8 family-friendly Halloween activities to do near North Salem this weekend

From ghost stories and fright nights to fun costumes and festive foods, the ‘season’ of Halloween gives us all plenty to look forward to. Below, we rounded up some of the best local Halloween events happening in our area

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The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze (Croton-on-Hudson)

This annual Halloween activity is a bit of a drive from North Salem, but is totally worth it for the ‘jaw-drop’ factor. More than 7,000 illuminated jack-o-lanterns are on display, all designed and carved on-site by talented artisans. Click here for tickets, available through November.

Spooktacular Oktoberfest at Trailside Nature Museum (Cross River)

Children and adults are invited to come in costume to the Trailside Nature Museum at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation in Cross River for a “Spooktacular Oktoberfest.” Fall snacks, hay rides, crafts and more will be available for the kids. Adults can look forward to beverages from Captain Lawrence and live music. Tickets required for ages 3+. Free parking. The event takes place Saturday, October 29 from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., rain or shine. For more info or questions, call: (914) 864-7322.

Boo at the Beardsley Zoo (Bridgeport, CT)

“Boo at the Zoo is a longstanding Zoo tradition that many families look forward to,” said Gregg Dancho, Zoo director. “It’s a fun afternoon of cool critters, and, of course, family memories.” Guests will enjoy spooky animal talks and a DJ at this event, scheduled for Saturday, October 29 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (rain date October 30). Click here for tickets.

Ridgefield Halloween Walk 2022 (Ridgefield, CT)

Ridgefield’s annual Halloween Walk gives little ones the opportunity to trick-or-treat throughout the shops in Downtown Ridgefield. Saturday, October 29 from 10:00 a.m. - noon.

Halloween Party with Wolves (South Salem)

The Wolf Conservation Center invites families to join ambassador wolves Alawa and Nikai for the WCC’s Halloween Party! The wolves don’t do tricks but hearing them howl is sure to be a treat. Costumes are encouraged and pre-registration is required. Click here for tickets; Sunday, October 30 from 2:00 - 3:30 p.m.

Katonah Village Improvement Society Halloween Parade (Katonah)

This annual parade brings Halloween excitement down Katonah Avenue. Costumes–for both people and pets–are encouraged for this event, which will take place Sunday, October 30 beginning at 1:00 p.m. Click here for more info.

Ruth Keeler Memorial Library Spooktacular Halloween Party (North Salem)

This party kicks off the way any good library party should – with a book reading (“The Hairy Toe”), and includes snacks, a scavenger hunt, Halloween crafts, and the opportunity to decorate scary donuts and gourds. Festivities will conclude with a festive parade around the Library grounds. Attendees are encouraged to come to this free event dressed in their best Halloween costume. Monday, October 31, from noon to 2:00 p.m.

Trick or Treat Weekend at Barton Orchards (Poughquag)

Barton Orchards will transform into a Halloween wonderland, complete with live music, magic shows, pig races, a corn maze, hayrides, petting zoo, food trucks and more. Open Saturday and Sunday, October 29 and 30 from 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Click here for more info.