NYC Parents Share Top Trick-or-Treating Spots for Halloween

New York City parents and neighborhood experts have identified some of the prime locations across the five boroughs for trick-or-treating, transforming entire blocks into spooky spectacles with elaborate decorations and costumed crowds.

Park Slope, Brooklyn

Park Slope in Brooklyn is frequently cited as a top Halloween destination. Vivien Kwok, creator of the neighborhood’s “Spooky Stoops Map,” notes that the area excels in community spirit and elaborate decorations. Kwok’s family favorite is 3rd Street, which becomes a lively block party with costumed neighbors and decorated homes. Families can also explore areas from Prospect Park West and 11th Street towards the lower-numbered avenues, using the Spooky Stoops Map to find standout displays. Notable past attractions include “The Gowanus Express” on 11th Street and the Hall of Honor near 12th Street and Sixth Avenue. The neighborhood also hosts an annual Park Slope Halloween Parade along Seventh Avenue, culminating at the Old Stone House. Kwok emphasizes that the best trick-or-treating experiences come from streets where neighbors actively participate, whether by handing out candy, creating displays, or simply celebrating together.

Sunnyside Gardens, Queens

For those seeking a small-town feel within the city, Sunnyside Gardens in Queens is a recommended spot. Valerie Bernal, a mother of two, has been bringing her family to the area for years. The trick-or-treating route typically begins on Skillman Avenue, where local businesses offer candy, before moving into the tree-lined residential streets of Sunnyside Gardens, particularly 45th and 46th Streets. Bernal describes the neighborhood as feeling like a hidden small town, with its historic houses, shared courtyards, and illuminated walkways creating a magical, slightly spooky atmosphere at night. She advises arriving around 6 p.m. to avoid the largest crowds. For families with sensory-sensitive children, Bernal suggests preparation with soft layers, noise-reducing headphones, and pre-agreed quiet