Within a few hours of well-lit Manhattan, the dark dreary forests, fog-shrouded bogs and upstate New York Halloween haunts come to life for spooky autumn thrills. Explore the tranquil region along the Hudson River and move farther upstate through Westchester, Dutchess, Orange and Ulster Counties.
It is bursting with fun and safe, wear-your-own-mask events and attractions themed to the holiday.
Do it live, virtually, or go for a more fearful celebration. New York state has a frightening Halloween weekend getaway option for everyone. And New York state is not alone; for more haunted house options, visit our Haunted House and Halloween Weekend Breaks Directory.
Staying Safe on Upstate New York Halloween Getaways
First, know that if you’re up for a road trip from New Jersey, Pennsylvania or Connecticut, the entire state of New York has a Haunted History Trail featuring more than 80 of the sickest attractions on a tour across the state. The trail is open year round and gets extra traffic during October. Enjoy the fun, festive occasion for its pumpkins, candy and costumes if the scary stuff doesn’t appeal.
Or, celebrate the Halloween holiday with a one or two-night travel package (no one lasts longer than that.) The Haunted Shanley Hotel, for example, in the Catskills, promises muffled screams, the tinkling of a remote piano, shuffling feet and other far-off sounds to lull you to sleep. Should be a howling fun time.
Finding Upstate New York Halloween Fun
Like everything else, when demanding New Yorkers want a haunted house, they want a good haunted house. Forget about Manhattan, where scary things happen all the time. If your kids and teens want a candy-collecting weekend away, with a fun, scary haunted house, a real haunted house, or a haunted house tour, an upstate New York Halloween can supply it.
Need a cheap rental car for an upstate New York Halloween?
From Tarrytown to Woodstock to New Paltz, there are lots of other autumn attractions for all ages. Your New York Halloween getaways should include hayrides, museums, nature hikes, leaf peeking, corn mazes, PYO apple and pumpkin farms and much, much more. Try the toddler-friendly Halloween thrills of LEGOLAND New York’s Brick-or-Treat Trail each fall.
Once you’ve spooked yourself to tears, you can calm down at one of the region’s many hotels. Search for fall getaway packages that include breakfast and Wi-Fi with a double room, as well as local shuttles for the car-less. The Westchester County Tourism Office has a listing of what’s available.
Low Freak Out Factor: Hudson Valley’s Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze
The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze at Van Cortland Manor is Hudson Valley’s biggest Halloween event, taking place Sept. 13-Nov. 17. Note that advance tickets are required and none are sold onsite.
Visitors get to experience the sight of over 7,000 hand-carved jack o’ lanterns and wander through the historic property which is all decked-out for Halloween. In past years, the pumpkin carvings have been astonishing: dinosaurs roam the earth and pirates set sail for buried treasure along Pumpkin Promenade and giant spiders create monstrous webs. Snakes, sea creatures and ghosts entwined in special lighting, effects and haunting music have entertained visitors for 20 years. Visit Jack O’ Lantern Blaze. If they are sold out, there’s still a possibility that local hotels featured on their website have tickets if you book a room with them.
There’s also a Blaze taking place at the historic Old Bethpage Village Restoration in Long Island. New carved pumpkins will be added every week of the event which runs Oct. 4-Nov. 3. Note that Philipsburg Manor in Tarrytown is also open for walking tours, on select days in October and November.and while normally weekends only, it is open Weds-Mon, Oct. 2-Nov. 3, 2024.
Share Stories of the Real Sleepy Hollow
You must get everyone psyched by reading Washington Irving’s “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.” This classic tale introduced characters like the Headless Horseman and Ichabod Crane to the world in 1820. It all happened in Tarrytown. At Sunnyside, the author’s estate, every weekend from mid-September to mid-November comes to life with master storyteller Jonathan Kruk reciting sections of the book for fans old and new.
Tour Sleepy Hollow, Westchester County’s actual village of the same name, and drop in (or drop out) at the famous, 85-acre Sleepy Hollow Cemetery. It’s known for burying the very rich and very famous, including beauty magnate Elizabeth Arden; NY Public Library benefactors Brooke Astor and Andrew Carnegie; car scion Walter Chrysler and his later nemesis, labor leader and AF of L founder Samuel Gompers and local baron William Rockefeller.
Yes, the author of “Legend of Sleepy Hollow” — Washington Irving himself — is buried there, too. There are limited day and evening guided tours, operating by reservation only. There are several scandal-full storytelling tours (some not advisable for kids). Older kids and their parents will appreciate the evening lantern strolls.
