Free & Fun Things to Do this Weekend with Westchester Kids: Haunted Houses, Festivals, the Circus & More, Oct. 5 & 6

10/3/13 - By Jill Muller

October brings with it the start of the Halloween season and all month long there are parties, festivals, parades, and haunted houses all around Westchester. My family has already started figuring out our costumes but if you haven’t gotten that far, head out to Katonah on Saturday for a Costume Swap where you give a costume and get a costume. If you don’t have one to swap you can purchase one for only $5.

The Rivertowns are exploding with events that start this weekend like The Great Jack O Lantern Blaze and The Legend Behind the 'Legend'. Dobbs Ferry is shutting down its streets on Saturday for the Dobbs Ferry Festa and Stone Barns in Pocantico Hills is throwing a Harvest Fest.

The Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival and the Great Chappaqua Bake Sale are teaming up for a day full of entertainment for the entire family. The author of the Pinkalicious series will be doing a reading at the bake sale and my kids are really hoping she is accompanied by some pink cupcakes!

For the older kids (unless you want your little ones sleeping with you for the next month), there are plenty of haunted happenings including Horseman’s Hollow and Scared by the Sound.

Read on for our top weekend picks. If you see something interesting, click through to the event listing to view full details. Looking for more options?  Be sure to check our Event Calendar for more fun happening this weekend and beyond.

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ALL WEEKEND

The Great Jack O Lantern Blaze – Croton-on-Hudson
See more than 5,000 individually hand-carved, illuminated jack o’lanterns in this elaborate walk-through experience. $20 for adults, $16 for ages 3–17

The Legend Behind The 'Legend' – Irvington
Visitors can enjoy a shadow puppet performance of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow and experience one of Washington Irving’s spooky tales on a walk through the woods. Also enjoy craft projects and the opportunity to pose with one of the giant “Legend” cut-outs for a photo-op. $12 for adults, $6 for ages 3–17

Horseman’s Hollow – Sleepy Hollow
Philipsburg Manor transforms into a terrifying landscape ruled by the undead, the evil and the insane. This is Sleepy Hollow’s premiere haunted attraction, right in the heart of the village. $20

Scared By The Sound – Cortlandt
Experience for yourself Crypt Walk, The Haunted Wine Cellar, Creepy Morgue, Tunnels of Doom plus the all new Zombie Zone and much more at this 13,000 square foot Haunted House. This attraction is not for little kids. Recommended for ages 10 and up. $15.50

SATURDAY

Dobbs Ferry Festa – Dobbs Ferry
Live music and local restaurants will be out on the streets at this annual Dobbs Ferry festival. Plenty of activities for the kids including ZooBots, face painting, and inflatable rides. FREE

Stone Barns Harvest Fest – Pocantico Hills
Festivities for the whole family include live music, a farmer’s market with seasonal fare, hayrides, farm and food demonstrations, and a square dance. $40 adults, $20 ages 2–14

Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival – Chappaqua
More than 70 popular authors are expected to participate. Most will be signing their books and reading excerpts. Bring your whole family for tons of fun, food, kid friendly activities, entertainment and, of course, books! FREE

SUNDAY
Warwick Applefest – Warwick
The Warwick Applefest will bring over 35,000 visitors. Children’s carnival, farmer’s market, music, and entertainment on several stages. Apple pie contest for kids 16 and under. FREE

Zerbini Family Circus – Carmel
This show features clowns, aerialists, trampoline acts and comedy for all ages. $12

BEYOND WESTCHESTER

For more Halloween themed fun, the Bronx Zoo's annual Boo at the Zoo kicks off this weekend and The Haunted Pumpkin Garden continues at the New York Botanical Gardens.

Don't forget to check out our Event Calendar for even more events happening throughout Westchester!