The Best Events This Weekend for Kids | October 16-18 2026
Looking for fun things to do with the kids this weekend? Explore our updated guide to family-friendly events, activities, festivals, and outings happening across Toronto, the GTA and South Central Ontario!
Looking for more family outing ideas? Visit our Family Fun Guides for more events, best places to go and fun activities, across the GTA and Southern Ontario.
FEATURED EVENT
BooFest: A Haunting Adventure
- October 17-18 & 24-25, 2026
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Cloverdale Mall
250 The East Mall, Etobicoke, ON
Get ready for Halloween fun at BooFest at Cloverdale Mall! Families can enjoy a festive indoor celebration packed with spooky entertainment, activities and plenty of Halloween excitement. Dress up in your favourite costume and join the fun over two weekends for a memorable Halloween experience for all ages.
UPCOMING EVENT
Harry Potter™: Visions of Magic
- Opens October 16
- YZD, 590 Wilson Avenue, North York ON
Step into the wizarding world at Harry Potter™: Visions of Magic, an immersive journey through eight magical environments. Use a wand to reveal hidden magic as you explore Knockturn Alley, the Room of Requirement and more. Tickets start at $28.
Top Picks: Family Events this Weekend
Harvest & Pumpkin Carving at Scarborough Museum
October 25, 2026
Scarborough Museum
Celebrate the beauty of the harvest season at Scarborough Museum with a family-friendly pumpkin carving experience. Choose your pumpkin, create a unique design, and explore harvest traditions in one of Toronto’s most historic settings.Enjoy seasonal refreshments while museum staff share stories about autumn customs, harvest celebrations, and fall ...
Harvest & Pumpkin Carving at Scarborough Museum
October 18, 2026
Scarborough Museum
Celebrate the beauty of the harvest season at Scarborough Museum with a family-friendly pumpkin carving experience. Choose your pumpkin, create a unique design, and explore harvest traditions in one of Toronto’s most historic settings.Enjoy seasonal refreshments while museum staff share stories about autumn customs, harvest celebrations, and fall ...
Halloween Howl 5.0
October 18, 2026
Pride of Canada Carousel – Downtown Markham
Halloween Howl 5.0 is a free, dog-friendly Halloween event taking place on October 18, 2026, at the Pride of Canada Carousel in Downtown Markham. The event invites dogs and their owners to enjoy a festive day filled with Halloween fun, including a dog costume parade, costume contests, photo ...
Elora Monster March Parade
October 17, 2026
Downtown Elora
Get dressed up and join the fun at the Elora Monster March, a family-friendly Halloween parade through the streets of Elora! Kids, adults and even pets are invited to wear their best Halloween costumes and either join the parade or cheer from the sidelines. Families can also enter ...
Jordan
October 17, 2026
Young People’s Theatre
Soar across space and time with Jordan, a young Cree boy who helps Indigenous children with the support of his faithful spirit bear, Maskwa. While his onstage journey is magical, the play is a vibrant tribute to a very real hero: Jordan River Anderson of Norway House Cree ...
Enchantment Theatre's Peter Pan
October 17, 2026
The Staircase Theatre
Experience the wonder of live performance at Enchantment Theatre, where stories leap off the page and onto the stage. Our mainstage productions are designed to ignite the imaginations of all ages. Follow Wendy and Peter as they explore Neverland with Captain Hook, Tinkerbell, and most importantly, their Imaginations! ...
Pumpkin Fest
October 17, 2026
Henderson Memorial Park
Celebrate the fall season at the Annual Pumpkin Fest. Events and activities for families and friends to enjoy! Activities will be available free of charge to event participants. Events & Activities: Kid Zone sponsored by Dentistry on 88: Busker Pitch Inflatable Maze & Games Mini Golf Caricature Artist ...
Ajax Pumpkinville
October 17, 2026
Greenwood Conservation Park
Join us October 17 at the picturesque Greenwood Conservation Area (2290 Greenwood Rd.) from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. for a variety of activities. In addition to the live stage, we will also have children’s games and activities, interactive experiences, community displays, a vendor marketplace($), sensory zone, and ...
