This guide was created to help make the month of October a little bit easier for you!
Topics:
Where to Donate Halloween Costumes (scroll to the bottom for the list)
Spooky Activities (scroll to the bottom for the list)
BLUE IRIS PHOTOGRAPHY
Discover the magic of capturing your family’s unique moments with our Full Custom Family Session or our Heart and Soul Newborn Session. Here’s what sets us apart:
- A large light and airy studio: 16 foot ceilings, filled with vintage props, several large wardrobe closets, an 8ft. window seat for lifestyle photos
- Three lush acres: with mature trees, boulders and rock walls to sit on, woods with trails, 10+ gardens, a small field
- Personalized Attention: Each session is tailored to your family’s unique dynamics, ensuring that your personalities shine through in every shot.
- Natural Smiles: Say goodbye to forced grins! Our experienced baby/child wrangler (with her “tickle monster” and an array of tricks), coaxes genuine smiles and expressions from your little ones
- Fast-Paced Fun: We understand that children have varying attention spans and energy levels. Our sessions are fast-moving and adapt to each child’s developmental stage.
- Heart melting photos that will only grow more cherished with each passing year!
Looking for a Fall or Holiday Mini Session?! Or know someone expecting?!
Fall Mini (only a few slots left) – Click here to book.
Holiday WITH Santa – Click here to book.
Holiday NO Santa – Click here to book.
872 Middleline Road, Ballston Spa, NY 12020
Follow Blue Iris Photography on Facebook and Instagram
Click here to visit their website.
Phone #: 518-320-4862
Email: linda@blueirisphotos.
CATSKILL MOUNTAIN RAILROAD
As the leaves begin to change color a great way to view the beauty is on a Fall Foliage Adventure Train ride on the Catskill Mountain Railroad. With the colors just beginning now is the time to enjoy natures amazing change of seasons. And with Halloween coming up don’t miss a chance to ride our Pumpkin Express Trains that have an added bonus – passengers will be able to select their own pumpkin to take home and decorate. Pumpkins will be spread out at the Pumpkin Patch for passengers to select their favorite one. Our trains are fun for adults and children! Take a spectacular journey along the former Ulster & Delaware Railroad corridor and see the natural beauty of the Catskills from our railroad’s unique perspective. Join us as we travel through some of the oldest farmlands in the United States where we will cross the Esopus Creek on the restored C9 Bridge and go through the Hurley Flats. Check our website for Fall Foliage and Pumpkin Express Train schedules. All trains depart from Westbrook Station at Kingston Plaza and then return. Rides are about an hour and fifteen minutes long and are approximately 8 miles round trip.
Follow Catskill Mountain Railroad on Facebook
Click here to visit their website.
Email: [email protected]
CROSSGATES
One Crossgates Mall Road, Albany NY 12203
Follow Crossgates on Facebook and Instagram
Click here to visit their website.
Phone #: 518-869-3522
Email: [email protected]
DELLAVALE FARM U-PICK PUMPKIN PATCH
Dellavale Farm U-Pick Pumpkin Patch is becoming a family tradition! Over 20 pumpkin varieties grown right here at the farm, we offer the opportunity to pick your very own pumpkin right from the field. Spot the perfect pumpkin during a free horse drawn wagon ride, explore the corn maze, launch a pumpkin from the pumpkin slingshot, and so much more. Create the best fall memories at Dellavale Farm located in Pattersonville. Open Saturday and Sunday from 10am-4pm, visit dellavalefarm.com/
783 Pattersonville Road, Pattersonville, NY 12137
Follow Dellavale Farm on Facebook & Instagram
Click here to visit their website.
Email: [email protected]
DICK’S HOUSE OF SPORT
– Pumpkin Putting
– Trick or Treating
– Climb or Treat
– Haunted Home Run Derby
579 Troy-Schenectady Road, Latham, NY 12110
Follow DICK’S House of Sport on Facebook and Instagram
Click here to visit their website.
