Get Ready For Halloween With Haunts, Costume Parades For Kids & Pets

Each week, we'll give you the info on the five best family activities or events for the week. 

You're time-pressed enough, so we're happy to do the research and find the best things to do and places to go, both locally and within reasonable striking distance.

Look for the kids' planner each Wednesday, and help us build the planner with your own suggestions and tips ‚ just add them to the comment box. We want to hear from you!

Third Annual Haunt For Hospice

When/Where: Friday and Saturday, Oct. 19 and 20 and Oct. 26 and 27 from 6 to 9 p.m./296 N Liberty Drive, Tomkins Cove
Why Go: United Hospice of Rockland (UHR) will benefit from the third annual Haunt for Hospice held in memory of Joan Bender at Cedarbrook Sheds on 296 (Route 9W) North Liberty Drive in Tomkins Cove.  Appropriate for all ages, including small children and teens. There will be will be a haunted house, face painting, refreshments, animatronics, pumpkins and gourds for sale, and more.
Cost/Contact: The event is free although donations are recommended. “Joan’s pumpkins soup” and other refreshments will be available for purchase./http://hauntforhospice

Amelia Bedelia's First Apple Pie

When/Where: Friday, Oct. 19 at 7 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 20 at 11 a.m., and Monday, Oct 22 at 11 a.m./ Barnes & Noble at the Palisades Center
Why Go: Meet the young Amelia Bedelia! She is sure she'll love everything about autumn -- the colorful trees, jumping in the leaves, fun family projects and apples, apples, apples! An apple project will follow the story. Amelia Bedelia's First Apple Pie
Cost/Contact: Free /http://store-locator.barnesandnoble.com/store/2905

Fun Fridays: Scary Stories

When/Where: Friday Oct. 19 from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m./Pearl River Public Library
Why Go: Children in grades four through six can get ready for Halloween by sharing some scary stories. Treats are included.  
Cost/Contact: Free. Contact Pamela Gunning at (845) 735-4084 ext. 126 for more information.


2012 Goblin Parade

When/Where: Saturday, Oct. 20 at 11 a.m./Congers Lake Memorial Park and Community Center, 6 Gilchrest Rd, Congers
Why Go: The Town of Clarkstown Parks Board and Recreation Commission is sponsoring the Annual Goblin Parade for all boys and girls up to 10 years of age who are residents of Clarkstown.  Rain Date:  Saturday, October 27 (rain or shine)
Registration and judging starts at 11 a.m. and ends at 12 p.m.  Games and DJ music at 11 a.m.
Cost/Contact: Free for Clarkstown residents/845-639-6200

Mario the Magician at Nursery School of the Nyacks

When/Where: Saturday, Oct 20 at 11 a.m./ Grace Episcopal Church in Nyack
Why Go: Join Mario the Magician, with musical accompaniment by Jaime Hazan, for an uplifting, inventive, and highly interactive magical performance for the young and young-at-heart! Part retro, part rock and roll, Mario is an artist and inventor who creates his own props. Mario's old world looks and physical comedy style are reminiscent of his heroes, Buster Keaton and Charlie Chaplin, but he puts a thoroughly modern spin on everything he does. All proceeds to benefit Nursery School of the Nyacks.
Cost/Contact: $25 for a family of up to 4; $30 for a family of more than 4; tickets available online: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/280965

Meet YA Author Owen Palmiotti

When/Where: Saturday, Oct 20 from 12 to 2 p.m./ Barnes & Noble in the Palisades Center
Why Go: Meet Mr. Palmiotti and his main character Benjamin Manry. Benjamin is transported back to the 18th century, where he discovers a cursed treasure chest -- the adventures begin. Join us and follow Benjamin on his journey to purge pirates from the sea.
Cost/Contact: Free/ Barnes & Noble

Octoberfest

When/Where: Sunday, Oct. 21 from 12 p.m. until 4 p.m./Pet Palace of New City, 174 S Main St, New City
Why Go: For a day of fun, food, music, raffles, costume contest for people & pets. Prizes for all contest winners. Proceeds to benefit the New City Volunteer Fire Dept. Our way of saying thanks for saving our business after the fire of Nov. 22, 2009. Come one-Come All
Cost/Contact: 845-638-1378 or sales@petpalaceonline.com

Raul Colon: Annie and Helen

When/Where: Saturday, Oct. 20 at 4 p.m./ Barnes and Noble in Nanuet
Why Go: Raul Colon, local illustrator, joins us to discuss and sign copies of his new books, Annie and Helen by Deborah Hopkinson and Don't Forget, God Bless Our Troops, a collaboration with Second Lady Dr. Jill Biden.

Cost/Contact: Free/Barnes and Noble

Donald Cooper Railroad for All Ages

When/Where: Saturdays and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Mahwah Museum at 201 Franklin Turnpike in Mahwah, NJ.
Why Go: There are seven trains running most times on this model railroad has seven trains running at most times. There are two railroad yards, one for passenger trains and one for freights, and the scenery is designed to show rural and suburban areas. There is even a New York City subway. (And yes, there is graffiti on the subway).
Cost/Contact: $5 admission/Go to www.mahwahmuseum.org, call 201-512-0099 or email director@mahwahmuseum.org for more information.