Halloween is almost here, and parents planning to take their kids out trick-or-treating have plenty of options. From creepy haunted houses to spooktacular parties, DNAinfo New York's reporters have rounded up the best Halloween celebrations in your neighborhood.
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When: Friday and Saturdays at 7 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m. Now through to November 7
Where: The Players Theatre, 115 MacDougal St., Greenwich Village
Ages 10 and up will love this creepy musical based on Washington Irving’s “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow." Ticket prices range from $30 to $60.
When: Wednesdays and Thursdays from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays from 7 p.m. to midnight, Sundays from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. for the entire month of October. Open an extra hour later the week leading up to Halloween starting Friday, Oct. 23, and 6 p.m. until 1 a.m. on Halloween.
Where: 163 Varick St., Hudson Square
WARNING: NOT RECOMMENDED FOR YOUNG CHILDREN
Blood Manor is a terrifying haunted 5,000-square-foot house. A twisting maze of passageways leads you to through scary corridors and themed rooms. It aims to be the scariest haunted house in the tri-state area, and is not recommended for anyone under the age of 14. Patrons go through in groups of six. Tickets are $30 to book a one-hour time slot, you can show up anytime in that hour. For the last two hours every night, you can just show up — admission is first come, first served. Nov. 6th and 7th are “lights out nights." On those nights doors are open 7 p.m. to midnight, and each group just gets one glow stick to light their way. Tickets are $30.
When: Oct. 17, 10 a.m. to noon, or 12:30 p.m. to 2 :30 p.m.
Where: littleBits NYC at 355 West Broadway, SoHo
Creatives of all ages get a jack-o-lantern consult with a "littleBits invention advisor" at this store geared at aspiring inventors and gadget-lovers. Pumpkin sculptors are encouraging to make videos of their scary creations and submit it to the littleBits YouTube with the hashtag #hackhalloween to win prizes. RSVP online for $25 per person.
► Halloween HOWL & Healthy Hound Fair
When: Sunday, Oct. 18, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Carl Schurz Park, East End Avenue to FDR Drive between 84th and 90th streets, Upper East Side
Dress up your dogs for the free annual Halloween HOWL, where over 200 creatively costumed pups parade before a fashion industry coven of judges. The event will be held in the hockey/basketball court.
► Family Workshop: Ghostly Goo
When: Thursday, Oct. 22, 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: 550 Madison Ave., Sony Plaza, Midtown
The Sony Wonder Technology Lab, a four-story, interactive technology and entertainment museum for all ages, is getting messy making icky, slimy goo. Using science and careful mixing, kids will create an oozy concoction to take home. Entry is $6 per child.
When: Oct. 23 and Oct. 24, 6:15 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Where: Mount Vernon Hotel Museum & Garden, 421 E. 61st St., Upper East Side
An unidentified skeleton has been found at the Mount Vernon Hotel on East 61st Street. Collect clues by candlelight to solve the case. The story is loosely based on a true story. Adults and children eight and older are welcome to play. $25 for adults and $10 for children. RSVP by calling (212) 838-6878.
► Tompkins Square Park Halloween Dog Parade
When: Saturday, Oct. 24, from 12 p.m.
Where: Tompkins Square Park, East Village
CNN calls it "the largest dog costume parade in the world” with hundreds of dogs in costumes and thousands of spectators. Instead of charging admission, there is a suggested $5 raffle ticket purchase.
When: Saturday, Oct. 24, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: On the High Line from West 14th Street to West 17th Street, Chelsea
Head to the High Line for a day of free community festivities, including a puppet show, storytelling, face painting, a photo booth, a take-home art project and a ghost-themed scavenger hunt featuring characters from the High Line's history.
When: Oct. 24 and 31, 10 a.m. to noon or 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Where: littleBits NYC at 355 West Broadway, SoHo
A "littleBits invention advisor" will help you up the ante on your spooky garb. RSVP online for $25 per person. Attendees are encouraging to make videos of their in-store handiwork and submit it to the littleBits YouTube with the hashtag #hackhalloween to win prizes.
► Halloween Parade and Pumpkin Flotilla at Central Park
When: Sunday, Oct. 25, 3:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: Charles A. Dana Discovery Center, inside Central Park at 110th Street between Fifth and Lenox Avenues, Upper East Side
Enjoy live music, scary stories, pumpkin carving demonstrations and at twilight, the Central Park Conservancy will set up a pumpkin flotilla across the Harlem Meer.