Orange County Has High Freak Out Hauntings
What about Pure Terror Screampark in Monroe? See for yourself that it holds the Guinness Book of Records title for longest walk-through haunted attraction. That means a lot of walking! Regardless of your appetite for risk, the outdoor Screampark is open weekends by advanced reservation, from late September through early November. Honestly, images of the creatures in “Monster Midway” plus “Jungle Rot” and “Pumpkin Alley,” among their 13 haunted attractions, made us jump when their website loaded. This Catskills scare-atorium has separately themed fright zones, including our favorite “Terror in the Dark”
By the way, their website says you cannot carry babies through the exhibits, nor are exhibits recommended for pregnant women. Hmm. Located at 1010 State Route 17M, Monroe, NY 10950 in who-knows-where Orange County, it is just 3 miles from the Woodbury Commons shopping outlet, where you can really freak out spending money.
Upstate New York Halloween Horseman Attraction
When it comes to New York Halloween scares, however, farther north in Ulster is the place to be. Do you want to scream all night or just enjoy some Halloween activities? The Headless Horseman at 778 Broadway, Route 9W in Ulster Park, NY 12487, is a unique experience, celebrating more than three decades. This year features a one-mile hayride of terror through the forest, plus a number of additional haunted attractions. Immerse yourselves with stunt performers, trained actors, monsters, pyrotechnics, professional illusions, and a cast and crew of over 300.
Look for ghoulish performers and plenty of shops for candied apples, scary gifts and yummy pumpkin pie. Little ones have two mildly terrifying October dates dedicated just to “Children’s Day.”
Less Scary in New Paltz for an Upstate Halloween
The city of New Paltz turns a bit scary, too. And we don’t mean how spooky the old Mohonk Mountain House looks under a full moon.
Not only are the leaves gorgeous during autumn for the upstate New York Halloween celebration, but there are also plenty of other family-friendly activities. Kelder’s Farm has a 100-acre Pick-Your-Own field with pumpkins and a corn maze that everyone can get lost in. The farm is open daily (except Wednesdays) for pumpkin, sweet corn and squash picking (apples are mostly gone by Halloween); apple cannons, a jumping pillow and other seasonal fun. Fall Harvest Days take place Saturdays until Halloween.
Ulster County hosts animal sanctuaries where you can learn how to protect animals. The Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary, for example, offers an educational experience on how to help our furry friends and our environment. They also have a five-bedroom Gray Barn open for weekly rentals all season so you can work and learn remotely in a very pastoral setting. Stays at this vegan inn help support the animal rescues.
Another lodging option is the Emerson Resort & Spa, a rural upstate New York Halloween getaway that hosts a famous kaleidoscope and lots of fun family activities and adventures. Note, it’s offering 20% discounts on midweek stays.
Adirondacks Boasts a Ghostly Lake
How far north will you go for a scary upstate New York Halloween?
When Mabel Smith Douglass disappeared on Lake Placid in 1933, no one knew she would become a Halloween tourist attraction. The story goes that the former dean of Rutger’s Women’s College disappeared while rowing on the lake near to an outcropping known as Pulpit Rock. Her corpse, perfectly preserved and with an anchor line around her neck, was found 30 years later by scuba divers. Today you can take a boat tour of the site and hear more details. And, admire the fall foliage. It’s said that campers and boaters have reported seeing a ghostly figure of a woman hovering near Pulpit Rock. These sightings keep the legend of “the Lady in the Lake” alive to this day.
Pretty Whiteface Lodge is a very luxurious, new classic resort modeled after the Adirondacks Great Camps. They welcome families to leaf peep while enjoying a myriad of treats around the charming town of Lake Placid. Swim in their indoor/outdoor heated pool. Knock down a few pins in their two-lane bowling alley. Catch a flick in their in-house cinema. Slow down on the candy while enjoying S’mores by the outdoor fire pits..
Trick or treat anyone? Get haunted house for kids options, Halloween fun and more by visiting our Haunted House and Halloween Weekend Breaks Directory.
Tips for a Smooth and Spooky Halloween Adventure
Beat the Crowds
Popular Halloween events, especially those on weekends, can get busy. Arrive early to snag good parking spots and avoid long lines. Consider buying tickets online in advance if the option is available.
Dress for the Weather
East Coast weather in October can be unpredictable. Dress your little ghosts and goblins in costumes that allow for layering. Warm sweaters under superhero suits or extra tights under a princess dress can make a big difference on a chilly night.
Have a Backup Plan
Even the best-laid plans can be foiled by rain. Have an indoor alternative in mind, like one of the museums or a kid-friendly movie screening, just in case the weather doesn’t cooperate.
