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 

Spooky-Nights-4
Go on a Spooky Nighttime Adventure at the New York Botanical Garden. via nybg.org

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. 

 

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Broadway Dance Center Children and Teens

<p dir="ltr">With more than 35 years of experience, Broadway Dance Center Children & Teens provides young movers ages 3-18 with exceptional training. BDC delivers the finest all-around dance experience for students by offering a wide variety of styles and levels, performance opportunities, and the highest caliber dance instruction that only New York City and BDC Children & Teens can provide.</p> <p dir="ltr">This studio is so much more than a training course for young dancers; it is a diverse, family-friendly community for budding creatives. It has an exemplary faculty who follow the vision to not only develop a dancer’s love and ability in dance, but to do so in a nurturing and supportive way.</p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-16583089-7fff-d8a9-61c2-8f689f7348b2"></span></p>

Color Me Mine

<p>Color Me Mine Upper West Side proudly stands as a minority woman-owned studio, and we've been an integral part of the Color Me Mine franchise system since 2018! Pottery painting isn't just an activity; it's a captivating and inclusive experience that transcends age and skill levels.</p> <p>At Color Me Mine Upper West Side, we extend a warm invitation to dive into a realm of creativity, self-expression, and connection. Families, friends and teams grow stronger bonds when they create memories together, and at Color Me Mine, we're here to help facilitate those moments.</p> <p>Whether you're seeking a delightful family outing, a unique date night, or a solo adventure, our paint-your-own-pottery studio offers boundless possibilities. Step into our welcoming space in the heart of Lincoln Center and unleash your inner artist. Create unforgettable memories as you craft beautiful ceramic masterpieces to cherish for many years to come.</p> <p>Color Me Mine Upper West Side is also the preferred venue for celebrations of all kinds. Whether you're planning a birthday party, a baby or bridal shower, a team-building event, a gathering for college groups, an enriching field trip, or an adventure with scouts, we've got you covered. Our versatile space and passionate team provides the perfect setting for creating unforgettable memories and fostering creativity in every guest.</p> <p>Join us at Color Me Mine Upper West Side, at 177 Amsterdam Avenue in New York City where every visit promises a fun journey of color, joy, and artistic exploration!</p>

Brooklyn Robot Foundry - Virtual Classes

<p><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: small; background-color: #ffffff;">Brooklyn Robot Foundry offers super fun online robot-building classes for children 2-13 years old!</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: small; background-color: #ffffff;">  </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: small; background-color: #ffffff;">Each week, students are introduced to new engineering concepts and components while building that day’s robot in their own “workshop”.</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: small; background-color: #ffffff;">  </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: small; background-color: #ffffff;">All classes maintain a very low student-to-teacher ratio, allowing for plenty of individualized instruction and socializing. The supplies are shipped in advance and classes are led by amazing instructors, taking all the pressure off parents.</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: small; background-color: #ffffff;">  </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: small; background-color: #ffffff;">The Foundry’s main focus however, is that kids have fun, get creative, and enjoy being part of this STEAM-loving community!</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: small; background-color: #ffffff;"> </span></p>