See historic planes and meet veterans at Wings Over Houston. Photo courtesy of the event.
Wings Over Houston, Trick-or-Treat Events, and More Things to Do in Houston This Weekend with Kids
Buffalo Bayou Park has trails, climbing structures, and skate park, slides, and more. Photo by Jessica Stautberg.
Things To Do in Houston That Everyone Will Love - From Toddlers to Teens (and Parents Too!)
Best Things to do in Houston for Halloween
GUIDE
Halloween Fun and Activities Guide for Houston
With activities for all, Texas Ren Fest is the largest Renaissance-themed attraction in the county.
Texas Renaissance Festival: A Magical Fall Tradition for Houston Families
Día de los Muertos at Discovery Green. Event photo courtesy of the Discovery Green
Top Things To Do to Celebrate Día de Los Muertos 2025 in Houston
These trunk-or-treats in Houston are a good alternative to trick-or-treating. Photo courtesy of Klein UMC Children's Ministries
Best Trunk-or-Treat and Alternative Trick-or-Treat Events in Houston for Halloween 2025
Houston is full of Halloween events this October. Scream on the Green photo courtesy of Discovery Green
Best Things to Do in Houston October 2025 with Kids, According to Mommy Poppins Editors
Scream on the Green is one of Houston's free Halloween events. Photo courtesy of Discovery Green
Top Free Halloween Events in Houston 2025
Zoo Boo is one of our favorite Halloween events for younger kids. Photo courtesy of Houston Zoo
Best Halloween Events in Houston 2025 for Kids and Families: Haunted Houses, Trick-or-Treating, and More
See alligators in Beaumont, about 90 minutes from Houston. Photo courtesy of Gator Country Wildlife Adventure Park
Fall Day Trips From Houston for Families
Visit Froberg's Farm for fall festival fun, a pumpkin patch, and more. Photo courtesy the fall
GUIDE
Houston Fall Day Trips Guide: Farms, Festivals, and Family Getaways 2025
There are plenty of choices for pumpkin patches near Houston. Photo courtesy of P6 Farms
Best Pumpkin Patches Near Houston for Fall Fun
Free alligator education at Brazos Bend State Park. Photo by Sarah Banks.
The 10 Best Free Hidden Gems for Kids in Houston
From pumpkins to corn mazes, there's loads of seasonal fun at local farms. Photo courtesy of P6 Farms
Fall Bucket List for Kids: 30 Top Things To Do in Houston This Fall 2025
Houston Fall festivals that are fun for the whole family. Photo by Jessica Stautberg
Ultimate Guide to Fall Festivals in 2025 for Houston Families
Visit the Hall of Paleontology at the Museum of Natural Science. Photo courtesy of Visit Sugar Land.
Why HMNS at Sugar Land Is a Must-Visit for Houston Families
Help your Scout rack up the badges at these programs in Houston. Photo courtesy of Canva.
Best Places to Earn Scout Badges in Houston
Unique Birthday Party Venues in Houston for One-of-a-Kind Birthday Parties
Our favorite gymnastics gyms in Houston. Photo courtesy of Canva
Gymnastics Gyms in Houston: Places to Take Gymnastic Classes, Camps, or Open Gym
Palace Social has bowling and a restaurant in addition to arcade games. Photo courtesy of Palace Social
Where to Find the Coolest Arcades for Kids in Houston
The Mini classes at Goldfish Swim School are a great bonding experience for parent and child. Photo courtesy of the school
Best Mommy and Me Classes for Houston Babies and Parents 2025
Ready Go Amusement Arcade photo by author Elizabeth R.
Houston’s Best Claw Machine Arcades Where Kids (and Parents) Can Actually Win
A crafting party at one of these venues or at home is the perfect celebration for a creative kid. Photo courtesy of Color Me Mine
Best Crafting Parties for Teens in Houston
See aquatic life without a fee at Sea Center Texas. Photo courtesy of Texas Parks and Wildlife
Keep Cool in Houston: Top Beaches, Swimming Lakes, Splash Pads, and AC Spots
Our top picks for your Houston bar/bat mitzvah. Photo by Juliano ASTC, courtesy of Pexels.
Fun Bar Mitzvah and Bat Mitzvah Venues in Houston
These Houston ice cream shops have the best treats for kids. Photo by Kelly Patino, courtesy of Mommy Poppins.
Best Ice Cream Spots In Houston For Kids
Pick your own flowers at one of these Houston farms. Photo courtesy Summer Skye Gardens
Sunflowers, Tulips, and More Pick-Your-Own Flower Farms Near Houston
Go for a nature walk in on of Houston's huge parks. Photo by Anthony Rathbun, courtesy of the Houston Arboretum.
Houston Budget-Friendly Weekend Itinerary for Families
Discovery Green hosts free events like Arte en el Parque, where kids learn Spanish while making art. Photo courtesy of Discovery Green
100 Free Things To Do in Houston with Kids
Levy Park in Houston has one of our favorite playgrounds. Photo courtesy of OJB Landscape Architecture
Best Playgrounds in Houston: Destination Playgrounds Worth the Drive
NASA's Space Center is one of Houston's best science museums for kids. Photo by Pierce Ingram, courtesy of Travel Texas
Explore the Best Science Museums in Houston for Kids: Educational Fun for All Ages
Firetruck Park in West University. Photo by Jessica Stautberg
Neighborhood Guide: Things To Do in West University and Rice Village with Kids
See animals up close at some of these farms near Houston. Photo courtesy of Dewberry Farm
Best Farms in Houston with Family Entertainment
Children's Museum Houston is free every Thursday evening. Photo courtesy of the Children's Museum Houston
Free Museums and Free Museum Days for Kids in Houston
Photo courtesy of Levy Park, Facebook
Best Budget-Friendly (Cheap) Birthday Party Places for Houston Kids