Phone #: 518-213-3478
Email: [email protected]
DOANE STUART SCHOOL
Offering rolling admissions for Preschool through Grade 12 for the 2023-24 school year! We invite you to visit and discover why Doane Stuart is one of the Capital Region’s premiere private schools. Learn more at www.doanestuart.org, email admissions@doanestuart.
199 Washington Ave, Rensselaer, NY 12144
Follow The Doane Stuart School on Facebook and Instagram.
Click here to visit their website.
Phone #: 518-465-5222
Email: [email protected]
DREAMLIGHTS DANCE STUDIO
Dreamlights Studio, located in Schenectady’s Viaport Mall, offers dance classes for ages preschool through adult — and watch for special blacklight theater and stagecraft programs (visit Eidolon Blacklight Theater at www.Eidolon.Theater). Fall dance classes continue with open enrollment in all classes. New for Autumn and younger dancers, TAP WITH MISS JEN, a starter tap class for ages 5-12, still accepting new students. Wednesday Hip Hop continues for dancers teen to adult. And Thursday classes run the age gamut from preschoolers (Movement & Music), to teens (Experimental Dance Theater), to adults (Level 1 Ballroom and Latin Club).
Located at Viaport Mall
93 W. Campbell Road, Schenectady, NY 12306
Follow Dreamlights Studio on Facebook.
Click here to visit their website.
Phone #: 518-364-4081
Email: [email protected]
DUTCH APPLE CRUISES
Dutch Apple Cruises is located in downtown Albany, NY on the scenic and historic Hudson River! We offer sightseeing, sunset & special event cruises, that are open to the public. We also offer private cruise rentals for your next event. Please visit Dutchapplecruises.com for information, schedules & to purchase tickets!
1 Quay Street, Albany, NY 12202
Follow Dutch Apple Cruises on Facebook and Instagram
Click here to visit their website.
Phone #: 518-463-0220
Email: [email protected]
ELLMS FAMILY FARM
ELLMS FAMILY FARM
448 Charlton Road, Ballston Spa, NY 12020
ELLMS CHRISTMAS TREES
468 Charlton Road, Ballston Spa, NY 12020
Follow Ellms Family Farm on Facebook and Instagram
Click here to visit their website.
Phone #: 518-884-8168
Email: [email protected]
GIRL SCOUTS OF NORTHEASTERN NEW YORK
This year is a new opportunity to forge your own path and discover amazing things about yourself. Don’t miss your chance to grow, learn, and laugh with new friends by your side! It’s your year of discovery with Girl Scouts! Learn more today at https://www.girlscoutsneny.org/
Albany Service Center, 8 Mountain View Ave, Albany NY, 12205
Plattsburgh Service Center, 13 Latour Avenue, Suite 110, Plattsburgh NY, 12901
Queensbury Service Center, 213 Meadowbrook Rd, Queensbury, NY, 12804
Follow Girl Scouts of Northeastern New York on Facebook and Instagram.
Click here to visit their website.
Phone #: 518-489-8110
Email: customercare@girlscoutsneny.
GO KIDS
Go Kids is a sports and physical activity program for ages 18 months-9 years old. Go Kids offers children the ability to develop a love for an active lifestyle through an introduction into a variety of sports such as; soccer, football, basketball, tennis, baseball, hockey, and track and field. Additionally, Go Kids offers school break camps and additional classes for school aged children including; LEGO Club, Strong Kids, and Just for Kicks. Go Kids works to meet each child where they are at to instill a love for being active.
Locations in Saratoga and Clifton Park
Follow Go Kids on Facebook and Instagram.
Click here to visit their website.
Phone #: 518-878-6502
Email: [email protected]
GOOD TO GROW AIRWAY PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY
740 Williams Street, Suite C, Pittsfield, MA 01201
Follow Good to Grow Airway Pediatric Dentistry on Facebook and Instagram
Click here to visit their website.
