Lansdowne celebrates Halls of Halloween 2025

Remember: Inclusion isn’t scary!

Dinosaurs roamed the halls of Lansdowne Children’s Centre on Oct. 23 – as well as some unicorns, witches, monsters and more.

It was the centre’s annual Halls of Halloween event, which for many of the guests, serves as a sort of ‘dress rehearsal’ for Oct. 31.

For children and youth with physical or developmental challenges, things like wearing a costume, seeing other people dressed up in scary outfits or seeing spooky decorations can be overwhelming.

Halls of Halloween was not only an opportunity for children to get some candy, participate in a sensory-friendly dance party, do a craft, and select a pumpkin to take home, it was also very much part of the therapy they receive through Lansdowne.

One of the ways the therapy aspect of the night was apparent was in how communication skills were practiced.

Family Engagement Coordinator Renee Cochrane was looking after one of the candy station doors, and she had a paper with images of the treats on offer that guests could point at to make their selections.

Some of the guests also made use of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), such as sign language and tablets that could vocalize their ‘trick or treat’ messages for them.

Throughout the event, there were several clinicians on site who could help provide families with strategies if things weren’t going well.

Halls of Halloween relies on the support of a team of dedicated volunteers as well as generous sponsors to make it a success every year.

All of the pumpkins and candy donations came from Shabatura Produce, and guests could get apples as well, which were donated by Josmar Acres Inc.

Lansdowne staff are currently gearing up for their next major celebration, which will be the annual holiday party on Dec. 7. The theme for this year’s event is ‘Block Party.’ Stay tuned for more details about the festivities, and how you can get involved.

EVENT PHOTO GALLERY