Harvest Moon Orchard's New Halloween Walk-Thru, Mystic Moon, Delivers Spooky Thrills

Submitted by Katherine Dhurandhar on

Mystic Moon has beautifully lit trails and whimsical forest characters. Photo by the author

Known for its spectacular Holiday lights walk-through experience in the apple orchard, North Salem's Harvest Moon Farm & Orchard has introduced a new walk-through experience this Halloween season called Mystic Moon. Set in the forest area on the outskirts of the farm, amid majestic 80-year-old oak trees, Mystic Moon's synchronized music and lighting transform the forest into an enchanted wonderland featuring whimsical characters and numerous fun photo-ops.

I recently visited with my 10-year-old son, and Mystic Moon did not disappoint. Read on for our review and some tips to make the most of your experience. 

For more spooky fun, check out our Halloween Guide for Westchester and Hudson Valley kids.

Go Under the Sea at LICM's New Exhibit, the Museum's First Major Addition in a Decade

Jaime Sumersille's picture Submitted by Jaime Sumersille on

Saltwater Stores is a new, immersive exhibit at the Long Island Children's Museum. Photo by the author

Saltwater Stories: We Need the Sea & the Sea Needs Me is an immersive new exhibit at the Long Island Children’s Museum that celebrates Long Island's connection to the sea through hands-on play, storytelling, and exploration. It's a great choice if you're seeking engaging and educational things to do with kids indoors. 

Read on for all the details to plan your visit to the Long Island Children's Museum. For even more activities, check out our guide to Long Island's best family-friendly museums and our Indoor Play Space Guide.

Not-So-Scary 2025 Halloween Activities in NJ for Preschoolers

Submitted by Laurie Rein on

Jenkinson's Boo at the Boardwalk features trick-or-treating and more. Photo courtesy of Jenkinson's Boardwalk

New Jersey offers plenty of not-too-scary Halloween celebrations perfect for the preschool set. From parades, like the Ocean City Halloween Parade, to over-the-top events at amusement parks, like Trick-Or-Treat Weekends at Storybook Land, to zoo celebrations, like Cape May's Boo at the Zoo, these safe activities let toddlers experience the magic of Halloween.

And, there's some spooktacular news for parents: Many of them are FREE!

Read on for dozens of fun and preschool-friendly Halloween events in New Jersey, plus a couple of extra-special events just over the border in Pennsylvania. You can find even more seasonal events in our Guide to New Jersey Fall Fun and Guide to Halloween Events in New Jersey.

Indigenous Peoples Day Weekend in Westchester and the Hudson Valley: Best Things To Do

Submitted by Katherine Dhurandhar on

Decorate a pumpkin at the Pine Island Pumpkinfest, a holiday weekend tradition. Photo courtesy of the Pine Island Chamber of Commerce

Looking for the best things to do in Westchester and the Hudson Valley over the long Indigenous Peoples Day weekend? We've got tons of family-friendly events to add to your list.

Families can enjoy carnival rides throughout the holiday weekend at the annual Eastchester Columbus Day Carnival, which also features a parade, fireworks, and live music. Alternatively, enjoy fall farm festivities all weekend long, including hayrides, live music, kids' activities, and cider and donuts, at Muscoot Farms' Pumpkin Picking Weekend.

For some early Halloween fun, check out the Sleepy Hollow Paddleboarding Witches Festival, which also includes vendors, food trucks, and a live telling of the Legend of Sleepy Hollow with a visit from the headless horseman. In honor of Indigenous Peoples Day, learn about some of the original inhabitants of the Westchester area at a Lenape Indigenous Peoples Day presentation at the historic St. Paul's Church.  

Best Neighborhoods or Streets in Philly to See Halloween Decorations

Alyce Wilson's picture Submitted by Alyce Wilson on

Photo courtesy of Spirits of '76

Get into the Halloween spirit with the best family-friendly Halloween streets in Philadelphia. Whether it's historic neighborhoods festooned with spooky decorations or fun-filled extravagance, these are some of our favorites places in the area to see Halloween decorations and lights.

Looking for more Halloween fun? Check out our Halloween Fun and Activities Guide for more spooky things to do!

Haunted Houses and Walks in NYC for All-Ages

Submitted by Diana Kim on

The Bronx Zoo hosts a pair of Halloween events, including the after-dark Harvest Glow. Photo by Terria Clay/courtesy of the Bronx Zoo

When it comes to Halloween thrills with kids, a tricked-out haunted house or spooky Halloween walk might be the right kind of boo for you. Haunted houses have long been popular suburban Halloween staples, but haunted houses in NYC are more limited. The most spooky picks, like Blood Manor, are definitely for teens and older. There are, however, a handful of haunted houses in New York City offering gentler Halloween chills for families.

Read on for the scoop on kid-friendly haunted houses in NYC, plus a few more scary options for tweens and teens. Be sure to heed the scare factor. While grade-school kids can attend most of these, not all are suitable for preschoolers. We've got the scoop on NYC's top Halloween events and plenty more spooky fun in our New York City Kids' Halloween Fun Guide.

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