This week, families can head to our Halloween Fest on Fifth Avenue in Bay Ridge and our Pumpkin & Spiderman Fest at City Point, plus Halloween Fest and the Great PUPkin in Fort Greene Park, the Carroll Park costume party, Pumpkin Point on Governors Island, the season’s last Montague Street Open Streets, outdoor Halloween movies in Carroll Gardens, Bay Ridge and Bed-Stuy, a tricycle ride through a warehouse exhibition at Brooklyn Army Terminal in Sunset Park, and Día de Muertos celebrations in Bed-Stuy and Kensington.
ALL WEEK
Every week | Mornings, days vary | Prospect Park, Cobble Hill, Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn Bridge Park and more | Free | Babies and toddlers in strollers
Brooklyn’s free stroller groups walk every week: Mommy & Me walks Sundays at 10am in Prospect Park, Stroller Mami Walk Mondays at 10am in a rotating neighborhood, the Cobble Hill Walking Club on weekday mornings at Cobble Hill Park, Prospect Park Stroller Walks Thursdays at 10am from the Audubon Center (this week’s is Thursday, October 22, RSVP requested), and parkrun Saturdays at 8am in Brooklyn Bridge Park. There are dads’ stroll and run clubs too.
Thursday, October 22 and Friday, October 23, 3–5pm; Saturday, October 24 and Sunday, October 25, 1–5pm | 99 Plymouth Street | Free | Drop-in, all ages
Brooklyn Bridge Park’s nature center opens its 250-gallon aquarium of East River critters, a scale model of the park, crafts and a reading corner for free drop-in hours.
Thursday, October 22 and Friday, October 23, 10am–3pm; Saturday, October 24 and Sunday, October 25, 10am–1pm | Prospect Park Audubon Center at the Boathouse | Free | Drop-in
Prospect Park Alliance’s free drop-in nature programs: leaf art, nature sketching with a borrowed sketchbook and observation guide, and a leaf walk.
Friday, October 23 to Sunday, October 25 | 12–4pm | Old Stone House, Washington Park, 336 3rd Street | Suggested $3 donation, no one turned away | Families
The Old Stone House in Washington Park is open Friday to Sunday afternoons with its self-guided exhibit, from the Lenape village to the Battle of Brooklyn.
MONDAY
Monday, October 19 | 10am–6pm | 279 Calyer Street | Free; first flower free, additional flowers $5 | Families
Monday is the last day of New York-based artist Cj Hendry’s Flower Market in Greenpoint. Admission is free, and everyone takes home a free flower; additional flowers are $5 each.
Monday, October 19 and Tuesday, October 20 | 2:30–5:30pm | Pacific Library, 25 Fourth Avenue | Library program | Ages 0–5 with a caregiver
An afternoon of open play for little ones and their grown-ups.
Monday, October 19 | 3–4pm | Brooklyn Heights Library, 286 Cadman Plaza West | Library program | Kids
For kids who find the busy children’s area too much, the Craft Room opens as a quiet, calm space, with sensory tools like headphones and weighted toys.
Monday, October 19 to Friday, October 23 | 3–4pm | Bay Ridge Library, 7223 Ridge Boulevard | Library program | Ages 0–5, with a table for older kids
Open play for the under-fives every weekday afternoon this week, with a play and craft table set up for older siblings. Space is limited.
Monday, October 19 | 4–5pm | Sunset Park Library, 5108 Fourth Avenue | Library program | Ages 6–12
Kids crack secret codes to work out whodunit.
TUESDAY
Tuesday, October 20 | 3pm–midnight | Time Out Market New York, 55 Water Street | Free | Basketball fans
Time Out Market shows all three opening-night games on the big screen: Celtics at Pistons at 3pm, 76ers at Knicks at 7pm with the Knicks’ championship banner and ring ceremony, and Thunder at Spurs at 9:30pm.
Tuesday, October 20 | 6–10:30pm | Industry City Bandshell Stage, Courtyards 1/2, enter at 238 36th Street | Free with RSVP | Ages 8 and up, no strollers
The Knicks’ banner raising and opening game on a 15-foot screen with full concert sound, outdoors in the courtyard.
Tuesday, October 20 | 10:30–11:30am | Central Library, 10 Grand Army Plaza, Dweck Center | Library program | Ages 0–5
Mr. Patrick and his buddy Mr. Mikey bring live music, dancing and silliness to a family sing-along.
Tuesday, October 20 | 1–8pm | Williamsburgh Library, 240 Division Avenue | Library program | Ages 5 and up
Pick up a craft kit to take home and make your own creation, while supplies last.
Tuesday, October 20 | 3–3:45pm | Park Slope Library, 431 Sixth Avenue | Library program | Ages 5–12, younger kids with an adult
Board, card and tabletop games in the children’s room.
Tuesday, October 20 | 3:30–4:30pm | Leonard Library, 81 Devoe Street | Library program | Ages 4 to 12
For kids who find the busy children’s area overwhelming, the downstairs auditorium opens as a calm space with sensory stations.
Tuesday, October 20 | 3:30–4:30pm | Red Hook Interim Library, 362 Van Brunt Street | Library program | Ages 6–12
Kids plant seeds, read stories, sing and take home plants and flowers. For children with and without disabilities.
Tuesday, October 20 | 4–4:45pm | Adams Street Library, 9 Adams Street | Library program, registration required | Toddlers
A Daniel Tiger book, then the episode, and take-home tools to help toddlers with social-emotional learning.
WEDNESDAY
Wednesday, October 21 | 12–3pm | Willoughby Street Open Street between Jay and Pearl Streets | Free | Families
Downtown Brooklyn Partnership throws an autumn lunchtime party on the open street: live music and dance with Brass Monkey and Flamenco Vivo, giant games, ping pong and prizes.
Wednesday, October 21 and Saturday, October 24 | 10:30–11:30am | Check in at the Green-House, 750 Fifth Avenue at 25th Street | Free, ticket required | Parents and caregivers with babies
A walking tour of Green-Wood designed for parents and caregivers pushing strollers, with Park Slope Parents.
Wednesday, October 21 | 4–6pm | 72nd Precinct, 830 4th Avenue | Free | Recommended for kids
The 72nd Precinct hosts a trunk-or-treat with candy, prizes and face painting, and a prize for the best costume.
Wednesday, October 21 | 6–7:30pm | 9 Bergen Street, Cobble Hill | Free | Families of kids from 2s to 8th grade
Families learn about the school’s 2s-to-8th-grade arc and the Montessori approach, spend time in the classrooms and put questions to the program leaders.
Wednesday, October 21 | 7–8:30pm | Multipurpose Ballfield, Carroll Park, between Court and Smith Streets | Free | Rated PG
NYC Parks screens the Halloween-season favorite outdoors in Carroll Park.
Wednesdays through January 13 | 4–5pm | Brooklyn | Free | Ages 6–9
Precious Moments is a professionally facilitated bereavement group through Calvary Hospital for children who have experienced the death of a parent, sibling, grandparent or other significant person. Exact dates are set with families during intake.
Wednesday, October 21 | 4:30–6pm | Marsha P. Johnson State Park, 90 Kent Avenue | Free | Ages 5 and up
An after-school art session in the waterfront state park, making barn-quilt designs.
Wednesday, October 21 | 5pm | Polish & Slavic Center, 176 Java Street | Free | Kids
A free weekly painting class for children at the Polish & Slavic Center.
Wednesday, October 21 | 11am–12pm | Clinton Hill Library, 380 Washington Avenue | Library program | Ages 0–5
A new art project every week for little artists.
THURSDAY
Thursday, October 22 | 4:30–7pm | 3002 Fort Hamilton Parkway | Free | Families
Prospect Schools opens its newest campus for an afternoon of games, pumpkin decorating, a magic show and treats. There is no cost to attend.
Thursday, October 22 | 10–11am | JJ Byrne Playground at Old Stone House & Washington Park, 336 Third Street | Free | Ages 0–5
Children’s performer Suzi Shelton brings giant bubbles, music and dancing for little ones. Next week, October 29, is the Halloween costume party.
