Halloween is just around the corner, and there's no better place to celebrate this spooky holiday than New York City! Whether you're a native New Yorker or just visiting, the city offers a plethora of family-friendly Halloween activities that will leave your kids bewitched with delight. I hope these suggestions help inspire you to have a spooktacular Halloween with your kids in New York City. Happy Halloween!
xx, Julia
1. Trick-or-Treating Extravaganza
Start your Halloween adventure by exploring the city's charming neighborhoods, known for their incredible Halloween spirit. The Upper West Side, Greenwich Village, Park Slope in Brooklyn, and Forest Hills in Queens are all excellent choices. Many stores and brownstones go all out with spooky decorations, making it a magical experience for kids as they gather their candy. We meet up with friends every year at the NYU Annual Children’s Halloween Parade before making our way through the village to trick or treat!
2. Boo at the Zoo
The Bronx Zoo hosts an annual "Boo at the Zoo" event, transforming the zoo into a Halloween wonderland. Families can enjoy animal-themed activities, haunted hayrides, and even watch as the animals get in on the fun with special treats of their own.
3. Pumpkin Picking
Escape the concrete jungle for a day and head to a nearby pumpkin patch. Places like Decker Farm on Staten Island or Outhouse Orchards in North Salem offer hayrides, corn mazes, and pumpkin picking, creating lasting memories for your little ones. Kerry from our team loves to go to Queen County Farm with her family. We always make a stop at Hank’s Pumpkintown in Water Mill to pick up some pumpkins to carve!
4. Spooky Storytelling
The New York Public Library hosts family-friendly Halloween events with spooky storytelling sessions and crafts for kids. Check their event calendar for details on the closest library near you.
5. Halloween Parades
Don't miss the iconic Village Halloween Parade in Greenwich Village. This annual event showcases some of the city's most creative and spooky costumes, and kids can join in the fun by dressing up and walking in the parade. Arrive early to get a good viewing spot, the parade route is packed
6. Pumpkin Decorating Workshops
Many community centers and art studios offer pumpkin decorating workshops where kids can let their creativity run wild. It's a great way to engage in Halloween-themed arts and crafts. The New York Botanical Gardens has pumpkin decorating workshops most weekends in October!
7. Scary Movie Nights
End your Halloween day with a spooky movie night at one of the city's many parks or outdoor venues. Many local parks host free outdoor screenings of family-friendly Halloween classics. The Rooftop Cinema Club has a full line up of Halloween favorites! The South Street Seaport is also doing a Halloween inspired movie marathon on October 30th. I know my daughter Dorie is going to want to go see The Addams Family to prepare for her role as Wednesday, the following day!
8. Visiting Haunted Houses
For older kids who love a good scare, New York City offers various haunted houses and haunted hayrides that provide an exhilarating Halloween experience. Our office is right down the street from Blood Manor which is not for the faint of heart. When we leave the office in October it’s not uncommon to see a ghoul on the way to the subway!
