Halloween — it’s all candy and costumes until your sugared-up toddler throws a tantrum and you hightail home wondering if your spooky evening of fun was actually fun after all. This year, celebrate Halloween with these seven family-friendly events that focus on sensory experiences instead of sugar rushes.
Ghosts and Giggles Sensory Art and Sensory Play Lab at A Bloom Approach
On Friday, Oct. 27, bring your littles, ages 1 to 5, to A Bloom Approach at The Shoppes at East Wind for a morning of messy art, sensory stations and child-led play all with a Halloween theme. The session, which runs from 10 to 11 a.m., costs $30 per child and can be booked here.
Spookies and Selfies at Long Island Selfie Studio’s Halloween Party
Dress up and head to the Long Island Selfie Studio in downtown Riverhead for an afternoon of photo opportunities and pumpkins to decorate. This family-friendly party, scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 28 from noon to 3 p.m., will include treats, drinks, music and more. The cost is $28.76 per child and each child will receive a gift bag. Reserve your spot here.
Autumn Art Session at East End Food Market
Join artist and teacher, Melissa Pressler for a hands-on art session where children will create their own paper mâché jack-o’-lantern using natural materials. The session, which is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 27 at 4:30 p.m. and costs $12.71 per child, will be held under the tent at the East End Food Market in Riverhead. Get your tickets now.
Catch an outdoor showing of Casper at Strawberry Fields in Mattituck
This drive-in movie, hosted by the Town of Southold Youth Bureau and Recreation Department, is the perfect way to kick off Halloween weekend. On Friday, Oct. 27, this free showing will begin at 6:30 p.m. and treat bags will be given to the first 60 guests.
Spooky Season Art and Play Party at Downs Farm Preserve
Come in costume and join Group for the East End and Artfully Long Island for Halloween-themed activities while being surrounded by nature. On Saturday, Oct. 28, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., head to Downs Farm Preserve in Cutchogue for sensory play and art projects using upcycled materials to celebrate Halloween. The cost is $14.64 per child and the party is best suited for children six and under. Reserve your spot here.
Celebrate Halloween at The Gardens
On Saturday, Oct. 28 beginning at 5:30 p.m., head to The Gardens at Beds and Borders in Laurel for a Halloween celebration for the whole family. Wear your costumes and enjoy a night of Balo’s Foods, desserts, live music, dancing and vendors. All are welcome to attend this free event.
Toddler-and-me Fall Adventure at Hortons Flower Farm
Created with the littlest ones in mind, this Spooky Little Adventure session hosted by Little Moments Little Fam at Hortons Flower Farm will blend nature, mindfulness and sensory experiences all with a fall feel. This session, which is scheduled for Monday, Oct. 30 from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m., costs $30 per child and is perfect for children ages 1 to 4. Register here.
