Halloween can be scary for children who aren’t able to fully take part, but Five Counties Children’s Centre is once again offering an alternative designed to be inclusive and welcoming.
The Centre is bringing back its All-o-ween celebrations for a second straight year, a sensory-friendly trick-or-treating experience for children and families receiving treatment or on wait lists for services.
Client and Family Experience Lead, Hayley Hodges, says this is always a popular event.
This year’s events run from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at each of the Centre’s main sites:
Tuesday, Oct. 28, at 872 Dutton Rd. in Peterborough
Wednesday, Oct. 29, at 800 Division St., Unit 2, in Cobourg
Thursday, Oct. 30, at 9 Russell St. E. in Lindsay
Families must pre-register online at www.fivecounties.on.ca/alloween or by calling 1-888-779-9916 ext. 215. Siblings are welcome to join.
Hodges says they’ll hopefully have something for everyone.
Last year’s inaugural All-o-ween attracted 250 children across the three locations, with many parents offering positive feedback. Hodges said the Centre is building on that success to make the 2025 edition even better.
Along with accessible trick-or-treating, this year’s festivities will include food, kids’ crafts and a storyteller. Costumes are encouraged, but children can also simply wear orange and black — or attend as they are.
“Giving every child the opportunity to take part in an event like All-o-ween means fun for everyone,” Hodges said.
(Written by: Jordan Mercier)
