Spooks, Spirits, & Spectacles

by Kari I love Halloween, always have.  It's magical to me.  I love the crisp air, the crunch of the leaves, the colourful costumes, and excited chatter of wee ones.  Although I intend to win Kids In the Capital's Trick-or-Treat to a Wicked Beat giveaway, I've made my list of just-in-case other events ;-)

The Canadian Children's Museum in the Museum of Civilization is offering a host of Halloween themed activities over the weekend.  On Friday, the Theatre is putting on an interactive puppet show, The Pocket Witch .  On Saturday, they introduce an international flair with their Dia de los muertos, or Day of the Dead program.  Children and their families can take part in some of the rituals practiced on this holiday in Mexico.  While Sunday's storytime asks Where Do Witches Go? .  This special programming in included with regular price of admission, $30 per family.

If free admission is what you seek, the City of Ottawa can help!  Several Halloween-themed library programs can be found throughout the city on Saturday, some feature Halloween parades, while others include spooky stories, activities, and crafts.  Older children, and less spookable children, might enjoy the Main library's 'A World of Ghosts' program on Sunday...especially the creepy snacks.  These programs require pre-registration so pull out your library card and reserve your spot.  

On the other hand, if you don't mind open admission with line-ups for your mostly free entertainment, Trick or Treat with the Mayor returns to City Hall.  For a donation to the Baby Supply Cupboard of the Ottawa Foodbank, children will walk the spooky cemetery to enter the haunted house, eventually making their way to the Halloween Party.  I've been told from previous participants, that the 6-8 year-old age range will get the most out of this evening, but even the younger ones will enjoy it.  You might want to check out your local community centre for events too.  The Sandy Hill Community Centre is handing out treats and providing activities on the day from 6 - 8 pm.

Lastly, if you cannot make the Kids in the Capital Halloween Meetup at Boston Pizza, two local museums are hosting Halloween Themed events.  The Cumberland Heritage Museum is hosting a Vintage Halloween Party encouraging homemade Halloween costumes and providing Halloween crafts and games from the 1920's and 30's.  While Billings Bridge Estate is encouraging the city's youngest ghouls and goblins to enjoy some old-fashioned Halloween games, and learn their fortune using apples and candles.  Both these events take place on Sunday from 11 am to 4 pm and regular admission fees apply, $15-18 per family.

Happy Halloween!

Kari is the mom of two girls, a 4 year old and 10 month old.  She can be found frequenting free activities throughout the city in hopes it’ll tire them out enough to sleep through the night.