Leaves under foot, lattés in hand and a puffer vest on every family member to keep them warm. October is here. And it’s one of my favourite months. While the kids are looking forward to Halloween, I love fuzzy warm sweaters and hot soups simmering on the stove. Not to mention all of the things to do in October in Montreal with kids. Here’s my monthly roundup of eight activities everyone in the family will enjoy!

Disney on Ice! Presents Frozen – October 4-8

This show comes to Montreal twice a year and continues to entertain audiences, both young and old. Mickey and his gang will introduce the show, as always, but Anna, Elsa, Kristoff, Sven and Olaf are the true stars as the Frozen story is told. Other characters to make appearances include Woody, Buzz and Dory, as well as the Disney princesses. Tickets are still available to the three English shows here.

$20-$100/Ticket, October 5, 7pm, October 7, 3pm or October 8, 11am, Place Bell, Laval

Halloween at Espace pour la Vie – October 5-31

It’s pumpkins, spiders and creepy things galore at the Montreal Insectarium and Botanical Gardens. Throughout the month your family can enjoy a slew of Halloween themed activities. At the Gardens, the Great Pumpkin Ball is the perfect opportunity to get carving and decorating inspiration for your own pumpkins. The Little Monsters Courtyard is a great outdoor play area and if you stay through the night you can get a taste of the Gardens of Light. At the Insectarium, Spiders unmasked is the newest exhibit with a focus on these creepy, crawly creatures.

Family Pass for Quebec residents for both museums, $45

Fright Fest at La Ronde – October 6-28 – Select Days

If you didn’t make it to La Ronde this summer (like us) or just want to go back before the season ends, October is the perfect month for a frightening experience. Ghosts and goblins will be roaming the park to up the scare factor, in addition to the thrilling rides. There will be haunted houses, scare zones and Halloween themed shows until the 28th.

Starting at $57.99, some Fright Fest activities require a special bracelet ($)

Indigo Kids Weekend Activities – October 6, 13, 20 & 27

I’ve been noticing the bookstore’s events popping up in my Facebook feed and it looks like they are becoming a regular Saturday occurrence. This month, Montreal’s TD Canada Trust location will be hosting all the events including Kidsgiving, Harry Potter, Paw Patrol and slime themes. Other stores may be getting in on the fun too but call first to see if your closest Indigo/Chapters is hosting kids’ activities.

Free, Saturdays at 11am, participating Indigo/Chapters stores

Open House at Quebec Fire Stations – October 13

As part of Fire Prevention Week, a number of fire stations in Montreal will be opening their doors to the public. All visitors will have a chance to climb into a fire truck, discover what it takes to be a firefighter and to learn more about fire safety. For a complete list of participating fire stations click here.

Free, 8:30am-4:30pm

Bach Before Bedtime – October 23

Classical music that caters to kids and their families? If you don’t know Bach Before Bedtime, you’re missing out. Some of the city’s premiere classical musicians  perform on a monthly basis and interact with an audience of children. They tell a story through music and invite their young guests up on stage to play percussion and try out their instruments. This month is the first concert of the year, with a Halloween celebration in the plans. There are three shows throughout the day at 9:30am, 11am, and 4:30pm.

$7/kids, $12/adults, must be purchased in advance, Places des Arts

Biscuits & Confetti Pumpkin Giveaway – October 27

For those too young to trick or treat (or those who want to stay warm inside!) this is the perfect event. NDG’s Biscuit & Confetti is putting on its 2nd annual pumpkin giveaway with free pumpkins, decorating supplies, a dance party, face painting and glitter tattoos. Kids are encouraged to come in costume for this super-sweet community gathering.

Free, 10am-2pm, 5712 Sherbrooke St. W.

Reptile Expo – October 28

Whether you have a creepy, crawly pet at home or are just looking for a Sunday activity, this reptile show is coming to Montreal. Learn about reptiles, pick up supplies from the vendor section and participate in family-friendly activities. The snakes, lizards, arachnids and amphibians are waiting for you!

$8/kids, $10/adults, under 5/free, Holiday Inn Pointe Claire, 9am-4pm