Insider Local Halloween Favorites: Staten Island
One of the wonderful things about living in Staten Island is that homeowners and business owners come together to make Halloween unforgettable for the local children. There are multiple parties and events that allow the kids to both have a good time and to stay safe at the same time. Best of all? Many of these events are free. As a Staten Island mom, I don't think that there is a better place to celebrate Halloween with your kids. That is why I'm sharing several outings that I think local families and visitors will enjoy. By Tamara Kelly.
The Greenbelt Recreation Center is having their free annual Carnevil Haunted Walk at 501 Brielle Avenue on October 28th from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. They will have plenty of Halloween arts and crafts, games, and other treats for the kids. Don't forget to wear your costumes. (Adults can also sneak back later for the "adults only" Haunted Walk from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.)
On October 30th from noon until 5pm, The Children's Museum of Staten Island is hosting a free "Not Too Scary Halloween Party". Costumed partygoers will get to see "haunted" exhibits and join a parade on the museum grounds.
1000 Richmond Terrace
Snug Harbor Cultural Center
(718) 273-2060
Where To Trick-Or-Treat
If you would prefer to just go back to the days of old and trick or treat from door to door, then you will definitely want to go trick or treating down Decker Avenue on Halloween. Decker Avenue is located in the Elm Park section of the Island, and some houses are even converted haunted houses and homeowners allow trick or treaters to take a tour of the house.
An even spookier treat is the Halloween House block party located in the Rosebank section of Staten Island. On Caswell Avenue and Willowbrook Street, block party goers will be haunted by Freddy Krueger from The Chainsaw Massacre and Friday the 13th's Jason tip toeing and sneaking up on unsuspecting partygoers. In addition, there is a whole host of grotesque creatures towering over horrified adults and kids. Last year, the tallest "creature" was a disfigured pirate with a hook on his hand, an over-stretched mouth and a long tongue sticking out of it. This costume stood at approximately nine feet tall. (Personally, I knew it was not real...but I was still afraid of being next to it!)
Tamara Kelly is a blogger for Mom in the City (www.mominthecity.com).
