October is generally known as the month of haunts, scares, ghouls, leaves changing colors and falling from the trees, and, of course, raising breast cancer awareness. For me personally, I love this month because I love the cooler weather and exploring Central Park with my children, not to mention starting to wear my beautiful fall clothes. There are so many fun and exciting places to visit during the month of October, from apple orchards to pumpkin patches, farms and more.
Boo At The Zoo is the Bronx Zoo’s annual Halloween celebration, held on weekends from late September through early November and is geared toward children and families. Face painting, storytelling, and pumpkin painting are among the special Halloween-themed diversions. All activities are included with Zoo admission, except the hay ride, which requires the “Total Experience” ticket or an additional charge. My boys love going on the hay ride every year.
Bronx Zoo [2300 Southern Blvd. in Belmont, (718) 367–1010, bronxzoo.com]
The Museum of Natural History has an annual Halloween party on Oct. 31. Join families for an evening of trick-or-treating, arts and crafts, costumed characters, and a special Halloween space show in the museum’s planetarium.
Halloween party at Museum of Natural History [Central Park West and 79th Street on the Upper West Side, (212) 769-5100] Oct. 31 from 4 to 7 pm.
A few of my favorite places to go pumpkin and apple picking outside of the city are Dykeman Farms, Albert H. Schmitt Family Farms, and Stuart’s Fruit Farm.
North of the city, you’ll find Dykeman Farm. In addition to taking a hayride to pick your own pumpkin in a real patch, you can get gourds, winter squash, and Indian corn here. Each delicacy is picked fresh daily on the premises.
Dykeman Farm [823 W. Dover Rd in Pawling, NY, (845) 832–6068]
Within the reach of the Long Island Rail Road lies Albert H. Schmitt Family Farms. This family business has all the makings for a SpookyLysscious Halloween celebration. After you pick your own pumpkin, you can make your way through an indoor haunted maze and check out the ghoulish scarecrows. Indulge in a DeLysscious cup of apple cider and a candy apple. Hayrides are free!
Albert H. Schmitt Family Farms [6 Bagatelle Rd. in Dix Hills, NY, (631) 549–1159]
Stuart’s has been around for the past 180 years. You can pick your own pumpkins right from the vine through November. In addition to seasonal activities, you can buy fresh produce, tomatoes, and apples (more than 30 kinds), or visit the bakery daily.
Stuart’s Fruit Farm [62 Granite Springs Rd. in Granite Springs, NY, (914) 245-2784]
Pumpkin carving has become a designer “sport,” and everyone including moms, dads, and kids are getting in on the FabULyss fun. Autumn is the perfect season for DIY projects and festive decorating, so carve out some time to create your own couture jack-o’-lantern. With ornate sparkles, jewels, and lights, your license to bling is all that’s needed to make a one-of-a-kind masterpiece to display on your doorstep.
Don’t miss the annual DivaMoms Halloween Spooktacular on Oct. 31 at Dylan’s Candy Bar. Little Maestros will be performing and of course doing lots of “Monster Mash” dancing with the lil ones. We have the sweetest Halloween bash every year! Hope to see you there.
Halloween Spooktacular at Dylan’s Candy Bar [1011 Third Ave. at 60th Street on the Upper East Side, (646) 735–0078]. Oct. 31, 10 am to noon. RSVP at Divamoms.com.
Whether you are visiting a haunted house or going to a spooktacular costume party, have a safe and fun-filled Halloween.
Lyss Stern is the founder of DivaLysscious Moms (www.divamoms.com).
