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Tammy Severino is the President of RPC Development, a business and development consulting firm for local businesses and not-for-profit organizations. She has more than 20 years of experience in writing, from business writing to journalism to creative writing, as well as in event planning for corporations, not-for-profit organizations and private clients. In her spare time, this fashionista follows and writes about fashion, travel, and other lifestyle topics. |
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Halloween is one of the few days each year where, even as an adult, you get to have pure fun – almost Disney-like fun. We, on Long Island, are fortunate to have such a wide array of places to visit for some scary, wild or friendly Halloween fun.
If you have wee ones dressing up for tricks and treats (I imagine more treats than tricks), you are probably looking for some good, family-friendly Halloween fun. We love Lewin Farms in Wading River for pumpkin picking and other u-pick ‘em fruit and vegetable options throughout the year.
On the other end of the Island – over in N. Patchogue, head to Woodside Nursery, for the haunted tunnel, the Octobercation Trail, Gold Mining, Scarecrow Making, Face Painting and other family fall fun. Drive a little further east and arrive at the Long Island Aquarium. There you will find Bats, Barnacles & Broomsticks. Children will enjoy a safe trick-or-treat experience as they meander through the Aquarium. The Unearthing Atlantis Dig will be transformed into a “Pirate’s Nightmare Haunted House” and a Costume Parade will cap off an afternoon of crafts and games, author readings, face painting, the Live-brary team and more. Later that night you can return to the aquarium for the annual Masquerade Ball for an evening of costumed fun and fare. Head north to Old Westbury Gardens for The RISE (Rise of the Jack O’Lanterns), a walking trail filled with over 5,000 hand-carved illuminated Jack O'Lanterns designed by professional artists and sculptors! The Rise of the Jack O’Lanterns is one of the few events that combines the theme of the season with artistic beauty. It is truly a spectacular site that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.
If you prefer Halloween’s dark and spooky side, Huntington Station’s new Restless Souls Haunted House Complex may be just the place for you. You can visit 3 Haunted Attractions: The Shack of Screams, The Dark Colony Haunted Trail, and Dr. Bane's Klownitorium in 3D. The Phantom Plaza will offer up photo ops and musical entertainment.
NYZ Apocalypse in Deer Park is a fan favorite each year for some of the best scaring around. The Yaphank Trail of Terror, considered one of Long Island’s scariest Halloween trails, will give you just the right fright. Bayville’s Scream Park, a terrifying Halloween theme park, will frighten even the toughest in your crowd. Now, with ‘not so scary’ days for kids, it offers Halloween fear factor at all levels.
Are you a fan of the escape room craze? Challenge Escape Rooms is a uniquely fun and interactive game that tests your wits, communication skills and teamwork abilities. For the Halloween season, the escape challenges take on a more sinister twist with Killer Countdown. Take a quick trip to Franklin Square for this harrowing Halloween experience.
One additional activity you can do this time of year is drive through neighborhoods to see the wondrous displays neighbors all around the region have in place for the holiday. With some warm drinks in travel mugs you can ride around on a clear evening in search of your personal favorites. Even our family gets in on the action….my very own sister and brother-in-law have one of the best displays in Nassau County….search for the headless horseman in your travels.
As you choose the fun that is the best fit for you and yours, please know I wish you great fun and happy haunting!
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20 lucky winners will win $500 each in prizes totaling $10,000. 