Annual Pumpkin Carving Contest
Community competition featuring festive pumpkin displays, category trophies, and a patch.
29 family-friendly fall activities in Gramercy Park and nearby.
As Halloween approaches, Gramercy Park and surrounding areas present numerous family-friendly celebrations. Some events, like the Hoboken 5K Halloween Run, are already firming up their 2026 plans. You'll find a mix of ticketed and free activities, from large parades to intimate crafting sessions like the Halloween Paper Crafts & Letterpress Printing. Consider what kind of experience your family seeks, whether it's an active outdoor event or an indoor gathering.
VIP second-floor and gated outdoor viewing of the Village Halloween Parade.
Walk through 10,000 square feet of terrorizing corridors in the dark.
Actors perform readings of short stories alongside a hosted reception.
Nation's wildly creative public event where anyone in costume can march.
See all trunk-or-treats, pumpkin patches, and kid-friendly events nearby.
The rule: animals, then handwash, then food, in that exact order, every time. Use the farm's wash stations rather than sanitizer alone when hands touch animals or fences, keep pacifiers and sippy cups in the bag near animals, and don't let kids eat inside the enclosure. Strollers stay outside pens. It's two minutes of routine that prevents the classic post-farm stomach bug.
Farm terrain is the challenge: grass, gravel, and rutted fields vary by venue and by how much rain fell that week. Call and ask about packed paths, accessible restrooms and parking, and whether the picking field has a firm route, since some farms bring pumpkins to a paved area on request. Festivals on fairgrounds or paved lots are the safer default.
Policies split hard: many farms ban pets outright for animal-safety and food rules, while some festivals welcome leashed dogs and even run costume contests for them. Check the venue's FAQ the day before, never assume. If dogs are allowed, bring water, keep them clear of petting zoos and food lines, and be honest about whether crowds plus kids stress your dog.