Local Halloween outings for the whole family

There’s no reason to save all the Halloween festivities for October 31 – festive happenings are going on all throughout October in New York City. Here, we round up some of the fun things you won’t want to miss.

Carl Schurz Park Conservatory Harvest Festival

Walk around the pumpkin patch with your kids at the Carl Schurz Park Conservatory harvest festival.
Credit: Getty Images

On October 11, take your kids to the Upper East Side for a day of hayrides across a pumpkin patch and a concert. The best part is the whole thing is free. It’s taking place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Carl Schurz Park Conservatory. Click here for more info.

Bat Exhibit

Learning about bats will make them less creepy, at least a little.
Credit: Getty Images

A mix of creepy and cool, Central Park will be showcasing its collection of bats. Take your kids to learn about these nocturnal creatures for a presentation taking place October 11 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Belvedere Castle in Central Park. It’s free and you just may leave learning a thing or too yourself.

R. L. Stine Book Signing 

A scary story reading from R. L. Stine is worth your kids’ missing nap-time for.
Credit: Getty Images

Famed “Goosebumps” series author R.L. Stine will be hosting a free signing for kids (and OK, adult fans too) October 18 at 2 p.m. at the Scholastic store in Soho. Bring your favorite old copies or one of his newer books like, “Zombie Halloween,” and get into the spirit of the holiday with a scary reading.

The Count’s Halloween Party at Sesame Place

Cookie Monster, Ernie, Elmo and the whole gang will be at the Count’s Halloween party.
Credit: Provided

Up to taking a day trip? Just 90 minutes away, Sesame Place is throwing a big party honoring the Count on October 25 and 26. A menu of  fall foods and treats will be served and the rest of the Sesame Street characters will be singing and dancing. Costumes are encouraged! Book tickets online at sesameplace.com.

Empire State Building Light-And-Music Show

The Empire State Building wows every year with its Halloween light show.
Credit: Provided

Don’t get too busy trick-or-treating that you forget to look up: the Empire State Building is putting on a special light show October 31. The exact time is yet to be announced, but a Halloween-themed LED show will be going on, which will be synchronized to the music playing on iHeartMedia radio stations, like Z100. If you miss the show, gather the kids around the computer later to watch it on thhe Empire State Building’s YouTube channel.

Follow Emily on Twitter: @EmLaurence

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