Halloween is here, and with it comes a world of costumes, candy, and thrill-inducing haunted houses. But Halloween can also be an excellent time to get outdoors and give your mental health a boost! Whether you’re planning to visit a haunted corn maze or a spooky light show, heading outside is a scientifically backed way to improve your mental well-being.
Research has shown that outdoor activities help lower stress levels, elevate mood, and even help you feel more connected. Studies reveal that spending time in nature can decrease cortisol levels (a stress hormone), increase dopamine (the “feel-good” hormone), and foster a brighter outlook on life. So, if you’re in Edmonton or the surrounding Alberta area, check out these top Halloween events and attractions that get you out, moving, and enjoying the festive fall air.
1. Pumpkins After Dark
Explore over 10,000 hand-carved pumpkins at Pumpkins After Dark, Canada’s award-winning outdoor Halloween event that offers a family-friendly Halloween experience unlike any other. With displays that capture everything from classic Halloween themes to incredible pop culture carvings, this walk-through art installation is perfect for all ages.
Location: Borden Park, Edmonton
Dates: Runs until October 31, 2024
Ticket Prices: Adults: $20, Youth (ages 4-16): $16, Children (under 4): Free
Why Go? Walking through this festive pumpkin display immerses you in art while getting you moving—boosting endorphins and lowering stress. Plus, it’s a great activity for families or friend groups looking to celebrate Halloween in a non-spooky way.
2. Dark at Fort Edmonton Park
Dark at Fort Edmonton Park is a must-visit for thrill-seekers, with three haunted houses that keep everyone on their toes. In addition to terrifying haunts, the festival includes food vendors, music, and local attractions. This year, they’ve added two new haunted house themes, making it a fresh experience even for returning visitors.
Location: Fort Edmonton Park
Dates: October 4 – November 2, 2024
Ticket Prices: General Admission: $50 (plus service fee & GST), Fast Pass Admission: $80
Why Go? The combination of spooky environments, outdoor exploration, and music creates an exhilarating experience that can reduce stress and improve focus. And the social aspect of the festival is perfect for bonding with friends.
3. Deadmonton Haunted House
A Halloween classic in Edmonton, Deadmonton Haunted House is an indoor, fully immersive haunted attraction that takes you through terrifying themes. This year’s highlights include “Area 51” and “Return of the Living Dead.” Whether you’re brave enough to go in or enjoy watching friends scream, Deadmonton is known for its realism and spine-chilling setups.
Location: 7031 Gateway Blvd NW, Edmonton
Dates: Runs until November 4, 2024
Ticket Prices: General Admission: $30, Fast Pass Admission: $50
Why Go? Deadmonton isn’t just an adrenaline rush—it’s an experience that helps you shake off stress and be fully in the moment. A little scare here and there can even boost your immune system, improve alertness, and encourage you to laugh and enjoy the season.
4. Prairie Gardens Haunted Farm
Prairie Gardens Haunted Farm offers a mix of fun and fright with its spooky corn maze, haunted house, and pumpkin patch. Located just outside Edmonton, it’s a perfect destination for a day trip to reconnect with nature while enjoying Halloween activities.
Location: Prairie Gardens & Adventure Farm, Bon Accord
Dates: Open until October 31, 2024
Ticket Prices: General Admission: $22, Kids (under 2): Free
Why Go? Being outdoors in a rural setting with friends or family is not only stress-relieving but also a great way to take a break from screens and reconnect with nature.
5. Ghost Tours at the Old Strathcona
Step back in time and uncover Edmonton’s haunted history with the Ghost Tours at Old Strathcona! Led by experienced guides, these tours take you through Edmonton’s most haunted sites, revealing chilling tales from the city’s past. This evening walking tour is filled with local lore, making it an ideal Halloween activity for those looking to experience something unique and spine-tingling outdoors.
Location: Old Strathcona, Edmonton
Dates: Select dates throughout October, including Halloween night
Ticket Prices: $20 per person
Why Go? Ghost tours are a great way to be active and engaged with Edmonton’s history while soaking up the spooky atmosphere. Walking around at night can heighten the senses and get the blood pumping, which is great for reducing stress and boosting mood.
The Science Behind Getting Outdoors to Boost Your Mental Health
Why should you prioritize outdoor activities this Halloween? Research consistently shows that being outdoors improves both physical and mental health. According to the National Environmental Education Foundation, spending time outside can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, regulate sleep, and enhance focus. Being in green spaces and fresh air has been linked to lower levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, and an increase in dopamine, known as the “feel-good” hormone. This combination supports mental relaxation, boosts mood, and helps you feel more connected and present. Halloween is the perfect time to get outside, enjoy the season, and experience these health benefits firsthand!
So, as Halloween comes around, get outside and get moving! Whether you’re enjoying a spooky maze or taking a stroll through a pumpkin-lit path, these activities can make a positive difference in your mental health and bring a little more joy to your Halloween season.
And Now… a Special Treat from Kickstand!
Here’s some exciting (and not-so-scary) news we couldn’t wait to share: Kickstand is opening a brand-new youth mental health hub in Edmonton, managed by our friends at the YMCA! We’re preparing to launch this much-needed space in January 2025, offering a welcoming environment where young people can find mental health support, unwind, and connect with others.
We know—it’s a bit early to announce, but we’re too thrilled to keep it under wraps. As you’re carving pumpkins, enjoying Halloween treats, and checking out these local events, keep an eye out for more updates from us. We can’t wait to welcome you into this new space and help create More Good Days for our community.
In the meantime, we’re wishing you a yay-scary, not nay-scary Halloween!
Wishing You All More Good Days,
The Kickstand Team
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