Halloween parades for kids in New York

Little ghosts and goblins will line up at 12:45pm at CitiGroup Plaza (Greenwich St at N Moore St) and march down to the park, dressed head-to-toe in costume. Following the parade, eager tykes can wander their way through a hay maze, search for a penny in a haystack and munch on tasty treats, rain or shine. All ages.

This East Village park goes to the dogs every year for a spirited canine celebration, and if you've ever spent hours perfecting your tot's costume, you'll be floored by the time and effort these pooches' parents put in. Bring the kids and your own furry friend to scope out the competition or participate. Last year's hilarious get ups included a sushi boat, a Ninja Turtle and characters from Breaking Bad (RV included). Top dogs take home prizes including tickets to Broadway shows or gift vouchers. All ages.

Don your creepiest costumes and join in on this downtown parade, celebrating its 41st anniversary. On top of the endless entertainment provided by more than 100 puppets, 53 bands, and countless dancers and artists, Sixth Avenue will transform into a green oasis thanks to a new theme: The Garden of Earthly Delights. Puppeteers drooping with shoots, blossoms and moving boughs will form a giant Tree of Life. If you don't want to join in, grab a spot along the route and watch New Yorkers gallivant in their getups. Sixth Ave from Spring St to 16th St. Subway: A, C, D, E, F to W 4th St. All ages.

Your little goblins can showcase their costumes alongside gigantic puppets at this daytime parade and festival. They can also dance to live music by Terry Dames Science Music Roadshow, craft wearable insect antennae and visit stuffed creatures at the Pretend Petting Zoo. Grab your camera and deck your kids our in their best ensembles—they'll show them off in a parade and drum circle! All ages.

Of all the Halloween festivals in the city, Central Park’s is the only one that involves sending your homemade jack-o’-lanterns afloat into the Harlem Meer. Before the main event at dusk, kids are invited to show off their most creative costumes in a parade, dance to "Monster Mash" and other Halloween songs by live musicians, ogle live pumpkin-carving demos and work on creepy crafts. See website for pumpkin decoration restrictions. All ages.