A Trick-or-Treat Trail Winds Through Queens Botanical Garden

Queens Botanical Garden turns its paths into a family Halloween on Saturday, October 31, from noon to 5 PM, built first for kids in costume rather than an adult party. Children walk a trick-or-treat trail with candy stations along the way, and early arrivals have the best shot at candy, since stations hand out treats only while supplies last and some may run out later in the day. Between stops there are crafts, face painting, a magic show and a meet-and-greet tied to the new Cat in the Hat movie, which sponsors the day.

The most distinctive part of the afternoon is a storytelling walk led by Griot Darlene Deloris for Ankhlave Anansi's Wisdom of the World Tour. A griot carries West African oral tradition, and Anansi is the clever spider of West African and Caribbean folktales, who tried to keep all the world's wisdom for himself in one of his best-known tales. The walk gives kids a story to follow through the garden, alongside staff talks on its spooky plants. Grown-ups can pick up harvest cider at the bar or honey at the farm stand, paid separately.

Tickets are sold online through Fever. Non-member adults pay $10 and kids ages 4 to 17 pay $8, plus a small fee, and members reserve a free member ticket. Take the 7 train or LIRR to Flushing-Main Street and walk about eight blocks south, or ride the Q44 SBS. Parking at 42-80 Crommelin Street is $15 per car that day. The event runs rain or shine, though extreme weather may still cancel it.