Top Free Halloween Events in NYC

The Harlem Meer's Pumpkin Floatilla is packed with free fun for costumed kids. Photo courtesy of Central Park Conservancy

What's the one way to make costume-and-candy-filled NYC Halloween events even sweeter? Make them free! In New York City, there are loads of no-cost Halloween celebrations in 2024, whether you're looking for preschooler Halloween events or you've got a teen who can't wait to be spooked.

There are no tricks here: We're giving parents the best treat of all with this roundup of free Halloween events in New York City for kids, including Mommy Poppins' own fun Halloween Block Party at the South Street Seaport. Our list also includes big annual favorites like the charming Pumpkin Flotilla on the Harlem Meer, the Pumpkin Pageant in Inwood, and much more. We'll even tell you where to find a free pumpkin.

So, bring your costumes, but leave your wallets at home for these free Halloween events in New York City, and find everything from NYC's best trick-or-treating spots to splurge-worthy Halloween events in our New York City Kids' Halloween Guide.

32 Top Free Halloween Events in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

The Tarrytown Halloween Parade draws scores of ghosts and goblins! Photo courtesy of the event

Two of our favorite things collide in October: Halloween and FREE events in Westchester and the Hudson Valley. With all the money spent on costumes, ticketed events, and parties, having no-cost events to add fun without adding expense is a perfect way to enhance the season.

From pumpkin painting to trunk or treats, there’s enough variety here to justify getting costume mileage on many occasions throughout the month.

Be sure to check out our Guide to Halloween Fun for Westchester Families for other ways to enjoy the spooky season. 

Top Free Halloween Events in New Jersey: Trunk-or-Treats, Parades, and More Fun

Visitors of all ages are invited to come in costume to the Boo at the Zoo in Cape May. Photo courtesy of Cape May, NJ

There are no tricks here; instead, we've got a special treat: More than 25 FREE Halloween events and parades in New Jersey. The weeks leading up to Halloween are full of festivals, costume parades, and plenty more opportunities for ghosts and goblins to dress up and score some scary-good treats.

Read on for our top picks, and be sure to bookmark our Halloween Fun Guide for even more seasonal fun. Happy Halloween, New Jersey!

Best Things To Do with Kids this Weekend in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

Dalmatian Day 2024 offers four-legged family fun at the FASNY Museum of Firefighting. Photo courtesy of the event

Looking for the best things to do in Westchester and the Hudson Valley this weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list.

Oktoberfests are the theme of this last weekend in September, with FREE family-friendly celebrations including Croton Oktoberfest and Sleepy Hollow Oktoberfest.

Kids can also enjoy a performance by the The Okee Dokee Brothers & Sonia de los Santos at Emelin Theatre or meet and play with 101 (well, maybe not that many) Dalmatians at the FASNY Museum of Firefighting's FREE Dalmatian Day.  

Rapunzel and More Things To Do on Long Island this Weekend with Kids

Circus artists wow the audience at Flip Circus. Photo by Gwen Tundermann

Looking for the best things to do on Long Island this weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your schedule.

The timeless tale of Rapunzel lets down its hair this weekend during its opening at The Engeman Theater in Northport. The latest exhibit at the Long Island Children's Museum, Block Party with Imagination Playground, also opens this weekend. 

Plus: Find fall festivals from Riverhead to Bellmore and many towns in between! 

Read on for more great events across LI this weekend. 

Harvest Home Festival and More Things To Do with Kids in New Jersey this Weekend

During Diggerland's Fall Festival, enjoy all of Diggerland's rides and attractions plus additional seasonal and Halloween fun. Photo courtesy of Diggerland

Looking for the best things to do in New Jersey this weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list.

Take a step back in time this weekend for an old-fashioned fall celebration at Longstreet Farm's Harvest Home Festival. The fall festivities continue throughout the state, with events like Edison's Fall Family Spectacular Street Fair and South Orange Downtown Fall Festival.

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