Halloween in NYC
Published 10/14/2020
Although this year's Village Halloween Parade has been canceled, there's still plenty of spooky action to be had across the five boroughs. Read on for frightening films, family-friendly fun and more.
1
Bronx Zoo
1
2300 Southern Blvd.
Boo at the Zoo returns, ready for visitors to show off their spookiest costumes. Featuring Halloween-themed activities for the entire family to enjoy, the ongoing event includes mind-reading, a costume MASKerade, candy trail and scavenger hunt. The event runs Thursdays through Sundays until November 12.
2
New York Botanical Garden
2
2900 Southern Blvd.
Explore the Great Pumpkin Path, but be on the lookout for scarecrows lurking throughout and, come October 24, some of the largest pumpkins on the planet. (Certain specimens weigh as much as 2,000 pounds.) For a fun weekend activity for children, stop by Hello Harvest! in the Edible Academy, where young ones can learn all about fall harvesting, participate in a scavenger hunt and even take seeds home with them to plant. Visitors can also enjoy vibrant autumn foliage in the attraction's Thain Family Forest.
3
Green-Wood Cemetery
3
500 25th St.
The National Historic Landmark celebrates El Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) with a large-scale altar designed by Dominican painter Scherezade Garcia. From October 23 through November 1, visitors can bring personal offerings to place at a community altar inspired by this centuries-old tribute to the departed.
4
The William Vale
4
111 N. 12th St.
Enjoy screenings of cult classics and new films at Experiences in Vale Park outside this Williamsburg hotel. Movies on offer include Pan's Labyrinth on October 22, Kindred on October 28 and The Rocky Horror Picture Show on October 29. Vale Park will also be home to a family pumpkin patch on October 25, and visitors can make it a staycation at the hotel with a 40% discount on rooms through All In NYC: Neighborhood Getaways.
5
NYC Ghosts Tour
5
Visit some of the City's most haunted houses, including Mark Twain’s House of Death and Edgar Allan Poe’s former residence.
6
Museum of Ice Cream
6
558 Broadway
Celebrate Halloween with a “Trick or Sweet” experience where for an additional $10, visitors can come in costume and receive candy, prizes and merchandise. “Trick or Sweet” runs October 29 to October 31.
7
Arlo SoHo
7
231 Hudson St.
For hotel options downtown, try the Arlo SoHo, which offers guests a boutique experience with views of the Hudson River and Lower Manhattan skyline.
8
The Walker Hotel Greenwich Village
8
52 W. 13th St.
Guests can also take advantage of Wine Down at the Walker Hotel Greenwich Village, part of All In NYC: Neighborhood Getaways, and receive a complimentary bottle of wine per stay.
9
Morris-Jumel Mansion
9
Roger Morris Park
Uptown in Washington Heights, this historic home is rumored to be home to the spirit of Eliza Jumel, second wife of Vice President Aaron Burr. Paranormal Historical Investigations at the mansion are open to the public, ages 18 and older, on October 23, November 7 and November 14.
10
Madame Tussauds New York
10
234 W. 42nd St.
On October 30 and 31, the Times Square attraction is offering free admission with purchase of a full price ticket to kids 14 and under. From noon to 3pm each day, employees will award prizes for the best costumes and distribute candy.
11
Escape Virtuality
11
130 W. 29th St.
The attraction features a Halloween-themed virtual reality escape room called “Ghost Collector,” where guests save Manhattan from being overtaken by evil spirits.
12
Queens Botanical Garden
12
43-50 Main St.
At the annual Halloween at the Garden on October 31, kids can show off their Halloween costumes as they walk along the trick-or-treat trail and enjoy multiple performances. The pumpkin patch at the attraction also will be open the weekend of October 24–25, as well as on Halloween.
13
Queens County Farm Museum
13
73-50 Little Neck Pkwy.
Expect a full lineup of autumn activities through the end of October, including the only corn maze in NYC, weekend hayrides and a Halloween celebration on October 31.
14
The Queens Drive-In
14
At this drive-in theater, enjoy a series of scary movies the week leading up to Halloween. The frightful fare includes Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho and The Birds on October 24; Nosferatu (with live music by the Flushing Remonstrance) and Young Frankenstein on October 25; Get Out and The Babadook on October 29; Halloween and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre on October 30; and Little Shop of Horrors and Beetlejuice on October 31. Tickets start at $45 for the double features; organizers encourage purchasing tickets in advance.
15
Decker Farm
15
435 Richmond Hill Rd.
Part of Historic Richmond Town, Decker Farm offers pumpkin picking until October 31.
16
Staten Island Zoo
16
614 Broadway
Spooktacular returns to the Staten Island Zoo, offering patrons the opportunity to meet princesses and villains, sing songs and enjoy performances. For the outdoor-only event, the zoo encourages families of all ages to dress in their favorite costume. Spooktacular 2020 takes place October 23–25 from 6pm to 9:30pm.