6 Best Family-Friendly Halloween Activities in New York 2025

Halloween in New York isn’t just about spooky parades and haunted houses.

For families, it transforms into a world of glowing pumpkins, hayrides, animal encounters, and kid-friendly adventures that bring smiles instead of scares.

Whether you’re a parent looking for the perfect day trip or planning a memorable holiday outing, New York in October 2025 has something magical for every age.

Here’s your ultimate guide to the best family-friendly Halloween activities in New York 2025 — from zoos and farms to theme parks and city rooftops.

👻 Boo at the Zoo – Bronx Zoo

The Bronx Zoo’s annual Boo at the Zoo is a staple for New York families.

This kid-friendly Halloween celebration features pumpkin trails, animal encounters, magic shows, and even costume parades.

The festive decorations around the zoo add an extra layer of excitement.

• Ticket Prices 2025: Adults $41.95, Children (3–12) $31.95, under 3 free. Boo at the Zoo activities are included with admission.
• Nearby Accommodations: Families often stay at the Opera House Hotel or the Residence Inn by Marriott Bronx, both less than 15 minutes away.
• Food & Drink Options: On-site cafés serve pizza, burgers, snacks, and fall treats. Outside food is allowed in designated areas.
• Directions: Take the 2 train to Pelham Parkway or the BxM11 express bus. Paid parking is available at the zoo.
• Seasonal Dates 2025: Weekends from September 28 – November 3, 2025.

Pro Tip: Visit earlier in the day to avoid long lines and grab tickets online in advance — weekends get packed fast.

🌟 Harvest Glow at Bronx Zoo

If you want an evening adventure, stick around for Harvest Glow at the Bronx Zoo.

There are also live pumpkin carving shows, fall-themed treats, and interactive games for children.

• Ticket Prices 2025: Separate evening tickets start at $39.95 adults, $29.95 children.
• Nearby Accommodations: Same hotels near Boo at the Zoo work well for Harvest Glow since it’s at the Bronx Zoo.
• Food & Drink Options: Food stands offer hot chocolate, cider, pretzels, and pumpkin-flavored desserts.
• Directions: Accessible via subway (2 or 5 to Pelham Parkway) or by car with zoo parking available.
• Seasonal Dates 2025: Select evenings from October 4 – November 2, 2025.

Pro Tip: Bring a light sweater, evenings can get chilly in late October.

🧱 Brick-or-Treat at LEGOLAND New York

Halloween gets a playful twist at LEGOLAND New York’s Brick-or-Treat.

Kids can trick-or-treat their way through themed zones, meet LEGO characters in costumes, and dance at the Brick-or-Treat Monster Party.

There are scavenger hunts, candy trails, and even spooky but silly LEGO builds.

This one’s especially fun for younger kids because it’s more about colorful fun than scares.

• Ticket Prices 2025: Day passes from $59.99 per person; seasonal Brick-or-Treat events are included.
• Nearby Accommodations: LEGOLAND Hotel is the most family-friendly option, with themed rooms and breakfast included. Budget travelers often stay at Comfort Inn & Suites Goshen.
• Food & Drink Options: Several on-site restaurants serve kid favorites like pizza, pasta, and themed snacks.
• Directions: Located in Goshen, NY (60 miles from NYC). Driving via I-87 is most convenient; shuttle buses may run from Port Authority.
• Seasonal Dates 2025: Every Saturday and Sunday in October 2025.

Pro Tip: Wear comfortable shoes, as LEGOLAND is spread out and kids will want to explore every corner.

🚜 Halloween on the Farm – Queens County Farm Museum

If your kids dream of hayrides and pumpkin patches, head to the Queens County Farm Museum.

Their Halloween festival is pure fall nostalgia: tractor-drawn hayrides, a huge corn maze, trick-or-treat stations, and plenty of farm animals to pet.

The farm transforms into a Halloween hub, but it still keeps its cozy countryside vibe — a rare experience right inside NYC.

Families love it because it feels like a quick escape from the city’s chaos.

• Ticket Prices 2025: General admission $12, children under 3 free. Corn maze and pumpkin picking cost extra.
• Nearby Accommodations: Hotels in Floral Park and Queens Village are closest, such as Bellerose Inn.
• Food & Drink Options: Seasonal stands offer apple cider, donuts, kettle corn, and local farm snacks.
• Directions: Take the Q46 bus to the last stop or drive (limited on-site parking available).
• Seasonal Dates 2025: October 26 – October 31, 2025.

Pro Tip: Go early for the corn maze; it gets crowded by afternoon. Also, pick up farm-fresh cider for the ride home.

🎃 Pumpkin Point at Governors Island

For a Halloween outing with postcard-perfect views, Pumpkin Point at Governors Island is unbeatable.

Families can wander through a field of pumpkins, take part in arts and crafts, and soak in sweeping views of the Statue of Liberty and Manhattan skyline.

It’s a more laid-back option compared to the bigger events, but that’s exactly what makes it special.

The ferry ride adds to the adventure, making kids feel like they’re on a mini Halloween vacation.

• Ticket Prices 2025: Free entry; pumpkins available for purchase (average $5–$15 each). Ferry tickets: $5 adults, kids under 12 free.
• Nearby Accommodations: Stay near the Financial District — options include Hilton Garden Inn NYC Financial Center or Marriott Downtown.
• Food & Drink Options: On-island food trucks serve tacos, BBQ, and snacks; seasonal cider and treats available at Pumpkin Point.
• Directions: Ferries leave from Battery Maritime Building in Manhattan and Pier 6 in Brooklyn.
• Seasonal Dates 2025: Two weekends: October 19–20 and October 26–27, 2025.

Pro Tip: Bring a wagon or stroller if you’re planning to pick multiple pumpkins — carrying them back on the ferry can be tricky.

🏙 Halloween at Edge – High Above NYC

Want to celebrate Halloween literally above the clouds? Edge at Hudson Yards is hosting a family-friendly Halloween event with costumes, treats, and panoramic views from over 1,100 feet in the air.

• Ticket Prices 2025: General admission $41 adults, $36 kids (6–12), under 6 free. Special Halloween activities included.
• Nearby Accommodations: Stay right in Hudson Yards or Midtown — Equinox Hotel and Crowne Plaza HY36 are popular with families.
• Food & Drink Options: The Peak restaurant inside Hudson Yards offers dining; snack kiosks at Edge serve quick bites.
• Directions: Subway lines 7 to Hudson Yards. Paid parking available in the complex.
• Seasonal Dates 2025: October 29 – November 2, 2025.

✨ Other Family-Friendly Halloween Fun in NYC

Beyond the big-name events, New York offers countless smaller family activities during Halloween.

Neighborhood parades, themed museum days, and community pumpkin patches give families budget-friendly alternatives.

Places like the Children’s Museum of Manhattan and Brooklyn Bridge Park also roll out kid-focused Halloween programs that are perfect if you prefer something local and low-key.

📝 Final Thoughts

New York in October 2025 proves that Halloween isn’t just for thrill-seekers — it’s for families who want fun, laughter, and memories that last.

From glowing pumpkin trails at the Bronx Zoo to LEGO dance parties and pumpkin picking on Governors Island, the city makes sure kids of all ages get a taste of Halloween magic.

Read More: 5 Best Halloween Parades in New York 2025