Go Pumpkin Picking in and Around NYC
Still need a pumpkin? Good news: many pumpkin picking spots also offer additional seasonal activities for families, like apple picking, hay and corn mazes, and wagon rides. Check out our favorite NYC-area pumpkin patches here! 

Navigate a Corn Maze
Get lost, solve riddles, and then come out the other side for a cider and a donut! Check out this year's crop of amazing corn mazes! 

Load Up on Apples at a Local Farm
The apples are still ripening on the trees, and most you-pick farms will tell you when your favorite variety is ready. We love these farms near NYC where you can pick your own apples!

Fall Fest at the Liberty Science Center

The Fall Fest is back and it's better than ever, full to the brim with both indoor and outdoor activities. Pick out your favorite pumpkin at NJ's largest indoor pumpkin picking patch — or just take a peek inside of onw with an endoscope! Beyond the patch, you'll learn about creepy crawlies like roaches, spiders, scorpions, and millipedes, as well as traditionally "spooky" Halloween icons like bats and skeletons. Hop into the dance party at the Monster Mash or watch a Halloween-inspired lazer show. Then, head outdoors to make your way through the spider maze, dig for fossils, and find fall drinks and treats (no tricks here!). 

If you visit on October 30 or 31, make sure to wear your best Halloween costume, because the Center is hosting it's wrap up party all weekend long with trick or treating, costumes, and more excitement. 

Covid info: Visitors over the age of 12 are required to show proof of vaccination, and everyone 2 and over is required to wear a mask

Price: $27.99/adult, $22.99/child, $24.99/senior
Oct 9-31, during center hours 
222 Jersey City Blvd. 
Jersey City, NJ
Online: lsc.org

The Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze at Van Cortlandt Manor

This amazing display features over 7,000 lit Jack o-Lanterns, arranged into sculptures from architectural marvels to dinosaurs and the Statue of Liberty. Expect bright synchronized lights, jaw-dropping displays, and an original soundtrack. And yes, they're real: The pumpkins are designed and carved by a team of artists. This year, the Blaze features a new underwater theme as well as the beloved NYC skyscape display. 

Tickets are selling out fast, with some nights already unavailable or limited to a small number of tickets. If you're considering attending this event, you'll want to secure your tix sooner rather than later! The Blaze is coming to Long Island, too — buy tickets for that here.

Price: Starting at $24/person, free for 2 and under
Select evenings, Sep 17-Nov 21
525 S Riverside
Croton-on-Hudson, NY
Online: hudsonvalley.org

Howl O' Ween Doggie Parade at Camelback Resort
Bring your dogs or come just to watch as some seriously stylish spooky dogs strut their stuff in the doggie Halloween parade. The event will also feature a costume contest, agility course, and dog rodeo contest. Vendors will be on-site selling pet-friendly and pet-centric wares. The event is free but if you park, the parking fee will be donated to a charity. If you intend to have your dog(s) participate in the fun, (free) registration is available online or in-person on the day of the event.

Free
Sun, Oct 24 (rain date Oct 31)
12-3 p.m., parade starts at 1
243 Resort Drive
Tannersville, PA
Online: camelbackresort.com

BOO at the Zoo at the Bronx Zoo

Put on your Halloween costume and make a spooky trip to the Bronx Zoo for the annual Boo at the Zoo event. Throughout the zoo, you'll find themed events, performances, and activities, like magic shows, pumpkin carving workshops, trick-or-treating opportunities along the trails, a Halloween show, arts and crafts, a spider maze for tots, and much more. Advanced ticket purchase is required for entry.

Covid info: Guests over 12 are required to show proof of vaccination (at least 1 shot). All guests are required to wear masks in indoor spaces.

Tickets: $39.95/adult, $29.95/child, $34.95/senior, free for kids under 2
Sat. and Sun., Oct. 2-31 & Mon., Oct 11
2300 Southern Blvd.
Bronx Zoo
Online: bronxzoo.com

Scarecrows and Pumpkins at the New York Botanical Garden
The NYBG is bursting with fall cheer in October! Stop by at various times in the month for many different kinds of events and activities. See an exhibit of some wonderfully whimsical scarecrows, watch a puppet parade, participate in pumpkin-carving demonstrations, sing along to a Halloween musical story, and more fun fall festivities. 