Snacks and Supplies
Pack water bottles and some snacks to keep everyone fueled for the festivities. A few glow sticks for after-dark never hurt either!
Capture the Memories
Don’t forget to snap plenty of photos of your costumed crew having a blast. Remember those goofy grins and spooky adventures forever!
Bonus Tip: Check local event websites or Facebook pages for any specific parking tips and discounts they might offer for their Halloween events.
Dear Reader: This page may contain affiliate links which may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Our independent journalism is not influenced by any advertiser or commercial initiative unless it is clearly marked as sponsored content. As travel products change, please be sure to reconfirm all details and stay up to date with current events to ensure a safe and successful trip.
4 Replies to “Upstate New York Halloween Getaways”
Comment on this article
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
HI
Although this is a different kind of article. But love to read. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks
Ruma
Do you know if the Philippines are offering any kind of residency or tourist visas right now with covid-19 going on? I’d like to take my family there, thanks.
Complimenti bravo continua cosi!! ottimo lavoro Grazie!!
If you want to practice your French or take Insta-worth pics on cobblestone streets, Montreal is definitely worth a visit. Plus, there are so many sights and landmarks to see, such as the Notre-Dame Basilica (Montreal’s oldest Catholic church) and Olympic Park, which helped host the 1976 Summer Olympics.
Celebrate Halloween night by watching the Sanderson sisters rise from the dead and wreak havoc in this cult classic. PS: where did the last 25 years go?
good. We believe everyone deserves access to factual information, and analysis that has authority and integrity.
Since before recorded history, the therapeutic benefits of the hot springs in this area have drawn people here. and this article is helping us a lot. also visit travpart for more ideas
this is best but i will visit after the era of corona virus so it could be a safe journey
yes exactly like this. The joyful and entertaining cattle fights attract tens of thousands of spectators each year.
great work ! While river cruising’s epicenter is undoubtedly situated over in Europe, the waterways of the United States are becoming more competitive with each passing year.
this is a great idea to explore these places in a safe and enjoyable way. and adding the storybooks is much helpful here for us.
In this era of corona virus everything regarding to travel is difficult But it is not like that we should not travel. these tips are really very helpful.
Yes, you are right and the thing which is important is to take care of ourselves if we do this we can travel anywhere.
wow ! this is really amazing and thank you for giving enough details . this is going to be very helpful . After this lockdown situation I will visit Europe.
You’ve been under lockdown all spring, and summer is finally here. But it’s a COVID-19 summer, and it likely won’t look like any other in modern history. Still, the wanderlust is strong.“People want to travel. It’s a wonderful part of life.If you’re thinking about traveling later this summer, factor in the possibility that your destination may face a new outbreak before you arrive. You can make your plans now for a destination that appears to be relatively safe, but it may not be safe two to three weeks later.
I am trying to find out what dates the apples are harvested in the Annapolis Valley and area. We are taking a trip around the southwest area of Nova Scotia and would like to go at harvest time. This would include any other fruit harvesting. I can t seem to find any approximate dates. Thank you.
this is touristy. But there’s a good reason for that. Soar to the top of the Rockefeller Center via an elevator to take in the views at its observatory, Top of the Rock. You’ll be able to take in the many lights of the city from above, including a red-and-green Empire State Building.
Northern Lights are one of the most beautiful sights to see from Earth. Also known as the Aurora Borealis, I wished to visit is place. Travpart always help me to Explore the World, with Suitable packages & Travel tips.
Hi, nice blog. Very informative and helpful. Please take a few minutes to share your unaccompanied minor flight experience. Several popular airlines are listed on http://unaccompaniedminortravel.com which will help real people like you to be better informed. This is the only site that offers actual unaccompanied user travel feedback as well as all of the information you might need. This site is new so we are also anxious to hear from you if you yourself have in the past used the Unaccompanied Minor service. Thanks!
The majority of the general media coverage focused on virtual vacations, highlighting beach webcams, travel videos and virtual experiences in the destination. Additionally, U.S. News World Report featured Myrtle Beach as an affordable dream destination.
Stay at Castle Hotel and Spa and treat yourself to a Thai-inspired spa that is great for pampering or a romantic activity for couples.
New Hampshire’s Kancamagus Scenic Byway, running through the White Mountain National Forest, is renowned for its autumn leaves, making it one of the top road trips during the fall leaf-viewing season.
Good to know : Keep an eye on their Facebook page for opening day updates. And remember, the farm has chickens, geese, ducks and guinea hens walking around, so dogs are not allowed in the orchard or in the parking lot.
