Spooky season is finally upon us. I recently heard this wonderful time of year when the temperatures are still warm, but the vibes are all cozy, described as Augtober, and I am 100% here for it! Now is the perfect mix of sunny days fit for apple picking or raking leaves and then winding down with cable knits and pumpkin spice. Here’s what you can do to fully enjoy the wonder of October in Oshawa!
Every Thursday to Sunday night (from October 6 to 29), grab the kids or a team and visit Battle City Tactical Laser Tag for Fear Forest. Located at 690 Taunton Road West, these haunted trails have themes ranging from alien landing, zombie apocalypse, witches coven, doll island, circus, corn field, butcher shoppe, werewolf den, to graveyard. This immersive experience is recommended for children ten years old and up, but anyone under the age of 15 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. This year marks the second annual Fear Forest event, and it is worth mentioning that the attraction is partnered with Spirit of Children, “making hospitals less scary for kids.” As the website suggests, “Fear Forest gives financial donations to Spirit of Children through Spirit Halloween in Oshawa and Pickering every time we purchase something for the attraction. Financial donations can be made by our guests during the purchase of tickets to Fear Forest. 100% of financial donations made by our guests will be given to Spirit of Children supporting Sickkids Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto.”
But this month isn’t the only time to visit Battle City Laser tag. Did you know that they also offer tutoring and homework help Monday to Friday? They say, “Our After School & Homework Help Program is designed to provide a place where youth can obtain support with a subject (language, math, and science) and their homework from older high-school students that excel in the related subject, operating in a safe space and with the reward of some fun and engaging games of outdoor tactical laser tag (that may also be a great physical activity).” With already competitive pricing at around $10.62 per game per person, Battle City Tactical Laser Tag also offers Toonie Tuesdays, where you can buy one game at a regular price and the second game for $2 (plus taxes).
I wish I had such a fun and supportive outdoor option when I was a kid. What a great cause to support, especially since they do so much for communities from Oshawa to Toronto.
You’ve likely heard of trick-or-treat, but have you heard of trunk-or-treat? It is a twist on the Halloween tradition, geared mostly toward families with very small children, the neurodivergent community, the elderly, or anyone who would rather get their candy in a one-stop shop. Rather than going door to door, preferably in the swanky neighbourhoods that give out the full-sized candy bars and have entire haunted house displays, the trunk-or-treat option allows folks to decorate their cars, fill their trunks with candy, find a location to park, and encourages patrons to help themselves.
According to happeningnext.com, more trunks are needed for this year’s trunk-or-treat. On October 29th from noon to 3 p.m., visit 475 Salisbury Street in Oshawa for “A FREE Trunk or Treat Event happening at the Optimist Club of Oshawa! Come dressed up and enjoy the Halloween fun!” They add, “Space is limited, and you MUST register all children attending! We have asked the people handing out treats to keep it nut-free.” This seems like a truly innovative way to add accessibility and accommodation to the families who are eager to participate but during hours and modes that work for them. Way to go, community, for finding ways to ensure all our neighbours can be included!
I have loved Deadly Grounds for years, especially the Fear Mall they host in Courtice every year. I was very excited to hear that they were expanding and that Deadly Grounds now has a kiosk in the Oshawa Centre (near Forever 21)! Truly coffee “to die for,” this neighbourhood favourite offers “Dot’s Diener,” an Ethiopian dark roast, “Wasteland,” a medium roast Latin American blend, “The Espressocist,” a traditional medium roast Italian espresso, and more. As someone who will never shame others for their love of pumpkin spice lattes, there is something comforting about warm drinks in this season, and Deadly Grounds doesn’t disappoint. Give this local small business a try. They just might possess you!
When you have your coffee in hand, preferably in your spooky-themed eco-friendly on-the-go mug or thermos, head over to Parkwood Estates for some confection decorating! Whether you visit for the fall succulent workshops on Saturdays in October or for the Fall Cupcake Decorating on Saturday, October 14th, from 3 to 5 p.m., there is surely something from the estate that you would love to bring home as décor or gift to a loved one as a treat.
If you are seeking more of a thrill, there is also The Anderson’s Charity Haunted House. Located at 747 Gibson Street in Oshawa, the Haunted House will be available on October 27th and 28th from 6 to 11 p.m. and October 31st from 5 to 10 p.m. Their website boasts, “In 2021, we raised $3,112.00 for Mental Health. In 2022, we raised $4,721.13 for Alpha House Toronto. In 2023, we are raising money for Oshawa Little Theatre.” Located at 62 Russett Avenue, “For more than 60 years, with members as our base, our theatre has provided a community entertainment platform and developed theatrical talent of all ages, sharing with other theatre groups and our broader community our immense experience, traditions and talent.” To help reach the goal of $10,000, be sure to visit the Anderson’s Charity Haunted House on any or all of the dates listed above. Arts in the Oshawa community are a strength of the social fabric that keeps us all together.
If you would rather celebrate the freights of the night with your own crew, look no further than Addictive Hobbies and Games, located at 13 King Street West. On October 21 at 10 a.m., there will be a War Hammer Age of Sigmar doubles tournament. Described more as a “Fun Hammer” than an ITC. It is described that “game matches will be two and a half hours long,” with prizes to be won!
No matter if you become more or less social during the Halloween season, there is something for everyone to enjoy during the month of October in Oshawa. Explore all the crafts, flavours, and worthy causes that are available to you, and let us know what you think! Tag us in photos or Tweet us with #ExploreOshawa.