Thursday, October 22 | Hours vary by block | Free
Hillel Plaza, on Hillel Place between Kenilworth Place and Flatbush Avenue, is DOT’s Brooklyn signature Trick-or-Streets event (2–6pm). Jitu Weusi Plaza, on Putnam Avenue between Fulton Street and Grand Avenue, is car-free 10am–8:30pm.
Thursday, October 22 | 10–11am | Blue Park House, 90 Kent Avenue | Free | Ages 5 and under
A free morning of play and activities for the littlest kids at the waterfront state park.
Thursday, October 22 | 2–5pm | Brooklyn Children’s Museum, 145 Brooklyn Avenue | Free | Kids and families
Admission to the museum is free every Thursday afternoon during Community Access Thursdays.
Thursday, October 22 | 10:30–11:30am | Sunset Park Library, 5108 Fourth Avenue | Library program | Ages 0–5
A bilingual storytime with stories and songs.
Thursday, October 22 | 11:30am–12:30pm | Clinton Hill Library, 380 Washington Avenue | Library program | Ages 0–5
Brooklyn’s award-winning kindie band plays a show for little kids and their grown-ups.
Thursday, October 22 | 3–4pm | Williamsburgh Library, 240 Division Avenue | Library program | Ages 4–12
A take-home craft project every Thursday.
Thursday, October 22 | 3–4:15pm | Red Hook Interim Library, 362 Van Brunt Street | Library program | Ages 10 and up
Mr. Nick teaches how to draw comic books, cartoons and graphic novels.
Thursday, October 22 | 3:30–5:15pm | Leonard Library, 81 Devoe Street | Library program | Kids
An after-school screening of The Curse of the Were-Rabbit (1 hour 25 minutes), a Halloween-season mystery about a vegetable-garden saboteur.
Thursday, October 22 | 4–5pm | Pacific Library, 25 Fourth Avenue | Library program | Ages 4–12 with a caregiver
Arts and crafts in the second-floor meeting room.
Thursday, October 22 | 6:30–7:30pm | Bedford Library, 496 Franklin Avenue | Library program | Kids
Look at what the city’s night sky still shows through the light pollution. The library cancels it if clouds, rain or poor visibility are forecast.
FRIDAY
Friday, October 23 | 7–8:15pm | Lawn, Owl’s Head Park, Shore Road at 68th Street | Free | Rated PG
NYC Parks screens Tim Burton’s Halloween classic on the lawn at Owl’s Head Park.
Friday, October 23 | 10:15–10:45am | Jane’s Carousel, Brooklyn Bridge Park | Free | Ages 0–5
The Adams Street children’s librarian leads songs, rhymes and stories at the carousel before it opens for the day. Next week’s is a Halloween edition.
Friday, October 23 | 10:30–11:30am | Greenpoint Library, 107 Norman Avenue | Library program | Ages 0–5
A short garden-themed storytime, then sensory activities in the library’s rooftop garden.
Friday, October 23 | 11–11:45am | Bedford Library, 496 Franklin Avenue | Library program | Babies and toddlers
Gentle movement, belly breaths, soothing music and sensory play.
Friday, October 23 | 2:30–3:15pm | Park Slope Library, 431 Sixth Avenue | Library program, registration required | Ages 0–5
NYC’s urban cowboy plays cowboy and folk songs about city life, animals and trains.
Friday, October 23 | 3:30–4:30pm | Brooklyn Heights Library, 286 Cadman Plaza West | Library program, no registration | Ages 5–12
Halloween-themed science experiments at the branch’s monthly lab.
Friday, October 23 | 8pm–midnight | Le Boudoir, 135 Atlantic Avenue | Tickets on Eventbrite | 21+
A grown-ups’ night out from Brooklyn Bridge Parents: come in costume and dance to 90s Hip-Hop/R&B, Dancehall, Pop and House with DJ CEO at Le Boudoir in Cobble Hill.
SATURDAY
Saturday, October 24 and Sunday, October 25 | 10am–5pm | Brooklyn Army Terminal, Building A, Dock 1, 140 58th Street | Free
Mmuseumm turned a 36,000-square-foot warehouse at the Brooklyn Army Terminal into an exhibition you ride through on tricycles, past towering photographs of the tools, craftspeople and production work of the terminal. Open weekends through November 15.
