Ghosts, Goblins and Werewolves have invaded Port Coquitlam! And they’re overtaking Art Knapp Plantland & Florist for the entire month of October. Have you been to Art Knapp’s seasonal amusement extravaganza? It’s a spook-tacular affair for all ages. Or so I was told. I’d never been to Funland but Wim, the owner of Art Knapp gave me some tickets to experience it firsthand to see what all the fuss was about.
Borrowed Kids
I had to first borrow some kids. I wanted to try out the infamous Haunted Tunnel but didn’t want to worry about some kid sitting next to me whispering to his buddy, “Hey, who’s the old lady?” Thankfully, I have a friend whose daughters’ eyes lit up when they heard the word “Funland”. So off we trekked to Port Coquitlam to search for some fun.
Funland is an annual Halloween event put on by Art Knapp in Port Coquitlam. It is 20,000 square feet worth of activities, rides and entertainment, all indoors. So no worrying about rain, fall breezes or dare I say, snow! They have many free activities as well as rides that you can buy tickets for. Tickets are $1.00 each with most rides being around 3 tickets and the most expensive ride, The Haunted Tunnel, being 4 tickets. You can also buy family packs for $24.99 that gives you 30 tickets.
Avoid the Lineups
Funland opened its doors at the end of September but when we went, not all the activities were set up yet. Art Knapp had an unfortunate event of thieves stealing all the cables for the rides, which led to their delay in having everything set up on time. But by now, everything should be ready for the rush. We were lucky to go at the end of September on a Monday. No crowds. No lineups. Apparently it gets busier as Halloween approaches so go sooner than later if you want to avoid the crowds.
It was lovely to watch my friend’s daughters run from activity to activity. The bouncy castle. The train ride. The swings. The Octopus Ride. They were dressed in their Halloween costumes and fit right in with the décor of black cats, pumpkins and skeletons. Their short attention spans (they are 2 and 5 years old) were kept amused for an hour and a half. And I was surprised that I was kept amused as well.
Fun for Adults Too!
First off, they have a 9-hole mini golf course that my friend and I had a quick game of. And then we convinced the kids to go on the Haunted Tunnel ride with us. It’s actually a ride intended for older children and even adults; or for brave little kids like my borrowed ones. Now, I don’t want to spoil the surprises in the Haunted Tunnel but let’s just say that it got a scream from all the adults involved. From seasoned veterans, I was told that this year’s Haunted Tunnel was even better than last year’s. I would say it is the must-do at Funland. Creatively put together and a sensory overload that makes you want to go through it again to catch it all.
Unique Halloween Store Displays
If you are putting on your own Halloween party or getting the kids to Halloween-ize your house, Art Knapp has some amazing displays in their store of unique Halloween items for sale that is sure to make your home stand out. If fact, as soon as you walk into the store, they have a great Halloween entrance display to get you in the mood for what lies ahead. Art Knapp in Port Coquitlam definitely gets you into the spirit of Halloween!
Win a Family Pack!
We have two Funland Family Packs (valued at $25 each) to give away to two of our lucky readers. Just add a comment to this post on our website on or before October 12 telling us what you like best about Halloween and you will automatically be entered into our random draw. For an extra chance at winning, like TheV3H on Facebook and post a comment, telling us what your favourite Halloween treat is. Good luck!
Funland runs from September 22 – October 31, 2012, daily from 9:30am – 5:30pm.
Group tour discounts are available and they have a Party Zone that you can book for a birthday party or private group.
Funland @ Art Knapp Plantland & Florist
1300 Dominion Avenue, Port Coquitlam
604.942.7518
What do I like best? – easy – all the CANDY!
The thing I love best is how excited my kids get! (And yes, the candy is a close second!)
Everything !!!! Thinking up costume ideas for months beforehand for the whole family and then seeing everyone dressed up is great fun !
Great to see the enthusiasm that people put into their home decorations!
My favourite thing about Halloween is how excited my little girl gets about dressing up and making crafts to decorate the house. And, of course, who doesn’t love all the candy?!
My favourite part of Halloween is seeing the really creative costumes. Oh, and the candy.
denimc{at}gmail{dot}com
My favourite thing about Hallowe’en is scaring children in my neighborhood, and watching my own kids be scared. It is a great bonus that my son was also born on Hallowe’en, my favourite holiday!!!
I’d love to win this family pack for my two pre-school aged boys!
My favourite thing about Halloween is seeing all the kids dressed in their costumes… so cute!
I love watching my kids get super excited about choosing a costume!
I love dressing up as a family and going out together to trick or treat!
Dressing up, seeing spooky displays and trick or treating with my mom, dad and sister.
Carving our pumpkins, toasting the seeds and having friends over for a pre-trick-or-treating supper.
I love seeing the children’s excitement (whether mine or others) and seeing all their costumes!
I love sitting on the front porch watching all the kids having such a great time running from house to house, and explaining to the homeowners what their costumes are
My favourite part about Halloween is walking up to the front door, clutching my little one’s hand and yelling “trick or treat” together then having her hide behind me when the door opens.
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I like going trick or treating with my daughter
We enjoy going trick or treating and then sorting all the candy together.
I like going trick or treating with my children.
I actually enjoy taking my 2 year old to Art Knapp’s Funland! We’ve been there 2 year in row, and they are getting better each year. My boy really loves their train rides. We pick a pumpking there every year.
I love how excited my kids get!!
I feel like in the weeks leading up to Halloween there is a spookiness in the air, from the way the trees creak and rustle in the wind, to the way I always seem to notice more black cats in the neighbourhood. I love being a little scared – watching scary movies, and now that I have kids, reading them spooky (age appropriate of course) stories. I love scary halloween costumes (no princesses here…..well maybe zombie princesses). I love haunted houses and I’m so impressed by the people who put so much effort into decorating for Halloween. Finally, I love jack-o-laterns – nothing beats a pumpkin with creepy eyes and a toothy grin glowing at you in the dark.