Although it’s already been a scary year, there are still ways to have some old-school spooky fun in New York City this Halloween. Sadly, popular events like the Village Halloween Parade and the Tompkins Square Dog Halloween Parade have been canceled and traditional trick-or-treating has been deemed a high-risk activity because of the coronavirus pandemic. But there are a number of fall-friendly, socially distanced events still taking place across the city, like a Día de Los Muertos celebration at Green-Wood Cemetery, virtual ghost story readings from the Merchant’s House Museum (considered Manhattan’s most haunted house), and eerie hayrides and pumpkin picking at the Queens County Farm Museum.
New York Botanical Garden’s Great Pumpkin Path
Fordham, Bronx
The New York Botanical Garden has transformed into an autumn wonderland. Visitors can walk along the Great Pumpkin Path on the lawn of the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, snap photos of the pumpkin-headed scarecrows, and take in the beauty of the Kiku, or chrysanthemum, display. On October 24, some of the world’s largest pumpkins (with some weighing 2,000 pounds!) arrive at the Bronx garden and will be on display until November 1. Other fall activities this month include a scavenger hunt for kids and leaf-peeping at the Thain Family Forest, the largest uncut expanse of New York’s native woods. Because of the pandemic, the garden launched a timed-entry ticketing system. Advance purchase of timed tickets is required and can be done here.
Boo at the Zoo
Bronx Zoo, Prospect Park Zoo
The Bronx Zoo’s annual Boo at the Zoo returns this year, offering family-friendly activities most days until November 1. The Halloween festivities include a magician putting on animal-inspired tricks and reading minds, costumed stilt walkers and puppets, a ghostly graveyard filled with extinct animals, pumpkin carving demonstrations, scavenger hunts, and more. This year all guests must buy tickets in advance, which cost $39.95 for adults, $34.95 for seniors, and $29.95 for children ages 12 and under.
In Brooklyn, the Prospect Park Zoo is “going batty” this Halloween. Guests can go on a spooky scavenger hunt, visit tombs of extinct animals, and learn about the zoo’s creatures that only come out at night. Buy tickets, which cost $9.95 for adults, $6.95 for children ages 12 and under, and $7.95 for seniors, in advance here.
Día de Los Muertos at Green-Wood Cemetery
Greenwood Heights, Brooklyn
The historic Green-Wood Cemetery this year will celebrate Día de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead), a Mexican holiday that honors friends and family who have died. Following tradition, the cemetery invites visitors to bring personal offerings, like flowers, photos, and notes, to a community altar, which will be designed by artist Scherezade Garcia. The event, which runs from October 23 to November 1, is free, but all visitors must wear face coverings and keep a distance from others. On October 28, Green-Wood will host “The Cult of Santa Muerte: Origins and Rituals of Mexican Death Culture,” a virtual conversation with Brooklyn-born historian and death artist Maria Del Carmen Rivas. Register for the free event here. And on Sunday, November 1, the cemetery will host a Día de Los Muertos celebration for families, with arts and crafts available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
The Merchant’s House Museum
Greenwich Village, Manhattan
Considered “Manhattan’s most haunted house,” the Merchant’s House Museum celebrates spookiness all year round. In spite of the pandemic, the museum will still be hosting a number of spirited experiences during the month of October, with a majority available online. Events include a Facebook Live reading of scary stories written by Mark Twain and Louisa May Alcott, a free online lecture about paranormal activity at the site, and a virtual presentation about the strange happenings at Merchant’s House Museum over the last century. For two nights only, on October 29 and October 30, Dan Sturges from Travel Channel’s Paranormal Caught on Camera series will join the presentation to answer any experts about otherwordly activity at the museum. And on Halloween, there will be a virtual party with ghost stories, party games, and lessons on how to make a “witch’s brew.”
Halloween in Richmond Town
Richmond, Staten Island
On Staten Island, the 100-acre living history museum Historic Richmond Town is inviting families to celebrate October 31 at its Decker Farm, which has been adorned with festive decor. From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., visitors to the museum can pick their own pumpkins, watch an expert pumpkin carver, enjoy educational Halloween-themed activities, and listen to a reading of scary stories from 1940s radio dramas. There will be Halloween music, live performances, and every adult ticket purchase includes two drinks from The Flagship Brewing Co. and popcorn. Tickets to the event will go on sale on October 15.
Paranormal Historical Investigations at the Morris-Jumel Mansion
Washington Heights, Manhattan
At Manhattan’s oldest house, visitors will learn the basics of ghost hunting and possibly even communicate with its former residents, including Eliza Jumel, wife of Aaron Burr. Perfect for some pre-Halloween spooking, the Morris-Jumel Mansion, built in 1765, will host three paranormal historical events throughout the month of October. During the three-hour event, guests will learn how to use paranormal detective equipment and explore the history of the mansion and its residents. Due to COVID-19, the museum is limiting the number of participants to 12 people per event. Investigation events for the public occur regularly September through May and private paranormal investigations are available year-round.
Industry City
Sunset Park, Brooklyn
Scary skeletons and eerie mummies have taken over Sunset Park’s Industry City. Now covered in creepy cobwebs and creatures, the waterfront complex is hosting an outdoor Halloween Pumpkin decorating party on October 24 and October 25. Hosted at Sahadi’s under tents with heat lamps, the event costs $10 and provides kids with pumpkins, decorating materials, hot cider, and a goodie bag. For adults, expect an outdoor bar serving seasonal cocktails, like blood orange mimosas, bourbon spiced hot cider, and spiked hot cocoa. Tickets can be purchased here. […]
