Spooky Garden Nights at New York Botanical Garden
A diverse calendar of seasonal events and exhibitions.
Fordham Family-Friendly Fall Activities 2026
39 family-friendly fall activities in Fordham and nearby.
Fordham families can find Halloween happenings across the Bronx and nearby towns like Yonkers. From the renowned Bronx Zoo attractions to garden events and community parades, there are many ways to celebrate the season. Consider the large-scale festivals for a full day out or perhaps a more intimate park experience. Several events offer free admission, while others require tickets for entry into a unique celebration.
All Family-Friendly Fall Activities Around Fordham
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Food, Drink, and Parties
1 of 45
Barking Dog's Halloween Event
New York
Wear your best costume and join the Halloween celebration at Barking Dog.
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Haunted Experiences
1 of 6
The Haunt at Wildcliff Mansion
New Rochelle
Outdoor walk-through haunted attraction at historic Wildcliff Mansion
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Movies, Theater, and Entertainment
1 of 13
Día de los Muertos
Bronx
Mexican folk music, giant puppets, dance, and a community ofrenda.
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Unique & Unusual
1 of 17
NYCRUNS Haunted Island 10K
New York
NYC's most popular Halloween race featuring costume running and harbor views.
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Find Family-Friendly Halloween Fun on Our Map!
See all trunk-or-treats, pumpkin patches, and kid-friendly events nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are hayrides at Fordham farms okay for babies and toddlers?
Daytime, non-spooky hayrides are generally fine from infancy if a lap adult holds the child the whole ride; wagons bounce hard over field ruts. Sit toward the center, away from wheel edges, and skip rides where kids sit on loose hay bales without sides. Evening "haunted" versions with actors are a different product, so check which one you're queueing for.
How do we make Halloween costumes work in cold or wet Fordham weather?
Build the costume a size up over a thermal base layer, and choose designs where a coat reads as part of the look, capes, robes, and animal onesies win October. Face paint beats masks in drizzle, and clear ponchos exist for downpour parades. For evening events, add reflective tape and glow bracelets. Test the full layered outfit at home once before the night.
What's the best time of day to take toddlers to Halloween events in Fordham?
Work around the nap, not the event schedule: 9-11 am at pumpkin patches means empty photo spots, fresh animals, and cool air, while the 3-5 pm slot catches post-nap energy before dinner meltdowns. Skip evening events entirely for under-3s unless they're short and close to home. Weekday mornings beat weekends by a mile if your schedule allows it.