Tickets: Free with garden admission
Sep. 18-Oct. 31, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Conservatory Lawn
2900 Southern Blvd
Bronx
Online: nybg.org

36th Annual Bronx Halloween Parade
While the famous Village Halloween parade might not be entirely kid-friendly, the Bronx Halloween parade is perfect for the little ones. Join the march or just watch as costumed revelers are joined by marching bands in a boisterous parade through the Bronx. A costume contest will take place, grouped by different age ranges, and there will be plenty of candy given out to kids along the way. This year's theme is "Day of the Soul — Celebrating Our Loved Ones," so along with your Halloween cheer, bring some love to share with those who mean the most to you!

Free
Sat., Oct. 23
11:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
Parade starts at Simpson Street between East 163rd Street and Westchester Ave and ends at Tiffany Plaza in front of St. Athanasius Church
Bronx
Online: eventbrite.com

Día de los Muertos Family Art Project at Wave Hill
Take a moment away from Halloween to celebrate Día de los Muertos, the Mexican holiday honoring the dead. Wave Hill's family project will teach you how to make small shadow boxes, called nicho boxes. These boxes are meant to honor a loved one you've lost, and are made with found objects and other materials. Wave Hill will provide all the materials you need and stations will be disinfected between uses.

Covid info: Proof of vaccination is required inside for 12 and over (at least 1 shot). Masks are required for all visitors when entering and leaving the garden, and when visiting indoor spaces.Limited space is available, but anyone turned away for lack of space will receive a card that'll give them top priority in the next session.

Tickets: Free with garden admission
Sat. & Sun., Oct 30 & 31, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
at the Kerlin Learning Center
Garden entrance: 4900 Independence Ave.
Riverdale
Online: wavehill.org (Saturday) and wavehill.org (Sunday)

Kids Grand Concourse Halloween Extravaganza at the Andrew Freedman Home
Get to know your community and have some family-friendly fun at the Concourse Halloween Extavaganza! Take art in (somewhat) spooky activities like a haunted house, arts and crafts, themed games, and more. Watch performances and grab some chow and drinks. And don't forget to wear your costumes! 

Though this event is free, it's entirely volunteer-run and donations are welcomed — the money will go toward buying materials and organizing the event. Donate here.

Covid info: All guests ages 12 and up will need to show proof of vaccination.

Tickets: Free
Sat., Oct. 30, 1-5 p.m.
Andrew Freedman Home
1125 Grand Concourse
Concourse
Online: eventbrite.com

Pumpkin Party at the Williamsbridge Oval
Visit the Williamsbridge Oval to partake in the annual pumpkin party. This year is bringing back the Halloween fun with an outdoor celebration featuring arts and crafts, carnival games, and free giveaways. Stop by the photo booth to take home some memories, or strut around decked out in full Halloween costume!

Tickets: Free
Sat., Oct. 30, 1-3 p.m.
Williamsbridge Oval Recreation Center
3225 Reservoir Oval East
Norwood
Online: nycgovparks.org

Halloween Discovery Hike and Craft at Van Cortlandt Park
Go on a fall family hike guided by the Urban Rangers through Van Cortlandt Park. Search for spiders and other "creepy crawlies," and participate in nature-themed carts and crafts themed around Halloween and fall.

Tickets: Free
Sun., Oct. 31, 1-2 p.m.
Van Cortlandt Nature Center
246th Street and Broadway
Van Cortlandt Park
Online: nycgovparks.org

Halloween Harvest at Luna Park
Back by popular demand, the Halloween Harvest is a seasonal addition to the usual park fare. Add the "Halloween Harvest" package to your Luna Park wristband, and you'll receive one entry each to the pumpkin decorating station, tractor racing and trick or treating. In addition, during your visit, you'll have a chance to spot stilt walkers and special characters, balloon artists and expertly decorated pumpkins. Stop by on October 23rd to watch the masters carve out the park's giant pumpkin into a work of art!

