What's On This Weekend: Halloween Fun for Kids and Dogs Across South & Central Ontario (Oct 24–25)

Every October, my friend Maya texts me the same question: "Okay, what are we doing this weekend?"

This year her family is a busy crew. There's Maya and her husband Daniel, their two kids, Leo (eight, and very serious about his skeleton costume) and little Ava (four, and changing her mind about her costume daily), plus Biscuit, a beagle who has never once agreed to wear a hat.

So I made her a list. It turned into a pretty great snapshot of what's happening across South and Central Ontario on Saturday, October 24 and Sunday, October 25, 2026, and I thought you might want it too.

For the little ones (and the grown-ups who love Halloween)

Boo at the Zoo, Toronto Zoo. Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Discovery Zone, free with admission. Kids 12 and under in costume get 50% off admission with an adult paying regular admission (the zoo lists the code 50boo). Batman is scheduled for Saturday and Wolverine for Sunday. Event details

Family Fun in the Forest, York Regional Forest. A free open house Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Hollidge Tract (16389 Highway 48, Whitchurch-Stouffville), designed mainly for kids six and under. The guided Halloween nature walks need registration. This was the first thing I told Maya to book for Ava. Event details

Halloween in the Point, Georgina. Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Jackson's Point Parkette. It's free, with trick-or-treating at local businesses, vendors, food and live music. Costumes are encouraged for all ages, and the town asks visitors to bring a non-perishable donation for the Georgina Food Pantry. Event details

Halloween at the Village, Black Creek Pioneer Village. Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., with trick-or-treating in heritage buildings, a slimy science show, a puppet show and carnival games. Tickets are required. Event details

Pumpkinfest at Downey's Farm, Caledon. Open daily, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. This weekend's stage lineup is Circus Lumberjack and Abracadabra Magic with Steve Baker, plus wagon rides, a corn maze and the jumping pillows. Tickets are sold online only, so buy ahead. Pets stay home for this one. Event details

Family Fright Fest, Barrie. Saturday, 3 to 9 p.m. at Lampman Lane Park & Community Centre, and it's free. I love how it's planned: 3 to 4 p.m. is a sensory-friendly hour, 4 to 5 p.m. is "friendly frights" for tiny trick-or-treaters, and it gets spookier as the night goes on. The costume contest is at 6:30 p.m. Event details

For older kids who want a real scare

Aurora's Haunted Forest. Saturday, 6 to 9 p.m. at Sheppard's Bush, with crafts and games at the Aurora Family Leisure Complex. There's a family trail and a scary trail, and wristbands ($5 or $6) are required for ages 2 and up. The town recommends parking at the Leisure Complex and taking the free shuttle. Event details

Newmarket's Haunted Halloween Trail. Its last night is Saturday, 7 to 10 p.m. on the Dave Kerwin Trail. It's designed to scare, recommended for ages 10 and up, $5 per person, and tickets must be bought in advance. Note that guests can't wear costumes or masks, and there are no pets or strollers. Event details

Leo has already informed his parents that he is "basically ten."

For Biscuit (and every other dog in costume)

Howl'oween at The Bentway, Toronto. Saturday, 12 to 4 p.m. on the Skate Trail beneath the Gardiner. It's a free canine costume contest (a $10 donation is suggested), with a pack walk at 1 p.m., pet vendors and a "Yappy Hour" from 3 to 4 p.m. Dogs must be leashed and comfortable with crowds. Event details

Wag-O-Ween, Thornbury. Saturday, 10 a.m. to noon, starting at Smith Memorial Park. It's a guided dog walk to Bruce Street South with a costume contest, pup cups and treats. Event details

Canine Costume Contest & Puppy Parade, Thorold. Saturday, with check-in at 9:45 a.m. at the Thorold Public Library and the parade at 10 a.m. It's free, but registration is required. Event details

What Maya picked

In the end, Maya's family is doing the forest walk Saturday morning, Halloween in the Point after lunch, and saving Sunday for the zoo. Biscuit's costume (a hot dog bun, naturally) is still under negotiation.

What I love about weekends like this is that they show you what a community actually feels like. Plenty of families I work with start their home search by asking, "Where would we want to spend our Saturdays?" From Barrie to Georgina, Aurora and Newmarket to Caledon, there's a lot of good answer out there.

Thinking about a move?

• Curious which towns fit your family? Search homes across South & Central Ontario.
• Wondering what your current home is worth before the spring market? Book a free home evaluation.

Event details were checked on each organizer's official page and can change, so please confirm times, tickets and weather updates before you head out.

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This is an illustrative story based on common client situations.