Kids can embark on an adventure at the Halloween Shivers event at the Montreal Botanical Garden. From October 1 to 31, 2022, kids and families can enjoy a whole slew of pumpkin and Halloween-themed activities. There are potion workshops, theatre productions, a scavenger hunt, a circuit with tunnels and beams (to walk across) as well as a pumpkin-decorating contest and more.
Main Greenhouse – The Sorcerer’s Haven
Every day, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. – Guided activity between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.
The Main Greenhouse has been transformed by sorcerer Kalbacius, who has set up a temporary home for himself and his menagerie of unusual creatures. The vampire’s gargoyle tunnel delivers chills and thrills, the vegetable garden and its strange scarecrow made of plants promises to keep everyone in line, and the cat-spiders’ web will have your skin crawling. Kids can enjoy looking at crazy jack-o’-lanterns, a ghost tree and Kalbacius himself.
Photo Credit: Jardin botanique de Montréal (Lola Meunier)
The Potion’s Workshop
Entrance Greenhouse – Every day, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Master the art of potion-making. This workshop will give kids a chance to try their hand at potions using plants that react in some very unexpected ways.
Play – Frisson l’écureuil et la course aux bonbons
Auditorium – October 1-14 – for children ages 4 to 8
Monday to Friday: 11:30 a.m. | Saturday and Sunday: 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. As of October 17, every day at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
Frisson l’écureuil (Scaredy Squirrel), a character created by author Mélanie Watt, is worried: How do you prepare for the scariest day of the year when you’re afraid of everything? Will he be ready to go trick-or-treating? With a little help from children and his friends, he just might be.
Passes available at the welcome desk. Reservations recommended for groups (514-868-3000).
All about squash, gourds and pumpkins
From 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Guided activities end at 5 p.m.
Acorn and butternut squashes, pattypans, gourds and pumpkins: Cucurbita are a large family of vegetables that come in a wide range of shapes and colours—including some weird and amusing ones. The Squash Kiosk is the place to learn about the life and “death” cycle of gourds with science educators. How does a pumpkin’s life end? What happens when it rots? Young visitors, paper and pencil in hand, can take part in the magical creature hunt, searching the garden for creatures that have escaped and run away.
Photo Credit: Jardin botanique de Montréal (Lola Meunier)
In the Japanese Garden
Japanese Pavilion — Monday to Friday, 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m.
Come meet the characters that inhabit Japanese imaginations thanks to the magical art of paper theatre.
KOWAI ! Des histoires à faire peur… – for children ages 4 to 8
Japanese folklore teems with frightening characters: ogres, witches, spirits and demons. Are you brave enough to listen to tales of their evil deeds? Yield to the charm of kamishibai — Japanese paper theatre (10 minute duration).
Virtual pumpkin-decorating Contest
Those looking to show off their pumpkin-carving creativity can participate in the 2022 online edition of the Botanical Garden’s decorated pumpkin contest that runs from September 26 to October 26. Use your imagination to transform a traditional orange pumpkin or any of the other interesting members of the squash family.
For more information about the Halloween activities and to book tickets online, visit espacepourlavie.ca.