Price: $10 additional fee with a purchase of an "Extraordinary Wristband"
Holidays and weekends Sept 25-Oct 31
During park hours
1000 Surf Ave.
Coney Island
Online: lunaparknyc.com

Halloween Candy Hunty at Aviator Sports Center
For two weekends, Green Meadows Farm is pulling out all the stops for the little ones. Kids are encouraged to come in costume, and admission will get you access to a candy hunt, hayrides, 10 tractors to climb around on, a bulldozer, a playground, tons of photo-ops, and more! You're also welcome to walk around the farm to greet all the farm animals or feed them for an additional fee. 

Stop by on weekends and Wednesdays in October for more fall fun, including a free pumpkin included in your entry fee!

Covid info: All visitors over 2 must wear a mask, and most activities will be socially distanced and limited capacity (ie only one person on a ride at a time)

Tickets: $12/person, free for 2 and under
Oct. 23, 24, 30, & 31
11 a.m.-5 p.m.
3159 Flatbush Ave.
Floyd Bennett Field
Online: greenmeadowsfarmbrooklyn.com

The Great Pupkin Dog Costume Contest at Fort Greene Park
Come to the 23rd year of the Great Pupkin dog costume contest to see tons of pups in costumes. The costumes get pretty wonderfully outrageous, and winners will get the Great Pupkin rosettes and bragging rights. You can come to watch the madness, or even enter your dog (or dogs) into the content at $12 per dog. Plus, your entry fee will be going to the Fort Greene PUPS charity, so it's for a good cause!

If you can't make it out to Fort Greene, you can still join the fun: The event will be live-streamed on the Fort Greene PUPS Facebook page.

Tickets: Free to attend, $12 entry fee for dogs
Sat., Oct. 30 (rain date: Sun, Oct 31), 12-2:30 p.m.
Washington Park St. (bottom of monument stairs)
Fort Greene
Online: fortgreenepups.org

Halloween Spooktacular at the Brooklyn Bowl
The Rock and Roll Playhouse has teamed up with Brooklyn Bowl for a rocking Halloween event. Enjoy some awesome music, get your face painted and participate in a costume contest.

Covid info: Guests over 12 must show vaccination proof of at least 1 shot, while anyone under 12 must wear a mask. (Anyone over 12 is strongly encouraged to wear a mask, as well.)

Price: $12/person, 1 and under are free
Sun., Oct. 31, Noon (doors at 11 a.m.)
61 Wythe Ave.
Williamsburg
Online: brooklynbowl.com

BAMboo! at the Brooklyn Academy of Music
BAM's taking Halloween to the streets, block party style! Perfect for kids ages 4-12 (though all, of course, are welcome), this outdoor event is a perfect spot to celebrate trick or treating in style. Besides some goodies for the bag, this event also features carnival games, spooky arts and crafts, a costume contest, and much more. RSVP is available but not required. 

Free
Sun., Oct. 31, 2-5 p.m.
30 Lafayette Ave. between Ashland Place and St. Felix Street
Fort Greene
Online: bam.org

The Ghosts of Greenwich Village Scavenger Hunt
Watson Adventures presents a scavenger hunt with a twist — instead of finding and bringing back objects, you'll be solving riddles and figuring out hints together. Each hunt is led by Hunt Hosts and their assistants, whose job will be to guide you on your path to completing the hunt. In this Halloween edition of the scavenger hunt, you'll be discovering the history of some hidden spooky spaces and creepy spots. The hunt will take you to the haunted homes of Edgar Allan Poe and Mark Twain, help you spot bats on buildings and Dickensian door knockers, and more silly spooks. 

Winners will receive Watson Adventure medals for the whole team (as well as bragging rights), but the point is the journey, not whether you win or lose! This event is recommended for ages 7 and up and all teams must include at least one adult.

Tickets: $21.50/adult, $17.50/child ages 7-17
Sat., Oct. 16 & 30, 4-6:30 p.m.
Greenwich Village, exact location to be announced
Online: watsonadventures.com

Halloween on the Harlem Meer
The yearly tradition returns: Bring your carved pumpkin to the Harlem Meer on October 28 and watch it join other lit and carved pumpkins in a flotilla on the water in a magical experience. Note that you don't need to bring a light — that'll be provided for you. Directions to the drop off point will be provided at the Charles A. Dana Discovery Plaza.

