As we collectively begin to settle into a “new normal,” we at the Nanny Authority have been busy making our fall bucket lists that could never be complete without a few spooky and scary activities! Below you’ll find some of the most popular New York City activities and COVID-19 safe adventures for you and your little ghouls and goblins.
Outdoor NYC family-friendly activities and events
Take a walking tour of one of the most extravagantly festive neighborhoods in NYC for free with your little ones. Some of the best decorations can be found in the Industry City, Brooklyn neighborhood, on the Upper West Side and downtown in the West Village and Chelsea. Appreciating your neighborhood is a free and fun way to get into the holiday spirit with children of all ages. Let us know if you see any ghosts!!
New York Botanical Garden (NYBG) never disappoints with their Scarecrows and Pumpkins Takeover during the autumn months. Through October 31st you and your family can enjoy fanciful scarecrows and mountains of pumpkins and gourds at the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden at the NYBG. Admission to this event is included with KUSAMA Garden Pass and KUSAMA Garden and Gallery Pass tickets. *Valid proof of COVID-19 vaccination and ID are required for entry to indoor exhibition spaces and facilities, and all dining areas.
Weekdays can be complicated for working parents to get out and enjoy Halloween fun with their children, and that’s why we can’t recommend Pumpkin Point on Governor’s Island enough. This year, thousands of pumpkins are anticipated to transform the island into a wonderland of your pumpkin spice, seasonal dreams. This annual pumpkin patch is open the last two weekends of October with free admission. You can expect live music, arts and crafts, food and beverage vendors and more! *Face coverings are still required at all times while queuing, boarding, and riding and disembarking the ferry. Additionally, all indoor spaces offering public programs and galleries on Governors Island require proof of COVID-19 vaccination for all eligible individuals.
Take a walk on the wild side with Boo at the Zoo at the Bronx Zoo! This family friendly favorite (say that tongue twister three times!) is back and better than ever with pumpkin carving, a costume parade, Halloween crafts and even a little magic! Admission to this event is free for members. Tickets are required and must be reserved in advanced to enjoy. *Masks are required regardless of vaccination status and unvaccinated guests are required to wear a mask at all outdoor areas where social distancing cannot be maintained.
Is there anything cooler than experiencing our city from the water? Check out the Halloween Kids Spooky Cruise every Saturday and on Halloween in October this year. Come dressed to impress in your most festive attire and take in the panoramic views with the whole family. *Attendants must not have tested positive for COVID-19 or be experiencing any potential symptoms of COVID-19 within 14 days of their cruise. If you have been in contact with anyone who has tested positive within 14 days of your cruise this event is not for you.
Escape the city and explore Long Island, NY during the annual, Great Jack Lantern Blaze with more than 7,000 pumpkins to help get you into the holiday spirit! This impressive holiday display is available, to the public with a ticket purchase ahead of time for you and your family. *Masks are required for any unvaccinated visitors aged 12 and up, no exceptions. Masks are not required for those who are vaccinated. All patrons regardless of vaccination status must wear masks when indoors or using any of the facilities.
For more Spooky Season events in and around NYC you can find some wonderful resources, here.
Make sure to follow the Nanny Authority on social media @thenannyauthority and @thenannyauthorityinc and a reminder this back-to-school season that if you’re still in need of afterschool help, it’s not too late to reach out!