Halloween fun for toddlers who are in bed before 8
Halloween doesnβt have to mean sugar highs and late-night meltdowns. With a little planning, you can keep it sweet, simple, and done by bedtime. Here are a few toddler-friendly ideas that bring the fun (and skip the chaos) right here in Williamsburg.
Daytime Halloween ideas for little ones
Morning play and costume time
Start early while everyoneβs fresh. Dress your baby or toddler in a soft, comfy costumeβ¦ one they can nap in if needed. Some ideas: cozy animal onesies, tiny pumpkins, or any outfit that doubles as regular playwear.
If youβre home for the morning, set up a mini Halloween corner with paper pumpkins, stickers, or a sensory bin filled with orange rice and little scoops.
Midday reset
Break for lunch and naps as usual. Halloween is best when everyoneβs well rested.
Afternoon outings
Plan your βtrick-or-treatβ moment before sunset. Many Williamsburg businesses, from cafΓ©s to local shops, hand out stickers or small treats earlier in the day. A short stroller loop can be plenty for toddlers who just want to wave at other kids in costume.
Weekend before or after
One creative way to avoid holiday chaos is to celebrate on a different day altogether. Many local places have family events planned either the weekend before Halloween or the weekend of/immediately after.
Here are a few local events and resources:
NYCβs interactive Trick-or-Treat map shows you where events are happening (and many of them are pedestrian only, or limited car traffic!).
Berry Spooky Halloween - Sunday October 26 at 10am, join Berry Open Streets for tricks, treats, and spooky Halloween fun. Kids costume contest at 1pm!
And of course if you canβt resist venturing out on Halloween (since it is a Friday night this year), head over to McGolrick Park for their 3rd annual McGhoulrick Halloween at 3pm. Theyβre brewing up a spooktacular evening for neighbors, families, and trick-or-treaters of all ages.
Indoor Halloween fun in Williamsburg
If the weather turns or youβd rather stay warm, there are plenty of ways to celebrate indoors:
Halloween Family Movie Night at Park Slope Library - Friday October 24, 2025 at 3:30pm, you and your little can enjoy the animated Addams Family movie.
Halloween at The Canopy - Saturday October 25 from 10am to 1pm. We will have fun, family-friendly activities, snacks and treats (no tricks!), and even some goodie bags. Plus if you want to dress up in costume, you can get a free family portrait taken!
Halloween Cupcake decorating at TALEA - Thursday October 30 from 6 to 7pm. Get creative and spend a fun-filled evening decorating Halloween cupcakes!
A daytime Halloween party for babies and toddlers (and their grown-ups)
At The Canopy, Halloween looks a little different: calm lighting, friendly costumes, and no sugar crashes in sight. We host short, daytime play sessions for babies and toddlers to explore, parade in costume, and enjoy seasonal sensory play.
Parents can sip a coffee or enjoy a sweet treat while littles crawl through soft play zones, dance to gentle music, or play games with new friends. Costumes are encouraged, but comfort always comes first.
If you want to experience a cute (not creepy) costume contest, join us for Halloween at The Canopy.
For parents with babies or toddlers, the big Halloween events in Brooklyn can feel like another thing to skip. The Canopy keeps it simple with a daytime Halloween party made just for ages 0 to 4β¦ easy costumes, fun music, and play that stays cute above all.
Itβs everything your toddler wants from the holiday: a chance to dress up, explore, and make friends. Parents get coffee and good company, and everyoneβs home in time for dinner.
Last yearβs costumes were so good! We had a family of Ghostbusters, a family of Minions, several space explorers, a few dinosaurs, and even a baby dressed as a hot dog (with mom and dad dressed as ketchup and mustardβ¦ so cute!). This yearβs costumes promise to be even more creative, and there are treats, prizes, and plenty of photo moments, all in a space built for babies and toddlers.
You can RSVP online or check the events calendar for details on this yearβs Halloween events in Williamsburg.
A family at 2024βs Halloween party at the Canopy. Dad is a beekeeper, baby is a honeybee, and mom is a flower.
FAQ
What are the best Halloween activities for toddlers in Williamsburg?
Look for daytime parades, local storytimes, or indoor play sessions designed for little ones (like Canopyβs Halloween party for ages 0 to 4 and their grown-ups!).
Can my baby wear a costume at Canopy?
Yes! We love seeing our familiesβ creativity at the Halloween party. Quick tip: we encourage you to incorporate breathable, soft, and moveable elements to you and your littleβs costumesβ¦ that way you can move and play easily.
Are there toddler trick-or-treat alternatives in Brooklyn?
Yes. Many local cafΓ©s and shops hand out stickers or small toys earlier in the day. There are also indoor and outdoor events happening all over the city that are intentionally less scary so families can take part in the spooky fun.
Whatβs the best time to celebrate Halloween with toddlers?
That depends on your familyβs rhythm. For babies and toddlers, weβre seeing a lot of late morning or early afternoon events designed to fit in around lunch and naps. Getting in the fun during the day lets everyone get back home in time for dinner and bedtime without major disruptions to your routine.
Do we need to book ahead for Halloween events?
It depends on the activity. Some spaces like the Canopy are indoors and have a limit to the number of people who can comfortably fit in the space. There are also neighborhood events and activities in the park that are less likely to require advance booking, but they may have large crowds.