Stop by on Tuesday and Wednesday as well for more seasonal fun, including a Halloween show for kids, arts and crafts, and a trick-or-treat scavenger hunt. Costumes are encouraged on all three event days!

Covid info: Full vaccinated guests don't need a mask but unvaccinated visitors are required to mask up.

Tickets: Free
Tue.-Thurs., Oct. 26-28, 4-6 p.m.; Tue. and Wed., 4-6:30 on Thurs. 
199 Central Park N.
Central Park
Online: centralparknyc.org

Haunted Island 5k and 10k Race
Run for your lives — this place might be haunted! Governors Island has a military history and plenty of ghosts, as NYC Runs, the hosts of this race, helpfully points out. Spooky! Runners will have a chance to try the 5K or 10K race, open to all ages. After the race, Halloween goodies and candy will be handed out to participants. Runners are encouraged to wear their costume to get into the spirit of things (no pun intended). 

Your fee covers the ferry ride to the island, a race t-shirt, and a meal following the race. If you'd rather stay closer to home but you still want to take part in the race, you can run or walk anywhere with the virtual option, then submit your time by December 13.

Covid info: Unvaccinated runners are required to wear a mask except when running. During the race, masks can be removed if you're distanced, but need to be secured somewhere on or around your head for easy access if you're unable to distance.

Tickets: Starting at $40, depending on when you register, free for kids 5 and under
5k starts 8:30 a.m., 10k starts 9 a.m.
Colonel's Row
Governor's Island
Online: nycruns.com

Spooky Bazaar: Halloween Special at the Grand Bazaar
The vendors at the Grand Bazaar are getting into the Halloween mood by decking out their stalls and themselves with spooky costumes and decor. Visit the Spooky Bazaar and check out over 120 local vendors, selling everything from yummy eats to spooky treats — and everything in between! Visitors are also encouraged to come in costume.

Visiting the bazaar is completely free, but anything you purchase will come at a price. Shop away! All proceeds from the sales go to four local schools, so it's going to a good cause.

Tickets: Free
Sun., Oct. 31, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Grand Bazaar NYC
100 West 77th St.
Online: grandbazaarnyc.org

Make a Gourd-geous Pumpkin at CAMP
Decorating pumpkins is fun, but throwing them out when they rot isn't. That's why CAMP is presenting this artsy version of the Halloween classic, with an artificial pumpkin that you can keep forever as a keepsake. Kids ages 4 and up can decorate the pumpkin to their hearts content (minus the part where you have to scoop out pumpkin guts). Visitors over 12 must show proof of vaccination, kids over 2 are required to wear masks

The Shops at Columbus Circle
10 Columbus Circle # Suite 202
Midtown

Hudson Yards
20 Hudson Yards Fl 2
Hudson Yards

City Point
1 Dekalb Ave.
Downtown Brooklyn

Price and more info:

Tickets: $25/child, accompanying adults enter free

Various Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays in October
Online: camp.com

Halloween Dog Parade at Tompkins Square
Everything's better with dogs! See pooches dressed in their Halloween best at the 31st annual Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade. Bring your dog or come solo and watch dogs in costumes parade around and compete for a chance to win some prizes. Be forewarned that this event draws huge crowds every year!

Tickets: Free
Sat., Oct. 23, Noon-3 p.m.
East River Park Amphitheater
East River Promenade
Lower East Side
Online: tompkinssquaredogrun.com

Movies Under the Stars: "The Nightmare Before Christmas" at J. Hood Wright Park
It's the best time to watch a spooky movie with your family and community! Bring a blanket for an evening screening of the Halloween (and Christmas!) classic "The Nightmare Before Christmas." Sing along with your favorite songs, or just enjoy the spooky atmosphere. The movie will begin at dusk (roughly 6:30 p.m.) but get there early if you want to secure a spot.

Covid info: Unvaccinated guests are encouraged to wear a mask, and social distancing must be maintained.

Tickets: Free
Fri., Oct. 22, 6:30-9 p.m.
Central Lawn in J. Hood Wright Park
Hudson Heights
Online: nycgovparks.org

Pumpkin Carving at the Cauldron
The Cauldron is the most magical and perfect place to have a Halloween event — the entire pub is a magic- and fantasy-themed popup spot. Carve some pre-gutted pumpkins while you sip on the Cauldron's homemade whipped-cream-topped HalloCream drink (an option without alcohol is available for the kids). Participants will also get carving tools and a template. It's a perfectly cozy and magical atmosphere for the fall season!

Kids are welcome but they must be 5 or older to participate, and one adult is required per every two kids.

Covid info: To be seated indoors, visitors over 12 must show proof of vaccination.

Tickets: Starting at $20
Fri., Sat., & Sun., Oct. 8-10 & 15-17, Noon-3 p.m.
The Cauldron NYC Magical Pub
47 Stone St.
Online: eventbrite.com

Halloween Kids Spooky Cruise 
Come aboard the spooky cruise ship, all decked out with Halloween decor. Kids will dig trick-or-treating onboard the cruise ship and watch costumed characters perform for their entertainment, while adults can enjoy the great views of the city. General admission tickets will get you a spot on the cruise, while premium admission will also net you a "spooky goodie bag" as well as complimentary food and drinks.

Covid info: Face coverings are required at all times while on board the cruise ship.

Tickets: $39/adult, $35/child for general admission; $55/adult, $49/child for premium admission
Oct 16, 23, 30, & 31
Boarding at 1 p.m., cruise lasts 1:30-3 p.m.
Departs from Pier 36
299 South St.
Lower East Side
Online: eventcruisesnyc.com

Halloween Boo Bash at Randall's Island
Hop on over to Randall's Island for the Boo Bash, to pre-game for trick or treating. Participate in Halloween crafts, games, and more fun before you head out for candy collecting. In addition the Boo Bash, Randall's Island is also having their beloved free Harvest Festival this year. Visit for seasonal fun including pumpkin carving, cookie decorating, live music, a read-along, and a Latin dance class! Plus, the first 500 visitors can enter their email for a chance to win a raffle. 

Harvest Festival
Tickets: Free
Sat., Oct 2, Noon-3 p.m.
Fields 62 & 63 and the Urban Farm
Randall's Island
Online: randallsisland.org

Boo Bash
Tickets: Free
Sun., Oct. 31, Noon-3 p.m.
103rd Street Footbridge, RI side
Randall's Island
Online: randallsisland.org

Pumpkin Point at Governors Island
Back by popular demand, Governors Island will be transforming into a pumpkin haven for the last two weeks of October. Visitors can pick a pumpkin to take home for a suggested donation, and can even decorate their pumpkin right there and then. Other activities include live music, stories, seasonal arts and crafts, and more. Don't forget to stop by the vendors for some fall eats and drinks.

Covid info: Visitors are required to show proof of vaccination to enter indoor spaces on the island (but Pumpkin Point is an outdoor event). All visitors, regardless of vaccination status, are required to wear face masks while in line for or on the ferry.

Tickets: Free
Sat. & Sun., Oct. 23 & 24 & 30-31, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Nolan Park
Governors Island
Online: govisland.com

Cocktails & Culture: Halloween Masquerade at the Museum of the City of New YorkIf you have kids who are 13 or older, or you're looking to celebrate Halloween on your own before you and the kids hit the streets for trick or treating, then the MCNY Masquerade is the event for you. The social gathering will have specialty cocktails for the adults and West African food for all attendees to purchase. Take part of a Halloween take on the red carpet (bring your A-game and wear your favorite costume!), jam out to a sunset DJ set, or participate in a sketch-and-sip activity (for an additional fee). Or, stroll through two of the museum's current exhibits, which will be open late for the event.

Covid info: All visitors over 12 must show proof of vaccination, and attendees of the event are required to wear masks when indoors.

Tickets: Free with museum admission
Fri. Oct. 29, 6-10 p.m.
1220 Fifth Ave .at 103rd St.
Upper East Side
Online: mcny.org

Halloween Fun at the Vander Ende-Onderdonk House
Visit the historic Vander Ende-Onderdonk House for some spooky (but age-appropriate) Halloween fun, recommended for ages 6-10. Kids will have a blast making paper plate Jack-o-Lanterns, listening to ghost stories and decorating themed coloring pages — all set to fun seasonal music and sounds. Make sure to wear your costume, as there will also be a costume parade and trick or treating goodie bags!

