Fun things to do in October

It’s the spookiest month of the year and we have tons of fun ways you can get out and enjoy it with your family.

It’s also pumpkin season! Whether you carve them into Jack-o-lanterns, enjoy the flavor in your coffee, or hunt for them in a patch, there are tons of ways to celebrate the changing seasons and have a “gourd” time while doing it.

If you are looking for some eerie-sistible events or ways to make the most of autumn before the snow flies, we’ve got your covered with our list of fun things to do this October.

Seek the Sun

Autumn is a great time to visit Sunshine Village without the crowds or freezing temperatures. White Mountain Adventures provides shuttle service up to the Village day-use area and from there, it’s a short hike to the magical Sunshine Meadows. Named the number one hike in Canada by Lonely Planet, this hike is family-friendly and short enough for most preschoolers.

Drop In

If the white stuff flies earlier than you would have liked, don’t miss out on Active Play, a drop-in program at some Calgary recreation centres, where you can bring your kiddo’s energy to an indoor play space. Roll, jump, throw, and balance while being creative with various active play equipment. Kinder Room Drop-in allows you to play with your child on an indoor play structure. Race through tunnels, over a suspension bridge, and slide down slides. Learn more at liveandplay.calgary.ca.

Stretch Your Imagination

From October 15 to 21, Wordfest presents Imaginarium, with over 50 of the world’s most generous writers, thinkers, activators, and inspirers in Calgary’s Beltline and Victoria Park neighborhoods. Treat Wordfest’s fall festival as a menu of life-affirming ideas. Savour your favorite returning authors. Sample breakout stars. Devour the intimate, inspired pairings. Relish the variety and talk shows, storytelling and poetry events, and the return of Literary Death Match. Learn more at wordfest.com.

Get “Pump-ed”

Until October 31, Pumpkins After Dark – Canada’s largest Halloween Festival – includes all new pumpkin displays, live pumpkin-carving demonstrations, treats, and photo ops at WinSport. While you’re there, don’t miss out on Spooktacular Mini Golf with all ghouls, goblins, and ghosts can enjoy. Learn more at winsport.ca.

Scale Up

If you prefer lizards and frogs to ghosts and goblins, check out the Calgary Reptile Expo from October 19 to 20 at Genesis Centre. This is your opportunity to find your favorite local reptile, amphibian, invertebrate and plant enthusiasts under one roof. Learn more at albertareptiles.ca.

Cheer on the Hitman

Nothing says fall in Canada like the start of hockey season! Get into the fun and excitement of the WHL with Calgary Hitmen home games at the Scotiabank Saddledome as the Hitmen take the ice for six games this month. Learn more at chl.ca.

Hit Up Oktoberfest

Spruce Meadows hosts Oktoberfest with horses and riders competing in the indoor Equi-Plex with free admission and food concession. Learn more at sprucemeadows.com.

Find Your Fright

If you are into thrilling and hair-raising events that get your heart racing, there are a few extra-scary activities for older kids and parents leading up to Halloween. Check out ScreamFest, Field of Screams, Calgary Ghost Walks or the Train of Terror at Aspen Crossing (if you dare!). Make sure you visit the websites for age restrictions, hours, and to purchase tickets.

Visit ZooBOO

Want to keep your Halloween fun rated PG? We’ve got you covered. Take your little goblins to ZooBOO on October 26 and 27 for a chance to dress up early, trick-or-treat at the zoo, and enjoy seeing their favorite animals. The best part? Your kids get to have fun while supporting wildlife conservation. Learn more at calgaryzoo.com.

Camp Out

We all know that October can bring the chill in Calgary but there can also be a few gorgeous days. Just because the high season is over doesn’t mean you can’t get out with your family once or twice more before it’s time to pack up the camping gear. Bow Valley Campgroundis popular campground for early- and late-season camping thanks to its proximity to Calgary and its location in the sunny Bow Valley. Sites are tricky to get in the summer but usually open up by September for a quick weekend getaway.