► Thalia Kids' Book Club: Guys Read Terrifying Tales
When: Sunday, Oct. 25, 4 p.m.
Where: Peter Jay Sharp Theatre at Symphony Space, 2537 Broadway at 95th Street, Upper West Side
Contributors to the latest book in the Guys Read series (a web-based literacy program for boys) including Jon Scieszka ("The Stinky Cheese Man") and Dav Pilkey ("Captain Underpants") present a bone-chilling collection of original ghost stories perfect for sharing around the campfire. This program will include a Halloween costume contest (the winner receives a full set of the Guys Read series), readings by guest authors, an audience Q&A and a writing activity where kids will get the opportunity to write their own scary tale. Recommended for girls and boys ages 8-12.
► New-York Haunted Society's Superheroes/Supernatural Halloween Bash
When: Friday, Oct. 30, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: New-York Historical Society, 170 Central Park West, at Richard Gilder Way (77th Street), Upper West Side.
This party celebrates celebrates New-York Historical Society's Superheroes/Supernatural exhibition. Test your super strength against a real-life Strongman, make silhouette trick-or-treat bags, create a "graveyard goop" dessert, make a spooky superhero of your own, get your superpower fortune told and challenge others with your super-villain knowledge. Tickets are $12.
► Roosevelt Island Halloween Parade
When: Saturday, Oct. 31, 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Starts at Blackwell House, 503 Main St., Roosevelt Island
The Halloween parade begins at Blackwell House and turns down Main Street with a celebration at Capobianco Field.
When: Oct. 31, 12 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Where: littleBits NYC at 355 West Broadway, SoHo
Drop by this free party to get your face painted, hang with costumed creatures and indulge in piles of candy. The store, a haven for amateur inventors, promises music "that will bring out your inner boogie man."
► Trick-or-Treating at Economy Candy
When: Saturday, Oct. 31, 2 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Where: Economy Candy, 108 Rivington St., Lower East Side
Store employees dressed up in costumes having been handing out candy for years, according owner Mitch Cohen, whose grandfather opened Economy Candy nearly 80 years ago.
“It’s one of our busiest days of the year but we end up giving out more candy than we sell,” he said, adding that it was the store’s way of giving back to the community.
► Halloween Celebration at AMNH
When: Saturday, Oct. 31, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: American Museum of Natural History, Upper West Side
Explore the museum in your costume, fill up your bag with candy and meet other characters, like Curious George, Clifford the Big Red Dog, Wild Thing, Peter Rabbit and Llama Llama, who will be roving the halls. There will also be musical guests and performers from the Big Apple Circus at this celebration, which is perfect for little kids and bigger ones too. Tickets are $14 ($12 for members) and you can call or visit amnh.org/halloween to purchase them.
► Trick or Treat with Electric Ladybug Garden
When: Saturday, Oct. 31, 3 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Where: 235 W. 111th St., Central Harlem
A free, family-friendly Halloween celebration in a community garden at 235 W. 111th St. Organizers say there will be candy, treats, games and more.
► Carnegie Hill Neighbors Halloween Spooktacular
When: Saturday, Oct. 31, 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Where: 92nd Street, between Park and Madison Avenues, Carnegie Hill
Enjoy a block party with snacks, games, a costume contest and parade with Carnegie Hill Neighbors on 92nd Street, between Park and Madison avenues. Contest categories include best costumes (years: infants, 2 to 5, 6 to 9, and 9 to 12), best family costume, best pet costume and best decorated townhouse and storefront in Carnegie Hill. $3 per child, $5 per adult or $10 per family.
► 6th Annual Coney Island Children's Halloween Parade
When: Saturday, Oct. 24, 10 a.m.
Where: Along the Riegelmann Boardwalk from West 19th Street to West 10th Street, Coney Island
Sun, sand, and ghouls? Head to Coney Island for a Halloween parade with a costume contest, music and trick-or-treating. The parade is open to all children under 15. Organizers say that handmade Coney Island-themed costumes are encouraged but all costumes are welcome. To register for the parade, click here.