Saturday, October 24 | 4–7pm; the avenue is car-free from 2pm | Fifth Avenue, from 72nd to 85th Street | Free | All ages
Brooklyn Bridge Parents and the 5th Avenue BID take over ten car-free blocks of Fifth Avenue for a free block party: a bouncy house, pumpkin decorating, trunk-or-treat, haunted trucks, games, crafts and giveaways, plus the PuppetMobile performing Pinocchio from 4 to 4:35pm. Costumes encouraged; pumpkins are one per child while supplies last.
Saturday, October 24, rain date Sunday, October 25 | 12–4pm | Monument Plaza, Fort Greene Park | Free, no RSVP | All ages
The Fort Greene Park Conservancy brings back Halloween Fest with spooky stories, face painting and family-friendly games. Costumes welcome.
Saturday, October 24 | 12–1pm | Fort Greene Park Stairs, enter at Myrtle Avenue | Free to watch | All ages
Fort Greene PUPS holds its 28th annual Great PUPkin during Halloween Fest. Judges help pick the favorites and the audience decides the winner. Watching is free; dogs competing must preregister.
Saturday, October 24 | 11:30am–1pm | Carroll Park, between Court and Smith Streets | Free | Recommended for kids
The Friends of Carroll Park throw their annual costume party across the park house, monument area and ballfield, with music, dancing, treats and a scavenger hunt. Come dressed up.
Saturday, October 24 and Sunday, October 25 | 10am–5pm | Nolan Park lawn, Governors Island | Free | All ages
Governors Island’s annual pumpkin patch returns to Nolan Park: kids pick out their own pumpkin (one per person; bring a bag), go trick-or-treating and paint pumpkins. Rain or shine. The ferry costs extra.
Saturday, October 24 | Street opens 12pm, music 2–7pm | Saint James Place between Gates and Greene Avenues | Free
Saint James Joy’s DJs and a special guest DJ play a Halloween afternoon of music and dancing on the block. Bring a candy or treat donation for the neighborhood kids.
Saturday, October 24 | 3–6pm | Lentol Garden, Bayard Street | Free, no RSVP | All ages
The flower garden by the BQE throws its fifth annual Halloween party; costumes encouraged. Donations and raffles support North Brooklyn Angels’ Thanksgiving meals.
Saturday, October 24 | 12–3pm | 6614 11th Avenue | Free | Families
NIA Community Services Network’s free Halloween street party, with music, treats, crafts, a pumpkin patch and dance performances.
Saturday, October 24 | Hours vary by block | Free
NYC DOT closes six Brooklyn blocks: Fifth Avenue, 85th to 72nd Street, Bay Ridge (2–7pm); Franklin Avenue, Eastern Parkway to Dean Street, Crown Heights (noon–5pm); Roebling Street at the Williamsburg Bridge entrance, Williamsburg (1–5pm); President Street, Classon to Washington Avenue, Crown Heights (10:30am–2:30pm); 11th Avenue, 66th to 67th Street, Dyker Heights (noon–4pm); and Harway Avenue, Bay 37th Street to 24th Avenue, Bath Beach (noon–6pm).
Saturday, October 24 | 12–4pm | Herbert Von King Cultural Arts Center, 670 Lafayette Avenue | Free | Recommended for kids
Dance classes at 12 and 1pm, crafts and a 2pm performance by the Calpulli Mexican Dance Company. A sugar skull art workshop runs in the same building from 12 to 2pm.
Saturday, October 24 | 7–8:45pm | Herbert Von King Park, Greene and Marcy Avenues | Free | Rated PG
An evening screening of Pixar’s Day of the Dead story, after the afternoon’s celebration in the same park.
Saturday, October 24 | 10–11am | Pier 1 Pavilion | Free, registration encouraged | All ages, 30 people max
A walk looking closely at the park’s leaves, bark, branches and fruit.
Saturday, October 24 and Sunday, October 25 | 12–4pm | Concert Grove Pavilion and the Nethermead Arches | Free | Families; cancelled in rain
At Concert Grove, kids design a bird-safe autumn leaf window cling; at the Nethermead Arches they dig through leaf litter to find insects and decomposers.
