Halloween is one of the most exciting times of the year on Long Island, and whether you’re into spooky thrills, family-friendly fun, or Halloween-themed festivals, there’s something for everyone. With a wide variety of activities ranging from haunted houses to pumpkin-carving events, Long Island is the perfect place to celebrate the Halloween season.

Here’s a guide to some of the best Halloween activities happening on Long Island this year, guaranteed to offer a memorable experience for all ages.

1. Haunted Houses and Spooky Attractions

For thrill-seekers looking for a spooky adventure, Long Island has plenty of haunted houses that promise a fright-filled experience.

• Bayville Scream Park: One of Long Island’s most popular haunted attractions, Bayville Scream Park offers six terrifying haunted houses. From creepy clowns to sinister asylums, this is not for the faint of heart. They also have a more toned-down version for younger kids during the day, making it a fun spot for families too.

• The Gateway’s Haunted Playhouse: Located in Bellport, this immersive haunted attraction turns the Gateway Playhouse into a spooky destination where actors and elaborate sets create a truly hair-raising experience.

• Darkside Haunted House: Voted as one of Long Island’s scariest haunted houses, Darkside in Wading River will take you through both indoor and outdoor attractions, each filled with spine-chilling surprises.

2. Family-Friendly Halloween Events

If you’re celebrating Halloween with little ones, Long Island has plenty of less scary, family-friendly activities to enjoy.

• Rise of the Jack O'Lanterns: Held at Old Westbury Gardens, this popular event showcases over 5,000 hand-carved, illuminated pumpkins arranged into stunning displays. It’s a magical and awe-inspiring experience for all ages, and you can enjoy it while strolling through the beautiful garden pathways.

• Spooky Fest at the Center for Science Teaching and Learning: Located in Rockville Centre, Spooky Fest offers a range of Halloween fun for kids. The event features a not-so-spooky walk for younger children, face painting, arts and crafts, and even an enchanted forest. It’s a fantastic way to celebrate Halloween without the fright.

• Halloween Boat Burning at Long Island Maritime Museum: For something truly unique, head to the Halloween Boat Burning event in West Sayville. On October 27th, you can watch an old boat go up in flames as part of this annual tradition, accompanied by live music and food. It’s a memorable way to get into the Halloween spirit!

3. Pumpkin Picking and Corn Mazes

October on Long Island wouldn’t be complete without a visit to a pumpkin patch or a trip through a corn maze. Here are some great places to find your perfect pumpkin and enjoy fall festivities:

• Hank’s PumpkinTown: Located in Water Mill, this is one of Long Island’s most well-known spots for pumpkin picking. Hank’s offers tons of activities for kids, including a giant corn maze, hayrides, and gem mining.

• F&W Schmitt’s Family Farm: In Melville, Schmitt’s Family Farm offers pumpkin picking, a haunted corn maze, a petting zoo, and hayrides. It’s a perfect spot for families looking to embrace all the fall fun Long Island has to offer.

• Elwood Pumpkin Farm: Located in Huntington, this farm is one of the closest pumpkin patches for families looking to stay local. With a corn maze and hayrides, it’s the ideal place for a relaxed day of fall activities.

4. Trick-or-Treating Events

Looking for a safe and festive place for your kids to trick-or-treat? Long Island has several organized trick-or-treating events that offer a fun and secure environment.

• Halloween Spooktacular at The Shoppes at East Wind: On October 28th, bring your kids for a safe, community-oriented trick-or-treating event. Kids can visit each shop to collect candy, participate in costume contests, and enjoy live entertainment.

• Port Jefferson Harvest Fest: Taking place in late October, this event in Port Jefferson Village is perfect for families. It includes trick-or-treating, pumpkin decorating, and a Halloween costume parade, plus tons of local vendors offering seasonal treats.

5. Costume Contests and Parades

Halloween is the time to show off your creativity, and there are plenty of costume contests and parades around Long Island that let you—and your pets—strut your spooky stuff!

• Halloween Costume Parade in Huntington: Huntington Village hosts its annual Halloween Parade, where children and families can dress up and march through the village. It’s a fun community event, complete with candy giveaways and entertainment.

• Long Island Canine Halloween Costume Parade: Pet lovers can join this adorable costume parade at the Long Island Dog Festival in Belmont Lake State Park. Dogs in costumes parade for a chance to win prizes, while families can enjoy food vendors, games, and other activities.

6. Halloween-themed dining Experiences

Several Long Island restaurants and venues offer special Halloween-themed dinners and parties for those looking for a festive night out.

• Legends Restaurant’s Haunted Dinner: Located in New Suffolk, Legends Restaurant hosts a haunted dinner, complete with spooky décor, themed food, and live entertainment. It’s a fun, family-friendly night out that includes Halloween fun for everyone.

• Halloween Bar Crawls: For adults looking for a night of fun, various towns across Long Island, including Patchogue and Huntington, host Halloween bar crawls. Dress up in your scariest costume and enjoy drink specials at participating bars, making it a lively way to celebrate Halloween.

Halloween on Long Island offers something for everyone—from spooky haunted houses and kid-friendly festivals to pumpkin picking and trick-or-treating events. Whether you're a family looking for a fun day out, or an adult seeking a festive night on the town, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate the Halloween season.

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