Living in London
The question that starts every October in this city is the same one. What does it actually cost to take the kids? So before anything else, here is the number. A family of four pays roughly $90 at full price. That is before anyone buys a hot chocolate.
Living in London’s guide to Pumpkins After Dark at Storybook Gardens, October 2026.
- What it costs: general admission $22.95 to $25.95 adult, $19.95 to $22.95 for kids 3 to 13. Children 3 and under are free. Parking is free.
- When it runs: October 2 to 31, but not every night. Most Mondays and Tuesdays are dark. Entry is time-slotted.
- The two things nobody tells you: outside food is allowed, and you get in-and-out on your timeslot. Both are City of London venue rules, not the event’s.
Go on a Wednesday or Thursday. Take the earliest slot you can stand. Bring your own thermos.
That version costs the least, has the thinnest crowd, and ends before small children run out. The last week of October is the opposite of all three.
Jump to: The spot · What it costs · Which nights · Before you go · FAQ
Where is it, and what is it actually like?
Pumpkins After Dark — Storybook Gardens
It takes over Storybook Gardens for the month and turns it into a lit outdoor trail. The walk is about one kilometre. You pass more than 10,000 hand-carved pumpkins, built up into large sculptures rather than sat on a porch. Carvers work on site while you go by, which is the part most people do not expect.
When: October 2 to 31, 2026 — not every night. Most Mondays and Tuesdays are dark
Entry: time-slotted, roughly 6:30 to 10:00 PM depending on the date
Price: $22.95 to $25.95 adult, $19.95 to $22.95 for kids 3 to 13, 3 and under free
Parking: free and on site, lit in the evening
Time needed: 60 to 75 minutes, longer with toddlers
Site: pumpkinsafterdark.com/london-on
Directions: map
What does a ticket actually cost?
Pricing moves with the date and the time slot. So the ticket page shows a range, not one number. Weekends and the last week of October sit at the top.
General admission: $22.95 to $25.95 adult · $19.95 to $22.95 youth 3 to 13
With the Bee Hive Maze: $29.95 to $32.95 adult · $26.95 to $29.95 youth 3 to 13
VIP: $37.95 to $40.95 adult · $34.95 to $37.95 youth 3 to 13
Haunted Asylum add-on: $10.00 adult · $10.00 youth 3 to 13
Children 3 and under get in free. One dollar from every ticket goes to Children’s Health Foundation. It funds equipment at Children’s Hospital here in London. Two adults and two school-age kids land between roughly $86 and $98. Parking is free, so that is the real number before food.
Which nights does it actually run?
This is where people get caught. It is not open every night in October. The ticket calendar runs in clusters:
- October 1 – 4
- October 8 – 11
- October 14 – 18
- October 21 – 25
- October 28 – 31
The official event page headlines the season as “Oct 2 – Oct 31”. The ticket-calendar listings show nights from October 1. Tourism London still shows last year’s dates, October 3 to November 1.
We are not going to guess for you. Book off the official ticket calendar. The slot you buy is the one that counts.
Before you go
The venue rules here are the City of London’s, not the event’s. They are more generous than people expect.
Parking: free and ample, right out front, lit in the evening
Outside food: permitted. No barbecues. On-site concessions run seasonally
Dogs: not permitted unless a pet-friendly night is scheduled. Service animals always welcome
Re-entry: in-and-out on your timeslot, with proof of admission
Strollers: paths are flat and level through most of the grounds
- Go Wednesday or Thursday. Same pumpkins, thinner crowd, bottom of the price range.
- Take the earliest slot. It is dark enough by mid-October and far less congested than 8:00.
- Bring a thermos. Outside food is allowed, which beats any discount code.
- Avoid the last week. October 28 to 31 is peak demand and peak stroller traffic.
- Dress for standing still. It is an outdoor walk and London gets cold after sundown.
The honest takeaway. This is a walk, not a theme park. You pay roughly $25 a head. You get about an hour of beautiful carving work, outdoors, in the cold. If your family likes a night walk, it is worth it. If you want rides and three hours of programming, that was the Western Fair. Knowing which one you want is the whole decision.
If you go, tell me in the comments which night you picked and whether the crowd was bearable. That is the detail no listing page gives you. If you are new to the city, start with what it is actually like to live in London, Ontario.
What else do people ask?
How long does the walk take?
The route is one kilometre. Most groups take 60 to 75 minutes with stops for photos. Families with toddlers should budget closer to 90.
Is Pumpkins After Dark scary for young kids?
No. It is lit and gentle, built on atmosphere rather than scares. The Haunted Asylum is a separate paid add-on, so you can skip it.
Is the maze or VIP worth paying for?
The maze adds about $7 a head. It suits kids roughly 6 to 12 and is largely wasted on toddlers. VIP is mostly entry timing, so an early weeknight slot gets you most of it free.
Can you bring your own food?
Yes. Outside food is permitted and barbecues are not. A thermos in the car is the cheapest upgrade available to you.
Is parking free at Storybook Gardens?
Yes. There is ample free parking right out front, and the lot is lit in the evening.
What happens if it rains?
It is an outdoor walk-through and runs in light rain. The weather policy is on your ticket confirmation.
Can you bring a dog?
Not unless a pet-friendly night is scheduled. Service animals are always welcome.
More Living in London:
Ken Small Real Estate Team · 420 York Street, London, Ontario N6B 1R1 · 226-271-1140 · kensmall.ca
Every date and price above was read from the venue’s own page on September 24, 2026.
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