Newsletter

As we fall back into the season of pumpkin spice and sweater weather, we know that kids and families are ready to jump back into all things autumn! From harvest festivals, to spooky scavenger hunts, corn mazes, and trick-or-treating, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this fall around NYC!

That’s why for this month’s newsletter, we curated a list of kids’ fall and Halloween activities across NYC, NJ, and Westchester that we think you’ll love!

Brooklyn Bridge Park’s Harvest Festival – Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn

Saturday, October 22nd: 11am-4pm
Celebrate the fall season at the 12th Annual Harvest Festival in Brooklyn Bridge Park. A fun procession kicks off the event, which includes arts and crafts, storytelling, lawn games, and more – plus BBP’s signature pumpkin patch!

Brooklyn Folk Festival 2022 – Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn

Thursday, October 20th – 23rd
The Fabulous Jalopy Theatre and School of Music present the 14th annual Brooklyn Folk Festival. The festival features great events for the whole family, including a banjo throwing contest at the Gowanus Dredgers Boathouse, a concert by Dan and Claudia Zanes, jam sessions, and workshops.

Fall Cake Decorating Classes at NY Cake Academy – Flatiron District, Manhattan

Year-round
Kids and teens baking and cake decorating classes are held year-round at NY Cake Academy, and during the fall season, they offer special themed classes and after school programs! Your aspiring young culinary or baking wiz can spend their free time learning specialty skills, and decorate their own fall-themed cakes, cookies, and sweets in a fun, hands-on environment.

Tompkins Square Park Halloween Dog Parade – East Village, Manhattan

Saturday, October 22nd: 1pm
Pooches let their alter-egos shine, putting on some of the cutest and most creative costumes at the annual Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade. It’s been called “the largest dog costume parade in the world,” with hundreds of dogs in costumes, all competing for exciting prizes! The Halloween Dog Parade is super fun for any kids who love dogs, or would even like to sign up their own canines to compete!

Halloween Harvest Festival – Astoria, Queens

Saturday, October 29th: 12-5pm
The Halloween Harvest festival at Socrates Sculpture Park is back with the second annual “Flight of the Gourds” pumpkin carving contest and compost launch. Celebrate the autumn season with pumpkin art workshops, creative costume making, face painting, and the launch of the pumpkin catapult! And as a bonus, enjoy an adorable dog costume contest hosted by Chateau Le Woof and Friends with Four Paws!

Halloween Tinker Festival: Scavenger Hunt – Flushing, Queens

Saturday, October 29th: 2:30-4:30pm
A STEAM-based, Halloween scavenger hunt at the Lewis H. Latimer House Museum, pays homage to Latimer’s inventions; his poetry, his fluency in other languages, and his love for creating things. Winners will receive candy and special treats!

Fall-O-Ween at the Bronx Botanical Garden – Fordham, Bronx

Now – Monday, October 31st
The Bronx Botanical Garden runs events and special Halloween exhibits now through the end of the month. From giant pumpkin carving, spooky scavenger hunts, a frightfully fun flashlight adventure through Everett Children’s Adventure Garden, live music, and light bites, there are tons of fun things to explore at NYBG while the weather still allows.

Boo at the Zoo! – Fordham, Bronx

Saturdays and Sundays, Now – Sunday, October 30th
The Bronx Zoo’s annual Halloween festival is back! During the month of October, the park is transformed with spooky decorations, lights, and activities for the whole family to enjoy.

South Mountain Reservation – Essex County, New Jersey

Year-round
Enjoy a crisp and sunny fall day at South Mountain Reservation; check out the Turtle Back Zoo, The Waterfront at South Mountain Recreation Complex, the popular children’s Regatta Playground, and put on the family’s hiking books for plenty of hiking trails (including one with waterfalls and views of the NYC skyline).

DiDonato’s Trick-or-Treat Train – Hammonton, New Jersey

Now – Sunday, October 23rd
Admission to DiDonato’s Trick-or-Treat Train includes a train ride through a kid-friendly Halloween Town, corn maze, pumpkin picking, a giant slide, obstacle course, five different trick-or-treat spots, and more!

The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze – Croton-on-Hudson, New York

Now – Sunday, November 20th
Meander through an 18th-century landscape and discover a breathtaking display of more than 7,000 illuminated jack o’ lanterns, all designed and hand-carved by a team of artisans. New for 2022, watch the animated “Jack” Smith Shop in action and keep an eye out for glowing bees.

Harvest Moon Farm and Orchard – North Salem, New York

Saturdays and Sundays, Now – Sunday, October 30th
Check-out this family owned and operated apple orchard for a pleasant day of apple-picking and enjoying fall treats, like hot apple cider donuts! Guests can prepare for a classic Fall stroll to take in the grounds and beautiful views of Hudson Valley. If you’re planning to pick apples, the farm requires that bags be purchased separately from your admission ticket

Pumpkin Picking at Decker Farm – New Springville, Staten Island

Now – Sunday, October 30th
Pumpkin Picking at Historic Richmond Town’s Decker Farm returns with all of your favorite autumnal activities! Search the patch for the perfect pumpkin, learn about 19th century farm life, and indulge in delicious fall food favorites, all without leaving Staten Island!