Trick-or-Treating

Lots of NYC stores and neighborhoods give out candy to costumed kids on October 31. You don't have to stick to your own building or community; you can trick-or-treat door-to-door, just like kids do in the suburbs. We've got a roundup of areas that are well known for handing out sweets in New York City. We're partial to the big shindig in Chelsea, but we've heard wonderful things about all of the gatherings.


Halloween Parties

BAMBoo! – Fort Greene
The Brooklyn Academy of Music hosts this annual outdoor street party. Kids can trick-or-treat, compete in a costume contest, do arts and crafts, hear live music, watch a puppet show and more. FREE

Halloween Celebration at the American Museum of Natural History – Upper West Side
In my pre-parenting days, I used to volunteer to give out candy to the kids at this spooky soiree, so I can attest to how much fun it is. In addition to scoring lots of loot, families can groove to David Grover & the Big Bear Band, carve pumpkins, do arts and crafts, and meet various costumed characters. Bring your own trick-or-treat bags. $10

Family Halloween Party at the Queens Zoo – Corona
Families can trick-or-treat, make seasonal crafts and get face time with the zoo's cute critters. Pre-registration required. $10 for adults, $3 for children under 13.

Asphalt Screams! – Upper East Side
Upper East Side athletic complex Asphalt Green is throwing its first-ever Halloween bash, and it sounds like a real blast. Costumed kids can race through a haunted maze or participate in calorie-burning games like Zombie Freeze Tag, Maniacal Martial Arts, Spooktacular Soccer Shoot-Outs and Steal the Pumpkin. Free but suggested donation of $20 per family.

Halloween Parades

Jackson Heights Halloween Parade – Jackson Heights
One of the biggest family costume parades in NYC, the procession makes its way from P.S. 222 down 37th Avenue to P.S. 69, where goodie bags will be distributed. FREE

Greenwich Village Children's Halloween Parade – Greenwich Village
I plan to take my flying squirrel to this G-rated version of the Greenwich Village Halloween Parade. Kids and their parents march around Washington Square Park, and then stick around for a carnival featuring treats, live entertainment and rides. FREE

Witches Walk – Williamsburg
The Northside Merchants Association hosts this beloved parade that hits local shops for trick-or-treating. Afterward, kids can choose from two post-procession parties. Babies and toddlers can head to Play for live music and other fun, while older children can party at Klub4Kidz. Free for the parade; parties are $5 for Play, $10 for Klub4Kidz.

Fulton Park Parade and Festivities – Bedford-Stuyvesant
Snag your route map at 5pm, and then march through the neighborhood. Other activities include a Halloween story patch and a dance contest. FREE

Jam On Dumbo's Musical Halloween Parade – Dumbo
Families should bring instruments so they can march through one of the neighborhood's main drags making music (or noise). Afterward, kids can trick-or-treat at local stores.

Cobble Hill Halloween Parade – Cobble Hill
Line up behind the JahPan Steel Drum Band as they lead kids around the streets surrounding Cobble Hill Park. Afterward, head to Clinton Street to trick-or-treat.

Prospect Park South Parade – Prospect Park South
The parade kicks off in front of Bill and Mary Kay Scary's home. FREE

West Midwood’s Halloween Parade – West Midwood
The procession starts at 6:30pm and heads around the neighborhood. FREE

Park Slope Civic Council Children’s Halloween Parade – Park Slope
At this wildly popular procession, little revelers march through the nabe to the Old Stone House, where there will be live music and dancing.

Hippo Playground Halloween Parade – Upper West Side
Children follow bagpipers into Riverside Park's beloved playground, where they can snack on complimentary cider and doughnuts post-parade.

All Hallows Eve Spooky Story Time & Costume Parade – Throg's Neck
The Throg's Neck Library is throwing this second annual party featuring not-too-scary stories, treats and a short costume parade. FREE

Haunted Houses

Steampunk Haunted House: Through the Looking Glass – Lower East Side
Inspired by Lewis Carroll’s stories, this haunted house is eerie without being gory. Best for older tweens and up. No one under age 8 is admitted. $25 for adults, $10 for students.

Halloween Haunted House – Douglaston
The Queens County Farm Museum's haunted house is creepy enough to scare tweens without freaking out the little ones. After your terrifying tour, grab some cider, pumpkins and apples, or navigate the corn maze. $4.

Inwood Hill Haunted Forest and House – Inwood
Local families and businesses collaborate on this scary annual attraction. Like most haunted houses, it's best suited for older kids, but you can check out the photos and decide for yourself. Afterward, hit the nature center for more spooky fun. FREE

A Grimm Scarytale! – Fort Greene
The folks who reside at 313 Clinton Avenue are Halloween fanatics, and every year they put on an amazing, one-night-only show to celebrate. This year, they're focusing on the fairy tales of the Brothers Grimm. FREE


For more seasonal fun, check out our Halloween Guide.