Phone #: 413-329-3292
Email: [email protected]
GROWING EXPRESSIONS TOGETHER SPEECH THERAPY
Growing Expressions Together Speech Therapy PLLC is a private speech-language practice serving families in Saratoga Springs, NY and surrounding areas. We provide teletherapy and in-office services at our Saratoga location. We specialize in child-led play & social communication, emerging communication, echolalia, articulation, childhood apraxia of speech, and language.
120 West Ave. Suite 103, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
Follow Growing Expressions Together Speech Therapy on Facebook & Instagram.
Click here to visit their website.
Phone #: 518-290-1640
Email: shannon@
LAW OFFICE OF CHRIS CHIN
Did you know about 70% of Americans do not have an estate plan? Please join local attorney Christopher Chin for a free webinar on Tuesday, October 17 at 12PM. You will learn why every family needs an estate plan, how to protect your assets, and how to prevent your children from getting a large inheritance at 18. Click here to register for this FREE webinar.
911 Central Ave Suite 148, Albany, NY 12206
Follow the Law Office of Chris Chin on Instagram
Click here to visit their website.
Phone #: 518-542-3230
Email: [email protected]
LOZMAN ORTHODONTICS
Dr. Robin Lozman is a lot of things. A doctor. A mother. A competitive equestrian. A volunteer for nonprofits. But one of her greatest passions comes from her work as an orthodontist: transforming her patients’ smiles. At her family practice in Latham, New York, Dr. Lozman specializes in comprehensive orthodontic treatment for children and adults, from early interventions and orthognathic surgery to braces and Invisalign. Dr. Lozman works alongside her father, Dr. Michael Lozman, to help people from all walks of life achieve a brighter, healthier and straighter smile, improving their confidence while maintaining a consistently high standard of care. Click here to learn more about Dr. Lozman.
MUSEUM OF INNOVATION AND SCIENCE
Go full STEAM ahead at miSci this fall with brand-new exhibits, events, and break classes. Visit the Museum to experience interactive activities, see historical wonders, and learn about science, technology, engineering, arts, and math! Great for the whole family, visit www.miSci.org to learn more.
15 Museum Drive, Schenectady, NY 12308
Follow miSci on Facebook and Instagram.
Click here to visit their website.
Phone #: 518-382-7890
Email: [email protected]
ROBERT C. PARKER SCHOOL
Celebrating 30+ years of progressive education!
Parker’s philosophy puts students at the center of their own learning. Parker teachers focus on constructing authentic experiences that respond to students’ interests and needs while building on academic and social skills. The result is that students get to spend their day engaged in projects and learning that is individualized, meaningful, and connected to the real-world, and all done on an expansive 77 acre campus.
Programs for PreK 3 and 4 year olds through 8th Grade & Forest Toddlers (18 months- 3 years).
Join us for a Fall Open House; November 1, November 30, and December 13 at 9am! Learn More!
4254 Route 43, North Greenbush, NY 12198
Follow Robert C. Parker School on Facebook & Instagram
Click here to visit their website.
Phone #: 518-286-3449
Email: [email protected]
STUYVESANT PLAZA
Meet some new faces while enjoying your morning with the little you care for! Join Stuyvesant Plaza on the 1st Wednesday of each month from August through November for Lattes & Littles, featuring a collection of kid-friendly activities and breakfast at one of your favorite breakfast joints on property. Full schedule listed on our Facebook and Eventbrite pages. Ticketed event for each day: $20 (1 caregiver/1child) or $30 (1 caregiver/2 children)
THE COSTUMER
10AM – 1PM (or while supplies last)
Sunday, October 8th
11AM
Saturday, October 14th
10AM – 1PM (or while supplies last)
Saturday, October 21st
220 Harborside Drive – Suite 102, Mohawk Harbor, Schenectady, NY 12305
Follow The Costumer on Facebook & Instagram
Click here to visit their website.
