Long Island

29 Best Things To Do on Long Island October 2024 with Kids

This October, scarecrows will once again line the walkways throughout Stony Brook Village in the Ward Melville Heritage Organization’s 33rd annual Scarecrow Competition. Photo courtesy WMHO

Halloween is the name of the game in October, which means Long Island is alive with pumpkin patches, haunted houses, fall festivals, and of course trick-or-treating—there are so many opportunities to wear Halloween costumes!

Some of this month's standout options include Spooky Fest at The Center for Science Teaching and Learning, Babylon's fall festival, and Oyster Bay's annual oyster festival

Read on for all the ways to pack your calendar this month on Long Island!

Top Free Halloween Events on Long Island: Halloween Parades, Festivals, and More

Get your pumpkins, meet Otto the Ghost, and enjoy the fall festivities at Hicks Nurseries. Photo courtesy of Hicks

Halloween might be the final day of October, but fun and FREE Halloween events are happening on Long Island all month long. Go ahead and dress the kids up, because these family-friendly events are a great way to get some mileage out of that spectacularly spooky or glittery-glam costume.

For more Halloween fun, check out our Long Island Halloween Guide

Best Halloween Events on Long Island for Kids and Families

Bayville Scream Park's Not So Scary Days offer fun for all ages this Halloween season. Photo by Jaime Sumersille

We've rounded up the best Halloween events for kids on Long Island in 2024 to keep everyone entertained with thrills and chills. Whether your brood is in the mood for spooky scarecrows or not-so-scary Spooky Fests, there is plenty of fun to be had this season.

Our list continues to evolve, so check back regularly for updates on attractions and trick-or-treating opportunities for Long Island families, and be sure to bookmark our Long Island Halloween Guide and Long Island Fall Fun Guide for all the top family-friendly seasonal activities.

Fall Bucket List for Long Island Kids: 35 Top Things To Do

The Great Jack-o'-Lantern Blaze features hand-carved jack-o’-lanterns in elaborate displays at Old Bethpage Village Restoration. Photo by Jaime Sumersille

Fall on Long Island offers exciting things to do and seasonal fun for the whole family. Long Island farms are overflowing with pumpkin patches to visit and tons of interactive fall activities. There are apples to pick, hayrides to hop on, festivals to enjoy, fall treats to try, and spooky Halloween walks to explore. 

There are countless things to do this season with the kids, so we've rounded up dozens of the best fall activities on Long Island.

Keep up with all the seasonal entertainment with our Fall Fun Guide for Long Island Kids and our Halloween Fun Guide.

Kids' Birthday Party Entertainers on Long Island Who Come to You

Let Them Play brings foam play equipment and ball pits to your backyard.

Long Island's at-home birthday party entertainers have expanded their offerings in the past few years and notched up the engagement factor for optimal birthday party fun. Consider hosting your next soiree at home with the help of these birthday party pros.

From drive-in style movie nights and mobile spas to pop-up glamping tents and backyard laser tag competitions, at-home birthday party services on LI give kids fabulous entertainment options in a comfortable setting.

All of the options below service the entirety of Long Island. For more party planning help, check out our Long Island Party Guide.

Best Pumpkin Patches on Long Island for Kids

Head to Harbes Family Farm for a day of pumpkin picking and fall fun.

The best pumpkin patches on Long Island are jam-packed with interactive fall fun and adventures the whole family will love. From Nassau County to the East End, destination farms are brimming with pumpkin patch excitement.

The farms often have festivals, fall treats, and family-friendly activities for kids of all ages. Some farms have an admission fee, particularly on weekends or for certain activities. Check the pumpkin farm sites for the latest details before a visit. We've rounded up a list of as many locations as possible of Long Island's best pumpkin patches to enjoy this season with kids.

Find more seasonal adventures check out our Fall Day Trips with Kids on Long Island Guide and our Long Island Halloween Guide

Local Burger Southampton Offers Lawn Games, Golf, and Kid-Friendly Food

Eat outside and practice your golf swing at Local Burger Southampton.

Local Burger in Southampton is the ultimate recreational destination for Long Island families. Aside from enjoying juicy burgers, you can work on your swing at the driving range or batting cages, enjoy a round of mini golf, or play lawn games. 

Click here to read about more LI restaurants that offer family entertainment, and find more great things to do on our Long Island Family Activity Calendar

Best Arts and Crafts Birthday Party Places on Long Island for Kids

Casa De Spin in Massapequa offers a unique take on canvas-painting parties. Photo courtesy of the studio

Craft-themed birthday party places across Long Island offer festive, art-filled interactive events for kids. Party packages accommodate different age groups, from young kids to tweens and teens. Art-loving kids can celebrate with a cool canvas paint party, doll fashion design bash, plaster craft fun, and more hands-on creations at these unique venues. 

Read ahead for our picks of the best arts and crafts birthday party places to start planning a memorable celebration. And check out our Long Island Party Guide for even more great birthday party ideas. 

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