► Haunted Walk and Halloween Fair
When: Saturday, Oct. 24, 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Prospect Park
Kids ages seven to 12 are invited to join costumed Halloween characters including werewolves, zombies and witches in this woodland walk through the Nethermead and Lookout Hill. At the Halloween Fair nearby, children of all ages can enjoy games, treats and storytelling. The event is free and open to the public.
When: Saturday, Oct. 24, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Brooklyn Botanic Garden, 990 Washington Ave., Prospect Heights
Stilt walkers and musicians of all kinds with perform at this annual fall festival where kids of all ages can learn about creepy crawlers in the garden, visit a “pretend petting zoo” and see a larger-than-life puppet show. And, of course, costumes are encouraged! Admission to the garden is free for children under the age of 12. Adult tickets are $15.
► Greenpoint Children’s Halloween Party
When: Saturday, Oct. 24. The parade runs from 3 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. followed by the Spooktacular Party at 3:30 p.m.
Where: The parade route is Manhattan Avenue to Norman Avenue and back to 176 Java St. The Spooktacular Party is at 176 Java St., Greenpoint
Let your costumed kid be the center of attention by joining the annual Town Square Greenpoint Halloween Parade. After a stroll down Manhattan Avenue, return to the Polish and Slavic Center for a party with arts, crafts, games and a bouncy house.
Where: New York Transit Museum, Boerum Pl. at Schermerhorn St., Downtown Brooklyn
When: Thursday, Oct. 29, 6 p.m.
Dress up for an evening of subway-themed family fun in the New York Transit Museum with face painting, a "glow zone" and shadow puppet play.
► Little Ghouls and Goblins Halloween Fest
When: Friday, Oct. 30, 6 p.m.
Where: Full Gospel Assembly of God, 131 Sullivan Place, Crown Heights
Kids can get their fill of treats and games, and show off their best costume during a contest at the second annual Halloween Fest sponsored by Sen. Jesse Hamilton’s office. This year’s theme is “Little Ghouls and Goblins.”
► The 17th Annual Great PUPkin Dog Costume Contest
When: Saturday, Oct. 31, 11:00 a.m.
Where: Fort Greene Park, Fort Greene
Dogs will be in costume at this canine carnival in Fort Greene Park. Last year, judges saw 124 pups, and a dog dressed as public radio host Ira Glass won first place.
► Carroll Park Kids’ Halloween Parade
When: Saturday, Oct. 31, 12 p.m.
Where: Smith and Court streets ending in Carroll Park, Carroll Gardens
The free children’s parade will head through Smith and Court streets before heading back into the park. There will be trick-or-treating and costumes.
► 9th Annual Bedford-Stuyvesant Halloween Trick-or-Treat Blocks Map
When: Saturday, Oct. 31, 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: The route starts on Halsey Street between Tompkins and Throop avenues, Bed-Stuy
Follow the orange and black balloons around Bed-Stuy for a night of trick-or-treating. The annual event is hosted by the Jefferson Avenue TNT Block Association, with organizers mapping out participating neighborhood blocks. Pick up a map of this year’s houses and blocks at the 99 cents store at 1445 Fulton St. and Foodtown at 1420 Fulton St., starting on Oct. 19.
► 71 Precinct Safe Path Walk
When: Saturday, Oct. 31, 5 p.m.
Where: Between Flatbush Avenue and Rutland Road, and Bradford Avenue and Maple Street, Prospect-Lefferts Garden
The 71st Precinct Community Council will host a Halloween “safe path walk” on Halloween afternoon between Flatbush Avenue and Rutland Road and Bedford Avenue and Maple Street with local police supervising the route. The walk will end at the 71st Precinct with a party with candy and costumes.
► Clinton Avenue Trick-or-Treating/Halloween 313
When: Saturday, Oct. 31, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: 313 Clinton Ave., Clinton Hill
A free, spooky extravaganza outside 313 Clinton Ave., Halloween 313 draws thousands of visitors. The show this year is called "Malice in Underland." The Society for Clinton Hill organizes a concurrent Halloween walk on the block, which is closed to traffic.
When: Saturday, Oct. 31, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Where: Starts at 14th Street and Seventh Avenue, Park Slope
Entire families get decked out in costumes to see this annual parade, which starts on Seventh Avenue and 14th Street, heads north on Seventh to Third Street, then turns left and marches to Fifth Avenue. The parade ends at J.J. Byrne Playground outside the Old Stone House.