City Park Skate Park near Houston. Photo courtesy of the Sugarland Texas Govt.
Kid-Friendly Skate Parks in Houston
Pleasure Pier in Galveston is a top attraction near Houston. Photo courtesy of Visit Galveston
Best Attractions and Things To Do in Houston that are Kid-friendly
John P. McGovern's state-of-the art playground is perfect for both younger and older children. Photo courtesy of Discovery Green.
20 Things To Do in Downtown Houston With Kids
Stop at Cadillac Ranch near Amarillo for some cool photos on your roadtrip to the Texas Panhandle.
Best Texas Road Trips for Families
Baywatch Dolphin Tours are a fun, kid-friendly tour near Houston. Photo courtesy of Visit Galveston
Best Kid-Friendly Tours in Houston
Make dining out with kids more fun at one of Houston's themed restaurants. Photo courtesy of Rock N Roll Sushi
Themed Restaurants in Houston for a Fun Night Out With Kids
Houston's Walking Stick Brewing Company has plenty of outdoor space. Photo courtesy of the Walking Stick Brewing Company
Family-Friendly Houston Breweries Where Kids Can Play, Too
Urban Air has quite a few trampoline parks near Houston. Photo courtesy of Urban Air Adventure Park
Fun Trampoline Parks Near Houston for Kids to Jump in the AC
Batting cage photo courtesy of the Bellaire Bats
Indoor Batting Cages Near Houston Where Kids Can Practice Their Swings
Photo courtesy of Big Air in North Houston
17 Coolest Indoor Activities for Houston Teens
Plan a magical quinceañera with these dress shops and venues. Photo courtesy of Canva
Quinceañeras in Houston: The Best Dress Shops and Venues for Your Teen Birthday
Houston has many kid-friendly museums, and not all are children's museums. Photo courtesy of the Children's Museum of Houston
Best Museums in Houston for Kids and Families
In winter, visit Luminations at the Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center. Photo by Ann Alva Weiding Photography, at bigredmuse.com.
Austin with Kids: 35 Best Things To Do in Austin, Texas
New to fishing? Try a Galveston fishing boat tour.
Best Kid-Friendly Tours in Galveston For Your Family Trip
The outdoor pool at the Moody Gardens Hotel, photo courtesy of Visit Galveston.
Best Family-Friendly Hotels in Galveston, TX
One of our favorite petting zoos near Houston. Photo courtesy of Dewberry Farm
The Best Petting Zoos Near Houston
Make it an unforgettable family getaway from Houston by hiking Enchanted Rock. Photo courtesy Passport to Texas.
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Houston Day Trips and Family Getaways Guide
Photo courtesy of Schlitterbahn Waterparks
20 Top Things To Do in Galveston with Kids
Photo by author Rebecca Matheson Ortiz for Mommy Poppins.
Tips and Secrets to the Houston Zoo with Kids
MKT has great family-friendly restaurants! Photo courtesy of @mendocinofarms and MKT
Best Things to Do in The Houston Heights with Kids
There's no shortage of fun baby activities in Houston.
Best Things To Do with Babies in Houston Before They Turn 1
Houston's bucket list for kid activities
100 Things To Do In Houston Before Kids Grow Up
Your little learner will love the variety of toddler classes in Houston. Photo courtesy of the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center
Fun Preschool and Toddler Classes in Houston for Little Learners
Treat your kid to one of these Houston spas with services for children. Photo courtesy of Float Baby
Kid-Friendly Salons and Spas Near Houston
Climb with your kids at one of these indoor rock climbing gyms in Houston. Photo courtesy of Texas Rock Gym
Best Indoor Rock Climbing Gyms in Houston for Kids
Bowling is a fun indoor activity to add to your list this summer. Photo courtesy of Palace Social
Kid-Friendly Bowling Alleys in Houston
Fishing at Sea Center in Freeport, TX. Photo courtesy of Texas Parks and Wildlife
Freeport with Kids: Best Things To Do in Freeport, Texas
Photo courtesy of Osprey Cruises
30 Things To Do Near South Padre Island, TX with Kids
Round up the girls and head out for a kid-free night in Houston. Photo courtesy of Thirsty Bee Meadery
Mom's Night Out in Houston: 5 Fun Itineraries for a Kid-Free Evening
Kids love the carousel on Kemah's boardwalk.
Top Things to Do at Kemah Boardwalk with Kids
San Antonio has a lot of budget-friendly things to do with kids. Photo courtesy of the San Antonio Botanical Garden
Fun Budget Weekend Getaways for Houston Families
Birdwatching at the Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary, photo courtesy of Houston Audubon
Best Things to Do in Memorial, West Houston with Kids
Photo courtesy of Cypress Academy
Ninja Warrior Gyms, Obstacle Courses, and Parkour in Houston for Kids
Montessori preschools focus on hands-on learning. Photo courtesy of The Woodlands Montessori School
13 Top-Notch Montessori Preschools in Houston
Hero Headquarters is a birthday party entertainment company in Houston. Photo courtesy of Hero Headquarters
15 Fun Houston Birthday Party Entertainers Who Will Come to Your House
Check out one of these breakfasts in Houston for a casual meal when the kids get up early. Photo courtesy of Snooze
Best Breakfasts in Houston for Kids and Families
Free activities like feeding the ducks at Mary Jo Peckham Park are simple and still great fun for kids. Photo courtesy of Canva
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For the best baby clothes, try these Houston baby boutiques. Photo courtesy of Threadfare Children's Boutique
The Coolest Baby Clothes in Houston: Best Boutiques & Stores

