Fun Things to Do with Kids in Brooklyn this October

Find fun and low-cost family events in Brooklyn this October, including the Harlem Globetrotters first show in the borough, a Harvest Festival in Brooklyn Bridge Park, the WCS Run for the Wild on Coney Island, and spook-tacular Halloween activities.

WCS Run for the Wild

New York Aquarium, Coney Island

Oct. 6

In addition to overseeing NYC’s five zoos, the Wildlife Conservation Society maintains a global conservation effort to protect biodiversity and save the world’s iconic animals. The almighty walrus is one of them, and this endangered creature is the theme of this year’s WCS Run for the Wild. Runners will gather at the New York Aquarium in Coney Island for a 5K race or Family Fun Run on the famous boardwalk to raise money for WCS’s walrus preservation efforts. Several donation tiers exist: While $500 will get you a VIP breakfast with a whole goody bag of walrusy paraphernalia, $30 is the minimum donation for adults (discounts apply for kids and seniors) and will yield you some Run for the Wild ear buds. All participants receive a T-shirt, free all-day admission to the New York Aquarium, two free rides at Luna Park, and post-run refreshments and entertainment. Register online.

Harlem Globetrotters

Barclays Center

Oct. 7

Basketball is a serious sport, with emotions often running high—as proven by Spike Lee at any New York Knicks home game. Sometimes a player like Dennis Rodman or Shaq comes along to yield a little comedic brevity at the proceedings. But the lighter side to basketball has traditionally resided in the Harlem Globetrotters. In addition to being master ball handlers, the Globetrotters are true artisans of slapstick comedy. This month, watch them confuse their opposing “stooge” team using everything from G-rated trash talk to the kind of stuff you’d see in a Buster Keaton movie. This special performance marks the first time the 86-year-old institution plays in Brooklyn, thanks to the amazing new Barclays Center.

Tricks and Treats

Brooklyn is an old place with plenty of creepy old buildings, not to mention people. Bone yards abound, as does seriously gothic, 19th-century architecture that deserves a neon “Haunted” sign over the dilapidated overhang. So, when Halloween arrives, you can break into said creepy old buildings (not advised) or scream your head off during these family-friendly events (advised). Then head to nymetroparents.com/halloween for even more spooky fun and tons of giveaways!