Tickets: $10/adult, $5/child under 12
Sat., Oct. 30, 1-4 p.m. (timed entry at 1, 2, and 3)
1820 Flushing Ave.
Ridgewood
Online: onderdonkhouse.org

Halloween Harvest Festival at the Socrates Sculpture Park
From doggie costumes to bedazzled pumpkins, the Socrates Sculpture Park has all the fall fun you'd expect, with a twist. Check out the Rocky Horror Doggie Show, where dogs and their owners dress up for a chance at prizes. Kids and adults go head to head in the pumpkin carving and decorating contest, where the more sparkle and flair, the better. Winning pumpkins will be catapulted into fame — literally. Still have an inner artist to unleash? Join the palm leaf-making workshop, led by artist Levan Mindiashvili. Finally, enjoy some chill jazz performances… performed on stilts. 

Tickets: Free
Sat., Oct. 30, Noon-5 p.m.
32-01 Vernon Blvd.
Astoria
Online: socratessculpturepark.org

Halloween on the Farm at the Queens County Farm Museum
Halloween has come to the farm, and you're invited! Families will have a blast at the Halloween on the Farm event, which has tons of activities to try. Tickets include admission to the three-acre Amazing Maize Maze, which is themed around Andy Warhol's "Cow" this year! Once you're done getting lost in the maze, you can take part in Halloween-themed hayrides, trick-or-treating among the animals, a haunted farmhouse, a compost station where you can "Adopt-a-Worm," and even a dance party. For an additional fee, you can also purchase food from local vendors set up at the farm or buy some farm-fresh (literally!) produce to take home. Come in your costume!

Covid info: Unvaccinated visitors must wear a mask when outdoors. If you're entering an indoor space for a brief moment, no vaccination proof is required (but if you plan to stay indoors for a while, you'll need to show proof).

Tickets: $20/person, free for 3 and under. Advance tickets are required, no tickets will be sold at the door.
Sun., Oct. 31, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
73-50 Little Neck Pkwy
Bellerose Manor
Online: queensfarm.org

Halloween at the Garden at the Queens Botanical Garden
Halloween is in full bloom at the Queens Botanical Garden. It's spooky harvesting season! The kid-centric event has a Trick-or-Treat Trail for little ones to explore, as well as plenty of performances, including a magic show. Adult visitors can enjoy some harvest beers and ciders. 

In addition to this event, the garden is screening Halloween-themed movies all month, which come at an additional price but include access to the space after hours. Check out the movies screening here.

Covid info: Vaccinated guests aren't required to to wear a mask or socially distance outdoors. Indoor, all guests must wear a mask.

Tickets: Free with garden admission, $6/adult, $2/child ages 4-12, 4$/student and senior, free for kids ages 3 and under
Sun, Oct. 31, Noon-4 p.m.
43-50 Main St.
Flushing
Online: queensbotanical.org

Village Ghost Tours at Historic Richmond Town
Get to know the ghosts and ghouls around us with this immersive tour of the historic locations around Richmond. Rooted in real history and folktales, visitors are led by a guide in costume who'll lead you through historic structures in the dark and share the mysteries of the village. Learn a bit about the history of the area as well as some spooky stories. Though this event is meant for participants ages eight and older, but the guides can accommodate younger children, as well.

Covid info: Proof of vaccination for 12 and over is required, since the event enters historic buildings.

Tickets: $10
Sat., Oct. 2-Sat., Oct. 30
7 and 8:30 p.m.
441 Clarke Ave.
Staten Island
Online: historicrichmondtown.org

Urban Wildlife: Nocturnal Creatures at Conference House Park
Learn all about the things that go bump in the night with this Urban Rangers-led nature exploration. The Rangers will teach visitors all about Halloween-themed animals and critters, like bats, spiders, and nocturnal residents of nature. 

Tickets: Free
Sun., Oct. 31, 4-5 p.m.
Conference House Park
Hylan Boulevard and Satterlee Street
Staten Island
Online: nycgovparks.org