Halloween in Central Park 2026: Spooky Fun, Family Adventures & Haunted Happenings
October 23–November 1, 2026 | Your guide to Halloween in and around Central Park
Halloween is creeping into New York City, and Central Park and its surrounding neighborhoods are getting into the spirit! With autumn leaves turning brilliant shades of orange and gold, crisp October evenings, and jack-o'-lanterns appearing on brownstone stoops, there's no better time to enjoy a little seasonal magic in Manhattan.
Whether you're looking for family-friendly festivities, spectacular costumes, spooky entertainment, or a memorable Halloween night out, here are some of the best ways to celebrate around Central Park this year.
1. Halloween at the American Museum of Natural History
Saturday, October 31 | 11 AM–4 PM
The American Museum of Natural History, just across Central Park West at 79th Street, is hosting a Halloween celebration of prehistoric proportions!
This year's festivities feature a deep-sea Halloween adventure beneath the museum's famous blue whale, with live music, dancing, face painting, science demonstrations, arts and crafts, and a costume parade.
Costumes are encouraged, making this a perfect destination for families before heading out for evening trick-or-treating.
Admission: $25 plus regular museum admission; $15 for members, plus admission.
2. Boo Fest at the West Side YMCA
Saturday, October 24 | 10 AM–1 PM
Located just steps from Central Park at 5 West 63rd Street, the West Side YMCA is hosting its family-friendly Boo Fest.
Little ghosts and goblins can enjoy a pumpkin patch photo booth, bounce house, slide, face painting, arts and crafts, and a special glow room.
It's a lively way to kick off Halloween weekend activities without straying far from the park.
Admission: Suggested donation of $15 per family.
3. Halloween at the Children's Museum of Manhattan
October 27–31 | 212 West 83rd Street
For younger Halloween enthusiasts, the Children's Museum of Manhattan is celebrating with a week of creative activities.
Children can decorate trick-or-treat tote bags throughout the week, while Halloween Day brings a special Monster Costume Quest filled with imaginative play and colorful surprises.
The emphasis here is on creativity rather than scares, making it especially appealing for younger children.
Admission: Regular museum admission applies.
4. Spooky City at the Museum of the City of New York
Saturday, October 31 | Beginning at 11 AM
At Fifth Avenue and 103rd Street, directly across from Central Park's Conservatory Garden, the Museum of the City of New York is hosting its annual Spooky City celebration.
Families can enjoy scavenger hunts, gallery mysteries, storytelling, artmaking, live African dancing and drumming, and a lively Monster Mash.
There's also a costume contest, so encourage the kids to arrive in their Halloween finest.
Admission: Included with museum admission.
5. Spooktacular at the Museum of Arts and Design
Friday, October 30 | 3–6 PM
Just outside Central Park's southwest corner at Columbus Circle, the Museum of Arts and Design is hosting an afternoon of Halloween creativity.
Families can make spooky masks, Halloween cards, and pom-pom decorations, explore an interactive sculpture installation, and pose for festive photographs.
It's an entertaining indoor alternative if October's weather turns chilly.
Admission: $10 adults, $5 members, free for children 12 and under. Museum admission is separate.
6. Halloween on West 69th Street
Saturday, October 31 | 6–8 PM
One of Manhattan's most beloved Halloween traditions takes place just west of Central Park.
The brownstones along West 69th Street are famous for their elaborate decorations, imaginative costumes, and wonderfully festive atmosphere.
On Halloween evening, the block between Broadway and Central Park West becomes a car-free celebration, attracting trick-or-treaters and spectators alike.
For anyone who loves the theatrical side of New York, this is Halloween at its neighborhood best.
Admission: Free.
7. Halloween Film Nights at Lincoln Center
October 28–31
For adults seeking something more spine-tingling, Lincoln Center offers several Halloween-themed performances.
The New York Philharmonic presents Get Out in Concert, screening Jordan Peele's acclaimed horror film with Michael Abels's score performed live, October 28–31.
On Halloween afternoon, the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts hosts a free screening of Ghostbusters. That evening, Lincoln Center presents Friday the 13th Part VIII: Jason Takes Manhattan, with a live soundtrack by DJ 2-Tone Jones.
A particularly entertaining way to combine Halloween with New York's performing arts.
8. Halloween Bash: Ghosts of New York
Saturday, October 31 | 6 PM
The Museum of the City of New York also has something planned for grown-up ghosts.
Its Halloween Bash invites guests to dress as the ghost of a famous New Yorker, with live performances, DJs, dancing, cocktails, and costume contests.
For a city with more than 400 years of history, finding a suitable ghost shouldn't be difficult.
Admission: $20 adults and members; $15 students and seniors.
What Happened to Central Park's Pumpkin Flotilla?
For years, the Halloween Pumpkin Flotilla was one of Central Park's most enchanting traditions, sending hundreds of glowing jack-o'-lanterns sailing across the Harlem Meer at twilight.
Unfortunately, the Central Park Conservancy has announced that the event will not take place in 2026 because of safety and capacity concerns. The organization is exploring alternatives for future Halloween celebrations.
A Little Halloween Magic in Central Park
Even without the Pumpkin Flotilla, Central Park remains a spectacular setting for Halloween.
Take an afternoon walk through the Ramble, admire the autumn colors around Belvedere Castle, or explore the winding paths of the North Woods, where shadows deepen beneath the trees.
As evening approaches, head toward the surrounding streets, where decorated townhouses, costumed children, and the energy of Halloween in New York create a celebration all their own.
Happy Halloween from CentralPark.org!
