15 Halloween Parades for NYC Kids

If everybody loves a parade, everybody must be absolutely smitten with a Halloween parade. You should probably take your kids to the big VIllage Halloween Parade once just for the sheer theater of it, but most years we stick to the little neighborhood parades. The littler Halloween parades are great for kids, not just because of the lack of mobs, but most of them anyone can just jump in and you'll see the most fun, creative homemade costumes all in one place.

I've gathered up a bunch of alternative Halloween parades for kids that sound like a a lot of fun to participate in or just watch. And if you don't live in a great trick or treating neighborhood, this is a great excuse to join in the fun in another neighborhood. Go for the parade. Stay for the trick or treating!

Jackson Heights Halloween Parade
Did you know that the Jackson Heights Halloween Parade is the second-largest Halloween parade in New York? But unlike the big parade in the Village, this one is all about the kids. And a few over-the-top grown-ups too. 37th Ave, starting at 89th St, ending at 76th St, Jackson Heights When: Saturday, October 31, 12 p.m.

Greenwich Village Children's Halloween Parade At this G-rated version of the Greenwich Village parade, costumed children ages 3-12 and parents or guardians march around Washington Square Park. After the parade, treats, a special performance by the Gazillion Bubble Show, entertainment, and rides will take place on LaGuardia Place between Washington Square South and West 3rd Street until 4:00 P.M. All activities are completely free and open to the public. The parade assembles along Washington Square North, near the Arch at 1pm. When: Saturday, October 31, 2009; parade starts around 1:30 pm. [Thanks to Shiri B. for this updated info]

Cobble Hill Park Halloween Parade The Cobble Hill Park Parade is often led by kid rocker Dan Zanes. Meet at Clinton St end of Cobble Hill Park. The parade starts at 4pm. Afterward, make your way trick or treating up Clinton St towards Carroll Gardens, weaving your way up and down the side streets. When: Saturday, October 31, 4 pm.

Greenpoint/Williamsburg Halloween Parade
Costumed kids of all ages will meet up at 4 pm at the Polish & Slavic Center at 176 Java St (b/w Manhattan & McGuiness). a music-led procession will march down Manhattan Avenue to Norman and back again. Party to follow (for kids up to 12 years of age). Party admission (last year it was $5 for 1 child/1 adult & includes arts/crafts, food/drink, games, contests, music) When: Sunday, October 25. 4pm

The Park Slope Kids Halloween Parade and Party
The Park Slope Parade is another huge event. This year's theme is "spooky seas." There will also be a costume contest preceding the Parade at John Jay High School at 4pm. Parade will start at 7th Avenue and 14th Street and proceed to the Old Stone House. Participants may join the parade at any point at the back of the parade, behind the bands and large scale puppets. When: Saturday, October 31st Parade begins at 6:30pm and ends at 9:00

Riverside Park Halloween Parade
Gather at the Soldiers's and Sailors' Monument (89th Street & Riverside Drive) in your costume and follow the bagpipers to the Hippo Playground (91st Street). Enjoy free cider and donuts afterward. When: Saturday, October 31, 3:45 PM-5:00 PM

New South Bronx Parade
Gather on Simpson St (Between E 163rd and Westchester Avenue). There will be cash prizes for best costumes and banners. For more information call John Calderone at 718 589-2718. When: Friday October 23, 5pm sharp

Washington Market Park
This parade usually starts by the Citicorp building on Greenwich Street and proceeds to Washington Market Park on the corner of Greenwich and Chambers and is followed by a huge party including a live band and pony rides. When: Saturday, October 31, 11am parade. Party until 1pm. Rain date, November 1.

Battery Park City Halloween Parade
Children of all ages will gather to for a sing-a-long with Diego Costa then march along the Hudson River Esplanade to the Haunted Halloween celebration at the World Financial Center. When: Saturday, October 31. Sing-along starts at 11:30am, parade at 11:45 and party from 12-3pm.

Washington Heights Floating Jack-o-Lantern Parade
Bring a lit Jack-0-Lantern, your goody bag and candy to share to this neighborhood Halloween Parade. Families will gather at PS 187 at 6:30pm and proceed at 7pm to the South Entrance of Bennett Park where they will place the lit Jack-o_lanterns around the perimeter of the lawn and then mingle enjoying the magical lights and sharing candy. Prizes for best costumes and float. When: Saturday, October 31, 7pm. [Thanks to Helena for sending this year's info]

Brooklyn Heights Halloween Parade
Meet at the Pierrepont Playground to join in the fun of this little neighborhood parade. In addition to the parade a bakesale will be held to benefit the Borooklyn Heights Playground Committee. When: Saturday Oct. 31, 10 a.m.

Day of the Dead Procession
Day of the Dead is the Mexican version of our All Hallow's Eve, or Halloween. the newly reopened El Museo del Barrio will be celebrating with a day full of activities and a procession around the Harlem Meer in Central Park. Gather at the courtyard of El Museo. When: Saturday, October 31, 4:30pm.

Fort Greene Halloween Parade and Festival
The parade is just part of the fun here. There'll also be hay rides, games, sack races, face painting, stilt-walkers, entertainers, free pumpkins to decorate and even a doggie costume parade. When: Saturday, October 31, 12-3pm. Rain date, November 1.

Ditmas Park West Midwood Halloween Parade
Meet at at the end of B/Q train cut at Glenwood Road off Rugby. Parade proceeds down Glenwood Road to Westminster Road, passing through the Victorian heart of Ditmas Park. Stick around to trick or treat in a neighborhood with real houses. When: Saturday October 31, 6:00 pm for sweets and cider. Parade begins at 6:30.

Williamsburg's Witches Walk
Meet at children's boutique Flying Squirrel (96 North 6th St between Berry St and Wythe Ave) to get a free portrait taken by photographer, Rachel Elkind, then parade through he hood, stopping at favorite cool kid spots for treats. When: Saturday, October 31. 3pm for photos, parade begins at 4pm.

Still AWOL: Haven't received marching orders for the following Halloween Parades, but here's what happened last year. We'll update as the info becomes available:

DUMBO Halloween Parade
Meet at Bubby's, corner of Main and Plymouth Sts, 4pm. To be followed by a party at Bubby's around 4:30pm. When: Sunday, October 28th

Ditmas Park Prospect Park South Parade
Starts from outside 1203 Albermarle Road at Westminster and follows Albemarle to Argyle Road. Candy and cider provided. When: Friday, October 31 at 6pm.

If you have any news on these events please leave details below.

Find more Halloween events for kids in our Halloween guide.