Family Fright: Haunted Happenings in NYC

Get into the Halloween spirit with a visit to one of these spooky city sites. From the ghosts of New York’s past to creepy critters, each of these venues–ordered by fear factor–has something that will chill and thrill both kids and parents.

Spooky Nighttime Adventures at the New York Botanical Garden 

Grab a flashlight and explore the Trick-or-Treat trail during this eerie nighttime adventure. Let the illuminations from the Jack-o-Lanters guide you on your journey. If you listen carefully, you might hear some of the creatures of the night! Fear factor: Low. October 24, 25, & 31. Ages 4-12. $20 non-member, $15 member. 2900 Southern Boulevard, Bronx. 

Spooky Barn at Prospect Park Zoo 

Come to Prospect Park’s annual Boo at the Zoo event, where children can explore the spooky barn full of creepy creatures and characters! Fear Factor: Low. October 25-26. Free with admission. 450 Flatbush Avenue, Brooklyn. 

Halloween Haunted House at the Queens County Farm Museum

Visit the Queens County Farm Museum’s spooky haunted barn for hayrides, mulled cider, and of course, spooky surprises! Fear factor: Low. October 24-26. Ages 6-12, $4.00. 73-50 Little Neck Parkway, Floral Park.

Merchant’s House Museum Children’s Candlelight Ghost Tours 

Young investigators are invited to one of Manhattan’s most haunted buildings to hear accounts of strange occurrences, see inexplicable photographs, and decide for yourself what’s really behind the mischief. Fear factor: Moderate. October 24-25. Ages 8-12, from $40.00 for 1 adult & 1 child. 29 East 4th Street.

Ghouls, Goblins & Ghost Trains: A Ride to Woodlawn Cemetery 

Ride on WWI-era train cars to explore the legendary Woodlawn Cemetery. Pack a picnic, enjoy the fall foliage, and take a twilight tour of the graveyard, where you’ll hear the stories behind some of its infamous residents’ untimely deaths. Fear factor: Moderate. October 25. $50.00 adult, $25.00 child. New York Transit Museum, Boerum Place, Brooklyn. 

Gravesend Inn Haunted Hotel

This high-tech haunt, produced by Theatreworks, City Tech’s resident theatrical troupe,  is a theme-park quality Halloween attraction sure to frighten and delight children and adults alike. Fear factor: Moderate October 23, 24, 25, 30, & November 1. $5.00 for students, $8.00 general.  Vorhees Theater, 186 Jay Street, Brooklyn. 

Times Scare

Encounter the ghosts of Time Square’s seedy past at what legend has is one of the most haunted buildings in the country! Fear Factor: High.  Note: Recommended for ages 10 and up. Daily through October 31, $27.00 for adults; $22.00 for children 12 and under.  At 8th Avenue & 42nd Street.

Blood Manor 

Visit one of NYC’s scariest haunted houses–if you dare–and explore 5,000 square feet of themed rooms and twisting passages. Fear factor: High. Note: Not recommended for children under 14 years old. Wed. Oct 22, & Thursdays-Sundays until November 8. 163 Varick Street.