Our Brooklyn editor, a dad of two, gives his top recommendations for kids' Halloween events and activities in the borough.
Brooklyn is an old place with plenty of creepy old buildings, not to mention people. Bone yards abound, as does seriously gothic, 19th-century architecture that deserves a neon “Haunted” sign over the dilapidated overhang. So, when Halloween arrives, you can break into said creepy old buildings (not advised) or scream your head off during the family-friendly events mentioned here (advised).
Then head back to nymetroparents.com/halloween for more spooky fun, including tons of giveaways!
Ghouls and Gourds
Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Crown Heights
Oct. 27
At this Halloween gathering, kids can dance with ginormous puppets and make some Jell-O eyeballs. With the BBG’s fall colors in full swing, this day screams autumn like no other. It’s one of my favorite days at the botanic garden.
Here’s where you’ll see some really creepy Brooklynites, many of them volunteering their creepiness to scare you silly. Younger children might actually find this frightening, so take heed. Volunteers are needed for this event so if you’re creepy and don’t have anything else to do, just scream!
The park is hosting a whole weekend (Oct. 27-28) of Halloween fun that also includes the Haunted Carousel, a Creepy Crawly Halloween at the Audubon Center, and Boo at the Zoo at the Prospect Park Zoo.
BAMboo!
Brooklyn Academy of Music, Fort Greene
Oct. 31
If the random door-knocking of neighborhood trick-or-treating isn’t your thing, head to this block party of sorts that features Halloween-themed live music, roaming entertainment, candy, and games. FREE!
Head to Staten Island for...
Halloween in Richmond Town
Oct. 26: Historic Richmond Town, on the truly scary Isle of Staten, gets into Halloween big time. Halloween in Richmond Town features trick-or-treating in the historic village and plenty of traditional crafts and games.
Oct. 13: Those made of sturdier stuff can also check out the Dread of Night event, during which you'll hear true or almost-true scary stories and meet some ghosts on a self-guided tour of the historic buildings.
More Fun
Get Halloween recipes, costume ideas, and more at www.nymetroparents.com/halloween!
Enter our Halloween photo contest for a chance to win one of two awesome prizes!
