KidsOutAndAbout's Guide To Halloween In the Buffalo - Niagara Area!
WNY is filled with fun ways to celebrate Halloween! KidsOutAndAbout has compiled this guide to help families enjoy the holiday to the fullest. Our ideas include places to Trick or Treat inside and outside in safe, public places, Halloween parties and celebrations, haunted tours and hayrides as well as a couple of Trunk or Treat events where kids can trick or treat out of the trunks of decorated vehicles! We also know that some families prefer to entertain their children on October 31st without including Halloween, so our Big List also includes a few Halloween Alternative celebrations going on in the Buffalo area as well.
If we've missed an event, please send me an email so that we can add it to our list!
Places to Trick or Treat Inside
Boo-levard of Fun at Boulevard Mall: October 26th
Celebrate Halloween at this fun family event - great for kids of all ages with trick or treating, crafts, a bounce house, magic tricks and more!
Play, Eat and Trick or Treat at GCC: October 28th
Join us for Batavia’s best indoor trick or treat and Halloween party for kids! Show off your Halloween costumes…trick or treat inside! The party features bounce houses, face painting, pumpkin painting, movies on the big screen, great food and more!
Safe and Seen Halloween at “Eerie” County Community College:2017 TBD
Children under 12 and their parents will receive great safety tips while trick-or-treating indoors for ghoulish goodies through the Haunted Hallway of Treats. Admission is $3.00 per child, with proceeds benefitting the American Red Cross, Serving Erie & Niagara Counties.
Trick or Treat and Costume Contest at the Broadway Market: October 28th
Enjoy Halloween inside at the Broadway Market in Buffalo! The fun includes trick or treating, a kids costume parade and the annual costume contest! It's just another great reason to visit the market with your family.
Mall-O-Ween at Eastern Hills Mall: October 28th
Enjoy Halloween inside as you Trick-Or-Treat throughout Eastern Hills Mall to benefit Essential Care for Children. This trick or treat alternative is fun for the whole family!
Galleria of Treats at the Walden Galleria: October 26th
The Galleria of Treats is the largest indoor trick-or-treat event in Western New York. Not only does this event allow for a safe alternative for over 8,000 children and their families, but allows many businesses to showcase their products and/or services while helping local kids suffering from chemical dependency.
Toddler Trick or Treat at the National Museum of Play at the Strong: October 31st
Halloween activities and goodies for the littlest trick-or-treaters. Meet favorite storybook characters, dance to Halloween tunes, and play games.
Trick-Or-Treating at McKinley Mall: October 31st
Kids under 12 are invited to McKinley Mall for free indoor trick-or-treating from 6 - 8 pm! Lines forming at the North entrance near Guest Services and the South entrance near the Food Court.
Halloween Tales and Trick or Treating at the Kenan Center's Taylor Theatre: October 22nd
Doors open at 3 PM, and the story begins at 3:15 PM on the Taylor Theater stage. Following our story, children can participate in a variety of activities including games, crafts, and Trick or Treating. Recommended for children preschool age and up. Tickets are $4 and include all activities, including crafts and Trick or Treating. Adults accompanying children are free. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Children and families are encouraged to come in Halloween costumes, or as their favorite literary character, and enter our costume contest! Pre-purchasing tickets is recommended as space is limited. To purchase tickets, call 433-2617 or visit the Kenan Center Business Office at 433 Locust Street, Monday through Friday. Additional information is available online at kenancenter.org.
Places to Trick or Treat Outside
Trick or Treat at the Buffalo Zoo: October 14th – 15th
The trick-or-treating is free for children with regular Zoo admission. So, dress up your cubs and bring them to the Zoo for some Halloween fun that will include over 15 treat stations, festive decorations, and more!
Halloween Trick or Treat at the Buffalo Niagara Heritage Village: October 20th and 21st
A fun family favorite! Trick or treat in the Buffalo Niagara heritage Village! Meet our gently spooky villagers and safely trick or treat with kids ages 3-12 years. Snacks and refreshments will be provided. Reservations are required.
Haunted Harbor at Tonawanda Gateway Harbor: October 14th
Gateway Harbor, on both sides of the canal, will have not-very-haunted activities and trick or treating. Even the boaters are waiting for you! It will be fun to see the decorated boats, pirates and trick or treat stations. Costumes encouraged.
Trick or Treat at Genesee Country Village: October 28th and 29th
Enjoy an autumn afternoon strolling the streets of the historic village and visiting with townsfolk in modern costumes! Approximately a dozen of the village’s historic buildings will be open for trick-or-treating. Small bags will be provided for each trick-or-treater at admissions. Note: this program is designed for small children (ages 8 and under). Of course children of all ages are welcome!
Elmwood Avenue Safe Trick or Treat: October 29th
Parents - bring kids under 10 in costume to collect candy from participating businesses in Elmwood Village! Participating businesses will display a Safe Trick-Or-Treat poster in their window advertising “Get Your Treats Here.”
West Seneca Enchanted Path: October 27
Visit Veterans Park from 6 - 8 pm for the annual Enchanted Path where your family will have fun trick-or-treating, playing games, making crafts and more! $1 donation per person which benefits the YES program. Don't forget your costumes.