Fall Festival at Queen's Park 2026
October 17, 2026
Queen’s Park
Celebrate autumn with a day of FREE family fun at Queen’s Park! The Fall Festival returns to Ontario’s Legislative Building on Saturday, October 17, with exciting activities, live entertainment and seasonal fun for all ages. Explore the Parliamentary Pumpkin Patch, visit the petting zoo, enjoy face painting, pumpkin ...
Spooktacular Monster Marbling
October 17, 2026
Peel Art Gallery Museum and Archives
Summary: Create a unique creature using abstract art techniques. Don’t forget to also check out the trick-or-treat event happening in downtown Brampton for even more Halloween fun! Admission: This drop-in is included in admission. Members are free.
Boo Fest
October 17–18, 2026
Cloverdale Mall
Step into a playful Halloween adventure at Boofest 2026, a family friendly celebration filled with seasonal fun for kids and grown ups alike. Taking place at Cloverdale in Etobicoke over two festive weekends, Boofest brings the spirit of Halloween to life with colourful photo opportunities, carnival games, midway ...
Fall Weekends at Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory
October 17–18, 2026
Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory
Add a little extra family fun to your visit to Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory this fall! Every Saturday and Sunday beginning September 19, families can enjoy special storytimes and fascinating live insect encounters, all included with regular admission. At 11:00 am, gather in the classroom for Storytime & Creature ...
Harry Potter™: Visions of Magic
Oct 16, 2026–Jan 3, 2027
YZD (30 Hanover Road)
Harry Potter™: Visions of Magic is a self-guided journey exploring some of the most mysterious corners of the wizarding world through immersive environments brought to life with responsive video content, bold architecture, original soundscapes and interactive technology. Guests are encouraged to use a wand to illuminate the invisible ...
Drysdale’s Halloween & Harvest Village
October 3–31, 2026
Drysdales Farm
Celebrate Halloween at Drysdale’s Halloween & Harvest Village! Take a family-friendly Haunted Wagon Ride through the forest and enjoy a full day of fall fun, including pumpkin picking, a children’s zipline, sand mountain, train rides, lawn games, a pickpocket magician, bonfire and marshmallow roasting, and more. Visit the ...
Pumpkins After Dark - London
October 2–31, 2026
Storybook Gardens
Pumpkins After Dark is back for another unforgettable Halloween season in Ontario! This award-winning, family-friendly Halloween event brings the magic of fall to life with thousands of hand-carved pumpkins, incredible pumpkin sculptures, immersive displays, live entertainment, roaming Halloween characters, and plenty of picture-perfect moments along the way. Follow ...
Pumpkins After Dark - Markham
October 2–31, 2026
Markham Museum
Pumpkins After Dark is back for another unforgettable Halloween season in Ontario! This award-winning, family-friendly Halloween event brings the magic of fall to life with thousands of hand-carved pumpkins, incredible pumpkin sculptures, immersive displays, live entertainment, roaming Halloween characters, and plenty of picture-perfect moments along the way. Follow ...
Halloween Skelebration at Mountsberg
October 2–31, 2026
Mountsberg Conservation Area
Get ready for a spooktacular evening of family-friendly Halloween fun at Mountsberg Conservation Area! Halloween Skelebration combines seasonal thrills with nature, wildlife and plenty of opportunities to explore after dark. Come dressed in costume and make your way along the illuminated Night Walk, venture into the Haunted Barn ...
Elora Monster Month
October 1–31, 2026
Town of Elora
Get ready for a month of spooky family fun during Monster Month in Elora! Throughout October, the village transforms into a wonderfully weird Halloween destination filled with monsters, lanterns, ghostly tales and special events for all ages. At the heart of the celebration is artist Tim Murton’s Twilight ...
Pumpkinferno
October 1–31, 2026
Discovery Harbour
Experience the magic of Halloween after dark at Pumpkinferno at Discovery Harbour! The historic grounds are transformed into a glowing autumn wonderland featuring more than 5,000 hand-carved artificial pumpkins, with towering illuminated displays ranging from whimsical to spooky. Follow the outdoor trail to discover glowing scenes, photo opportunities, ...
Woolly Bear October
October 1–31, 2026
Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory
Celebrate one of Canada’s most recognizable caterpillars during Woolly Bear October at Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory! Throughout October, families can learn fascinating facts about these fuzzy caterpillars while enjoying special activities included with regular admission. Follow the Woolly Bear Fact Hunt through the Conservatory, complete five fact stops and ...
