Halloween Beyond Trick-or-Treating: Science, Wildlife & History for Kids

We've rounded up educational Halloween activities from the North Fork to NYC and Connecticut. Whether your kid loves science, animals, history, or theater, there's something here worth exploring.

Spooky Science & Stargazing

Haunted Skies — Vanderbilt Planetarium

Centerport, Long Island | October 22

The Vanderbilt Planetarium is hosting a Halloween-themed astronomy show, followed by a visit to the observatory. If the sky is clear, families can use a telescope with guidance from an astronomy educator.

All ages, 7:00 pm. Advance registration is required.

Mr. Vanderbilt's Spooky Science Lab

Centerport, Long Island | October 23

What do animal skeletons, sharp teeth, and unusual body parts reveal about nature? Kids will explore the Vanderbilt Museum's collections with flashlights, finding details they might miss during a normal visit. The workshop ends with a Halloween craft.

Grades K to 3, 4:30 to 6:30 pm.

Spooky Science at Wardenclyffe

Shoreham, Long Island | October 24

Nikola Tesla's old laboratory turns into an outdoor science playground for Halloween. There will be electricity demonstrations and experiments, live animal encounters, creative activities, and a Tesla costume contest.

All ages, 11:00 am to 4:00 pm, with a rain date of Sunday, October 25.

STEM Explorers: Spooky Science — Long Island Children's Museum

Garden City, Long Island | October 24

This hands-on STEM session, led by the museum's Green Teens, uses Halloween as its theme. Kids can explore science through fun activities while visiting the museum.

Ages 4 and up, 12:00 to 2:00 pm.

Wildlife Gets a Halloween Makeover

Safari on the Enchanted Forest Trail

Quogue, Long Island | October 24-25

Quogue Wildlife Refuge transforms its woodland trail into a Halloween adventure. Along the way, costumed characters teach kids about animal habitats, migration, and how wildlife gets ready for new seasons. There are also crafts, games, and face painting.

Ages 2 to 10, 11:30 am to 1:00 pm both days. Advance tickets and arrival-time reservations are required.

Bats, Barnacles & Broomsticks — Long Island Aquarium

Riverhead, North Fork | October 24

Even the aquarium animals get special Halloween treats! Families can watch the animals enjoy their surprises, while kids collect candy, explore the exhibits, and join in Halloween activities.

10:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Spooky Seas — Mystic Aquarium

Mystic, Connecticut | October 31

Have you ever seen someone carve a pumpkin underwater? Mystic Aquarium's Halloween event features this unique show, plus crafts and trick-or-treating.

All ages, 11:00 am to 3:00 pm.

Boo at the Zoo — Bronx Zoo

Bronx, NYC | October 24-25, 31 & November 1

The Bronx Zoo combines Halloween fun with chances to learn about wildlife. There are talks by animal experts, stories about extinct species, and interactive challenges, along with pumpkin displays and a costume parade.

All ages, during zoo hours starting at 10:00 am. Advance tickets are required.

Halloween Kid's River Cruise — Connecticut River Museum

Essex, Connecticut | October 31

Instead of haunted houses, this Halloween trip takes you on a boat ride along the Connecticut River. On RiverQuest, kids can use binoculars to spot birds and learn about the river.

Ages 2 to 12, 1:30 to 2:30 pm. Booking is online only.

Ghosts, History & Maritime Mysteries

Trick-or-Treat at the Haunted Museum — Suffolk County Historical Society

Riverhead, North Fork | October 24

The museum's scavenger hunt features Halloween characters and candy stops. Families explore the historical galleries looking for clues and hear some fun ghost stories.

All ages, 2:00 to 4:00 pm.

Ghost Hunting on the Village Green

Cutchogue, North Fork | October 24

The old houses on Cutchogue's Village Green are full of mysterious stories. In this nighttime program, visitors hear about the buildings' history and watch paranormal investigators work. This event is best for older kids and teens.

Sessions start at 6:00 and 8:00 pm. No age range is listed.

What Lurks Beneath: Ghost Ship — Mystic Seaport Museum

Mystic, Connecticut | October 23-25 & 28-30

A mysterious whaling ship shows up at Mystic Seaport, two hundred years after it vanished. Inspired by Edgar Allan Poe's sea stories, this theater event takes place among historic ships and waterfront buildings, with actors telling the sailors' eerie tale.

Ages 8 and up, 6:00 to 9:00 pm, with timed entry.

Theater, Art & Cultural Traditions

Spookley the Square Pumpkin: The Musical

Oakdale, Long Island | Through November 1

In this Halloween musical at CM Performing Arts Center, a square pumpkin named Spookley struggles to fit in with his round neighbors. With help from some unexpected friends, he learns that being different can be a good thing. The show's colorful characters and catchy songs make it a great way for young kids to experience live theater.

All ages, weekend shows at 11:00 am. The show runs about 85 minutes, including a 15-minute intermission.

Ghostly Gala & Theater Show — Long Island Children's Museum

Garden City, Long Island | October 24

The museum's after-hours Halloween party features activities in its interactive exhibits, crafts, and dancing. Families can also book tickets for Uncle Vlad's Pumpkin Patch: The Vladuation, a show about a young bat taking some unusual graduation tests.

All ages, 6:00 to 9:00 pm, with theater shows at 6:15, 7:00, 7:45, and 8:30 pm.

Día de los Muertos — New York Botanical Garden

Bronx, NYC | Through November 2

The New York Botanical Garden invites families to learn about Mexico's Día de los Muertos traditions with art, flowers, and storytelling. Colorful displays, a community altar, and weekend activities help visitors discover this centuries-old celebration of remembrance.

All ages. Family activities run on select dates, including an alebrijes workshop for ages 4 to 10 on October 31 and a parade on November 1.

When planning your outings, keep in mind that some programs need advance registration or have limited tickets, especially for workshops, theater performances, and the Connecticut River cruise. Check event pages for admission details, age limits, and any last-minute changes.

There are more family events on our events page.