►Halloween Family Fun
When: Wednesday, Oct. 28, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: Voelker Orth Museum, 149-19 38th Ave., Flushing
Come in costume and enjoy this evening full of spooky fun for kids. There will be crafts, not-too-scary stories and treats. Snacks will be provided. Children must be accompanied by adults. Admission is $3. Infants free.
► Jackson Heights Annual Halloween Parade
When: Saturday, Oct. 31, 12 p.m.
Where: 37th Avenue between 89th and 76th streets, Jackson Heights
The 25th annual parade, sponsored by the Jackson Heights Beautification Group, is a treat for families who march and line 37th Avenue dressed in costume. Stores along the route give out candies to kids, and local school marching bands perform in the parade.
►Trunk or Treat!
When: Saturday, Oct. 31. Vehicle/trunk set-up is from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Judging is from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Trunk or treat is from 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Where: Maple Grove Cemetery, 127-15 Kew Gardens Road, Kew Gardens (Lefferts Boulevard and Kew Gardens Road entrance)
Bring your kids to this family-friendly event at Maple Grove Cemetery. Decorate your car and help feed those in need by bringing canned food goods which will be donated to local food pantries. Car owners will pass out candy from their trunks and their decorated vehicles will be judged during the event. The best decorated trunk will win a $100 cash prize. Trunk or treat will take place in the Victorian Monumental Park Section of the cemetery. To participate in the contest register your car by Oct. 28.
For more information email info@friendsofmaplegrove.org or call (347) 878-6614.
► Halloween in LIC Parade
When: Oct. 31 at 1:30 p.m.
Where: Starts in front of the 108th Precinct, 5-47 50th Ave., Long Island City
The annual Halloween parade returns to Long Island City, and will start this year in front of the 108th Precinct house at 1:30 p.m., where there will be music and a performance of “Thriller” by the LIC-YMCA. All participants will get tote bags to hold their haul of candy, and will march down Vernon Boulevard for trick-or-treating starting at 2 p.m.
When: Until Nov. 1, various times
Where: Bronx Zoo, 2300 Southern Blvd., West Farms
The Bronx Zoo is celebrating Halloween every weekend until Nov. 1 with magic shows, costume parties, a hay maze and plenty of fun for the whole family.
► South Bronx Halloween Parade
When: Oct. 23, 5:30 p.m.
Where: Simpson Street between East 163rd Street and Westchester Avenue, Longwood
The parade will start at Simpson Street between East 163rd Street and Westchester Avenue and end at Fox Street in front of St. Athanasius Church. It offers participants plenty of opportunities to win prizes for costumes, with categories including best toddler, best child, best adult, best banner and best group or float project. Balloons and candy will also be given out, and there will be performances by marching bands from New Jersey and Philadelphia. Call Bronx Community Board 2 at (718) 328-9125 for more information.
► Frida for Families: A Spooky Nighttime Adventure
When: Friday, Oct. 23, 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Where: New York Botanical Gardens
Celebrate Dia de los Muertos at the New York Botanical Gardens at an event designed for kids 4-12 years old. Snap a photo with larger-than-life skeletons then grab a flashlight and travel along the Trick-or-Treat Trail after dark. Sit in on a spooky ghost story and see the giant pumpkin displays illuminated in the darkness.
► Halloween Spooktacular PumpkinFest
When: Saturday, Oct. 31, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: 286 E. 156th St., Concourse Village
Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. will present this event at the Classic Community Center at 286 E. 156th St. Children must be accompanied by an adult and will have the chance to design pumpkins and snack on popcorn and cotton candy. Ghosts and witches are welcome to attend. Call (718) 590-3522 for more information.
When: Friday, Oct. 30, 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Where: 441 Clarke Ave., Richmond Town
Kids can come out wearing their costumes and trick-or-treat throughout Historic Richmond Town. There will also be arts and crafts, apple bobbing and games.
This list was compiled by DNAinfo reporters Leslie Albrecht, Lisha Arino, Camille Bautista, Serena Dai, Jeanmarie Evelly, Emily Frost, Rosa Goldensohn, Gwynne Hogan, Katie Honan, Ewa Kern-Jedrychowska, Eddie Small, Rachel Holliday Smith, Gustavo Solis, Danielle Tcholakian, Shaye Weaver and Nikhita Venugopal, with additional listings from Daniel Jumpertz.
