Looking for an easy, cheap Halloween night that little kids can actually handle? Bonsor’s Big Boo is Burnaby’s drop-in Halloween party at Bonsor Recreation Complex — one evening, costumes encouraged, and activities aimed at kids 10 and under. Admission is a twoonie.
It’s the kind of outing where you show up, let them bounce between crafts and the Imagination Playground, and you’re home before bedtime gets wrecked.
When & Where
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Date | Friday, October 23, 2026 (one night only) |
| Hours | 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. |
| Last admission | 8:00 p.m. |
| Location | Bonsor Recreation Complex, 6550 Bonsor Avenue, Burnaby |
| Ages | All ages welcome; activities geared to kids 10 and under |
| Adults | Children must be accompanied by an adult |
Always double-check the official Bonsor’s Big Boo page before you go in case anything shifts.
Tickets & Cost
This is a drop-in. No online ticket hunt.
- $2 per person, cash only
- Bring exact change if you can — it keeps the door line moving
- Costumes are encouraged
That’s it. Adults pay too (it’s per person), so a family of four is $8 cash at the door.
What Kids Will Love
- Imagination Playground — big foam-block play so kids can climb, build and burn energy indoors
- Creepy crafts and ghostly games — take-home crafts and simple Halloween stations
- Face painting and colouring — classic party stations for little ones
- Cookies for kids — a sweet stop between activities
It’s playful Halloween, not a haunted house. If your child melts down at jump scares, this is much closer to a community costume party than a scare maze.
Costume Rules (Quick)
Costumes are welcome, with one hard rule from the city: weapon-free zone, costume props included. Leave the toy swords, lightsabers and anything that looks like a weapon at home. Pack a hoodie over the costume for the walk to the car — October evenings cool down fast.
Getting There & Parking
Bonsor sits in the Metrotown area of Burnaby, close to transit and the mall.
- Transit: SkyTrain and bus connections are straightforward; use TransLink Trip Planner for your door-to-door route.
- Parking: Use the Bonsor lot while you’re at the event. The city restricts that lot to Bonsor customers only — don’t park there for a mall run or you risk a ticket or tow. There’s also a signed No Stopping fire zone by the playing fields.
- Accessibility: The complex has accessible parking, washrooms and elevators.
Phone for the complex: 604-297-4597.
Parent Tips
- Arrive closer to 6 than to 8. Last admission is 8:00 p.m., and a short window fills up with craft tables and face-paint lines.
- Bring cash ($2 per person). Card isn’t listed as an option on the event page.
- Dress in layers under the costume. You’ll be indoors for activities, but the parking lot and walkways are chilly.
- Skip costume weapons. The city is clear: no weapons, costume or otherwise.
- Pair it with another October plan if you want a bigger weekend. Same-night Burnaby options often include bigger outdoor events later in the month — for a daytime fall outing first, try the UBC Apple Festival (Oct 17–18) or keep Canyon Frights at Capilano for a longer park day. Indoor backup anytime: The Robot Zoo at Science World.
Quick Answers
Do I need to register? No. It’s drop-in.
Is it scary? No. Activities are geared to kids 10 and under — crafts, games, face painting and playground play.
Can teens come? All ages are welcome, but the program is built for younger kids. Older siblings usually come along as helpers more than as the main audience.
What if we arrive at 8:05? Last admission is 8:00 p.m. Plan to be in line before that.
Final Thoughts
Bonsor’s Big Boo is one of the lowest-stress Halloween picks in Burnaby: two dollars cash, costumes on, crafts and playground time, and you’re done by 8:30. Ideal for preschoolers and early elementary kids who want Halloween fun without a late, expensive night.
Event page: Bonsor’s Big Boo — City of Burnaby Facility: Bonsor Recreation Complex
