October fun at the Garden!

It’s a “bootiful” month at the New York Botanical Garden — complete with bugs, bats, parades, parties, and more!

“Gourd-gous” gourds will be created when Food Network star and pumpkin parer Ray Villafane is on hand on Oct. 20 and 21, from 11 am to 5 pm, weaving his carving tools and turning pumpkins into terrifying zombies, and other outta-this-world critters. His creations will be on view through the end of the month.

Fearless thrill-seekers ages 5 to 12 can stroll through the Haunted Adventure Garden Spooky Nighttime walk on Oct. 20 through 28, from 6:30 to 8 pm to get the goosebumps going — if they dare! Bring your flashlight and courage, but don’t forget your costume. Admission is $20 and $15 for non-members.

The Haunted Pumpkin Garden is open all day for exploration from 1:30 to 5:30 pm and 10 am to 5:30 pm on weekends, from Oct. 6 through Halloween.

If music gets your bones jangling, Eddie, Sonya and Michael of the Little People Palooza will stage a live show and rock out the gardens with their sweet brand of kiddie rock-and-roll on Oct. 6, 7, 13, and 14. Showtimes are at 10:15 am and 12:15 pm.

Foodies can head for the Green Market, held every Wednesday from 9 am to 3 pm through Nov. 21. Admission is free and features the very best of baked-goods, veggies, fruits, and other tastebud tinglers. General admission, unless otherwise noted, is $20 for adults and $8 for children under 12.

The New York Botanical Gardens [200th St. at Kazimiroff Blvd. in Belmont, (718) 817–8700, www.nybg.org].

Relevant Directory Listings

See More

The Wild Center

<p>The Wild Center, nestled within the breathtaking landscape of New York's Adirondack Park, offers an unforgettable journey into the heart of nature. As visitors approach the Center, they are greeted by the Adirondack Mountains towering in the distance, setting the stage for an immersive adventure.<br /><br /></p> <p>Upon entering the 34,000-square-foot exhibit hall, guests are enveloped in a world of wonder and discovery. Interactive exhibits like Planet Adirondack and Climate Solutions invite exploration, allowing visitors to delve into the rich biodiversity of the Adirondack region. The indoor experience also includes an opportunity to soar on Birdly--a one-of-a-kind VR experience. Also, get up close with an animal ambassador during one of many live animal encounters throughout the day.<br /><br /></p> <p>In addition to its indoor exhibits and programs, the Wild Center also boasts 115-acres of extensive outdoor amenities. One of the highlights in the award-winning Wild Walk. Visitors walk up a trail of bridges to the treetops of the Adirondack forest, 40 feet off the ground. Along the way, interactive exhibits provide insights into the flora and fauna that call the Adirondacks home, from songbirds to black bears.<br /><br /></p> <p>The rest of the campus features more ways to explore. Check out Patrick Dougherty’s Stickwork sculpture, an all natural installation of woven sticks that will spark your imagination and nostalgia. Immerse yourself in Forest Music, take a naturalist-lead canoe trip, or get your roll on with Raquette River Roll, a brand-new, oversized, all-natural ball run experience opening in June 2024.</p>

Yuletide Factory

<p>Fill your hearts with circus cheer—the merry daredevils of Cirque Mechanics (Zephyr, 2023) are back with an industrial-strength spectacular for you and your kin. Sparkling with holiday spirit, the ever energetic ensemble of acrobats transforms a drab assembly plant into a holly jolly Yuletide Factory! From the wonder of the German wheel to festive flips from the trampoline wall, they dash and dance through a pageant of powerhouse stunts with grins and goodwill. It’s high-flying fun, comfort and joy for the whole family!</p>

Super Soccer Stars

<p>Soccer Stars is New York’s most popular youth educational soccer program! With 24 years of experience under our cleats, we have positively impacted over one million kids in our local community by putting the FUN in FUNdamentals in our weekly classes and camps.</p> <p>At Soccer Stars, we use the soccer ball as a vehicle to help children not only improve their soccer skills, but develop self-confidence and physical literacy, improve gross motor skills, build teamwork, and hone socialization skills. Our highly trained coaches and early childhood experts lead an age-specific curriculum with a low kid-to-coach ratio so every child gets individual attention and can grow at their own pace.</p> <p>Kids ages 1-12+ can join our seasonal programs, including Parent & Me, FUNdamentals, Development Training, and Travel Soccer. Join us at one of over 80 locations in neighborhoods across across Westchester County, Connecticut and New York, available 7 days-a-week:</p> <p><strong>Connecticut:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Cos Cob</li> <li>Greenwich</li> <li>Port Chester</li> </ul> <p> </p> <p><strong>Westchester:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Briarcliff</li> <li>Eastchester</li> <li>Mt. Kisco</li> <li>New Rochelle</li> <li>Ridgefield</li> <li>Scarsdale</li> <li>White Plains</li> </ul> <p> </p> <p><strong>New York City:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Bronx</li> <li>Inwood</li> <li>Upper West Side</li> <li>Upper East Side</li> </ul> <p> </p> <p>Can’t find a class or location that fits your schedule? Soccer Stars also offers private classes for small groups or individual training. Let our coaches come to you with a completely customizable program, anytime, anywhere. Birthday parties are also available! </p>