The kids complaining about having to wear a mask every time they step outside? Remind them that wearing a mask—the Halloween kind!—can be fun with a visit to one or more of these upcoming spook-tacular Halloween events. Please note: Most events have indicated that capacity is dramatically scaled down this year. Be sure to book reservations and purchase tickets in advance of your visit.
The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze
The Hudson Valley’s biggest, most electrifying Halloween event is back! Wow the kids with over 7,000 hand-carved, illuminated pumpkins set against the mysterious backdrop of Van Cortlandt Manor’s 18th-century buildings and riverside landscape. New for 2020: a fire truck—making a special rescue—and witches stirring up a spell. Tour the Museum of Pumpkin Art, where classic paintings get the gourd treatment, see who let the (pumpkin) dogs out, listen for the Headless Horseman, and watch out for swooping jack o’lantern bats. Before you head home, be sure to get your Instagram on in front of the 25-foot-tall jack o’lantern Statue of Liberty and electrified signs of the Zodiac.
Dates: September 18 through October 31; November 1; 6-8; 13-15; 20-21. Click here for tickets, or call 914-366-6900 ($2/ticket surcharge for phone orders)
Fall Festival at Happy Day Farm
Fall adventure begins at this beloved family farm located in Manalapan! With more than 30 fun-filled activities and attractions, including an animal feeding zoo, a corn maze, Giant Jenga, Pumpkin Bowling, tractor rides, pedal cart races, giant slides, and horse bouncers, there’s something for everyone (and every age!). Be sure to bring your appetite: vendors will be serving up plenty of seasonal treats, from zeppoles to fried Oreos, apple fritters, funnel cakes, and more!
Dates: Saturdays & Sundays (plus Fridays in October); September 12 through October 25, 10am - 5pm. Open Columbus Day. Click here for tickets.
Hallowfest at Six Flags Great Adventure
The legendary park is once again bringing back the boos this Halloween with a reimagined family-fun frightfest that takes care to reduce the spreading of both human and zombie germs. Younger guests are encouraged to pumpkin spice things up during family favorite activities like Trick-or-Treat Trail, hay bale maze, festive fall décor, and more! However, when the clock strikes 6 p.m., ghouls and zombies are unleashed for their daily haunting rituals and you may find yourself in spine-tingling scare zones without warning! Daredevils can put their fears to the test by riding coasters in the dark of night, while scaring up an appetite for exclusive tasty hallow-treats along the way.
Dates: Weekends from September 18 through November 1, plus October 12 (excludes Sept 28). Click here for tickets.
Bronx Zoo Boo at the Zoo
The world-famous zoo’s annual Halloween tradition is back with all kinds of spooky all-ages fun. Enjoy an animal-inspired magic and mind reading show, delight in amazing costumed stilt walkers and Halloween-themed puppets, walk among hundreds of expertly carved pumpkins, collect tons of sweets and treats along the candy trail, and so much more. As always, come dressed in your Halloween best!
Dates: Weekends, September 28 through November 3. Click here for tickets. (Use promo code COSTUME for 50% off Kids Total Experience tickets)
