Halloween Fun and Activities for New York City Kids
Halloween is a monstrously magical time for New York City kids—as long as you know what to do and where to go. It's one of the few times of the year when the city turns itself over to children: Everyone goes out of their way to make sure kids have fun. Here's what you need to know to have the best Halloween in NYC, including the best children's parades, great places to trick-or-treat and other ghastly goodness. We've also got details on fearsome fetes beyond the five boroughs, like Halloween trains in New Jersey, haunted happenings in Westchester and Halloween events on Long Island. As always, we'll keep adding posts as we write them, so check back or subscribe to our free emails.
For more Halloween activity ideas, don't forget to browse our Event Calendar, which has lots of Halloween events for NYC kids, mostly free. Looking for a perfect jack-o'-lantern? Check out our Pick Your Own Guide which lists the best pumpkin patches in and near New York City.
Halloween Fun for NYC Kids
Halloween Fun in NJ, LI, CT and Westchester
More Fun Halloween Ideas
More Fall Fun
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New York City (and the entire East Coast) is still dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. So Halloween may not feel as festive this year. While it may seem like an inconsequential thing to think about right now, the fact is lots of children (and grown-ups!) look forward to October 31 all...
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Due to Hurricane Sandy, many neighborhoods will probably opt not to host door-to-door trick-or-treating this year, especially areas that are still without power. We can't verify which neighborhoods will continue with the festivities. Our best advice: Stick close to home! Wish we had better info...
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Most families host at-home holiday parties in December. But in my house (make that jam-packed two-bedroom apartment), Halloween is when we throw our big annual shindig. Although my Halloween parties have changed over the years from adults-only spooky suppers with deadly cocktails to more family-...
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Due to Hurricane Sandy, most parades on Wednesday, October 31 have been canceled, even the huge annual Village Halloween Parade. A few are still going on, but some we can't confirm. If in doubt, assume it has been canceled! Everybody loves a parade, which means we're all absolutely smitten...
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Even though it's only the second week of October, you're probably busy figuring out which Halloween events and activities you'll have time to hit this month as October 31 draws near. But how about mixing something multicultural into your celebrating this year? Day of the Dead—or...
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One of my family’s favorite Halloween traditions is to take our little animal-costumed boy (in the past he's been a penguin, cow, bat, bumblebee and flying squirrel) to the Bronx Zoo for its annual Boo at the Zoo celebration. The zoo really goes all out for the occasion and transforms...
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New York City is literally packed with free Halloween activities. In fact, there are so many great ways to celebrate you may need a magic eight ball to decide where to go. Luckily, your kids will be so hopped up on candy, they'll probably have the energy to hit several events in one day. We...
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Over the years, we've written about the best Halloween events in Hudson Valley, including the legendary Great Jack O Lantern Blaze (which sells out super fast!). But there are other cool Halloween attractions for families in Westchester County. These are the kind of Halloween happenings you won...