It’s free to enter if you’re in costume and arrive before m, so arrive on time and party the night away!
Multibillion-dollar innovation fair, largest to be held in Arab world, postponed by one year due to coronavirus.
Enjoyed reading the article above, actually explains everything
in detail,the article is extremely interesting and effective.
Best regards,
Mead Cannon
Travellers’ arrangements are being thrown into doubt, and many are wondering whether it’s worth going overseas in the first place. What should you do if you’ve booked a trip?
I am an mom who is 45 years old thanks.
“This is entirely due to airlines reducing space between rows and squeezing passengers into smaller and smaller seats, so small that there is now no longer room for a service animal on some planes,” the NDRN said. “Cramped space on planes is a nuisance to all travelers, but it now prevents some people from traveling at all.”
Discover a great camping location and book your next camping adventure. Our friendly, passionate staff is waiting to help you make the most of your experience. We can’t wait to see you!
The Arizona Family Campout Program is a one-weekend adventure designed for families who have little or no experience camping. This program will provide some equipment and introduce families to the new adventure of camping at an Arizona State Park.
Practise camping before you go, especially with young children. Talk about it with your kids. Set up a tent inside or outside, and spend some time in it.
Hello my family member! I want to say that this post is amazing, great written and include almost all significant infos.
I’d like to see extra posts like this .
I enjoy reading your website Have you got a instagram i can connect to?
Corona (COVID-19) is made herbal everywhere now corona travelling worldwide so there is no any option for travelling this day only how to prevent so what you mention it is really nice I will follow off your suggestion thank you for the nice forum.
Love to spend time near Sea !
I wish i can be there soon and to feel myself on how beautiful it is.
It is always better to have more space when traveling with children.
Known as “Kidsburgh” thanks to all the family-oriented activities in the area, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania is an affordable and fun pick for families. Book tickets to popular attractions, like the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum and the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh, on the VisitPittsburgh
Love watching movies every morning !
If you Love small cruise tour visit Amsterdam
Love to spend time near Sea !
First time visiting your website, I enjoy your website!
je visite l’ensemble des pages du site tout le temps tres bien fait
longue vie au blog
Trekking In Nepal is one of the most popular tourist Activities. Trekking in Nepal generally involves walking on trails with beautiful views for around 6 to 8 hours a day. In a trek, a trekker walks along routes with the variety of land topography including passes, river, high altitude routes, and much more. Travelers enjoy trekking in Nepal because they can enjoy the beautiful nature and sceneries of the country.
Nepal is a land of wonder and home to 8 breathtaking mountains above 8000 meters. These include Mt. Everest (the tallest mountain in the world), Mt. Annapurna, Mt. Machhapuchhre, Mt. Kanchenjunga, Mt. Dhaulagiri, etc. Needless to say, these are some of the tallest mountains in the world. These mountains and the wonderful trails nearby make trekking in Nepal a delightful prospect.
All of these mountains are well-protected. Besides, the area and surrounding forests form a part of many national parks and conservation areas. There are many lakes, gorges, waterfalls, and culturally significant places nearby these trekking areas. Thus, people from all over the world dream of trekking in Nepal.
There are many trekking in Nepal, Some of these treks are short in length. These treks last anywhere from a day to one week. On the other hand, there are also longer treks that can take anywhere between a week and a month.
Annapurna Circuit Trek, Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Mardi Himal Trek, Everest Base Camp treks are some of the most popular treks in Nepal. These treks are moderate in their length.
Langtang valley trek, Everest view trek, and Ghorepani Poonhill trek are some of the popular short treks. Due to their short span, these Short treks in Nepal tend to cost a lot less than longer treks.
As you trek to the high altitude, high Himalayas and their beauty will greet you. Panoramic mountains and the beautiful sunrise/ sunset amidst the soaring mountains will be a delight.
Most trekking areas are also declared as national parks and conservation areas. These are home to beautiful species of birds and animals. You can get to see some exotic animals, butterflies, and birds during your trek in Nepal.
Belgium forbade all international travel early in the pandemic, according to the United States Embassy in Belgium. Any travelers who are permitted entry (there are strict restrictions) must self-quarantine for 14 days. The country started easing its strict lockdown on May 4 and will continue to open parts of the country in a phased way, but tourism is not among the phases.
wow, What a journey, totally impressed
I really like your post..
Agra is one of the best beautiful places in India and the Taj Mahal is one of the Beautiful world heritage places in the world. Thanks, for sharing great information learn something new today.
Have a vehicle in Tracy, California that I need driven cross country to Columbus, Georgia.