The New York Botanical Garden is always transforming their space into mini wonderlands for the children to explore. For Halloween, they go all out and decorate their children’s garden with tons of carved pumpkins and festive gourds. Here’s why you’ll want to make time to check it out before the end of October.

What to expect

Visitors are greeted with tons of pumpkins and fall decorations to look at as soon as they walk under the archway to the children’s garden. Each week, the NYBG receives additional shipments of pumpkins, so there will always be plenty of orange popping up around your feet.

Look out! Make sure to take your time as you wind your way down the path to spot lurking pumpkin figures and hidden carvings along the way.

Behind the activity center is a colorful, hidden pumpkin house for children to explore. They can duck and crawl among the spiderwebs, peek through windows and try to locate the secret back door. (This was a favorite with my two-year-old son!)

Just outside the pumpkin house is an outdoor seating area full of cushions and books to read. Sit down with the kiddos, or relax on the bench while they read to each other. There is another, larger library of books located inside the activity center if it happens to be too chilly or raining.

As you’re making the rounds, seek out the puppet theater (located just down the steps in front of the activity center). There, you’ll find a stage full of puppets and props (like pumpkins!) that children can use to put on an impromptu show!

Go on a spooky nighttime adventure

If you really want the Halloween experience, grab a flashlight and explore the trail after dark! Sneak up on creepy pumpkin creatures and illuminated pumpkins, listen for scurrying animals, and even sit in for a spooky ghost story. The nighttime adventures are available on October 18, 24, 25 and 31; there are two tours each night at 6:30pm and 7:15pm. We recommend grabbing tickets in advance here.

Attend an upcoming special event

Throughout the month of October, there will also be special events in the garden on weekends. If you’re not afraid of bats, stop by on October 11 and 12 for the Gone Batty Live Bat Encounter (you’ll come face-to-face with bats from around the world). Watch in person how master pumpkin carver Ray Villafrane creates his masterpieces (you might even get to take a little one home!) on October 11 and 12. And on October 25 and 26, the largest pumpkins in the United States will be on display—we’ve heard they’re bigger than some humans, so be sure to bring the camera for some great festive photo ops!

Hours and Admission

Location: 2900 Southern Boulevard, Bronx, NY

Admission: Adults $25 ($20 during the week), children ages 2–12 $10 ($8 during the week), children under 2 free.

Hours: Tuesdays–Sundays 10am–6pm.

How to get there: Take the Metro North Harlem line to the Botanical Garden stop.