Tips on How to Prep for the Great Jack O’ Lantern Blaze by a Westchester Mom of 2

Halloween took on new meaning in my house once I had my daughters. We love all of the October fun from dressing up in our favorite costumes to eating pumpkin everything. We're lucky to live in Westchester, home to The Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze, located at Van Cortlandt Manor in Croton-on-Hudson.

Great Jack O' Lantern Blaze

We went this year for the second time with our girls, ages 5. If you are making the Blaze part of your fall events, consider some of these tips to help make it a great evening for your family. Prepare your kids. Some small and even big kids might be spooked by some the event's features, including scary music, hanging skeletons, and walking around in the dark. Talk to your kids ahead of time about the thousands of pumpkins created into some animals, fairies and more! You might consider showing them some pictures online. And for those that scare easily, suggest that they use their glow sticks to scare the skeletons.  A friend's son even wore glow-in-the dark pajamas!

  • Tip: Buy your tickets early, right when they go on sale so that you have a choice of dates and times. Think about going early in October when it's dusk.

Before Dark at Great Jack O' Lantern Blaze

Get there early!It takes time to park and you don’t want to miss it! Tickets are timed every 30 minutes, which is about how long it took us to go through the entire display. For us, this included a trip to the bathrooms and gift shop towards the end of the walk.

  • Tip: Think about eating dinner in Croton and grabbing a treat at Blaze to beat some of the traffic jams. The kids can enjoy it while they wait in line to go in and along the path.

Twins at the Great Jack O' Lantern Blaze

Spend time in the tent.There are some very cool pumpkin carving demonstrations, which mesmerized my kids, plenty of treats to buy, and lots of goodies for the kids like light-up swords to purchase.

  • Tip: Glow bracelets and necklaces are lots of fun for the kids to wear. These could come in handy at the port-a-potties by the tent too!

Inside the Tent at Great Jack O' Lantern Blaze

Involve the Kids.The Blaze is a very popular and crowded event and it can be slow to walk around. Kids might be tempted to run through it, which can be frustrating for them with the crowds. On our first visit a few years ago, we brought the stroller, but if possible, leave it in the car.

  • Tip: Engage your kids and ask them about their favorite sculpture and find the pumpkin design you want to re-create at your home.

Great Jack O' Lantern Blaze

Dress for the weather. This event is outdoors and held rain or shine. It can be very chilly at night.

  • Tip: The hot chocolate or hot cider will keep them happy and warm!

The Great Jack O’ Lantern Blaze is an exciting way to enjoy the Halloween season. If you've gone, tell us some of your favorite hints to make it a wonderful experience in the comments below! Arin lives in Westchester with her family. She works with Parent Groups for NYMetroParents. Are you a parent group leader? Contact Arin: [email protected].