While the days are getting cooler and shorter, I still love the month of October. Sweater weather, crispy leaves under foot and pumpkins galore make this month super for family activities in Montreal. Here are some of my top picks this month, don’t forget to reserve in advance and bring along your vaccination passport, where required.

Funk & Pumpkins at Montreal Botanical Gardens – October 1-31

If you have not been to the Botanical Gardens yet for the Garden of Lights, now you can also enjoy this fun fall-themed activity. It’s an agility and obstacle course that the little kids will absolutely adore. You can also learn about the many stages of growth for squash, gourds and pumpkins. The activity kiosk is open daily from 10am-5pm. Reservations and tickets are required.

La Ronde Fright Fest – October 2-31

If you didn’t have a chance to make it to the amusement park this summer, there is still time! La Ronde’s fright fest will be taking place every weekend in October as of 1pm. Visitors can enjoy haunted attractions, scare zones, shows and, of course, the rides. Reservations and tickets required.

Fôret aux Milles et Une Aventures – October 3-4 & 9-10

Escape the city to Sainte-Calixte for a family fun day at this magical event. Discover the labyrinth, zip line, giant sand box, obstacle course, pumpkin decorating and more. There will be food trucks on site, a picnic area, nursing stations, bars and more so you can spend the day in comfort. $75/family.

The Candy Run – October 9-10 & 16-17

This 5K family friendly run is taking place in both Montreal at Parc Maisonneuve (October 9-10) and in Laval at Centre de la Nature (October 16-17). Each kilometre, runners will be greeted by a candy zone where they can get their sugar rush. At the end of the run, there will be a DJ, mascots, and a giant candy party too! Registration required for one of the start times between 9am-11:30am. Kids under 3 are free. Kids under 8/$29.99, Adults $39.9.9

Lufa Farms Activities in the Greenhouse – Weekends in October

If you’ve never been to these local greenhouses, now is the perfect time for a visit as they will be hosting family activities in Montreal greenhouses throughout the month. Choose from STEM activities that focus on agriculture (October 2, 9am October 3, 11am), caramel apple making (October 9, 9am October 10, 12pm), ceramic painting (October 16, 10am October 17, 12:30pm) or pumpkin carving (October 23, 10am October 24, 12:30pm). Registration is required and activities range in price from $8.05-$23.00/person.

Citrouilleville

This month you may be planning a trip to the pumpkin patch, so why not take it up a notch by visiting Citrouilleville?! This farm in Saint-Zotique has created a magical pumpkin neighbourhood with houses made out of pumpkins. There is also an amazing corn maze, spots for photo opportunities and of course, pumpkins to purchase. Special shows will also be taking place on Saturdays throughout the month. Reservations are required. Under 2/free, $10/child, $15/adults.

Circus Time at Pointe-à-Callière Museum – October 13 – March 6

This Old Montreal museum is kicking off a new exhibit this month. Over 350 circus objects will be on display ranging from costumes to props to training equipment. Learn about all the different people involved in a circus from the ringmaster to the clowns and lion tamer. You’ll also be able to climb into a mini clown car or test your balance as an acrobat. Reservations required. $50/family.