5 Best Kids Halloween Events on Long Island

Halloween is going commercial. It seems like every place I go and everyone I know is offering a Halloween version of what they do. The museums, the parks, the playspaces: everyone is doing Halloween events right now. With more options than ever before, I set out to find some of the coolest and most unique Halloween activities on Long Island that would be worth a trip from the city or beyond. Some of these sell out so order your tickets soon:

The Annual Twilight Pumpkin Spectacular: This might be #1 on my family’s list of don’t- miss events this year. The Nassau County Museum of Art creates a most amazing tribute to Halloween by carving thousands of pumpkins along a mile-long walkway with backdrops, themes and other Halloween decorations for theatrical ambiance. And if this spooky walk in the park isn’t cool enough, you can visit the “Spooky Circle,” where a story teller tells cool tales under a backdrop of special lighting and other effects. Because this event features an amazing refreshment stand with pumpkin pie, hot chocolate, and jelly apples, you’ll want to save plenty of room for dessert: advanced tickets are available (and  required) for The Spectacular. In past years, the event has run the entire weekend prior to Halloween. This year, however, it is being held FOR JUST ONE NIGHT, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30. Check website for details.

1880 Long Island Halloween: If you’ve got any history buffs in the making in your house, then you have to visit Old Bethpage Village for the 1880 Long Island Halloween event. Old Bethpage Village is a recreation of life as it was in the 1700s, complete with over 50 buildings restored to perfection and set up as a village. For Halloween, Old Bethpage Village puts it’s seasonal foot forward with historical activities such as “magic” lantern shows and pumpkin carving. Our family’s personal favorite was the story tellers who captivated our kids with what seemed like archaic language and genuinely scary stories. The Halloween event only takes place Saturday and Sunday, October 24-25 and Saturday the 31st from 10am-4pm, but if you miss out, you can visit Old Bethpage Village for a trip back in time any Wednesday –Sunday, year-round. FInd out more at: Check website for details

Halloween Boat Burning at the Long Island Maritime Museum: Some of the earliest traditions of Halloween lie in ancient celebrations lighting bonfires to burn haunted spirits away. And, despite the fact that I try my hardest to discourage any interest in pyromania, the only activity my son is actually asking to attend this year is the Halloween Boat Burning. Basically, every year someone donates an old boat and the Museum burns it in the harbor. Well, that and, this event is another chance for your kids to wear their favorite costumes and for you to stand outside in the cool autumn air and drink spiked apple cider. Mark your calendar: they burn the boat only one night a year, October 30^th. Check website for details.

Halloween Party at Long Island Science Museum: Stop by this cool little interactive museum (which doesn't have exhibits, only interactive activities) in Plandome on the North Shore for a neat Halloween event. Check out the grounds of this old home via Spooky tour, enjoy a hayride, and what I think sounds coolest of all, join Master Mad Scientists mix up some cool Halloween stuff in the Halloween laboratory. For more info, visit the website . Be sure to pre-register and wear your costume. 

Bayville Scream Park's Not so Scary Halloween: Bayville is a Halloween theme park complete with 5 haunted venues, adventure park attractions and miniature golf. Voted Long Island’s #1 Scariest Haunted House, Bayville also offers Kids “not so scary days” on weekends when they clear out the monsters and ghouls from the Haunted Houses and tone down the fright factor by removing live actors and lowering the volume a few or 10 notches. Kids days are Saturdays and Sundays from 11am-6pm; go early to avoid any lines. For more info, check out their website by clicking here. 

For more Halloween fun check our Halloween Guide.