It’s October and we are feeling the Halloween excitement in our household. I don’t always dress up , but this year I am and my kids are so excited to see me partake. As you can imagine most of this months family friendly events in NYC are celebrating this special holiday. Its a great time of year to throw on a cozy sweater, get outside, and feel the fall breeze. The days get shorter but our heats get warmer. I cant wait to carve pumpkins, bob for apples, and get dressed up! What are some of your family traditions during this time of year?
Spooky Pumpkin Garden
New York Botanical Gardens in the Bronx is hosting their annual Spooky Garden. Enjoy the thrills and chills of the season walking through their festive gardens. Explore the gardens Halloween makeover with gourds of all shapes, sizes and colors. This truly is the best way to enjoy the Halloween holiday and a perfect fall day.
New York Pizza Festival
Do I need to even say more? Hehe! This was such a hit last year, Its back for its second annual year this weekend October 5th and 6th. Event goers will enjoy slices from 25 pizza makers, 3 from Napoli Italy, where pizza all began. Best part is it benefits Slice Out Hunger. A non-profit charity curating pizza events to support American hunger relief and prevention initiatives. If you cant make it this weekend for the Pizza festival, Slice Out Hunger is also hosting their annual $1 pizza slice pizza party on Thursday October 3rd.
Boo At The Zoo
Both the Bronx Zoo and Prospect Park Zoo are hosting Boo at the Zoo!
This is the perfect event for children of all ages! The Bronx zoo will have special events like their “Spooktacular Night Walks” . Don’t forget to bring your costumes for animal encounters and Halloween themed educational activities. While the Prospect Park Zoo is hosting Halloween themed game and crafts! They will also be featuring a unique bat encounter for this special Halloween month!
Delicatessen On 6th
Artist Lucy Sparrow, best known for her fun felt art and shops, is coming back for a family friendly pop-up. This years pop-up is all things deli! From mustards, to cold cuts, and bagels, you’re sure to find your bodega favorites. Best part is all the art pieces and products are for purchase if desired! Running from October 1st – 20th 11am-8pm allows for plenty of time to take a trip to this memorable store!
Governor’s Island – Rise Of The Jack O’Lanterns
America’s most iconic and truly authentic fall events are back in 2019! This year, they have over 200 artists carving more than 30,000 real pumpkins in total which will be on display across six world-class destinations around the country. Advanced tickets are required and must be purchased on-line. It’s important to purchase tickets early because our events sell out, often weeks ahead of time.
The Rink At Rockefeller Center
Whats better than ice skating at Rockefeller Center in the winter? Ice skating at Rockefeller Center in the fall! Thats right ditch the heavy jackets and beanies, because all you’ll need this month is a cozy sweater. Rockefeller Center is reopening their beloved rink October 12th and I cant wait to get my whole family over for a beautiful family fall day of skating. I also love the idea of walking over to Central Park before/after to take in the gorgeous fall foliage.
Harvest Festival
Head over to Randall’s Island on October 14th for their free harvest festival. Festival includes musical performances, face painting, kite flying, pumpkin decorating, and so much more. Its a great way to get outdoors and enjoy the fall breeze as a family. You’ll feel like you’ve trekked far out of the city but you’re really only a subway ride away.
Halloween Parade Roundup
No matter where you live in NYC there is a family friendly parade not too far. I gathered a list with their dates and times so everyone has a chance to get out to see this years exciting and unique floats and costumes!
Industry City October 26 @2:30pm
Bronx Zoo October 26 – 27 @12:00 pm & 2:00 pm
Central Park October 30 @4:00 pm
Jackson Heights October 31 @5:00pm
Park Slope October 31 @6:30pm
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10 thoughts on “Family Fun Events For October in NYC”
Awww .. how adorable are the pumpkins in the spooky garden? My husband and I are planning a trip to the pumpkin patch this weekend. They always have cool and unique displays like these. Love October! xx
I love October and fall so much!
I love the sound of the Spooky Garden, my kids would love that! Sounds like there is plenty going on in NYC in October!
I definitely feel like more is happening than previous years!
I can’t think of anywhere better to celebrate Halloween the States, especially New York City! Bet it would be SO much more fun than it is in the UK.
The US does halloween so much better than here in the UK. Those pumpkins look incredible! And the sound of a pizza party sounds right up my street x
You’ll definitely have to come visit this time of year!
I never realised that there was so much happening for Halloween in NYC. Some spooktacular events for the children to enjoy
We drove past a couple of farms today advertising pumpkin picking – I have added it to our to do list for next weekend
Yes! One of our favorite fall traditions!