Spine-tingling Halloween fun for kids
The Haunted Pumpkin Garden
Through Monday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., New York Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Blvd., Bronx, $20 for adults, $8 for kids, under 2 are free, 718-817-8700
www.nybg.org
Spine-tingling scarecrows, spooky spiders and petrifying pumpkin sculptures are all on show at the New York Botanical Garden through the end of October. The Everett Children’s Adventure Garden was designed by artist Michael Natiello to create discovery at every turn. Kids are encouraged to dress up for the parade through the Adventure Garden, held every day at noon.
Spooktacular
Friday, 5 to 8:30 p.m., Al Oerter Recreation Center, 131-40 Fowler Ave., Queens, free, 718-353-7853
www.nycgovparks.org
Fowler Recreation Center has Halloween fun covered with a haunted house, Halloween crafts, music, games, ghost stories and a pumpkin patch all on offer for kids to enjoy on Friday night. There will also be many more events over the weekend.
Haunted Fort Halloween
Friday, 6:30 to 8 p.m., Fort Totten Park, Cross Island Parkway between Totten
Avenue and 15 Road, Queens, free, 718-352-1769
www.nycgovparks.org
Haunted shipwrecks are said to attract ghosts and ghouls to the Fort Totten Park, and this Halloween is no different. Bring a flashlight and enjoy the spooky atmosphere and sights this former army base has to offer. It is designed as a free event for children of all ages.
Masked Parade of Hairy Insects
Saturday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Wave Hill Garden and Cultural Center Ecology Building, West 249th Street and Independence Avenue, Bronx, free until noon, 718-549-3200
www.wavehill.org
Create your own fuzzy, funny insect masks by using materials of all shapes and sizes at Wave Hill. Once kids have created their bug, they’re invited to walk them around the park before the fall parade begins. Admission to the grounds is free until noon and is designed for families and children of all ages.
Botanical Garden Nighttime Adventure
Saturday, 6 to 7:30 p.m.,
New York Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Blvd., Bronx, $20 adults, $8 kids, under 2 free, www.nybg.org
Have you always wanted to explore the garden after dark? Well, now you can. Get the family together, grab your flashlights and explore the spooky sculptures at night. Decorate your own pumpkin to take home and treat-or-treat along the paths. This event is for children of all ages and designed for the whole family.
Dread of Night
Saturday, 7 p.m., Historic Richmond Town, Staten Island, adults $10, children $8,
718-351-1611
www.historicrichmondtown.org
Staten Island Historical Society archival material is on display, told as stories for Halloween. A self-guided tour goes in and around some of the “hauntingly lonely” buildings, where guests will meet many interesting characters on their journey.
Highland Park Harvest Festival
Saturday, Elton Street and Jamaica Avenue, Highland Park, Queens, 718-235-4151
Enjoy a fun day with the family this Saturday afternoon at the Highland Park Fall Harvest Festival. Dress up and enjoy free horse and carriage rides, crafts, games, a pumpkin patch, pirate music, a treasure hunt and a pirate show. There will also be a surprise visit from Captain Jack, but shh! You didn’t hear it from us.
Boo at the Zoo
Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Queen’s Zoo, 53-51 111th St., Flushing Meadow’s Corona Park, free for kids in costume, 718-271-1500
www.queenszoo.com
This Saturday and Sunday, enjoy Queens Zoo’s annual Boo at The Zoo. Kids dressed in costume will receive free admission and a day of trick-or-treating, face painting, pumpkin picking and much more. Can’t make the weekend? On Monday, the zoo also offers a family fun day from 3 to 4:30 p.m., which is $10 for adults and $3 for children. Reservations are required for Monday.
Decker Farm Pumpkin Picking
Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m, Decker Farm, 435 Richmond Hill Road, Staten
Island, $5 per person or $16 per family of four
www.historicrichmondtown.org
Decker Farm is throwing a pumpkin-picking day for the whole family. Enjoy transportation to the farmhouse for a guided tour and hayride, then bring a pumpkin home with you at the end of the day.
Halloween Celebration at the Museum
Monday, 4 to 7 p.m., American Museum of Natural History, Central Park West at 79th Street, $10, 212-769-5200
www.amnh.org/halloween
Children are invited to dress up and head to AMNH for an afternoon of trick-or-treating, arts and crafts, and the chance to meet with cartoon characters such as Curious George and The Cat in the Hat. There will also be live performances by acts such as David Grover and Big Red Band.
The Amazing Maize Maze
Saturday and Sunday, Queens Country Farm Museum, 73-50 Little Neck Pkwy., Floral Park, Queens, $9 adults, $5 ages 4-11, 3 and under free
www.queensfarm.org
Get lost in a three-acre corn maze, take a walk through a haunted house (open from 4 to 7 p.m. on both days), and enjoy other Halloween fun like sack racing, trick-or-treating, pony rides and much more. Please note:?There are different costs associated with each activity.
Village Halloween Parade
Monday, 7 to 10 p.m.,
New York’s Village Halloween Parade, Begins at Sixth Avenue at Spring Street, free
www.halloween-nyc.com
On Monday night, anyone and everyone is welcome to join New York’s annual Halloween parade for a scary good time. Arrive in costume at 6:30 p.m. and join marching bands, puppets and other revelers for the 39th annual event through the Village.