Cub Scout Pack 272 Trunk or Treat at Cleveland Heights Christian Church in Cheektowaga: October 14
Put on your costumes and head to this free, fun family event to collect tons of candy from 6 - 8 pm.
Halloween on Hertel: October 29th
Join the amazing Businesses on Hertel Avenue for another spooktacular event! Have your kids dress up in their best Halloween Costume and enjoy a safe, family friendly trick or treat! Just look for the Participation Poster in the windows!
Trick or Treat on Delaware: October 28th
Merchants along Delaware Avenue will have treats for children this Halloween (Look for the “ghost” sign in the window of participating merchants)!
Downtown Lockport Trick or Treat: October 27
Halloween Celebrations
Holiday Hollow Halloween Village: Every weekend in October and Columbus Day
Happy, non-scary family fun! 8 live stage shows in mini-Renaissance Fair-like setting. 2 Pirate Shows; NEW "Ditzy Gypsy" show; Wacky Witch Magical Cooking Show; Mad Tea Party; Forest Adventure; food; games; much more. Oct. weekends & Columbus Day.
Halloween Spooktacular at Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum: October 16th
This family-friendly event is appropriate for even the youngest ghosts and goblins. Join us for Halloween games, crafts, and treats to celebrate the holiday in a safe, fun environment. A highlight of the event is special comedy magic shows by Charlie and Checkers at 6:00pm and 7:00pm—don’t miss it!
Spooky Library Party featuring Trick or Read and Tales from the Tier! At the Buffalo and Erie County Central Library: October 28th
It's the Spooky Library Party featuring Trick or Read and Tales from the Tier! Families with children 12 and under join us for Trick or Reading, visit the different stations in the library and say "Trick or Read!" to get a treat! This party will take place from 1pm - 3pm and will also feature games, snacks and crafts! Costumes are welcome. Registration NOT required!
Halloween Kite Fly With the Great Lakes Kitefliers Association: October 15th
Bring your kids to the annual Halloween Kite Fly! Today's Theme Kite Is: Ghosts and Bats. Kite fliers should dressed in scary costumes. Prizes will be awarded.
Rolly Pollies – Both Locations: October 29th
Bring your princesses, superheroes, ghosts and pumpkins to Rolly Pollies to show off your costumes during play time (no face paint or dangerous costumes)! Each participant will take home a Halloween goodie bag too. Reservations are required!
Halloween Story and Craft Time at Stutelage: October 28th
Our Stutelage holiday parties offer children an opportunity to explore the special day through exciting and engaging activities. Join us for a morning of fun!
Monster Mash Breakfast in Niagara Falls: 2017 TBD
This Annual event is a Halloween party for costumed children with spooky surprises including: A "Boo-tacular" Breakfast Buffet, Costume Parade, Halloween-Themed Music, Age-Appropriate Haunted House, Halloween Arts & Crafts, Halloween-themed Duck Pond Game, A Bounce House, A Visit by Walter C. Falls - The Old Falls Street Mascot, Prizes & Much More!
Halloween Happenings at Aquarium of Niagara: October 28th
Enjoy a haunting good time at the Aquarium! Kids who dress as their favorite sea creature receive FREE admission. All others $10. Celebrate a spooky time in a safe and fun environment.
Halloween Spooktacular at the NY Power Authority: October 28th
The Spooktacular features a special giveaway to the first 300 youngsters, spooky games all day courtesy of the Niagara Police Athletic League, a haunted house experience courtesy of the Lockport YMCA, crafts courtesy of the New York State Parks and Historic preservation interpretive program, a horse-drawn hay ride, movies, and a children’s contest for best costumes. The costume contest judging takes place at 2:00pm. Come early for even more special Halloween treats. Parking and admission at the Power Vista, located at 5777 Lewiston Road in Lewiston, are always free of charge.
Not So Scary Halloween at Explore and More Children’s Museum: October 29th
Your kids will have a ton of Not So Scary Halloween fun at Explore and More Childrens Museum in East Aurora! We will have games, crafts, activities and treats in the workshop from 12 - 2 pm, come in costume if you'd like!
Children’s Halloween Parade and Contest in the Village of Williamsville: October 21st
The costume contest and the parade begins at 6 and is followed by The Checkers Show at 7!
Symphonic Spooktacular With the BPO: October 27th
Wear your Halloween costume and enjoy some of the spookiest music ever composed. Don't miss the costume parade. Guaranteed to be a howling good time with the Buffalo Philharmonic Symphony!
All Hallows Eve at the Buffalo History Museum: October 28th
Your kids will have a ton of fun at the Buffalo History Museum's Halloween event! Live organ music on artifact pipe organ, scary silent film screenings, pumpkin painting, historic crafts, museum ghost tours, artifact scavenger hunts!
Childrens Halloween Party at Hilbert College: October 15th
The Hafner Recreation Center will be transformed into the perfect place for a little spooky fun from 2 - 4 pm. Wear your costumes to this free event!
