Celebrating Halloween in the Big City

As Halloween approaches and the store fronts and streets start showing signs of the holidays, little ones start getting excited about participating in all the festivities.  However, living in a major city makes the traditional celebrations a bit harder to follow.  And, unlike in smaller towns, stopping at apartments chanting Trick or Treat is not always an option. But there are still ways to ensure that your family enjoys the Halloween traditions, even while living in the city.

One great thing to do is to check community listings to see what activities are planned for your neighborhood.  Often times community and/or parent groups are really great in planning parades where the little ones get to show off their costumes and organizing small gatherings at local businesses for the kids. Check out flyers on playground bulletin boards or at your local community center.

If you live in an apartment building, talk to your neighbors or board members to see if you can organize to have the kids Trick or Treat in your building. Doors clearly decorated and labeled indicate that the tenant is participating in the fun and kids can ring the doorbell, otherwise others can be bypassed.

Find out what local businesses are participating in the treat giving and make sure to stop by on Halloween night.  Most local businesses set up a candy dish in expectation of kids coming.

If your neighborhood isn't doing much, or there are no notices of participations from neighbors or businesses nearby, fear not!

Most city museums, and kid-friendly locations, including restaurants, tend to organize parties and other festivities for the whole family to enjoy.  Check your local listings and you are sure to find an wide selection of activities to choose from, many of them free or inexpensive.

Because living in the city doesn't mean we can't participate in the fun! Dress up, get out there, and have a Happy and Safe Halloween!

 - Carol Cain, NYCityMama.com

Carol Cain is a lover of travel and everything New York.  When not traveling, she spends most of her time trying to think of ways to entertain her three active boys, ages 3, 4 and 12, while also finding romantic escapes for her and her husband when ever they get a chance. 

An adventurous spirit, she is willing to try anything at least once, and than sharing her adventures in her personal Travel and Lifestyle blog, The Adventures of a NYCityMama (http://www.nycitymama.com/).