Halloween Weekend 2024 in NYC: Trick-or-Treat, Halloween Parades, and More Things To Do

Dumboween is scarily entertaining, beginning with the annual March to the Arch followed by crafts, costume contests, live music, and trick-or-treating, of course! Photo by Hassan Mokaddam
Dumboween is scarily entertaining, beginning with the annual March to the Arch followed by crafts, costume contests, live music, and trick-or-treating, of course! Photo by Hassan Mokaddam
10/29/24 - By Drew Kristofik

Looking for the best things to do in New York City this Halloween weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list for Halloween weekend.

We're in full spook mode at last, up to our eyeballs in Halloween activities. Our top picks for Halloween proper include the Jackson Heights Halloween Parade and Brooklyn's free fete, BAMBoo! When you're done parading and partying, you'll need this list of NYC's best trick-or-treat neighborhoods so you know where to source the goodies!

The fun doesn't end on Thursday, though. Saturday brings with it a Diwali celebration at Flushing Town Hall and Day of the Dead at El Museo del Barrio. Pint-sized theater-goers should book their tickets now to see New Shoes at the New 42.

More Things To Do in New York City this Week with Kids

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Visit this grand, corner-lot mansion in Ditmas Park, Brooklyn, for Halloween decorations taken to the next level! Photo by Sara Marentette
Visit this grand, corner-lot mansion in Ditmas Park, Brooklyn, for Halloween decorations taken to the next level! Photo by Sara Marentette

More Top Things To Do this Weekend in NYC with Kids

Broadway Magic Hour at the Broadway Comedy Club

Midtown West
Select Saturdays through Saturday, December 30
The Broadway Magic Hour features master magicians Jim Vines and Carl Mercurio in a performance that includes mind-boggling mysteries and hilarious comedy for all ages. Witness magic, mind-reading, comedy, and grand illusions! READ MORE

Inwood Pumpkin Pageant in Isham Park

Inwood – FREE
Friday, November 1
The Inwood Pumpkin Pageant returns to Isham Park for another spooky display of Halloween artistry. Local residents bring their carved jack-o'-lanterns to the park the evening after Halloween for a grand community event. READ MORE