Youngstown Halloween Party: October 28th
Come at 12:30 to register for the Costume Contest Parade which begins at 1 pm followed by treats, games, music, awards and MORE!
Boootanical Celebration at the Buffalo Botanical Garden: October 14
10am-2pm - Included with Botanical Garden admission.
Kenmore Halloween on the Green: October 28th
Each year, hundreds of children dress up and come to the Municipal Green (corner of Delaware Avenue and Delaware Road) to enjoy games, crafts, face painting, food and fun! The event is held rain or shine and runs 10:00 to 1:00. This event also marks the end of the Kenmore Farmers Market for the year. Help support our local farmers and vendors!
Kenmore Volunteer Fire Department Halloween Parade: October 31st
Every year, the Kenmore Volunteer Fire Department holds a Halloween Parade for Children on Halloween – October 31st. The parade starts at the corner of Delaware Road and Wardman Avenue at 6 PM and ends at the Kenmore Fire Department, 16 Nash Road, where kids enjoy donuts and cider and receive a candy bag.
Halloween Runway Party at Brighton Place Library: October 21st
Strut your costume down the “Orange Carpet” in our Halloween runway show! Then strike a pose for the paparazzi! The party continues with treats, games, and activities. Each child will receive a Halloween treat bag to take home. Limited to 25 kids. Call 332-4375 to register your child.
Jumpin Pumpkin Jamboree at the Medina Railroad: October 28th
Halloween Alternatives
Slime Time at Love Joy Church: October 31st
Get ready for a slimy good time! It’s a FREE family event that provides a safe place to have fun on Halloween. There’s games galore for kids of all ages, and lots of candy! Friendly costumes are encouraged!
Fellowship Wesleyan Church Harvest Festival: October 28th
From 1 - 3 pm fun for the whole family with lots of games and candy. Children and adults are encouraged to wear non-scary costumes. The event is free to attend. For questions, call the church office at 675-9245.
Haunted Tours
Spirits of the Past Theatrical Tours at Genesee Country Village
Take an after-hours guided tour through the candlelit and spooky streets of the historic village on Oct, 18-19 & 25-26 to find costumed characters spinning tales from eerie 19th-century literature.
The Haunted Fortress at Old Fort Niagara: Cancelled For 2017
As the leaves change their colors and the temperatures begin to drop, the spirits return to Old Fort Niagara for the annual Haunted Fortress. For two nights only, visitors will experience the dark side of Fort Niagara as ghosts and ghouls from the past walk among the historic buildings.
Haunted History Ghost Tours of East Aurora
Since 1997 the East Aurora ghost walk has been a village classic. Famous local ghosts, occult architecture, prehistoric battlefields, child-stealing Little People, and the legendary "Suicide Alley..." This is one of the richest scripts we have.
Zombieville in Lancaster Village
Stroll down Central Ave. and enjoy decorated windows and pumpkins, and friendly Zombie light posts. Say hello to one of our friendly Zombies on the street. Enjoy the Zombie Sprint, the Zombie Maze, a Ghost Tour, and parade!
Marble Orchard Ghost Tours of Lewiston
The Marble Orchard Ghost Walks are unmatched when it comes to presenting both historical truths and ghostly legends. The walks are a great way to introduce visitors, kids and even long time residents to Lewiston's rich and exciting history.
Beyond Ghosts Candlelight Tour of Buffalo Central Terminal
Join Beyond Ghosts and it's expert guides in to the dark and cavernous halls of the Central Terminal! Our Candlelight Tours (using flashlights of course!) will lead you through the building as you hear about its haunted history!
Haunted Forest Hike at Genesee County Parks: October 28th
Haunted Hayrides
Haunted Hayrides at the Wheatfield Pumpkin Farm
In addition to our daily Family Hayrides, you should definitely check out our spooky Haunted Hayrides! Close to Buffalo, we're located in Wheatfield - less than a mile North of Niagara Falls Blvd. Bring your family for some Halloween fun!
Bowmansville Volunteer Fire Association Haunted Hayride
See how brave you are at the Haunted Hayride and House! $3 admission includes donuts, cider and coffee! Pizza and pop for sale. Costumes are welcome. Proceeds to benefit Cradle Beach and The Franciscan Center (Fr Joe Bayne).
This is the area's only wheelchair accessible hay ride. There will also be child fingerprinting, a blood drive, and warm indoor areas.
Haunted Hayrides at Becker Farms
Our Haunted Hayride, and phylotec have been scaring the "yell" out of unsuspecting victims for some time now . It has become a Halloween tradition, so bring your friends and family, Scouts or sports groups - as many people as you can to protect you from the strange happenings and eerie encounters that go on in the Becker Farms forests after dark.
Haunted Houses
Boy Scout Troop 735 Haunted House: October 28th
The haunted house, located in the basement of American Legion Post 735 (35 Legion Drive, West Seneca) is an annual crowd pleaser! From 6 - 8:30 this spooky event will entertain your family with thrills, chills and surprises! Not recommended for kids under 9. Donations of $4 per person, or $15 for a group of four, supports the outdoor adventures of the troop.