, $10 at the door) is listed for ages 10 and up.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time is trick-or-treating in Ottawa on Halloween 2026?
I could not find official hours from the City of Ottawa. Most families go out in the early evening on Saturday, Oct 31. Look for porch lights.
What are the best free Halloween events for kids in Ottawa?
Wickedly Westboro, Rideau HALLoween, Halloween in the Forest and Halloween Howl are free, plus the Day of the Dead events.
Is Halloween on a weekend in 2026?
Yes. October 31, 2026 is a Saturday. Clocks go back one hour on Sunday, Nov 1.
What Halloween activities are good for toddlers?
Short daytime events like Halloween Howl, Halloween in the Forest and Howl-O-Ween ($5 per child, ages 2–14).
Where can my kids wear costumes in Ottawa?
Rideau HALLoween, Wickedly Westboro, The Log Farm Costume Party and Halloween Hijinks are all dress-up friendly.
Is Pumpkinferno worth it for young kids?
It is a walk-through pumpkin trail about an hour east of Ottawa, listed as family-friendly at around $21–$23. Dress warmly.
Are haunted farms safe for kids under 10?
Several are not recommended under 10, such as Saunders FrightFest and sKreamers. Choose daytime sessions for younger kids.
Which event is your family going to? Share your costume ideas or your favourite trick-or-treat street in the comments.
Related Posts
Scare farms and ghost walks for teens and adults →Best Pumpkin Patches and Corn Mazes Near Ottawa
2026 family guide →Thanksgiving Weekend Getaways From Ottawa
Trips under 3 hours →