Saturday, October 24 | 11am–12:30pm | Bowling Green Cottage, Parade Ground, Parkside and Caton Avenues | Free, no registration | Families
Kids design and build their own miniature fairy houses from natural materials.
Saturday, October 24 | 11–11:30am | Books Are Magic, 122 Montague Street | Free, RSVP encouraged | Kids
Author-illustrator Ruth Chan reads her seek-and-find picture book about Axel the axolotl, followed by a signing.
Saturday, October 24 | 2–3:30pm | 158 Buffalo Avenue | Free | Kids 5–12 and their grown-ups
18 August Ave hosts an afternoon of guided book conversations, painting and bookmark making, and families can pick books to take home.
Saturday, October 24 | 1–5pm | Union St. Garden, 1029 Union Street | Free | Kids
Games, face painting, a costume contest, dancing, food and arts and crafts in the community garden.
Saturday, October 24 | 10am–2pm | 378 Throop Avenue | Free | All ages
A weekly Saturday space for kids to explore movement, build confidence and get creative through dance, with games, music and food.
Saturday, October 24 | 11am–2pm | Sunset Park, Sixth Avenue at 44th Street | Free | Families
The Parent Child Relationship Association hands out free pumpkins and runs pumpkin painting, arts and crafts and Zumba; kids in costume can win a prize.
Saturday, October 24 | 1–6pm, parade 1–1:30pm | McDonald and Church Avenues | Free | Families
Casa Cultural’s Day of the Dead celebration opens with a parade, then hands-on art-making, face painting and books for families. The Brooklyn Museum on Wheels joins with art activities.
Saturday, October 24 | 11am–6pm | Merci Milo, 704 Sackett Street | Free portraits | Kids
The new toy shop opens with free children’s portraits by New Yorker cartoonist Natalie Horberg, plus tote bags and other goodies.
Saturday, October 24 | 11:30am–12pm | Kvartira Books, 731 Washington Avenue | Free | Young kids
A free storytelling half hour in English.
Saturday, October 24 | 3–5:30pm | Slope Comics and Collectibles, 151 Seventh Avenue | Free | Kids
A trading afternoon for kids only.
Saturday, October 24 | 9am | McGolrick Park, Nassau Avenue and Russell Street | Free | All ages
A free neighborhood bird walk in McGolrick Park.
Saturday, October 24 | 10:30–11:30am | Windsor Terrace Library, 160 East 5th Street | Library program, sign up at the desk from 10am | Ages 5–12
Kids practise reading aloud to Varsity, a certified therapy dog.
Saturday, October 24 | 11am–12pm | Bay Ridge Library, 7223 Ridge Boulevard | Library program, no registration | Kids
Chess Master William Del Castillo teaches the game.
Saturday, October 24 | 1–2pm | Brooklyn Heights Library, 286 Cadman Plaza West | Free | Kids
Music for Autism presents Special Audiences and Musicians Inc., a jazz ensemble inspired by autistic pianist and composer Sam Baum, in an interactive, autism-friendly concert.
Saturday, October 24 | 1–2pm | Central Library, 10 Grand Army Plaza, Dweck Center | Library program, no RSVP needed, first come, first served | Kids
Sunrise Theatre Company performs its Cinderella.
Saturday, October 24 | 2–3pm | Sunset Park Library, 5108 Fourth Avenue | Library program | Toddlers and preschoolers; all ages for LEGO
STEM activities for the littlest kids, and LEGO and DUPLO building for everyone.
Saturday, October 24 | 2:30–4:30pm | Adams Street Library, 9 Adams Street | Library program | Kids
A screening of the 2009 film of Maurice Sendak’s once-banned picture book.
SUNDAY
Sunday, October 25 | 11am–1pm | City Point, 445 Albee Square West, ground floor next to Rumi | Free, RSVP | Recommended for ages 2 and up
Brooklyn Bridge Parents and City Point host a morning of free pumpkin decorating, seasonal crafts, LEGO play and a Spider-Man appearance, with photos, dance parties and a costume parade at 11:45am. Costumes encouraged, and there’s a Spider-Man costume contest with prizes. Pumpkins are first come, first served. Thank you to our event supporter, NYU Dentistry Brooklyn Patient Care at City Point.
