Halloween 2012 for NYC Kids: Yes, There Are Still a Few Things to Do on Wednesday, October 31 Despite the Hurricane

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 year long, and many are hoping they can still enjoy a bit of trick-or-treating despite the events of the last few days.

If your family is lucky enough to have survived the storm unscathed and you're up for costumes and candy, we've got the scoop on which Halloween parades, spooky parties and haunted houses are still happening. Unfortunately, many big annual events have been canceled due to the storm (even the huge annual Village Halloween Parade!) but there are still a few things going on. One big word of warning: As of now, everything we've listed is supposedly still on and we're doing our best to reconfirm all of them but be sure to visit the events' official websites before you head out to make sure they're still happening as planned.

Trick-or-Treating

While we compiled a list of NYC neighborhoods that usually welcome door-to-door trick-or-treaters on October 31, Hurricane Sandy will undoubtedly put a damper on the community festivities this year. (The fact that it may rain on Wednesday night doesn't help either.) There really is no way to confirm which neighborhoods will still hand out candy, but we would recommend avoiding areas that don't have power or were badly flooded, i.e. downtown Manhattan, the Brooklyn waterfront and City Island in the Bronx. (We've only gotten confirmation from the folks in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn that their event will go on.) This may be a year when you just want to stick close to home... or your own apartment building.

Halloween Parties

BAMBoo! – Fort Greene
Inside the BAM Peter Jay Sharp Building, 30 Lafayette Avenue between Ashland Place and St. Felix Street
2pm
FREE
We confirmed that this annual fest is indeed taking place—it's just been moved inside and starts earlier. This 11th annual fest has a Medieval theme, with BAM employees dressed as knights, princesses, jesters and wizards giving away bags filled with goodies. Other fun on tap includes live music, roaming entertainers and a children's costume contest with prizes awarded for the most creative outfits.

Asphalt Screams! – Upper East Side
Unfortunately due to damage sustained during the hurricane, this event has been postponed. New date to come soon.
Asphalt Green, 555 East 90th Street between York and East End Avenues
5-7pm
FREE but suggested donation of $20 per family
The Upper East Side sports complex promises to announce the status of this event on its website on Wednesday. If it goes on, costumed kids can participate in calorie-burning games like Zombie Freeze Tag, Maniacal Martial Arts, Spooktacular Soccer Shoot-Outs and and Mummy Basketball at the Upper East Side athletic complex. Plus, the first 350 kids snag free goody bags. Pre-registration recommended.

Halloween Costume Contest & Trick-or-Treating – Upper East Side
Eloise Shop and the Plaza
58th Street and Fifth Avenue
3-5pm
FREE
The famous hotel says it's still planning to welcome trick-or-treaters tomorrow! Hit the perfectly pink boutique for a costume contest (if you don't have your own, dress-up clothes will be provided!) and then head to the hotel's Food Hall for high-end sweets. Reservations are required for the costume contest. Email eloise@theplaza.com.

Halloween Remixed – Flushing
Flushing Town Hall, 137-35 Northern Boulevard near Linden Place
4-7pm
FREE
Originally scheduled for Sunday, October 28, Hurricane Sandy forced this annual event to change dates. So on Wednesday, mark the Day of the Dead, Halloween and All Saints' Day in one shot at this true multicultural family festival. Kids (and parents) are encouraged to wear costumes to this trifecta, which includes spooky songs and dances, and cool crafts like making Mexican sugar skulls to place on the Day of the Dead altar.

Unfortunately the annual Halloween Celebration at the American Museum of Natural History and Chelsea Market party have been canceled due to the hurricane. The NYC Parts Department has also canceled all Halloween events in city parks.

Halloween Parades

Due to Hurricane Sandy and continuing rain, we suspect many of the outdoor Halloween parades will be scrapped. As of now, we've confirmed that the Jackson Heights Halloween Parade, the Greenwich Village Children's Halloween Parade, the Prospect Park South Parade and the Park Slope Civic Council Children’s Halloween Parade have been canceled. We're waiting to hear about some of the others.

Hippo Playground Halloween Parade – Upper West Side
Line up at the Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument at 3:45
FREE
Again, no official cancelation but since it's in a city park, we're guessing it's not happening. We'll update this post if and when we get confirmation. Little revelers can follow bagpipers down the steep slope to Riverside Park's beloved playground, where they'll get into the spirit with complimentary cider and doughnuts.

Witches Walk – Williamsburg
Line up outside The Flying Squirrel at 4pm
FREE
We confirmed that this event is going on, rain or shine! This beloved annual parade is organized by the owner of the popular resale shop, and will hit three local spots for trick-or-treating. After the parade, families can hit Klub4Kidz for an all-ages party for $10 per person.

Cobble Hill Halloween Parade – Cobble Hill
Line up in Cobble Hill Park at 4pm
FREE
We confirmed this procession is still on! The parade will wind its way through the neighborhood with the Jah Pan Steel Drum Band leading the way. Afterward, families can trick-or-treat on Clinton Street. While in the neighborhood be sure to pass by the incredible Halloween pumpkin house on Kane Street.

West Midwood Halloween Parade – West Midwood
Line up at Glenwood and Rugby Roads at 4pm
FREE
We confirmed that this parade is still happening. The procession kicks off at 4:30pm and heads around the neighborhood.
 

Haunted Happenings

Halloween at Citi Pond – Midtown West
Canceled due to Hurricane Sandy

Bryant Park, 40th Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenue
4-8pm
FREE
The folks at NYC's only no-cost outdoor ice skating rink promise they'll reopen on Wednesday! Hit the ice in costume to celebrate Halloween, and afterward enjoy trick-or-treat around the green space. Note: Skating is free but rentals are $14! However, the first 100 skaters to arrive in costume will snag free rentals.

Halloween Festivities at the Queens Zoo – Corona
Canceled due to zoo closure. Flushing Meadows Corona Park, 53-51 111th Street
3-5pm
Free with admission: $8 for adults, $5 for children ages 3-12, free for kids under 3
Kids can trick-or-treat, make seasonal crafts, hear spooky stories and get face time with the zoo's cute critters.

Family Workshop: Ghostly Goo – Midtown East
Sony Wonder Technology Lab, Sony Wonder Technology Lab at 56th Street
Noon
$5
No official word on this but we think it's happening. Kids can make some icky goo to take home.

Jam on Dumbo Halloween Halloween Concert – Dumbo
126 Front Street between Pearl and Jay Streets
4pm
$10 suggested donation per family
We confirmed that this indoor concert is still happening. Kids can groove to kindie band the Rockdoves at Superfine restaurant and compete in a costume contest. A full dinner menu will be available after the show.

Haunted Houses

Pies 'N' Thighs Haunted House – Williamsburg
This funky and family-friendly Southern restaurant will be hosting a not-too-scary haunted house right outside with bobbing for apples and other seasonal fun. FREE.

Unfortunately the popular annual Inwood Hill Haunted House and Forest in Inwood Hill Park has been canceled due to the hurricane.
 

For more seasonal fun, check out our Halloween Guide.