The Bronx Zoo lights up at night during the 2024 holiday season. Photo by Ally Noel

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The Tianyu Lights Festival transforms the Citi Field parking lot into a magical holiday destination with larger-than-life lanterns and kid-friendly activities. Photo courtesy of the festival

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All aboard a festively decorated Polar Express train ride for some holiday magic and memories. Photo by Gwendolyn Tundermann

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The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Balloon Inflation is an event unto itself. See the larger-than-life balloons come to life the night before the parade. Photo by Anthony Quintano/CC BY 2.0

See the 2024 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Balloon Inflation with Kids

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Celebrate Thanksgiving with Leuca. Photo courtesy of the Noho Hospitality Group

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Experience the magic of the Tianyu Lights Festival at Citi Field this holiday season. Photo courtesy of the festival

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Lightscape at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden has become an enchanting holiday tradition for many families. Photo courtesy of the garden

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Canstruction is free and open to the public at Brookfield Place through Monday, November 11. Photo by Heidi Lee

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Visit the 180 Pool at the Crystal Springs Resort. Photo courtesy of the resort

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The American Museum of Natural History's blue whale is an NYC icon, and the entire museum is one of the best children's museums in NYC. Photo by R. Mickens/courtesy of AMNH

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Free activities for Kids in NYC include the Children's Museum of the Arts, which has pay-what-you-wish Thursdays from 4-6pm. Photo courtesy of the museum

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There's always a cool new piece of public art to see and interact with in NYC. Photo by Jody Mercier

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The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk has 75 animal exhibits and is home to more than 7,000 animals. Photo courtesy of the aquarium

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Get a Broadway-caliber serenade during a birthday dinner at Ellen's Stardust Diner.

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See the skyline from a whole new vantage point on the Roosevelt Island Tram. Photo courtesy of NYCGo

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Take a hike with your little one on a family day trip from NYC.

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Hester Street Playground. Photo by Jody Mercier

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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

9/27/24 - By Drew Kristofik

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.

As always, if an event piques your interest, click through to our listing for all the details, including addresses, times, and recommended ages. And keep in mind: You may need to register in advance to take advantage of all the free Halloween events in NYC.

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