Brooklyn Heights Blog

Halloween Activities for Adults and Grandkids in Brooklyn, NY

Written by Brooklyn Heights | Oct 24, 2025 4:00:04 AM

Brooklyn, NY has several options for intergenerational Halloween fun, including indoor crafts, baking, parades, zoo events, and outdoor strolls. Many choices are accessible and free too!

One of the most family-friendly holidays is Halloween, and it's evident when you look at how many people celebrate it. According to Statista, each year, around 70% of Americans participate in Halloween activities! It's clear that we're enamored with this holiday.

If you're a senior living in Brooklyn, NY, then you're lucky, as there are numerous Halloween activities for adults and grandkids to do here. So read on for tons of great suggestions if you need ideas for the perfect festive day out.

What Are Family Halloween Activities for Adults and Grandkids in Brooklyn?

Get outside and see what Brooklyn has to offer in terms of the Halloween spirit! There are several venues that have special events going on this fall.

Prospect Park Zoo Spooktober

Every weekend, Prospect Zoo will be having Spooktober in October. There are tombstones of extinct animals, as well as a Spooky Trail, Spooky Science, and live performances.

You and the grandkids should come in costume, as there are plenty of photo opportunities, such as in their harvest decoration areas.

Brooklyn Botanic Garden's Fall Harvest Festival

This event happens a week before Halloween on October 25th from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. There will be:

  • Live music
  • Horse-drawn carriage rides
  • Hands-on activities
  • Cider and beer garden
  • Pumpkin decorating

While you can come in comfy flannel, you and the little ones can also come in costume for an afternoon parade!

Brooklyn Heights Halloween Parade

This is an annual Halloween parade held by the Brooklyn Heights Association. This year, it'll be on Sunday, October 26th at 11:00 am. Both seniors and children can dress up and walk the neighborhood parade to the tune of festive music.

Coney Island Halloween Harvest

The 13th Halloween Harvest is happening between September 19th and November 2nd. There will be:

  • Pumpkin decorating
  • Tractor racing
  • Trick-or-treating

In addition, you can have your fill of pumpkin spice everything and apple cider-flavored carnival treats.

Outdoor Halloween Walks and Tours for Seniors and Kids

Walking is a fantastic low-impact exercise for seniors, so you'll see it at assisted living events. You can take your grandchildren on a candlelight ghost tour that guides you through historic areas, such as Brooklyn Heights or Green-Wood Cemetery. What's great is that the tour guides will lead at a pace comfortable for seniors, and they'll also share ghost stories and legends that you can gasp about!

Plus, there are community garden walks. Many local gardens are decorated with fall decor, such as pumpkins and scarecrows. They can make cute backdrops for family photos.

Or you can simply take the kids on a neighborhood trick-or-treat walk. Great neighborhoods to try include Park Slope and Carroll Gardens.

What Are Indoor Halloween Activities for Adults and Grandkids in Brooklyn?

Not every family wants to spend Halloween outdoors; the weather may not be nice, and people may have mobility issues. In that case, staying inside can still be fun!

For something easy and laid-back, host a Halloween movie marathon. Pile up your cushions, draw a blanket across everyone, pop popcorn, and settle in as you watch family-friendly classics like Hocus Pocus and Casper.

Another exciting idea is independent living crafts. You can:

  • Decorate/carve pumpkins
  • Make masks
  • Create lanterns

For something edible, bake Halloween treats together. Ideas include:

  • Pumpkin muffins
  • Ghost-shaped cookies
  • Caramel apples

If you want an option that's in between being outside and staying in the house, then consider the many workshops and classes there are in Brooklyn. For instance, the entire family can sign up for:

  • Pumpkin decorating workshops
  • Craft and costume-making parties
  • Cooking classes
  • Dance and music events

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are Brooklyn Halloween Parades Accessible for Seniors With Mobility Needs?

Yes, most of the major parades in the city (such as in Brooklyn Heights and Park Slope) have seating areas, as well as less crowded sections for seniors. But to make sure, either check ahead with the organizers or bring a portable chair for comfort.

What Are Some Safe Halloween Events for Toddlers and Young Grandkids?

For events that are safe for a younger crowd, try the Prospect Park Spooktober or Coney Island Harvest. These have gentle activities and shorter schedules, which make them ideal for memory care celebrations too. The kids can also enjoy safe trick-or-treat stations!

Are There Senior Discounts for Halloween Events in Brooklyn?

Yes, many attractions offer senior discounts, such as the Brooklyn Botanic Garden and Prospect Park Zoo. This can help the family save money on admission.

Can Seniors Volunteer at Halloween Events With Their Grandkids?

Yes, and this can be a rewarding family activity! Try Brooklyn's community centers, churches, and schools. Together, you can:

  • Hand out candy
  • Run craft stations
  • Guide trick-or-treaters

What Are Some Quieter Alternatives to Big Halloween Crowds in Brooklyn?

If you don't like big crowds, then there are some quieter alternatives. They include:

  • Decorated community gardens
  • Library-hosted Halloween readings
  • At-home event

Are There Free Halloween Events in Brooklyn?

Yes, there are free events, such as neighborhood trick-or-treat walks and library story hours. Some parades are also completely free, so there are many accessible options if your family's on a budget.

What Halloween Activities Are Good for Photo Opportunities?

To snap festive family photos, try events like:

  • Brooklyn Botanic Garden's Fall Harvest Festival
  • Neighborhood parades
  • Pumpkin-decorating workshops

Consider These Halloween Activities for Adults and Children

As you can see, Brooklyn has a wide variety of choices for Halloween activities for adults and children. Outdoor activities include parades and trick-or-treating, while indoor ones include movie marathons and crafts.

Regardless of which you choose, you and your loved ones are sure to have a great time. You'll make tons of new memories, so make sure to capture them by snapping lots of pictures!

Want to hear more about senior living in Brooklyn, NY? Then contact us now. The Watermark at Brooklyn Heights provides preventive health screenings and education so our residents can remain as healthy as possible in their golden years.