Mini Mission: The Haunted Edition
October 1–31, 2026
Pocket Planet Canada
Between Oct 1 – 31, something strange will be lurking throughout North America’s largest animated miniature world. This Halloween, guests are invited to take on Mini Mission: The Haunted Edition, an eerie adventure through Pocket Planet Canada in search of 16 all-new animated scenes inspired by some of ...
The Karate Kid – The Musical
Sep 29–Nov 1, 2026
Princess of Wales Theatre
THE KARATE KID – THE MUSICAL brings the legendary 1984 film to life on stage. Don’t miss the unforgettable theatrical experience of the season as this heartfelt coming-of-age story takes flight with spectacular musical numbers and dazzlingly inventive choreography. Daniel LaRusso’s journey is reimagined through movement, music, and ...
Santa’s Village Spooktacular
Sep 27–Oct 26, 2026
Santa’s Village
Celebrate Halloween with some not-so-scary family fun at Santa’s Village! Enjoy the park’s festive fall atmosphere, rides and attractions, along with Halloween-themed fun that’s designed with younger visitors in mind. It’s a great way for families to enjoy a little spooky-season excitement without the big scares. Dates: Weekends, ...
Tricks and Treats at Canada's Wonderland
Sep 26–Nov 1, 2026
Canada’s Wonderland
Celebrate Halloween with the whole family at Tricks and Treats, Canada’s Wonderland’s family-friendly daytime Halloween event! Enjoy plenty of spooky fun without the scares, with trick-or-treating, colourful characters, live entertainment, seasonal treats and favourite family rides. Kids can dress up and join the PEANUTS Costume Party, follow the ...
Pumpkins After Dark - Milton
Sep 25–Oct 31, 2026
Country Heritage Park
Pumpkins After Dark is back for another unforgettable Halloween season in Ontario! This award-winning, family-friendly Halloween event brings the magic of fall to life with thousands of hand-carved pumpkins, incredible pumpkin sculptures, immersive displays, live entertainment, roaming Halloween characters, and plenty of picture-perfect moments along the way. Follow ...
Halloween Nights of Lights & Pumpkinville
Sep 25–Nov 1, 2026
CF Sherway Gardens
Halloween Nights of Lights & Pumpkinville returns for its 7th year at CF Sherway Gardens from September 25 to November 1, 2026, on select dates for 26 exciting event days! 🎟️ 🎉 Use promo code CHILDSLIFE (all caps) for 15% off all adult and child tickets! Step into ...
The Rainbow Fish Musical
Sep 19–Oct 18, 2026
Wychwood Theatre
LIVE! at the Wychwood Theatre: The Rainbow Fish Musical 76 Wychwood Ave., Studio 176, Toronto ON When Rainbow Fish refuses to share their vibrant, shimmering scales, the whole ocean seems to turn against the vain creature. Unhappy that no one adores them anymore, the Rainbow Fish seeks out ...
Pumpkinmania
Sep 19–Oct 25, 2026
Rounds Ranch
Soak up a full day of Ranchland 25+ activities — complete with a Pick-Your-Own (PYO) FREE pumpkin, any size, any colour! Breathe in the fresh country air and enjoy safe, outdoor adventures with over 25 exciting activities that will keep the whole family smiling for hours! From our ...
Pumpkin Fest at Colton’s Fun Farm
Sep 19–Nov 1, 2026
Colton’s Fun Farm
Celebrate fall with a family day at Colton’s Fun Farm! Navigate the several-acre corn maze and search for eight hidden stations, pick the perfect pumpkin from the patch, visit the playful goats and enjoy plenty of kid-friendly farm fun. Attractions include a soybean pit, giant slide, ball toss, ...
Coopers CSA Giant Corn Maze
Sep 19–Nov 1, 2026
Coopers Farm & Maze
A giant ten-acre corn maze with a different theme each year. The maze is divided into 3 parts, providing something for everyone. Two Full Phases, each of which can take 20 minutes to over an hour to complete. The third phase is a shorter, simpler maze ideal for ...
Sandhill Nursery Fall Festival
Sep 12–Oct 25, 2026
Sandhill Nursery
Mark your calendars—Fall Festival 2026 at Sandhill Nursery is just around the corner! Celebrate the season with us in the heart of Muskoka as we bring the grounds to life with live music, captivating street performers, delicious eats from the new Rusty Rake, and our always-popular pumpkin slingshot ...
