The leaves are falling from the trees, the beautiful fall foliage is on display in Upstate NYC and there are pumpkins on every street corner. The Fall / Harvest season is upon us. It is also our kids’ FAVORITE time of the year…HALLOWEEN.
But first – a quick mention about an exciting midweek brunch event coming up on Tuesday, November 13th, 10am at Boundless Plains Espresso. We’d love to have a big turn out to support Aussie Mum, Jo Black on her new business venture in downtown Manhattan. We hope to see you all there! Further details are on the Mums and Dads Facebook Group & AWNY website. Reach out to Marion or I directly for any questions via awny@aaanyc.org.
As for Halloween, New York City does it so well, from street parades, neighborhood block parties, amazing decorations on brownstones across the city and numerous places to trick or treat from your own apartment block, to local shops and neighboring areas.
Living on the Upper West Side, we usually visit the fantastic street parties on W 69th St or W 78th St. The brownstones have phenomenal decorations and homeowners handing out candy. My tip is to arrive early to avoid the crowds because at around 4:30 pm the streets are blocked off from traffic. It is stroller friendly earlier on as well.
Similar block parties happen on the Upper East Side: on 78th St between Park and Lexington Ave is a big attraction. On 92nd St between Park and Madison is the Halloween Spooktacular party from 5 – 6:30 pm.
In the Village from 3 – 6 pm is the Children’s Halloween Parade and party in Washington Square Park before the big event, the infamous Village Halloween Parade from 7 pm, which follows the route along 6th Ave from Spring St to 16th. The theme this year is “I AM a robot”.
Here are some additional Halloween activities which are happening in the city between now and the big event that are worth checking out;
Friday 26 October:
- Asphalt Screams: Asphalt Green at the UES & Battery Park locations are both throwing Halloween themed parties, with online reservations required.
Saturday 27 October:
- Halloween haunted Fair, Prospect Park: Look out for the zombies, witches, skeletons roaming the fair with games and treats for everyone.
- American Museum of Natural History: Walk around the decorated exhibits and collect candy. It’s $16 per person, $13 for members.
Sunday 28 October:
- TriBeCa Halloween parade: This is the popular annual party at Washington Markets park with lots of free activities.
- Pumpkin Flotilla in Central Park: Bring your pumpkin and watch it sail away on the Harlem Meer. There is live music and a costume parade.
- High Line Hotel Dog costume parade: Bring your family dog all dressed up to the dog contest. There will also be face painting and crafts for the kids.
Saturday 27 & Sunday 28 October:
- Governors Island: Check out the pumpkin patch and the trick or treating event.
More Halloween Activities:
There are many more activities all over the city and in all boroughs. Mommy Poppins has an extensive list of kid-friendly Halloween activities.
Finally, to finish off where we started with a note about coffee: a group of lovely Aussie mums had a great brunch catch up a few weeks ago at Australian-owned Charley St cafe in NoLita. Thanks to all who attended and we look forward to seeing you again at a future event.
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Image by AWNY Mums & Dads Group
All images from http://www.pexels.com except where indicated.
AWNY | Australian Women in New York 