Happy Monday! Although October is just rolling in this week, we thought we’d point you to some of the biggest and greatest Halloween festivities so you can get a head start on your All Hallows’ Eve game plan. Enjoy these and other (not so scary) events that are perfect for all ages.
Through Thursday, October 31
The Haunted Pumpkin Garden
New York Botanical Garden
10am-6pm
The Haunted Pumpkin Garden is back at the New York Botanical Garden! This year, the garden has been stocked with more than 500 intricately carved pumpkins that kids will love exploring. They can also march in a Halloween parade, perform a chilling play in the Pumpkin Puppet Theater, and gather fruit and seeds in scavenger hunt bags. Plus, come to the garden on weekends for creepy (or, more specifically, creeping) live animal presentations featuring box turtles, corn snakes, tomato frogs, millipedes, and more. Pumpkin carvers will also be on hand on weekends to provide carving tips and tricks. Admission is free with an All-Garden Pass.
Friday, October 4
Carnegie Kids: The Itty Biddies
Hudson Guild
10:30am
Catch The Itty Biddies live in their free Carnegie Kids concert at Hudson Guild. The band’s blend of folk and pop music make them a hit with kids and parents alike. The ladies will perform tunes from their latest children’s album, “Hello Hello Hello!” including “Safari,” “Jump Around,” and “Move Your Body.”
Empire Drive-In
New York Hall of Science
Show times vary
The good ‘ole days of the drive-in movie theater experience are all but gone. Luckily, the New York Hall of Science is hosting Empire Drive-In, an installation of a concept that began in San Jose, California. The outdoor drive-in movie theater is made entirely out of recycled materials, and reclaimed cars provide vintage seating for the projected films. The screenings are grouped into themes such as “Bollywood Bash,” “Animation Flip Out,” “Youth Media Night,” and more. Prices vary. Runs through Sunday, October 20. Seating in the cars are limited, first-come, first-served. Audience members may also bring lawn chairs or blankets from home.
Saturday, October 5
The Story Pirates
Symphony Space
11am & 2pm
Shiver me timbers! The Story Pirates will take over Symphony Space for a day of music and comedy, kicking off the venue’s new Just Kidding children’s season. The Pirates will be performing two shows filled with sketches created from stories written by kids like your own–so we’re willing to bet that your youngster will leave with a smile on his or her face. Tickets are $15 for children and $20 for adults.
Saturday, October 5-Sunday, October 6
Boo at the Zoo
The Bronx Zoo
11am-5pm
Boo at the Zoo, the Bronx Zoo’s annual weekend Halloween extravaganza opens this weekend. Visitors may have to make two trips just experience all there is to do and see this year. Zoo goers should check out Dr. B. Zarre’s Museum of UnNatural Mysteries for a look at unusual creatures, and stop by the 3-D Pumpkin Demos station for detailed pumpkin carvings by Sand Sculpture USA. Also, join a costume parade, see a musical puppet performance of “Beasts of the Magical World,” find your way out of a hay maze, and be amazed by the magic of illusionist David Levitan. And, as if this weren’t enough, this Saturday only, Annie and Daddy Warbucks from the Broadway cast of “Annie” will appear at the zoo. Boo at the Zoo occurs on Saturdays and Sundays through November 3. Free with zoo admission.
