A Guide to Annual Halloween Activities in Staten Island, NY

Are you Living in or visiting Staten Island? Looking for Halloween activities?Well, Don't hassle with hauling the family over on the Staten Island Fairy. There are plenty of Halloween festivities on the Island. Historic Richmond Town, Staten Island Zoo, and The Islands beautifull Greenbelt all offer Halloween fun. Although so many believe that Staten Island does not have any entertainment to offer, it's just not true. A family could literally celebrate Halloween every weekend through the entire month of October. There is plenty of entertainment to keep the residents having loads of fun.

Historic Richmond Town is filled with historic housing. The area harbors the oldest school house built, that remains on its premises. Self guided tours are met with individuals donning historic Dutch settler clothing. This Halloween, Historic Richmond Town will entertain the Islanders with great Halloween options. They offer Pumpkin Picking every weekend in October. This begins on Sunday October 1st. There will be crafts for children, hayrides, refreshments, and a pumpkin patch for purchasing pumpkins. The weekly event will take place between 11:00am and 4:00pm.

On October 27, 2006 at 1:30pm, Halloween in Richmond Town will have trick or treating in Historic Village. Events will include bobbing for apples and other Halloween games. Pre-paid reservations are required and the price is $8.00 per adult and $3.00 per child. The following day Halloween goers can enjoy Scary Stories at Decker Farm. The cost is $10.00 per person. Stories are based on Staten Island archival materials. October is a great time to learn about the history of Staten Island while enjoying Halloween activities. Historic Richmond Town is located on 441 Clarke Avenue Staten Island,NY. For more information on what Richmond Town offers visit http://www.historicrichmondtown.org/index.html.

The Staten Island Zoo is another exciting place for families to enjoy Halloween fun. They are hosting The Annual Zoo Spooktacular. The events include crafts, shows, tours, scary goblins and ghouls, as well as other Halloween activities. The festivities will be held on October 21st from 6:00pm till 9:30pm and on the 22nd from 5:30pm and ending at 9:00pm. To enjoy this Staten Island fun, pre-registration is required and costs $15.00. The Staten Island Zoo is located at 614 Broadway; the phone number for pre-registration is (718)442-3100.

The Greenbelt, consisting of various parks and natural areas throughout Staten Island, hosts many Halloween celebrations. Saturday October 7th is the Annual Greenbelt Pumpkin Festival. Petting zoos and puppet shows will take place from 1:00pm-3:00pm at the Carousel. The entire celebration lasts until 5:00pm. The Carousel is located on Eton Place off Richmond Ave. Admission is free although some events may cost a minimal fee. The Carousel is a large wood carved Victorian Carousel set back in the woods. It is a prime picture taking spot, so do not forget to pack the camera. The park also has a playground, a path for walking or running, a pond, bridges, and a bow and arrow range. This is a must see spot any time of year.

Other events will take place at the Greenbelts Nature Center of Staten Island. There will be a Halloween Craft Workshop on the 14th from 1:00pm-3:00pm. Ages 8yrs and up can participate for a $6.00 fee. Pre-registration is required. October 15th at 11:00am the Urban Park Rangers offer a free fall hike. The Urban Park Rangers offer free events throughout the year. They are family friendly and Staten Islanders love them. On the 20th, the nature center will host a Halloween movie night at 7:00pm. The movie is free but requires pre- registration. Bevrages will be offered for a small price. All registration can be done by calling 718-351-3450. The Greenbelt Nature Center is located at 700 Rockland avenue, Staten Island, NY. For more information on Staten Islands beautiful Greenbelt and events go to http://www.sigreenbelt.org/.

So, stay in Staten Island this year. It should be a "boo-tifull" season. Between Historic Richmond Town, The Staten Island Zoo, and The Greenbelt there should be plenty to keep residents busy. Remember that many of the events require pre-registration, so plan ahead. All events expect a great turn out and stand to be a lot of fun.