OTTAWA EVENTS FIELD GUIDE
Tiny Trick‑Seekers in a Cold War Bunker: Ottawa’s Toddlers’ Halloween Hunt
A short, supervised Halloween morning inside the Diefenbunker where toddlers in costume explore a 100,000‑square‑foot underground maze of nut‑free treats, crafts and photo moments.
Tiny Trick‑Seekers in a Cold War Bunker: Ottawa’s Toddlers’ Halloween Hunt.
The Diefenbunker’s annual Toddlers’ Halloween Hunt turns a 100,000‑square‑foot underground Cold War museum into a gentle, child‑focused scavenger experience: little ones in costume move through decorated hallways hunting for nut‑free treats, small prizes and hands‑on crafts amid carefully staged photo moments and seasonal décor.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
A vast underground playground
The event is staged throughout the Diefenbunker’s 100,000‑square‑foot underground facility, turning corridors and rooms into themed discovery zones for toddlers to explore.
Treats, crafts and picture moments
Participants search throughout the museum for nut‑free treats, small prizes and craft stations, with multiple photo opportunities and festive decorations focused on a toddler audience.
Short, staggered sessions and free parking
The mornings run in 30‑minute entry slots, and visitors can take advantage of complimentary parking while the museum is reserved for the event.
What the day feels like
What it feels like
For two mornings at the Diefenbunker, caregivers shepherd costumed toddlers through a compact, themed hunt: groups arrive in timed slots, slip into the bunker’s decorated corridors and visit short activity stations where kids collect nut‑free treats, pick up small prizes and make simple crafts before the session wraps up.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this morning works — and who should plan differently.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Dress children in their favorite costume and, where feasible, bring a baby carrier rather than a stroller because of multiple levels, stairs and narrow hallways.
There is no public elevator; while an accessible stair lift exists, caregivers should plan routes and supports accordingly.
Arrive for your assigned 30‑minute entry slot to participate in the short, morning sessions tailored for toddlers.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
When does the Toddlers’ Halloween Hunt take place?
The event runs on Thursday, October 30 and Friday, October 31, 2025, with entry slots in the mornings.
What are the session times?
Entry time slots are every 30 minutes between 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m., and the event ends at 12:30 p.m.
Are the treats safe for children with nut allergies?
Treats provided during the event are nut‑free.
Is parking available?
Parking is always free for visitors attending the event.
Can I use a stroller inside the Diefenbunker?
The museum’s multiple levels, stairs and narrow hallways make stroller navigation difficult; the operator recommends bringing a baby carrier instead of a stroller if feasible.
Will the museum be open for general admission during the event?
No — the museum will be closed for general admission during the event and will re‑open at 12:30 p.m.