Events

Now that Halloween is behind us, I can feel a subliminal pressure mounting about the coming Holiday Season. The toy commercials are ramping up, the Toys R Us big book of presents as I call it arrived last Sunday, and I even spotted some tinsel being strewn, but I'm not gonna tell you where. At any rate, in case you hadn't heard, there is one less weekend between Thanksgiving and Christmas this year, meaning once Thanksgiving hits (which is just a few short weeks away), we are pretty much going to be in turbo Holiday mode until January 1st. Take advantage of the calm before the storm this weekend, and check out some of the cool family events going on across the Island:

You might still have left over Halloween candy hanging around (here’s some ideas of what to do with it), but the monster-filled events have come to an end here in the city. And that's not a bad thing. Fill this weekend with some decidedly Fall adventures like kite flying, chamber music for kiddies, family arts programs, dance parties, and much more.

And don't forget to enter our giveaway for a free family photo portrait session. Two winners will be chosen on Sunday.

Winter may be just around the corner, but it isn't time to give up fun outdoor activities just yet!  This weekend, kids can head outdoors and get up close with all kinds of animals: watch wild ducks, learn all about horses, or attend an outdoor animal storytime.  They can also travel back in time at a historical farm and explore sausage and bacon making, or learn how to turn apples into cider.  Too chilly for you? Look for a good time indoors with a free theater series with campfire stories, a Mo Willem’s show at SOPAC, or family fun at the Newark Museum.

It's finally here. Halloween Weekend is upon us and the kids are already jittery with excitement. We've written about so many Halloween activities, how on earth are you to decide what to do? Plus there's a few events we haven't even mentioned yet. So this week's events post focuses on the most interesting Halloween activities this weekend.

Of course there's way more than ten great things to do this weekend so make sure to check the posts in our Halloween Activities Guide and our events calendar, which has over 50 cool events for this weekend (we even have some non-Halloween events if you're over it).

With Halloween falling on a Saturday, chances are your weekend plans include a day of Holiday festivities and a day of relaxation on Sunday. Or maybe you're looking for ways to stay out of the house and away from all the Halloween candy on Sunday. Whether you're looking for ways to get the most out of Halloween this weekend, or ways to get moving on from it, we've rounded up some of the best on and off the beaten path activities for you on Long Island this weekend:
 

Halloween isn't just about candy. This weekend you can take Halloween on from every angle with Fall and Harvest festivals, at a pumpkin festival, in a historic mansion, a green halloween, glamrock and even from the point of view of bats. But that's not all, the Greenpoint/Williamsburg Halloween Parade is this weekend, plus the non-scary kids version of Nightmare: Vampires Haunted House is this weekend only. Yes, Halloween is eerily upon us, but have no fear—we’ve got you covered! From last minute DIY costume ideas, to healthier options for treats, there’s tons of great stuff in our Halloween Fun Guide.

With one weekend left until Halloween, there are lots of great events going on to celebrate. And, before the weather turns cold, there are also some really nice Fall outdoor events for families to check out this weekend. There is still time to go pumpkin picking, and if you're looking for great farms, check out our pumpkin picking post. Or, we recently shared great Halloween events and the best kid friendly Haunted Houses on the island as well. So whether you're looking for more ways to get your "wear" out of those costumes or just looking for ways to get out, we've rounded up some of the best events on Long Island for families this weekend:
 

If everybody loves a parade, everybody must be absolutely smitten with a Halloween parade. You should probably take your kids to the big VIllage Halloween Parade once just for the sheer theater of it, but most years we stick to the little neighborhood parades. The littler Halloween parades are great for kids, not just because of the lack of mobs, but most of them anyone can just jump in and you'll see the most fun, creative homemade costumes all in one place.

I've gathered up a bunch of alternative Halloween parades for kids that sound like a a lot of fun to participate in or just watch. And if you don't live in a great trick or treating neighborhood, this is a great excuse to join in the fun in another neighborhood. Go for the parade. Stay for the trick or treating!

Don’t let the bad weather put a damper on your Fall festivities and plans! This weekend you can attend a Rock and Mineral Show, a Latino Heritage Festival at the Newark Museum, “pick” a pumpkin at the Liberty Science Center, or try out your Halloween costume and trick or treating skills at the NJ Children’s Museum Halloween Spooktacular. And if the weather holds up, you may want to check out the annual Pumpkin Flying Festival in Pittstown or the Lumberjack and Hot Air Balloon Festival at Shawnee Mountain.

Haven't picked up your Halloween costumes yet? Lucky for you, there are still plenty of other great activities going on here on Long Island this weekend for you. On the other hand, if you're looking for ways to get the most out of the Halloween costumes you bought or borrowed this year, check out our recent post on great Halloween Events on Long Island or check out our Halloween Guide. And here's our picks for the best events and activities to enjoy this weekend: