A Silver-haired bat, a common bat species found in Stanley Park. Read more about bats in the park here.
Yesterday, we covered kids’ Halloween costumes. Now where are you going to wear them? Here are some spooky yet family-friendly Halloween events in Kitsilano (and a little farther afield) occurring over the next few weeks. From indoor trick-or-treating and creative amusement to outdoor haunted walks and creepy train rides, Halloween this year shall surely be a frightfully ghoulish great time for the whole family.
Family Halloween Events in Kitsilano
Howl Spook Fest
Calling all ghosts and goblins! Participate in Halloween activities, arts & crafts, decorate cookies, meet your neighbours, have your face painted, and much more at this annual fun fest at the Kitsilano Community Centre. Pre-registration is required as this event sells out (register here). Parent participation is required. For ages 1-12. Saturday, October 26 from 10:30am to 12:30pm. Admission is $6 per child.
Kitsilano Community Centre, 2690 Larch Street, Vancouver.ca
Halloween Party Workshop
Come create some fun spooky art at the annual Halloween Party Workshop at 4Cats Arts Studio. Wear your costumes! Parent participation is required. For all ages. Wednesday, October 30 from 6:15pm to 7:15pm. Admission is $5+gst per child. Prizes and refreshments included. Register here.
4Cats Arts Studio, 3730 West 10th Avenue, (604) 221-4849, 4cats.com
Family Halloween Events Nearby Kitsilano
Creatures of the Night
Venture over to Stanley Park and follow a guide from the Stanley Park Ecology Society through Stanley Park’s forest on a 30-minute candlelit adventure and discover some of the park’s most elusive nocturnal animals, including bats, owls, and flying squirrels! For all ages. Tours start from the Miniature Railway (the Halloween Ghost Train) in Stanley Park and are offered now through to October 31, Thursdays-Sundays, 6:30pm to 10pm (every 30 minutes). Admission is $3 per child, $5 for adults, and $15 for families (of 4).
Stanley Park Ecology Society, 610 Pipeline Road, (604) 718-6522, Stanleyparkecology.ca
Stanley Park Halloween Ghost Train
We know this isnt’t quite in the ‘hood. But it happens to be one of the best Halloween attractions on offer for kids. Take your velvet seat on the annual Halloween Ghost Train and travel through the silver screen into the world of classic horror movies such as Dracula, The Wolf Man, The Mummy, and The Phantom of the Opera. For all ages. Friday, October 11 to Saturday, November 2 from 6pm to 10pm (closed Thanksgiving Monday, October 14). Afternoon matinees are Friday, Saturday, and Sunday 11am to 6pm. Note: The train is covered so riders are protected from the rain. However, everyone should dress warmly for the cold autumn nights. Admission is free for children under 3, $7 for children & youth 3-17, and $11 for adults. Matinees are $5.50 for all ages.
Stanley Park Halloween Ghost Train, 610 Pipeline Road, (604) 257-8531, Vancouver.ca
Witch’s Kitchen Scavenger Hunt
Complete the scavenger hunt list and enter to win some great prizes. Free kids hot chocolate from Starbucks on Tuesdays and Fridays (from 2:30pm-4:30pm) to all the children who do the scavenger hunt (pick up your coupon at City Square Administration office). For all ages. October 18-31, daily. Admission is free.
City Square Shopping Centre, 555 West 12th Avenue, (604) 876-5165, Mycitysquare.com
Halloween Hunt
Come dressed up and trick or treat for goodies, also at the City Square Shopping Centre. Magic shows, face painting, pumpkin decorating, prizes to win, and more. For all ages. Saturday, October 26th from 12pm to 3pm. Admission is free.
City Square Shopping Centre, 555 West 12th Avenue, (604) 876-5165, Mycitysquare.com
Halloweenie
Granville Island’s famous Kids Market hosts trick or treating at its shops. Kids can participate in the Kids Market Treasure Hunt – collect a stamp from each shop and enter to win a Halloweenie loot bag. Plus, children in costume get a free BBQ hotdog and a beverage. For all ages. Sunday, October 2 from 11am to 3pm. Admission is free.
Kids Market at Granville Island, 1496 Cartwright Street, (604) 689-8447, Kidsmarket.ca
Have one to add? Help out by commenting below.
Looking for more Vancouver family Halloween events. Browse Vancouver online classified community events.
Photo credit: Durmphoto.com
Last modified: October 10, 2013
