Whether we're at the pumpkin patch to find the perfect pumpkin to make a jack-o'-lantern, strutting in our favorite costume, or stocking up on Halloween candy, spooky season is our favorite. We are particularly excited about the Howl-oween Howl Healthy Hound Fair this year because, well, dogs in Halloween costumes! The Bronx Zoo's Boo at the Zoo provides spooky fun (with wildlife!) for the whole family over the course of six weekends. What's better than celebrating the best time of year exploring the many opportunities for Halloween fun NYC has to offer?
Happy Howl-oween!
We love kids in Halloween costumes, but there’s nothing cuter than dogs in Halloween costumes! Carl Schurz Park invites more than 200 uniquely dressed pups to show off in front of a blue-chip fashion industry board of judges at the Howl-oween Howl Healthy Hound Fair. Watch, gush, and cheer on the four-legged friends as they wag their tails and strut their stuff. Careful, your little one might be asking for a dog of his own by the end of the day!
WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 20; 12-3pm
WHERE: Basketball and Hockey Court and John Finley Walk at Carl Schurz Park, 86th Street and East End Avenue, Upper East Side
AGES: All
WANT TO GO: carlschurzparknyc.org
Lions and Goblins and Ghouls, Oh My!
The Bronx Zoo’s annual Halloween favorite Boo at the Zoo is back with spooky fun for the whole family. Favorites include magic shows, the extinct animal graveyard, a corn maze, a costume parade, pumpkin carving demos, mind reading, and (who could forget) a candy trail! Special events, including the Dinosaur Safari and Spooktacular Night Walks, are available with the purchase of extra an ticket on the website.
WHEN: Saturday-Sunday, Sept. 28-Nov. 3, including Monday, Oct. 14., 10am-5:30pm
WHERE: Bronx Zoo, 2300 Southern Blvd., Bronx
AGES: All
WANT TO GO: $39.95; $34.95 ages 65 and older; $29.95 ages 3-12; free for children 2 and younger; 718-220-5100; bronxzoo.com/boo-at-the-zoo
Get in the Spirit of the Season
The Halloween Harvest Festival at Socrates Sculpture Park offers unique, cultural Halloween fun where you and your family will enjoy experiences inspired by the Haitan Festival of Ancestors. The Gede song workshop, card readings, and a procession culminating in a powerful dance and drum performance are just some of the exciting aspects you can expect. Other well loved traditions of Socrates Sculpture Park include costume-making, Agostino Arts face-painting, and of course, the Doggie Costume Contest.
WHEN: Saturday, Oct 26, 12-4pm
WHERE: Socrates Sculpture Park, 32-01 Vernon Blvd., Long Island City
AGES: All
WANT TO GO: Free. 718-956-1819. socratessculpturepark.org
For more fun Halloween things to do like this, check out our Halloween fun guide and for more Halloween events this season, our Halloween calendar round-up.
Pick the Perfect Pumpkin
The perfect jack-o'-lantern starts with the right pumpkin, and the best way to do that is visiting one of the many farms and pumpkin patches the NYC area has to offer. The Queens County Farm Museum not only offers free pumpkin picking, but also hayrides and a 3-acre, interactive corn maze.
HOURS: Through Oct. 26: Saturday-Sunday, 11am-4:30pm
WHERE: 73-50 Little Neck Parkway, Floral Park
AGES: All
WANT TO GO: Free. 718-347-3276. queensfarm.org
For more places to pick pumpkins in your area, check out our pumpkin picking guide.
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Main image courtesy the Bronx Zoo
