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Wednesday, October 21
Photoville
This annual photography festival socially distances this year with 63 smaller outdoor exhibitions throughout Brooklyn Bridge Park and beyond to Times Square and parks across New York City’s five boroughs. All exhibitions are designed to be viewed and enjoyed at a safe social distance.
Suggested Ages: All, Adult FriendlyMozart For Munchkins LIC
This beloved relaxed classical concert series for kids returns with outdoor, socially distanced interactive music. Join The New York Brass Duo and a special guest on the ukulele (and juggling too).
Attendance is very limited. Bring your own blanket and park it 6 feet from your neighbor, wear a mask (under 2 excluded), and get ready to dance, clap, and sing.
Also at other locations on other days throughout NYC.
Suggested Ages: Babies to 10Smorg To Go
Legendary weekly open-air food market Smorgasburg is open in new takeout-only format. Order online from 5-7 favorite Smorgasburg vendors, rotating every week, pick up at 51 N. 6 St. (at Kent Ave.) Feel free to head across the street to Marsha P. Johnson State Park (where the “real” Smorgasburg happens) for a picnic with river views.
Also at LeFrak Center in Prospect Park on Saturdays & Sundays.
Suggested Ages: All, Adult FriendlyThe Fall Escape
Stroll through a series of immersive, multi-sensory floral filled installations. Pose for photo-ops with fall favorites imagined with blossoms including a life size pumpkin spice latte cup topped with a floral swirl, a giant floral butterfly or escape and an enchanted fall forest.
Also explore 47-acres of the longest continuously farmed site in New York State with a pumpkin patch, historic farm buildings, a greenhouse complex, farm vehicles and implements, planting fields, an orchard and herb garden and livestock including cattle, sheep, chickens and llamas. More activities on Harvest Weekends.
Suggested Ages: All, Adult FriendlyPuppetworks Jack & the Beanstalk
See a classic tale adapted for hand puppets with an original song score. Theater is at 25% capacity; masks required. Call or email in advance for reservations.
Suggested Ages: 3 to 12Little Jay Music and Play Carl Schurz Park
Make music and learn in outdoor, socially distanced singalong music classes that incorporate music theory through play.
Bring your own props (shakers, scarves, tambourine/drum and a puppet or stuffed toy) and blanket. Only 5 families/ class to ensure social distancing.
Also in Central Park Monday & Friday.
Suggested Ages: Babies to 5Thursday, October 22
Mozart For Munchkins West Village
This beloved relaxed classical concert series for kids returns with outdoor, socially distanced interactive music in the Greenwich House Music School Garden.
Attendance is very limited. Bring your own blanket and park it 6 feet from your neighbor, wear a mask (under 2 excluded), and get ready to dance, clap, and sing.
Also at other locations on other days throughout NYC.
Suggested Ages: Babies to 10Friday, October 23
Little Jay Music and Play Central Park
Mozart For Munchkins Prospect Park
This beloved relaxed classical concert series for kids returns with outdoor, socially distanced interactive music in the field Across from Garfield Tot Lot.
Attendance is very limited. Bring your own blanket and park it 6 feet from your neighbor, wear a mask (under 2 excluded), and get ready to dance, clap, and sing.
Suggested Ages: Babies to 10Lincoln Center New Stages
See in-person live music performances at two outdoor venues on Lincoln Center’s iconic campus: on top of the signature sloped Laurie M. Tisch Illumination Lawn and under the peaceful shade of the trees in Barclays Capital Grove.
Each venue will house individual pods that can accommodate up to two people. Pods in Barclays Capital Grove have chairs, while pods on the Laurie M. Tisch Illumination Lawn are on the ground—guests are encouraged to bring their own blankets to sit on. All pods are general admission, first come first served.
Select performances will also be livestreamed.
Suggested Ages: All, Adult FriendlySaturday, October 24
Queens Botanical Garden Pumpkin Patch
Choose a pumpkin and get a grab and go craft activity. Lots of harvest-themed photo opportunities (plus the whole garden to explore, included in admission)
Suggested Ages: AllBartow Pell Family Enrichment Experiences
Choose from two weekly outdoor experiences on the grounds of a historic mansion
Join earth science-based program Walking Tours: Home Sweet Habitat for a short, gentle hike with a Museum Educator through the Bartow-Pell woods. Learn about the plants and animals that call Pelham Bay Park home, observe flora and fauna in their natural habitat and learn about the influence that humans have had on the land over time.