Día de Muertos in the Flatiron District

Flatiron – FREE
Through Friday, November 1
The Flatiron NoMad Partnership expands its annual Día de los Muertos celebration to a full month of interactive placemaking activations, a three-day community altar, and spotlighting Mexican-owned businesses in the neighborhood. READ MORE

New Shoes at New 42 Studios

Midtown West
Opens Friday, November 1
Through playful puppetry and Spanish folk song, tender storyteller Tian Gombau unboxes the tale of young Tracalet, who discovers the people and places of his hometown while on a journey to enjoy a piece of cake. READ MORE

Hudson River Park's Pumpkin Smash

Midtown West – FREE
Saturday, November 2
Bring your jack-o'-lantern or uncarved pumpkin to Hudson River Park's Pier 84 to squash, smash, and smush it into compost to help keep the park beautiful, green, and growing. The fun-packed afternoon includes free face painting from Silly Cheeks and circus entertainment by Bindlestiff performers. READ MORE

Diwali Festival at Flushing Town Hall

Flushing, Queens
Saturday, November 2
Flushing Town Hall celebrates the Festival of Lights with its 11th annual Diwali Festival, featuring family-friendly workshops, Indian classical and folk dance steps workshops, and a kathak dance presentation. READ MORE

Spooky Listening Party with Adam Gidwitz at BPL's Central Library

Prospect Heights, Brooklyn – FREE
Saturday, November 2
The Brooklyn Public Library's Central Library hosts a spooktacular Halloween listening party featuring the magical and creepy world of award-winning kids’ podcast Grimm, Grimmer, Grimmest.  READ MORE

Day of the Dead 2024 at the Museum of the Moving Image

Astoria, Queens – FREE
Saturday, November 2
Celebrate a vibrant Day of the Dead at the Museum of the Moving Image with a performance of Aztec Mexica dance, ofrendas honoring loved ones who have died, fun digital media activities for kids and families, and music from Indigenous dance troupe Yayauhki Tezcatlipoka. Face-painting sessions are offered inspired by historical characters from Día de Muertos. READ MORE

Super Sabado: Día de los Muertos at El Museo del Barrio

East Harlem – FREE
Saturday, November 2
El Museo’s annual Día de los Muertos celebration returns with a full day of family-friendly programming. Honoring the lives of loved ones who have passed, this beloved tradition invites visitors of all ages to come together and experience the vibrant cultural traditions surrounding the holiday.  READ MORE

Adventures from The Shed: Scarlett Goes to Space Camp at the 14th Street Y

Union Square
Saturday, November 2
It's Scarlett's first day at space camp and she wants to be prepared. Can your little one help Scarlett and Jeeves get ready before the bus comes?  Adventures from the Shed offers interactive, themed performances that both entertain and educate young children. With catchy songs, hands-on activities, and a backpack of props for each child, your little ones will actively participate, sparking creativity and curiosity. Don't miss this unique edutainment experience that will have the whole family singing, dancing, and learning together. READ MORE

Peter S. Beagle at Books of Wonder

Chelsea – FREE
Sunday, November 3
Meet the legendary author Peter S. Beagle and celebrate the release of his newest book, I'm Afraid You've Got Dragons!   READ MORE

Harvest Dance Celebration

Floral Park, Queens
Sunday, November 3
Celebrate American Indian Culture through music and dance! The Harvest Dance Celebration showcases different Native American dances outdoors at the Queens County Farm Museum. READ MORE
All the superheroes and stars come out for BAMboo!, the over-the-top Halloween party at BAM. Photo by Elena Olivia
All the superheroes and stars come out for BAMboo!, the over-the-top Halloween party at BAM. Photo by Elena Olivia

Best Things To Do on Halloween in NYC with Kids

Trick-or-Streets

Citywide – FREE
NYC DOT partners with Open Streets, plazas, and other corridors in October and on Halloween to add pedestrian space during one of the busiest nights of the year. READ MORE

Spooky Snug Harbor Tour

Snug Harbor, Staten Island
Snug Harbor is one of Staten Island’s most beautiful historic destinations. And, if the legends are true, one of its most haunted… Journey back in time to learn about murder, mayhem, and hauntings at Snug Harbor, including a visit to the final resting place of Captain Robert Randall, whose wealth willed Snug Harbor into existence.  READ MORE

A MAD Halloween Party

Midtown West
Celebrate Halloween with the Museum of Arts and Design! Wear your crafty costumes and drop by for an afternoon of dancing, live DJs, and art-activities for the whole family.   READ MORE

Trick-or-Treating at the Whitney

Greenwich Village
Ghouls and goblins of all ages are invited to trick-or-treat in the lobby of the Whitney Museum all afternoon long.  READ MORE

