Get in the spirit! New York City is hosting a lineup of fun, festive, family-friendly Halloween activities from pumpkin painting to ghost stories, treasure hunts, sing-alongs, and beyond. Many of the events encourage kids and parents alike to get decked out in Halloween garb. Don’t miss these spooktacular events.
Pumpkin Painting, Night of 1,000 Jack O'Lanterns on Governors Island
The glamping retreat "Collective Governors Island" ups its offerings for families to celebrate autumn and Halloween. Pumpkin painting will be offered from October 10 through 31. Get creative—paint and decorate some pumpkins at Three Peaks restaurant at Collective Governors Island. Adults can unwind by treating themselves to a cocktail while overlooking the Hudson River. From October 25 through 31, those in the spirit are invited to gather around the flames for Campfire Ghost Stories, which kick off with artisanal caramel chocolate s’mores. Oct. 17-27, it's the return of the popular Night of 1,000 Jack O'Lanterns! Hurry and get tickets—it sells out quickly! Governors Island is conveniently located near Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn and is easily accessible by ferry. Collective Governors Island, 917-994-6167, govisland.com
Boo at the Zoo/Bronx Zoo
Photo credit: (Julie Larsen Maher © WCS).
The Bronx Zoo celebrates fall with Boo at the Zoo—a Halloween tradition that has become a family favorite for New Yorkers and tourists alike. Activities include traditional faves from daily magic shows to festive costume parades, professional pumpkin carving demos, crafts, the spooky extinct animal graveyard, and beyond. Revelers will have an opportunity to see and learn about many of the animals often associated with Halloween folklore on Astor Court during animal meet and greets with vultures, owls, ravens, and more. Bootoberfest also returns to Boo at the Zoo weekends with music, lawn games, and seasonal food. 2300 Southern Blvd, 718-367-1010, bronxzoo.com
Jacques Brasserie
This Halloween, Upper East Side restaurant Jacques Brasserie is honoring its French heritage by hosting a fab Moulin Rouge-themed dinner party for families. The festive fete will include an adorable costume parade, trick-or-treat gifts for kids, live can-can performances, and, of course, delicious French fare. The festivities will take place on on October 31st at 7pm. For reservations, call 212-327-2272. 204-206 E. 85th St., jacquesbrasserie.com
Halloween Treasure Hunts
Lincoln Center photo by David Flores.
Take the family on a spooky outdoor adventure with mysterious clues, unexpected prizes, and treats. Lincoln Center Tours is hosting its Halloween Treasure Hunts, which invites everyone to join the lively quest for hidden treasure. Costumes are encouraged. Tickets are required and can be purchases via Lincoln Center’s website. The festivities run through November 3. Josie Robertson Plaza, 10 Lincoln Center Plaza, 212-721-6500, LincolnCenter.org/Kids
The Laurie Berkner Band Monster Boogie Halloween Concert
Head to the Upper West Side on October 26 to celebrate Halloween with bestselling children’s recording artist Laurie Berkner and her fun and festive band. There will be lots of dancing and singing by all. Costumes are encouraged for children and parents. Tickets are required. Concert Hall at NY Society For Ethical Culture, 2 W. 64th St., metropolitanpresents.com/concert-hall-nysec/ or eventbrite.com
Monarch Rooftop & Indoor Lounge
Monarch Rooftop & Indoor Lounge is hosting its Annual Pumpkin Carving & Decorating Contest on October 26th. From noon to 3pm, patrons of all ages are invited to enter the contest. Beyond the artistic carving, there will be apple bobbing, guessing games, and raffles with great prizes. Signature cocktails, non-alcoholic beverages, and light fare will be served. All proceeds from the raffle, carving, and cocktails will benefit Bethenny Frankel's Be Strong Disaster Relief Foundation. Monarch’s outdoor rooftop section will be dressed in festive attire. Pumpkins, haystacks, and other autumn-like garb will usher in some ambiance. We know fall temperatures can be chilly, but don't despair. During the colder months, Monarch's space is enclosed with a transparent structure. Costumes are welcome and encouraged. Tickets are available at eventbrite.com. Children ages 4 and under admitted for free. 71 W. 35th St., monarchrooftop.com
Haunted Harvest at the Seaport
In celebration of Halloween, the Seaport District will be transformed into a haunted harvest complete with a hay maze, funky pumpkin installation, dog costume contest, and district-wide trick-or-treating for kids of all ages. Starting October 29, Seaport Square (between Piers 16 and 17) will boast an interactive hay maze for all ages. The decorative pumpkin installation serves as the ultimate selfie spot. Visit the Heineken Riverdeck along the East River and Brooklyn Bridge to get your spooky, stylin' selfie. On October 31, deck yourself out in your Halloween best for a district-wide Trick-or-Treat celebration. Participants can pick up a complimentary trick-or-treat bag and map at the Garden Bar starting at 4pm and visit each storefront for surprises and specials. Halloween music will be played during trick-or-treating from 4 to 7pm. Pier 17, 89 South Street Seaport District, 212-732-8257, seaportdistrict.nyc
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