Or join a Lenape Life Program at Bartow-Pell’s authentically fabricated Northeast Woodlands wigwam. Sit on stumps from felled trees and learn about Lenape shelter, clothing, food, language, and music. View artifacts from the museum’s teaching collection, search for animal tracks, and discuss the treaty that took place under the forest canopy 366 years ago between the Lenape Chiefs and Thomas Pell of Fairfield, Connecticut.
Suggested Ages: All, Adult FriendlyWave Hill Family Art Project
Enjoy nature-inspired art projects among gorgeous gardens and trees overlooking the Hudson River. Themes change weekly.
Takes place outside on a grassy hill so dress accordingly.
The number of families able to participate at any given time will be limited to about five. If you arrive and capacity is full, program staff will provide a “come back” card so you will have first entry for the next session.
Currently no onsite parking or shuttles from public transportation; nearest parking lots is a 5 minute walk. Timed reservations and masks required.
Suggested Ages: AllPumpkin Point on Governors Island
Pick from thousands of pumpkins in historic Nolan Park surrounded by beautiful fall foliage and the village-like atmosphere of former officer’s homes. One per visitor, free of charge. No reservations needed
Lots to explore on this island oasis with stunning views. No reservation needed for patch, but advance tickets for ferries ($3) from Battery Maritime Building (10 South Street) & Red Hook.
Suggested Ages: All, Adult FriendlyQueens County Farm Museum Harvest Weekends
Enjoy fall on the farm with a pumpkin patch, hayrides, and locally made apple cider donuts, pies, Hudson Valley apples, and fresh cider. The Farm Store sells seasonal mums, local honey, and unique finds for the home and garden.
Explore the Amazing Maize Maze ($8-$12), a 3-acre challenge of finding clues on your way to Victory Bridge where the full vista of Van Gogh’s ‘Sunflowers’ masterpiece is revealed. Get home composting tips and Adopt-a-Worm at the Con Edison Ecology booth. A beer garden and local food vendors will be on-site all day. Local produce available at the seasonal farm stand.
Visit 47-acres of the longest continuously farmed site in New York State (since 1697). See historic farm buildings, a greenhouse complex, farm vehicles and implements, planting fields, an orchard and herb garden and livestock including cattle, sheep, chickens and llamas.
Amazing Maize Maze and pumpkin patch also open Fridays. Also visit floral pop-up The Fall Escape (separate timed ticket required).
Suggested Ages: All, Adult FriendlyPumpkin Decorating at Sahadi’s
Sahadi’s at Industry City, home of some very cool pumpkins & spooky decor, hosts a socially distant Halloween Pumpkin Decorating Party.
Reserve a table with pumpkins & decorating materials (paint and foam stickers), warm cider for all, and a goodie bag to go. For the parents, the outdoor bar will be open with seasonal cocktails and other beverages available for purchase – espresso martinis, blood orange mimosas, bourbon spiced hot cider and spiked hot chocolate. Tents and heat lamps ensure comfort rain or shine. Costumes encouraged.
Picnic on the Lawn and Artist Talk
Join artist Fitzhugh Karol on the Great Lawn of a historic mansion to celebrate the arrival of “Fields Jax (Thicket).” The artist will give a short talk about his work.
Enjoy a social-distancing picnic on the lawn with a box lunch option available for $20 per person provided by Depot Dave of Pelham, NY. Beverages and snacks will be available for purchase.
Pre-registration required.
Halloween Movies at Skyline Drive-In
Watch favorite family Halloween movies including Hotel Transylvania, The Nightmare Before Christmas and Hocus Pocus, from your car in Greenpoint with killer views of the Manhattan Skyline.
Parking spaces are first-come-first-serve basis so come early. Bring chairs/blankets etc if you want to sit outside your car (outdoor seating for those without cars also available). Indoor bathrooms and concessions available.
Suggested Ages: 5 to 14+, Adult FriendlySunday, October 25
Trick or Treat Trek at Bartow-Pell
Trick or treat outdoors at the expansive grounds of a historic mansion in Pelham Bay Park. Come in costume, rain or shine. Wander the grounds, search for a treat, one never knows who one might meet…
Timed ticketed event- no walk-in will be permitted. The trek is entirely outdoors on various terrains including uneven, unpaved surfaces. Free parking across street at the Split Rock Golf Course; allow at least 10 minutes for the walk to the house from the lot.
Suggested Ages: AllWilliam Vale Pumpkin Patch
Pick pumpkins in Vale Park customize your selections and create scarecrows at a craft table. Cozy beverages will be available including hot chocolate, ciders, and mulled wine.
Lots of sizes to choose from; pumpkin prices vary by size.