Phone #: (518) 464-9031
Email: [email protected]
THE MUSIC STUDIO
They may be little, but they are ready to learn! New classes for children ages 2 and 3 start October 15 at The Music Studio. Have fun with your child and watch them thrive in four weeks of music classes designed to grow their minds and get their bodies moving too.
1237 Central Ave, Albany, NY 12205
Follow The Music Studio on Facebook and Instagram
Click here to visit their website.
Phone #: 518-459-7799
Email: [email protected]
THE SALT DEN
654 Watervliet Shaker Road, Latham, NY 12110
Follow The Salt Den on Facebook and Instagram.
Click here to visit their website.
Phone #: 518-785-7258
Email: [email protected]
VIA AQUARIUM
Take your family on an unforgettable journey as you explore vivid underwater worlds across 45 exhibits. Feel the soft, smooth skin of a stingray as they swim right up to your hand in Stingray Bay. Watch sharks swim overhead while schools of fish surround you in our immersive tunnel tanks. From local favorites to the depths of the ocean, explore our planet’s oceans and rivers all in your own backyard on this self-guided exploration.
93 West Campbell Road, Schenectady, NY 12306
Follow Via Aquarium on Facebook and Instagram
Click here to visit their website.
Phone #: 518-280-5100
Email: [email protected]
WILDPLAY THACHER
Thrilling outdoor adventure awaits just 20 minutes from Albany! Discover 14 Ziplines, 78 Aerial Adventure Games, a 40ft freefall jump and more, located in the heart of Thacher State Park! Activities for all ages 5 and up. Group discounts for birthday parties, field trips, corporate groups and more! Use code CDM15 to save 15% off your entire booking! Pre-book online: wildplay.com/thacher Pre-book by phone: 1-800-616-1325
524 Thacher Park Rd, Voorheesville, NY 12186
Follow WildPlay Thacher on Facebook and Instagram.
Click here to visit their website.
Phone #: 1-800-668-7771
Email: [email protected]
WHERE TO DONATE HALLOWEEN COSTUMES
There hasn’t been anything posted this year, but in previous years they have accepted costume donations.
Follow the Franklin Community Center on Facebook for more information.
East Greenbush Community Library
Facebook post put up on 9/29/23: The library is collecting clean, gently-used costumes of all sizes for our upcoming Halloween Costume Swap! Drop off donations in the Children’s Room by next Friday, October 6th, then join us on October 7th from 11am-1pm to choose a new-to-you costume. More details: bit.ly/costumeswap23
Follow the East Greenbush Community Library on Facebook.
Castleton Public Library
Facebook post put up on 9/17/23: The library is seeking donations of new or clean and gently used Halloween costumes for our Halloween costume giveaway! Please drop off your donations any time the library is open through Thursday, October 12th! Thank you SO much for helping us out!
Follow the Castleton Public Library on Facebook for more information.
Halloween Costume Swap – Ballston Area Community Center
There hasn’t been anything posted this year, but in previous years they have accepted costume donations.
Follow the Ballston Area Community Center on Facebook for more information.
Do you know any other organizations that are accepting costume donations? Please send an email to [email protected]
SPOOKY ACTIVITIES
Fright Fest at the Great Escape – Queensbury, NY
Click here for more information.
Haunted History Trail of New York State
Click here for more information.
Hollowed Harvest – Schenectady, NY
Click here for more information.
Pure Terror Scream Park and Haunted Houses – Monroe, NY
Click here for more information.
Night Terrors Haunted Farm – Schoharie, NY
Click here for more information.
Headless Horseman Hayride & Haunted Houses – Ulster Park, NY
Click here for more information.
Double M Haunted Hayrides & Haunted Houses – Ballston Spa, NY
Click here for more information.
Field of Horrors – Troy, NY
Click here for more information.
Naumkeag Pumpkin Show – Stockbridge, MA
Click here for more information.
Candlelight Tours – Schenectady County Historical Society
Click here for more information.
Capitol Hauntings Tours – Albany, NY
Click here for more information.
Spooky Island at The Schaghticoke Fairgrounds
Click here for more information.
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