Halloween is creeping closer, and New York’s state parks and historic sites are getting into the spirit with spooky events happening all month long! Park staff and historic-site teams across the state have been busy planning seasonal programs that invite families to get outside and celebrate Halloween together.
With changing leaves and cool air, fall brings its own atmosphere to these special places. Historic properties take on an especially spooky feel this time of year, while trails, lakes, and recreation areas get their own seasonal touches. Take a peek at what’s coming up and find an event to add to your calendar.
Legends by Candlelight: Halloween Ghost Tours
Clermont State Historic Site
Oct. 16-24, Clermont takes on a different kind of energy. The Hudson River estate and historic mansion hosts Legends by Candlelight, an evening ghost tour that brings some of the property’s history into the Halloween season.
Visitors can explore the decorated mansion, follow a path lit by jack-o’-lanterns, and gather around a bonfire for ghost stories and marshmallows. Tickets go on sale October 1st and can be purchased by calling (518) 537-4240.
Haunted Tales from The Crow’s Wood
Crailo State Historic SitE
Crailo State Historic Site overlooks the Hudson River in Rensselaer and explores the history of the Dutch communities that settled during the colonial period. This October 17 event takes a closer look at some of the supernatural beliefs that were part of their history.
Haunted Tales from The Crow’s Wood invites visitors around the campfire to hear these ghost stories and spooky legends. The event also includes pumpkin painting, mulled cider, and donuts for those of the faint of heart. The event is free, but reservations are required by October 16th, so Call (518) 463-8738 to secure your spot.
Trunk or Treat
Taconic State Park
Taconic State Park stretches through the Hudson Valley with forests, trails, waterfalls, and mountain scenery spread across the park. Lucky for us, the Annual Truck or Treat is back. On Oct. 17, families can visit creatively decorated vehicles, collect some candy, and take part in a costume contest. Attendance is free, and visitors who want to have their own vehicle included in the event can register ahead of time here.
Halloween Light Paddle
Lake Taghkanic State Park
At Lake Taghkanic State Park in Columbia County, visitors spend the warmer months swimming, boating, hiking, and camping. But on October 24, the lake will start to glow for the park’s first annual Halloween Light Paddle.
Non-motorized boats are invited to join the guided evening paddle with lights illuminating the water after sunset. Boat registration is required and can be arranged by calling 518-851-3631 or emailing Lake.Taghkanic@parks.ny.gov.
Boo at the Zoo
Bear Mountain State Park
Bear Mountain State Park is a Hudson Valley staple, with hiking trails, recreational facilities, beautiful views, and the Trailside Museums and Zoo. On October 24, come dressed in costume for a costume parade, pumpkin decorating, spooky crafts, and Halloween activities around the zoo. While you’re there, be sure to explore the park’s grounds and take in the beautiful fall scenery.
Halloween Spectacular featuring Ghostbusters (1984)
Old Croton Aqueduct State Historic ParK
The Old Croton Aqueduct State Historic Park follows the route of the historic aqueduct that once carried water from Westchester County into New York City. On Oct. 30, the historic site is hosting an evening celebration with games, crafts, candy, and costumes. Once the sun goes down, visitors can settle in to watch the iconic movie Ghostbusters (1984).
Family Halloween Day
Philipse Manor Hall State Historic Site
Located in downtown Yonkers, Philipse Manor Hall is one of the oldest surviving buildings in Westchester County. The historic house dates back to the colonial period and gives visitors a look at the history of one of the region’s prominent early families.
On Oct. 31, the site welcomes families to an afternoon of seasonal activities, including spooky crafts, activities, trick-or-treating, and a family-friendly movie marathon inspired by Washington Irving’s The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.
Haunted Halls of Roberto Clemente
Roberto Clemente State ParK
Located along the Harlem River in the Bronx, Roberto Clemente State Park offers athletic fields, playgrounds, picnic areas, and open space where visitors can enjoy the outdoors within New York City.
On Halloween night, the park will host the Haunted Halls of Roberto Clemente. Families can come dressed in costume and take part in trick-or-treating throughout the park. It’s a chance for local families to enjoy Halloween outdoors close to home.