Sunday, October 25 | 10am–7pm, activities from 12pm | Montague Street, Clinton to Hicks Streets | Free kids’ art; car-free street | All ages
The last car-free Sunday of the season: a dog costume contest near Montague Diner (12–2pm), face painting, a square dance in the street with a caller who teaches the moves (12–4pm), Gotham FC soccer tips, kids’ soccer with Soccer Stars (1–4pm) and free art for kids at 108 Montague (12–5pm).
Sunday, October 25 | Court Street, Atlantic Avenue to Joralemon Street | Free entry | All ages
The street fair fills Court Street from Atlantic Avenue to Joralemon Street.
Sunday, October 25 | 1–3pm | Cobble Hill Park, Clinton Street at Verandah Place | Free | All ages
Costumed dogs take over Cobble Hill Park for the Cobble Hill Association’s annual party. The association collects clean towels, blankets, toys and unopened pet food for the Queens Animal Care Center.
Sunday, October 25 | 2–3:30pm, drop in any time | Tutu School Dumbo, 100 Jay Street | Free, RSVP requested | Kids
An open-house Halloween party with festive crafts, face painting and storytime. Costumes welcome.
Sunday, October 25 | 10am–12pm | 293 Grand Avenue, ground floor | Free | All ages
Bring the kids in costume for a free Halloween photo booth.
Sunday, October 25 | 9am–12pm | Prospect Park Audubon Center at the Boathouse | Free, RSVP required | Families
A free family morning with Rolling With Dads and Good+ Foundation: a dads’ stroller run, kids’ playtime and digging into fallen leaves to find insects.
Sunday, October 25 | 11–11:30am | Books Are Magic, 122 Montague Street | Free, RSVP encouraged | Kids
Author-illustrator Aram Kim reads Tokki’s Tricks, her retelling of a Korean folktale, followed by a signing.
Sunday, October 25 | 2–4pm | Lefferts Historic House porch | Free, RSVP | Older kids
Prospect Park Alliance hosts a community reading of Washington Irving’s ghost story, followed by a discussion.
Sunday, October 25 | 11am–12:30pm | Audubon Center at the Boathouse | Free, first come, first served | Ages 8 and up
A ranger-led paddle on the lake under the fall leaves. All equipment and safety gear are provided.
Sunday, October 25 | 2:30–4:30pm, arrive by 2:15pm | Main Entrance, Fifth Avenue and 25th Street | Free | Families
Teams follow clues among the monuments, with prizes for the first three teams.
Sunday, October 25 | 1–4pm | The Fountain, Domino Park, 300 Kent Avenue | Free, RSVP | All ages
A dog costume contest with free pup and family photo portraits.
Sunday, October 25 | 10–11:30am | Pier 1 Pavilion | Free, preregistration encouraged | All ages
Look for migrating birds with binoculars to borrow.
Sunday, October 25 | 10:30am–1:30pm | Patchen Community Square, 868 Putnam Avenue | Free | All ages
Drop-in Halloween art-making with supplies, prompts and guidance provided.
Sunday, October 25 | 12–3pm | Poplar Street Community Garden, 25 Poplar Street | Free, register by email | Families
The community garden’s annual pumpkin party.
Sunday, October 25 | 12–3pm | Carmine Carro Community Center, 3000 Fillmore Avenue | Free, no registration | Kids and families
Pumpkin giveaways, a children’s costume parade and fall fun.
Sunday, October 25 | Parade 12–2pm, festival 2–6pm | Parade on Fifth Avenue from 59th to 45th Street; festival on 44th Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues | Street parade and festival
Council Member Alexa Avilés’s Día de los Muertos parade heads up Fifth Avenue, then the festival takes over 44th Street with music, food and a cultural celebration.
Sunday, October 25 | 10am–12pm | Seventh Avenue at 41st Street | Free | Families
The Parent Child Relationship Association’s free weekly family arts and crafts.
