We may have already started consuming all things Pumpkin Spice, but it hasn’t quite felt like fall yet. With the arrival of a new month, the colours of the leaves starting to change and the countdown to Halloween, now is the perfect time to plan your weekends full of Montreal family activities October 2023 has to offer.

Kids Pop – October 1

The POP Montreal festival hosts a kid-friendly day on Sunday from 1pm to 3pm with two special activities at Rialto Hall and Theatre. First up is the book fair featuring small and local presses, as well as a reading. At 2pm, the show Grand Chief Salamoo Cook is Coming to Town! will take to the stage with jazz music.

Show tickers $5/child, $10/adults

Disney on Ice – October 5-9

You know it’s fall when Disney comes to the Bell Centre! This season, Find your Hero is the theme with characters from Moana, Encanto and Frozen. Three English shows are available on October 5 at 7pm, October 8 at 3pm and October 9 at 11am.

Tickets $25-$208

Fall at La Ronde – October 7-29

Our local amusement park is still going strong in its final month of the season with special Halloween themed events taking place on the weekends, and Thanksgiving Monday. The younger kids will enjoy the Kids Pumpkin Festival which features games, mazes, shows and of course, rides. The Fright Fest is for the older set with a haunted trail, a haunted house, scary characters and shows at 5:30 daily.

Fire Station Open Houses in Laval – October 9

Nine fire stations in Laval will open their doors for one day in celebration of Fire Prevention Week. From 10am to 4pm, visitors can meet firefighters, learn about their jobs and fire safety too.

Cranberry Bog Tours – Until October 15

We all know that apples are prime for picking but cranberries are in season too! Experience a cranberry bog about 1.5 hours from Montreal in Saint Louis de Branford. Visitors can sign up for an English tour on weekends at 3pm where they will experience a wagon ride and learn all about cranberries. Reservations are required.

Kids under 3/free, 4-17 $7, Adults $19

Wizards & Witches – October 29

The Maison Symphonique de Montreal is getting in the Halloween spirit with this 55-minute performance in French. Guests can expect to see a witch conductor, and hear music like the Harry Potter theme song. Recommended for kids 5-12 years old.

$34/adults, $16/kids

Bach Before Bedtime – October 29

The younger set can get a dose of spooky music too! Bach Before Bedtime takes on a Halloween theme, taking place at the Saputo Auditorium at Lower Canada College. Two shows are available at 11am and 4pm.

$15/ticket

Pawloween Pawty – October 28

Now in its 3rd year, join over 150 dogs and their owners get ready for Halloween with their very own costume party. The event takes place from 3-5pm and guests must pre-register to participate. The event location will only be revealed to those who sign up in advance.

Halloween Shivers – until October 31

If you haven’t been to the Montreal Botanical Gardens yet for the Gardens of Light, make it a full day out with a visit to get in the spirit of Halloween. Discover the Scorcerer’s Haven with strange creatures, take a Potions Workshop, watch a show about a scared squirrel and play outside on the obstacle course.