1. Costume Craze
Photo © peasap
You can't have a proper Halloween without a stand-out costume. If you're feeling creative, hit up one of these great Brooklyn thrift shops for vintage finds.
Looking to buy something that's ready-made? Check out Party City (locations at 3849 Nostrand Avenue, 625 Atlantic Avenue, and 2183 Ralph Avenue), Havin' a Party (9520 Avenue L), or the kid-perfect Brooklyn Superhero Supply Co. (372 Fifth Avenue) in Park Slope.
Ricky's (107 Montague Street) in Brooklyn Heights is a great place to pick up last-minute accessories and costume add-ons.
2. Party Like a Vampire
2009 might just be the year of the vampire, so make the most of it: Hope Lounge will be throwing a "True Blood" Halloween party complete with a DJ, special "Tru Blood" cocktails and episodes of the popular show airing all night long. Come dressed as your favorite character for the chance to win prizes. Hope Lounge is located at 10 Hope Street; the party will last from 10pm to 4am.3. Cemetery Crawl
What better way to ensure a haunted Halloween than by taking a tour of Brooklyn's largest cemetery? On Saturday, October 31, and Sunday, November 1, celebrate Halloween at Green-Wood Cemetery with an eerie grave walk accompanied by spooky stories of murder and mystery. The tour starts at 1pm each day and is $20. Arrive early, as this is a very popular event.
4. Haunted Houses
Photo © *L*u*z*a*
The Gravesend Inn is notorious for its chillingly fun portrayal of a haunted hotel. Produced by City Tech's Theatreworks, the Halloween attraction is located at 186 Jay Street and costs $6. The haunted house will be open on October 16, 17, 22, 23, 24, 29, 30 and 31; call (718) 260-5588 for more information. Another option on Halloween night is to hit up the Clinton Hell Carnival of Carnage for good, goofy fun that will include three-legged freaks, professional fire spinners, a corpse kissing booth, and more. The Carnival is at 313 Clinton Avenue and is free.
5. Parades!
Many neighborhoods in Brooklyn host local Halloween parades where kids can win prizes for their costumes and collect treats, but the annual Park Slope Children's Halloween Parade is the largest of its kind in the United States. The parade and festivities will take place on Saturday, October 31 from 6:30pm to 9:00pm (along Seventh Avenue, from 14th Street to JJ Byrne Playground/Washington Park).
6. Cheryl the Party: Cherylween
The "dance party that will ruin your night" hits the Bell House on Friday, October 30 from 10:30pm to 4am. Throw on your most devilish costume and dance the night away: DJs will be spinning electropop, disco, new wave, hip hop, and more. $5 admission.7. Halloween Festival at the City Reliquary
You'll find candy, music, games, dance, fortune telling, and more at this October 30 festival for kids and adults alike. The party (administered by the Brooklyn Arts Council) will last from 8pm to 11pm, and admission is free. The City Reliquary is located at 370 Metropolitan Avenue.8. "Howl-o-Ween" for Dogs
Photo © d70focus
That's right: In Brooklyn, even your pets can join in on the Halloween fun. Dress your pooch in costume and hit Washington Park for Howloween Pups on Parade on Saturday, October 31 from 12pm to 3pm. There is a $10 entry fee, but watching the silliness is fun and free.
9. Kid-Friendly Fun
Throw on a costume and head to the New York Aquarium, which on Saturday, October 24; Sunday, October 25; Saturday, October 31; and Sunday, November 1, will be transformed into an "A-scarium" with games, prizes, a Haunted Pavilion, and a 3-D Halloween ride that kids of all ages will love.
Over at the Prospect Park Zoo, "Boo at the Zoo" will be in full force, with arts and crafts and all sorts of lovable spooky creatures. The Prospect Park Halloween Haunted Walk & Carnival is tame enough for even the youngest goblins but offers plenty of creepy haunted fun for all.
Here are even more great Halloween events for kids.