Big Halloween Get Down in Brooklyn Bridge Park

Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn – FREE
The Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy hosts an all-ages spooky dance party on the Pier 3 Plaza, with sounds by Herbert Holler. Doors open at 6pm and the dance party starts at 7pm. Advance online registration is encouraged. READ MORE

Trick or Treat at the Seaport

South Street Seaport – FREE
Pop on your costumes and bring the kids to the Seaport to visit a whole host of local restaurants, stores, and landmarks. Candy and friendly neighborhood vibes will be flowing from the restaurants on Pier 17 to the shops and eateries along Front Street, Fulton Street, South Street, and Peck Slip.  READ MORE

Halloween with Boo!KCM

Park Slope, Brooklyn – FREE
The Brooklyn Conservatory of Music hosts an outdoor Halloween Party. Talented musical spirits give a spine-chilling performance in a haunted musical garden, and the candy is frightfully delicious. READ MORE

Trick-or-Streets at Essex Market

Lower East Side – FREE
The Lower East Side’s largest Halloween celebration invites ghouls and goblins of all-ages to take part in spooktacular activities at Essex Market, which is set to give away 1,000 pounds of candy.   READ MORE

Dumboween: Halloween March to the Arch

Dumbo, Brooklyn – FREE
Put on your most creative costume, and head to Dumbo for a Halloween March to the Arch. Beginning at Washington Street, between Front and Water Streets, costumed participants parade to the Dumbo Archway, led by live music and puppets. READ MORE

BAMboo!

Fort Greene, Brooklyn – FREE
BAM’s annual free community Halloween celebration happily haunts the neighborhood with family-friendly music, carnival games, arts and crafts, candy giveaways, trick-or-treat popcorn, and more. Costumes are encouraged. READ MORE

Jackson Heights Halloween Parade

Jackson Heights, Queens – FREE
The Jackson Heights Halloween Parade—NYC’s largest children’s Halloween parade—lines up once again at 89th Street and 37th Avenue and marches down 37th Avenue to PS 69. READ MORE

Halloween Parade and Costume Contest in Washington Square Park

Greenwich Village – FREE
One of the city's largest free children's events on Halloween features live performances, games, treats, and more! Gather at 3pm at the Washington Square Park Arch to begin the parade. READ MORE

Halloween in East Midtown

Midtown East – FREE
The East Midtown Partnership welcomes kids ages 12 and under to the free, annual Halloween in East Midtown spooktacular. The fun includes pumpkin painting, fun photo-ops, and trick-or-treating.  READ MORE

Bryant Park Tricks and Treats

Midtown West – FREE
Bryant Park hosts a Halloween celebration with magic tricks, face painting, pumpkin decorating, and more. Kids can also trick or treat their way through the Holiday Shops. Entertainment includes a 4pm puppet show with WonderSpark Puppets and a 5pm magic show with Zach the Magician. READ MORE

Park Slope Halloween Parade

Park Slope, Brooklyn – FREE
The Park Slope Civic Council hosts the spookiest parade in Park Slope. Marchers line up at 7th Avenue and 14th Street and wind their way to the Old Stone House. Come early to trick-or-treat. READ MORE

Wave Hill-O-Ween

Riverdale, the Bronx – FREE
Venture through Wave Hill's iron gates (if you dare!) for an evening adventure with treats, tricks, and good old spooky fun. Grab a map to guide you on an eerie treasure trail through the gardens with “gourdgeous” photo-ops along the way. Personalize a treat bag and decorate a mini-gourd favor, then dance away the eve with family-friendly tunes in spooktacular Armor Hall. READ MORE

52nd Annual Village Halloween Parade

Greenwich Village – FREE
The world's most famous Halloween parade weaves through the streets of Greenwich Village once again. Hundreds of puppets, musicians, dancers, and artists, and thousands of other New Yorkers in creative costumes march in the nation’s most wildly creative public participatory event in the greatest city in the world. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Brooklyn Bridge Park
BAM Peter Jay Sharp Lobby and Lepercq Space

About the Author

Drew Kristofik
Drew Kristofik’s career took a twist from editing teen magazines to a seven-year stint at MacNeil/Lehrer, followed by a long run at Nickelodeon/Viacom as Director of Content for Nick Online and Editor-in-Chief of ParentsConnect.com. A founding member of the Webby Award-winning GoCityKids, she’s written for Family Fun, Vanity Fair, and New York. Her middle school novel, The Time Boat, is available on Amazon Kindle. Drew keeps the MommyPoppins New York Events calendar spot-on and can be reached at events@mommypoppins.com.
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