Suggested Ages: AllTrick-or-Treat Scavenger Hunt
Solve the mystery in a family friendly Halloween adventure at Hudson Yards Mall hosted by experiential toy store Camp. Grab a map and discover 18 mystery doors throughout the mall with plenty of tricks and treats. This touchless, interactive, silly, and slightly spooky Halloween experience is fun for the whole family.
Suggested Ages: AllOculus Outdoors: Family-Friendly Activities
Enjoy socially distanced, outdoor fun on the Oculus Plaza. Explore retail pop-ups, the Oculus Beer Garden, and Il Patio di Eataly.
All private pods are arranged with six feet of distance, follow strict COVID-19 cleaning and disinfecting procedures. Food & beverage delivery options available from Eataly NYC Downtown and other Westfield World Trade Center retailers.
Presented by Westfield World Trade Center and The Port Authority of NY & NJ.
Suggested Ages: 5 to 14+, Adult FriendlyMonday, October 26
Central Park Ballet Classes
Dance in Central Park with a professional dancer/actress in fun socially-distanced ballet classes that incorporate movement, sound and song along with discipline and focus and leave children feeling wonderful about his/her self.
Classes held at the long sloping lawn just before Shakespeare in the Park/Delacorte Theater by West 85th street). Email [email protected] to register or get more info. Private/custom group lessons also available.
Suggested Ages: 3 to 10Tuesday, October 27
Mozart For Munchkins UWS Spooktacular
Meet the violin and viola with some of New York’s top string players. In addition to Halloween favorites by Bach and Grieg, spooktacular Halloween tunes, and sing-alongs- there’s nothing better than little ghosts, goblins, and unicorns marching to Grieg’s “Hall of the Mountain King.”
Also at 10 am.
Suggested Ages: Babies to 10Wednesday, October 28
Pumpkin Carving at The Cauldron NYC
Carve a Jack-o’-lantern at magical pub The Cauldron NYC on Stone Street while enjoying signature HallowCream. Served with or without alcohol (and always topped with homemade butterscotch whipped cream).
Pre-shelled pumpkin, carving tools, and template provided.
Suggested Ages: 5 to 14+, Adult FriendlyFree Fall Music at Waterline Square Park
Enjoy free music performances will take place at a lush new three-acre green space located at Freedom Place South between West 59th Street and West 61st Street. Hear local musicians playing jazz, Bach, string trios and bluegrass.
Suggested Ages: All, Adult FriendlyFriday, October 30
Halloween Harvest Festival with the Black Feminist Project
Join The Black Feminist Project at fun, safe, and socially distant Halloween event with activities for the kids, a popup boogie down market, volunteer day for volunteer farmers, a BX Rebirth Family Photobooth, and Costume Contest. A full and haunted day at Black Joy Farm the South Bronx.
Suggested Ages: All, Adult FriendlyOculus Outdoors: The Goonies
Enjoy socially distanced, outdoor fun on the Oculus Plaza. Explore retail pop-ups, the Oculus Beer Garden, and Il Patio di Eataly. Classic family adventure film The Goonies screens at 7 pm.
All private pods are arranged with six feet of distance, follow strict COVID-19 cleaning and disinfecting procedures. Food & beverage delivery options available from Eataly NYC Downtown and other Westfield World Trade Center retailers.
Presented by Westfield World Trade Center and The Port Authority of NY & NJ.
Suggested Ages: 5 to 14+, Adult FriendlySaturday, October 31
Wave Hill Family Art Project: Dia de los Muertos
Enjoy nature-inspired art projects among gorgeous gardens and trees overlooking the Hudson River. Celebrate this special Mexican cultural holiday when the spirits of loved ones come home to visit. Learn the traditional use of the four elements to adorn nicho boxes, small shadow boxes filled with meaning and purpose that honor a lost loved one. Decorate your box with objects and found natural materials, adding a photo of your dear one. Using branches and brush from trees that have been felled during recent storms at Wave Hill, create an altar to honor the gifts these trees have given us during their lives.
Takes place outside on a grassy hill so dress accordingly.
Currently no onsite parking or shuttles from public transportation; nearest parking lots is a 5 minute walk. Timed reservations and masks required.
Suggested Ages: AllTreasure Trunk Theatre Halloween Outdoor Imagination Adventure
Celebrate Halloween with Treasure Trunk in a very special Imagination Adventure. Join energetic and engaging teaching artist to travel to exciting new places on an action-packed, magical adventure with a Halloween twist, After warming up bodies, voices, and imaginations, open the magical treasure trunk and discover items that will spark our journey for the class. Will we fly through the sky on our witchy broomsticks, wander through a spooky haunted house, or pick the perfect pumpkin? Costumes always encouraged.
45 minute classes throughout the day at various Brooklyn locations.
Suggested Ages: Babies to 7