Autumn in New York is a great place to celebrate Halloween where day trips to go out pumpkin picking is just the beginning...

If you're looking for some spooky places to hang out, or to meet other ghouls and goblins who are in the spirit for some Halloween fun, here are some highlights of NYC's biggest fright night of the year ...

What: Village Halloween Parade
When: October 31st - 7:00 PM
(earlier lineup for costumed paraders)
Where: Starts at Spring St & 6th Ave. Ends at 22nd Street

The Village Parade is probably the best known and most publicized costume extravaganza in the country. Everyone's invited to this Halloween spectacle and the more spectacular the costume, the more likely you'll wind up on the news. This one is a treat for grown-ups and kids. Whether you want to join or just watch check out the wackiest, weirdest, spookiest costumes in the city.

What: Boo at the Zoo
When: Weekends, mid to late October (check the Bronx Zoo info pages for dates)
Where: Bronx Zoo

Celebrate Halloween with magic shows, hayrides, crafts, music for two weekends of some spooktacular fun! Kids 12 years old and under in costume enter free with a paying adult for a safe and fun Halloween.

What: Halloween in Central Park
When: late October
Where: Central Park
Attention all trick-or-treaters, ghost and goblins! Activities include a scary haunted house, costume making and, of course, the pumpkin patch—where participants pick their very own pumpkin from the Bethesda Fountain terrace.

More about Halloween in New York around the Web:

New York's Village Halloween Parade - The official site.

NYC & Company - Houses of Fright - A survey of seasonal attractions with the focus on annual attractions guaranteed to scare the pants off hard-bitten New Yorkers and visitors.

NYC - Halloween Haunts & Events - Scroll down this very long page for everything fright night in New York including family-friendly events.

New York Metro Halloween for Kids - Where to see the best Halloween entertainment, get the best treats, costumes and more, from New York Magazine.

also see -> NYC Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade