Weekend Planner: New York City’s Best Events (October 21-23)

Bring the whole family to the New York Botanical Garden for a night of spooky fun. Explore the Whole Foods Market Trick-or-Treat Trail with the kids, or visit the live installation. This event is sure to get you and your little ones excited for Halloween night! (Friday-Saturday)

Photo: Flickr/Keith Roper

Four children step through an ordinary-looking wardrobe and enter a new world where they encounter talking beavers, a majestic lion and a terrifying ice queen. Introduce your children to the magical world of Narnia when you take them to “The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe” at the Tribeca Performing Arts Center. This story will captivate any child, whether they are brand-new to The Chronicles of Narnia, or already seasoned fans of C.S. Lewis’ storied series! Recommended for ages 5 through 12. (Saturday)

Photo: Tribeca Performing Arts Center

Enjoy a comedic version of the classic Irving tale, Sleepy Hollow, by puppetry troupe, Frogtown Mountain Puppeteers. As part of the “Just Kidding” series, this child-friendly production features shadow puppetry and rod puppets in celebration of the spooky season. (Saturday)

Photo: Symphony Space

Does your doggy love dressing up for Halloween? If so, enter your pooch in the Annual Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade! The doggies who strut the most creative costumes before the judges will walk away with almost a thousand dollars in prizes. Be sure to wear a costume, too! There’s a parade following the announcement of “Best in Show” that is sure to get you in the howl-o-ween spirit! (Saturday)

Photo: Tompkins Square Dog Run

This is your chance to see the biggest pumpkins around the country! In collaboration with the Giant Pumpkin Commonwealth, the weekend-long event will feature the display of giant pumpkins, Q&A with the growers, and photo ops. (Saturday-Sunday)

Photo: New York Botanical Garden

Enjoy the magic of autumn during this special weekend event at Wave Hill. Create fairy houses and tiny wands with your little ones and catch a special concert by faculty members of the Bloomingdale School of Music during this enchanted seasonal celebration. Free with garden admission. (Saturday-Sunday)

Photo: Wave Hill

Dessert anyone? Head to Brooklyn this Sunday for Dessert Goals, NYC’s first-ever dessert festival! 20 of the city’s top dessert vendors will hand out mouthwatering treats to all in attendance. Sample delights from Doughnut Plant, Melt Bakery, Boba Guys, Macaron Parlour, and many others. There will also be food workshops, the opportunity to snap photos in the dessert garden, and more. Tickets start at $15. (Sunday)

Photo: Dessert Goals

Join author and yoga instructor Susan Verde at The Rubin Museum for I Am Yoga, a special family yoga session and book reading for ages 4 and up. Verde will read from her children’s book I Am Yoga, sign copies and lead a yoga class inspired by a piece of art from the museum’s collection. Please bring your own yoga mat. Tickets are $10 for children and $15 for adults. (Sunday)

Photo: The Rubin Museum

Bring your family and friends for this fun event to watch “Chuck”, a catapult at the New York Hall of Science, throw pumpkins into the air! Recommended for all ages. Admission is free. (Sunday)

Photo: New York Hall of Science

Learn about great artists and art movements! They’ll be teaching kids art appreciation by breaking down famous pieces into basic shapes and colors, with a focus on creativity, fun and learning. The class will feature Van Gogh’s The Starry Night using oil pastels, so please dress appropriately. (Sunday)

Photo: Lulu's Then & Now