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. 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
Orangetown Halloween Spooktacular
When/Where: Friday, Oct. 26 at 6 p.m./Veteran’s Memorial Park in Orangeburg.
Why Go: This event run by Orangetown includes a costume parade, visits by costumed characters and pumpkin decorating. Participants should bring their own pumpkin, but materials for decoration will be available.
Cost/Contact: Free/www.orangetown.com
Family Movie Night
When/Where: Friday, Oct. 26 at 6:30 p.m./ Nanuet Library
Why Go: The movie “Mirror Mirror” will be shown on the big screen. Bring blankets, pillows and anything that makes you comfortable. Snacks will be provided. Parents must accompany and stay with children during the movie.
Cost/Contact: No registration required. Free / Nanuet Library
Storytime: The Monster’s Monster
When/Where: Friday, Oct. 26 at 7 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 27 at 11 a.m., Monday, Oct 29 at 11 a.m./ Barnes & Noble at the Palisades Center
Why Go: Three little monsters want to make the biggest, baddest monster ever and never expect their monster will turnout to be anything but bad. They'll read from a special monster-sized book and from the NOOK. Enjoy some treats and take home a monster mask
Cost/Contact: Free /http://store-locator.barnesandnoble.com/store/2905
Nyack's 25th Annual Halloween Parade
When/Where: Saturday, Oct. 27 at 4 p.m. for marchers, parade begins at 5:30pm/Main Street and Broadway in Nyack
Why Go: Come celebrate Halloween in the Village of Nyack with its 25th Annual Halloween Parade! Costumes, floats, bands, fire trucks, prizes and more. Parade will step off at 5:30 p.m. and end at the Halloween Stage in the Nyack Municipal parking lot. Marchers are asked to arrive at Memorial Park at 4 p.m. for lineup. Visit local restaurants before and after the parade for spooky Halloween specials!
Cost/Contact: Call 845-721-5059 or visit www.nyackchamber.org for more information or to march.
Teen Program: Zombies vs. Unicorns
When/Where: Saturday, Oct. 27 from 4:45 to 6:45 p.m./New City Library, 220 N Main St, New City
Why Go: Come dressed as your favorite zombie or unicorn and take turns with our laser tag equipment. Ghoulish party food, trivia competitions and freaky crafts provided. Limited registration starts Monday, October 22. To register, go to www.newcitylibrary.org and click on “Teens.” This program takes place after regular library hours.
Cost/Contact: Free/ www.newcitylibrary.org and click on “Teens.”
When/Where: Sunday, Oct. 28 from 1 to 3 p.m./45 Mountain Ave, Hillburn, NY
Why Go: The County of Rockland, in collaboration with the Historical Society of Rockland County, announces an easy 2-mile walk through the historic Village of Hillburn. This “walk and talk” will feature the history of Hillburn in addition to the personal comments of longtime Hillburn resident Dr. Travis Jackson. A student of the Brook School that was attended by African American and Native American students only, Dr. Jackson will speak about how the school was eventually integrated with the main school.
The walk is mostly on paved, flat sidewalk and road. Walkers meet at the Ramapo Administration Building (Hillburn School) at 45 Mountain Avenue in Hillburn. Walkers are instructed to meet in the lot of the administration building. Nearby on street parking is also available.
Cost/Contact: Free/845-708-7307 or e-mail rcamericorps@co.rockland.ny.us
Schoolhouse Rock Benefit Concert
When/Where: Monday, Oct. 29 at 7:30 p.m./Nanuet Senior High School auditorium
Why Go: The concert will feature the talent of students from the Nanuet district schools and will be led by Robert Dorough, a primary composer for SchoolHouse Rock, a popular series of educational animated shorts that ran on ABC-TV in the 1970s and 1980s. All proceeds from the concert will benefit both the Nanuet Family Resource Center and the Friends of the Nanuet Public Library.
Cost/Contact: Concert tickets are $10 each and are on sale now at both the Nanuet Public Library and the Nanuet Family Resource Center located at George Miller Elementary School. / Roseann Mercado at 845-627-4889 rmercado@nanuetsd.org
Piermont Haunted House
When/Where: Wednesday Oct. 31 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Goswick Pavilion in Piermont.
Why Go: This free haunted house run by the Piermont Fire Department with help from the Piermont Police annual draws over 1,000 visitors.
Cost/Contact: Free
Pearl River Trick-or-Treating
When/Where: Wednesday, Oct. 31 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. in downtown Pearl River.
Why Go: Businesses along the streets of Pearl River will give out treats on Halloween, providing a safe alternative to going house to house. The event is organized by the Pearl River Chamber of Commerce with aid from the Orangetown Police Department. Children should be accompanied by an adult at all times. Balloons will be displayed outside participating businesses.
Cost/Contact: Trick-or-treating is free. Organizers are looking for volunteers to help distribute the balloons. Those interested should email secretary@pearlriverny.org
