Oct. 31 marks the official day to stock up on candy! While kids across the country go trick-or-treating in their local neighborhoods, city kids shake it up. Now that Dr. Anthony Fauci has given the OK to go trick-or-treating this year, NYC kids will go the distance for the best neighborhoods, Halloween parades, and spots to fill up their buckets at the end of the night. Whether you hit up local businesses or travel to the more residential neighborhoods of NYC, we have you covered on where to find candy this year.
Looking for more Halloween events for the family? Check out our post Kid-Friendly Halloween Parades and Events Around NYC in 2021!
Manhattan
West 69th Street Near Central Park
If you live on the Upper West Side, it’s a must to check out this block that is fully decked out in Halloween decor. From mummy graveyards to traditional spider-webbed doors, this block does it right! Police typically block this area off from traffic from 4 to 10 p.m. for trick-or-treaters, so there is plenty of time to snag candy. Even if you are not planning on trick-or-treating, it’s worth it to take a stroll on Halloween night and admire the spooky decor.
Neighborhood: Upper West Side
Trick-or-Treat at Washington Square Park
Kids ages 2 to 10 will have a blast taking part in the many Halloween activities that will taking place throughout Washington Square Park. Different activities and treats will be scattered around the park, and families can decide to try out these activities at the park or take them home to try later! The event takes place on Wednesday, Oct. 27, from 2 to 6 p.m.
Neighborhood: Greenwich Village
Chelsea Market
75 Ninth Ave.
Take the family to Chelsea Market to have a fun and memorable trick-or-treating experience! Throughout the day, stilt walkers will be roaming around the market handing out candy to all of the little ones in costumes.
Clement Clarke Moore Park
W. 22nd Street and 10th Avenue
Head up and down these brownstone blocks at Chelsea Clarke Moore Park — or “Seal Park,” as locals call it. Trick-or-treat, admire the festive decorations and see who has the best costume. To be in the action, you can head between 21st and 22nd streets, and between Ninth and 10th avenues for the liveliest areas. For streets with less foot traffic, you can head to houses between Eighth and Ninth avenues. Trick-or-treating kicks off around 6 pm.
Neighborhood: Chelsea
East Midtown invites children 12 and under with their families to go trick-or-treating with local businesses. There won’t be a central check-in point. Instead, families can grab their trick-or-treat bag at any of the participating locations and then start making there way around the neighborhood! Friday, Oct. 29, 3 to 6 p.m.
Neighborhood: Midtown
Brooklyn
Kensington
The single-family homes in this neighborhood are always decked out with the best Halloween decorations and are ready to welcome kids for trick-or-treating! Make sure you and your family head to Fourth Street between Caton and Church avenues. This street is closed off to traffic and many residents contribute by setting up music and games.
Neighborhood: Kensington
Garden Place and Grace Court Alley
Explore this area for fun decorations and elaborate displays in front of the historic brownstone buildings. Trick-or-treating here is fun and safe as police block off traffic for the trick-or-treaters. This area is often a big hit, so if you want to fill your bucket, we suggest you come early to snag the best treats! If you are looking for a quieter spot in the area, you can head to Remsen and Joralemon streets.
Neighborhood: Brooklyn Heights
BAM boo!
30 Lafayette Avenue
Join in for the fun with these Halloween festivities by Brooklyn Academy of Music. This outdoor event will have pre-packaged goody bags filled with candy, toys, arts and crafts and more! All family members 12 and older will need to show proof of vaccination and masks must be worn at all times. Sunday, Oct. 31, free, 2 p.m.
Neighborhood: Fort Greene
Queens
Jackson Heights Halloween Parade
37th Avenue from 89th Street to P.S. 69 at 78th Street
Get your kids ready for New York City’s second-largest Halloween parade! Participants, along with school groups, marching bands and dance groups will march down to 37th Avenue, decked out in their spooky attire. Sunday, Oct. 31, 5 pm.
Neighborhood: Jackson Heights
If you want to escape the crowds of trick-or-treaters, Middle Village is a great option. This neighborhood has a small-town vibe with wide sidewalks that make it easy to leisurely walk door to door. This residential area is considered a top place to trick-or-treat and will have decor for all to see. Make sure to check out the south and east of Juniper Valley Park as well.
Neighborhood: Middle Village
Stroll around the calm neighborhood of Sunnyside Gardens, where kids can trick-or-treat with light foot traffic. Once you get off the 7 line from the 46th/Bliss Street stop, go door to door and collect candy in this charming neighborhood.
Neighborhood: Sunnyside Gardens
Bronx
36th Annual Bronx Halloween Parade
Simpson Street and Westchester Avenue
This annual parade is put on by The Bronx Community Board 2 and is the perfect activity to try with the family this year! This years theme is Day of The Soul – Celebrating Our Loved Ones and all ages are welcome to join in on the parade fun and show off their awesome costumes. After the parade, candy bags will be distributed to all of the kids and special prizes will be handed out to the best costumes. Saturday, Oct. 23, noon.
Neighborhood: Foxhurst
Fieldson
This lavish and scenic neighborhood makes for a great place to go trick-or-treating. With big trees and beautiful houses, this suburban neighborhood will definitely be a great neighborhood for candy. Fill up your buckets and stroll through the neighborhood while admiring the Tudor-style homes.
Neighborhood: Fieldson
Bronx Zoo
2300 Southern Blvd.
Come in costume and prepare for an evening of Halloween fun and festivities with Halloween-themed activities. Show off your costume at the costume parade, watch pumpkin carving demos, pick up candy along the Candy Trail, and learn some of the animal’s favorite treats!
Neighborhood: Within Bronx Park