 |
Welcome to The Playground, a place for Vancouver families.From fields to haunted houses, all month long I will be featuring some of my favourite places to visit to get you and your family to get the most out of autumn.I’m always on the lookout for fun stuff to do, so if there’s something happening that you think I should know about, don't |
In keeping with the Halloween theme this month, I recently paid a visit to the much buzzed about Dunbar Haunted House. This Halloween haunt is not suitable for younger kids so Sadie had to sit this one out. Instead I was joined by my 13 year old niece, Carson. And to quote her directly, "that was the best haunted house I've ever been to." I would have to agree with her. Put on by a large collective of volunteers led by two local families, this attraction has the perfect mix of humour, gore and thanks to the actors scattered through out - heebee jeebees.
This year the haunted ' house' has moved to a warehouse in Marpole (close to the Oak Street Bridge & Canada Line). Following the theme Barbaric British Columbia, visitors will revel in the satirically spooky spin of our most recognizable attractions, public figures and culture.
We spoke to a staff member there and got the following tips to consider when planning your visit:
- Go early! It opens at 7pm on weeknights (11am on weekends) and closes at 10pm Sunday - Thursday and 11pm on Fridays & Saturdays. Arriving later in the evening (think after dinner time), will likely result in standing in line.
- Go on a weeknight.
- It's quieter on rainy nights. There is limited rain coverage outdoors so bring your umbrella.
- Admission is cash only - $10 (kids 12 and under are $5). All proceeds go to BC Fire Fighters' Burn Fund, Christmas Bureau, Police Union Charity.
This attraction is advertised as not being suitable for younger children. Luckily, if you or your child decides within the first part that it is too much there is an early exit.
Here were some of my favourite parts:
no breaks for protesters these days.
Can't decide which Richmond Pumpkin Patch pumpkin is scarier this one or this one.
Can you guess which one is the actor?
This guys still haunts my dreams.
Other Halloween Haunts happening around the Lower Mainland this week:
Historic Stewart Farm: Haunted Farm
October 22nd
7:oo - 8:30pm
13723 Crescent Rd., Surrey
Enjoy a spooky guided tour of the farm. For ages 7 - 11.
October 20th - 22nd
7:30 - 9:30pm
Visit five ominous looking buildings in the Deer Lake area, including where mysterious happenings and hauntings have been reported. Includes a walk through Burnaby Village Museum. Visit their website to register.
Indoor Halloween Trains
Until October 31st
Lansdowne Centre, Richmond & Brentwood Town Centre, Burnaby
Treat the little kids to an indoor halloween themed train ride. $3.50/ride.
Until October 31st
6:00pm - 10:00pm (6:00 - 7:00pm is Family Hour)
12530 72nd Ave., Surrey
This professional presentation is a labyrinth like walk through 9000 sq.ft. of scary fun. Admission is $10 - $17.
Vancouver Haunted Trolley Tour
Until October 31st
Various locations in Vancouver
Aimed at visitors 13 and older, explore Vancouver's creepiest spots. Must pre-register. $35/person.
Until October 30th
Fort Langley National Historic Site
Fort Langley's past is depicted at night by expert storytellers on this tour of the Fort.
October 21 - 22 & 27-30
Albion Fairgrounds, Maple Ridge
Spooky fun for the whole family. All proceeds go to local charities. Fireworks on October 30th! $8/person.
Other Halloween Festivities happening this weekend:
Fridays & Saturdays until October 29th
7:30pm - 9:30pm
Second Storey Theatre , Coquitlam
A family-friendly improv comedy battle to decide who will rule the world. Three humans vs. three vampires will use songs, stories and games to win the favour or the audience.
October 22nd
10:00am - 9:00pm
27491 Fraser Hwy, Aldergrove
Visit the evening lighting of a tower of over 600 carved pumpkins. Other festivities throughout the day include pumpkin carving, live music, kid's activities, hay rides, face painting and pie eating contests (!!!).
Until October 31st
PNE Fairgrounds, Vancouver
Billed as one of Canada's largest Halloween extravaganza's, it features 5 haunted houses, two show and 17 rides. Not recommended for kids under 12. Tickets are $28 - $33.
Don't forget to check out my previous halloween roundups on pumpkin patches & spooky trains!
