BY YANNIC RACK | Fall has officially started, and with it comes the season of pumpkin carving and trick-or-treating. All those searching for some spooky fun or creepy horror, look no further: here are some of the best Halloween kids events haunting Downtown Manhattan in October.
Washington Market Park Pumpkin-Carving Contest
For the first time this year, Washington Market Park is hosting a pumpkin-carving contest, with ribbons awarded in three categories: scariest, funniest and most creative. You can bring your own pumpkin to enter, or just stop by with your family to enjoy the festive display. Note there’s no actual carving permitted at the event.
Sat., Oct. 24; 5-6:30 p.m.; Washington Market Park Gazebo; www.washingtonmarketpark.org; free.
Washington Market Park Halloween Costume Parade and Party
Get lost in the hay maze or dig up bones in the sandbox, at Washington Market Park’s annual Halloween bash. The parade starts at 12:45 p.m. near CitiGroup Plaza (Greenwich St. at N. Moore St.) and travels south along Greenwich St. to the park. Strollers are not allowed inside the park for the event, but there will be a free stroller-check at Duane and Greenwich Sts.
Sun., Oct. 25; 1-3 p.m.; Washington Market Park; www.washingtonmarketpark.org; free.
Fab Kids BOO-tiful Halloween Bash
Dress up for the most fashionable kid’s Halloween party in Manhattan. For ages from 6 months to 5 years, there’ll be crafts, snacks, a Monster Mash dance, family portraits, face painting, goody bags, manicures, and more. Of course costumes are encouraged.
Mon., Oct. 26; 6-7:30 p.m.; 100 Reade St.; facebook.com/fabkidsnyc; $40 for adults, $10 for children.
Seaport Halloween Party
Join the Old Seaport Alliance and the Seaport District for a night of Halloween festivities including a family costume parade and district-wide trick-or-treating. Look for the pumpkin symbol in the local shop and restaurant directories for participating trick-or-treat locations. Prizes for best costumes will also be doled out.
Sat., Oct. 31; 6 – 8 p.m.; Peck Slip Plaza; www.southstreetseaport.com; free.
A Haunted (Poets) House
If you’re looking for fun with a side of education, drop in all day long to listen to classic spooky poetry, make a monster mask, and write a spell or incantation on “ancient” paper. All ages are welcome.
Sat., Oct. 31; 11a.m. -5 p.m.; 10 River Terrace; www.poetshouse.org; free.
FiDi Families Halloween Festival
To get in the mood for trick-or-treating, come and try your hand at pumpkin decorating (11 a.m. for the first 200 children) and snap fun pictures of your family in costume at a photo booth (11:30 a.m.). The day of events will also include a sing-a-long by Music for Aardvarks (11:30 a.m.), as well as a kids costume parade around the Seaport (12:30 p.m.)
Sat., Oct. 31; 11 a.m.-1 p.m.; 19 Fulton St.; www.fidifamilies.com; Free, but R.S.V.P. required.
Halloween Spooktacular
Princesses, ninjas, zombies and everyone in between are invited to Church Street School’s all-ages family party. There will be a costume parade, art projects, pumpkin painting, Kooky Karaoke, as well as a spooky maze and haunted hallway. Tickets are available online and at the school’s front office.
Sat., Oct. 31; 11 am-3 pm; 74 Warren St.; www.churchstreetschool.org; $10 children and seniors, $25 adults, $50 families.
Brookfield Place Halloween Party
Celebrate All Hallow’s Eve with the family-friendly Halloween Party at Brookfield Place (formerly the World Financial Center). This year the event will feature live performances, hands-on activities with Carmelo the Science Fellow, a costume catwalk with Fashion Emcees Tracey and Mason, and lots more.
Sat., Oct. 31; 12-3 p.m.; Brookfield Place (Near West & Vesey Sts.); www.brookfieldplaceny.com; free.
Halloween Kidz Karnival
The spooky fun returns to Tribeca at Hudson River Park’s Pier 26, which will be transformed into “Halloween Central” with fun-filled attractions like magic by Kid Ace, interactive storytelling with the Story Pirates, face painting, cotton candy, rides and a costume contest.
Sat., Oct. 31; 12-5 p.m.; Pier 26 at N. Moore St.; www.hudsonriverpark.org; free, $2 select activities.