Barrie Hill Farms Fall Festival
Sep 5–Oct 31, 2026
Barrie Hill Farms
Celebrate the season at the Barrie Hill Farms Fall Festival! Bring the family for a day of classic fall fun, including pick-your-own apples, pumpkins and fall strawberries, seasonal treats, live music and local vendors. Each weekend, The Sunday Market brings a rotating selection of local artisan vendors to ...
Pingle's Harvest Festival
Sep 5–Nov 1, 2026
Pingle’s Farm Market
It’s the best time of the year; fall on the farm! Join us in celebrating the season at Pingle’s Harvest Festival. Featuring: Giant Corn Maze Pick Your Own Flower Fields Visits with the Animals Trikes & Race Track Sandbox Wagon Rides Slide Hill Games Straw Pyramid Basketball Grain ...
Treewalk Village Enchanted
Sep 4–Nov 28, 2026
TreeWalk Village Stouffville
Introducing Treewalk Village Enchanted – The Forest of Glowing Wonders As night falls, the forest awakens. Step into a dreamscape where every path is transformed by light and magic. Wander among glowing treehouses, where gentle lights sparkle and colours dance on every bridge. Traverse radiant paths, climb vibrant ...
AGORA Path of Light
Sep 4–Oct 31, 2026
Blue Mountain Village
AGORA is an unusual and magical space inspired by storytellers and cycles of life in nature. As participants walk this 3km circular path, they will encounter a series of interactive lighting installations based on the five elements of air, space, earth, water and fire. Visit AGORA this season ...
Treewalk Village uplå Daytime & uplå Aglow
Sep 4–Nov 28, 2026
TreeWalk Village Stouffville
Let’s Bounce! Experience weightlessness in the vibrant, suspended world that is uplå — the largest outdoor net parks in North America. This exhilarating, unique ecological adventure soars up to 20 feet high and includes spiral slides, lookout points, and secret passages. Bring the family and jump while it’s ...
Glow in the Wild at the Toronto Zoo
Sep 2, 2026–Jan 3, 2027
Toronto Zoo
Something wild is glowing at the Toronto Zoo! Glow in the Wild is an all-new after-dark experience that transforms the Zoo into a spectacular illuminated adventure featuring more than 2,000 handcrafted lantern displays. Follow a 1.5-km outdoor route through the Zoo and discover larger-than-life animals, colourful illuminated displays ...
KidSpark at Harbourfront Centre
Sep 1–Dec 18, 2026
Harbourfront Centre
Discover the incredible world of STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) at KidSpark. Explore, play and learn at one of the Science Centre’s most popular experiences, featuring three themed areas with hands-on exhibits for children and their families. Featuring: The Pond: Hop into a boat on a pretend ...
Visit Ripley's Aquarium
Aug 1–Oct 31, 2026
Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada
Immerse yourself in a world of 20,000 aquatic animals and discover your own underwater adventure. With more than 5.7 million litres of water, North America’s longest underwater viewing tunnel! Families can get up close and personal with touch exhibits featuring scarlet cleaner shrimp and stingrays. This awe-inspiring attraction ...
Lost & Found: An Immersive Open-World Puzzle Adventure
Jun 6–Nov 29, 2026
The Village at Black Creek
Step inside a real 1800s village transformed into Canada’s largest immersive open-world puzzle adventure. Lost & Found invites you to explore 30 acres and 43 historic buildings at The Village at Black Creek. Choose your own quests, interact with live characters, solve immersive puzzles, and uncover a hidden treasure ...
More Family Fun Ideas in the GTA
If you’re looking for more things to do with the kids this season, explore our popular guides for family outings, seasonal events, camps, birthday parties, and activities across Toronto, the GTA and Southern Ontario.
More GREAT Events & Programs
Please note: Child’s Life makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of information presented in our guides. However, we highly recommend visiting event websites or calling event venues/organizers to confirm details such as location, dates, times, fees or other information that may affect your outing.
2 thoughts on “What’s ON This Weekend for Families in Toronto & the GTA”
Thanks for putting this together! Extremely well structured.
Great article! Thanks for sharing these details.
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