Booseums
WORDS BY ANDREW HIND
Many museums take on an eerie ambience in October as they indulge in the spirit of Halloween. Here are three ‘Booseum’ experiences you shouldn’t miss.
Halloween Fest at Pickering Museum Village
Pickering Museum Village consists of nineteen heritage buildings, including a general store, blacksmith shop, schoolhouse, and several homes. On Oct. 24 and 25, hordes of little ghouls and goblins will race from building to building, smiles spread wide on painted faces, as they eagerly participate in the fun of Halloween Fest.
Kids will enjoy all manner of Halloween-themed games, activities, crafts and treats. As you explore the museum grounds, costumed staff reveal the fascinating history of our cherished Halloween traditions.
Admission is $6.18 for children, $7.21 for seniors, and $10.30 for adults.
Paranormal Parents
Get a chill on by returning for Beyond the Veil: Spirit Seeking (Oct. 9, 16, 23, 30), where psychic mediums lead participants to supernatural hotspots and tell the stories of those who lived within and haunt the village’s varied buildings.
Web: pickeringmuseumvillage.ca
Pumpkininferno
Discovery Harbour in Penetanguishene embraces the season as tightly as a child holding a trick-or-treat bag.
In October, the recreated 19th century military establishment is given over to Pumpkininferno, where more than 5,000 artificial pumpkins and dazzling lights transform the grounds into a glowing autumn wonderland. While exploring the festive grounds, take photos at themed backdrops, visit the artisanal vendors at The Night Market, and enjoy the spectacle of roving buskers putting on shows of fire and magic.
For a slightly spookier Halloween experience, venture into Macabre Manor or the woodland Spooky Path.
The event runs Thursdays – Sundays, Oct. 1-31, from 6 p.m to 10 p.m. ($15 per person). On Wednesday nights, Pumpkininferno transforms into a drive-thru event ($13 per person).
Paranormal Parents: Fearless parents may want to challenge the Escape Room ($24), brave the claustrophobic Coffin Ride ($5), or learn the tricks of 19th century mediums with Secrets of Séance ($24).
Halloween at the Village
Skip the gore for fun galore – Halloween at the Village.
The Village at Black Creek in Toronto rolls out three days of tricks and treats sure to delight families.
To set the mood, the recreated pioneer village is decked out in seasonal fashion. With the mood set, trick-or-treat at five historic buildings, listen to spine-tingling tales at the Enchanted Library, and learn about witchcraft and sorcery at the Witches’ Lair. Enrol in the School of Monsters to learn about mythical creatures from across the globe and participate in the Slimy Science Show.
Children can test their skill at creepy carnival games and create crafts to take home.
Halloween at the Village runs Oct. 24, 25, and 31 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. $22.50 for kids, $24.95 seniors, $27.45 adults.
Paranormal Parents: Vamp things up with When Shadows Lie, an adult outdoor horror-mystery that blends escape room-style puzzles with live character interactions throughout the village. Note that it is played in teams of four.
Web: blackcreek.ca
