Dare to explore some Halloween frights and fun this weekend

Scarecrow Celebration
Old Westbury Gardens welcomes Halloween with special day of activities, involving scarecrows, “bad seeds” and a masked march. Gather in the Scarecrow Garden for refreshments and Halloween adventures. Take a “Bad Seeds Stroll” to learn about plants that have perilously barbed bark, fruits that reek unpleasant smells, and other bizarre wonders of nature. Arrive early to watch pumpkin carvers in action. Costumes are welcomed and encouraged.
Saturday, Oct. 30, noon-3 p.m. Old Westbury Gardens 71 Old Westbury Rd., Old Westbury. (516) 333-0048 or www.oldwestburygardens.org.

A Haunted Historic Halloween

There’s still time to celebrate Halloween as Long Island residents did in days gone by at Old Bethpage Village Restoration’s annual event. The 19th century Halloween festivities feature ghost story readings, Jack-O-Lantern carving, a 19th century “monster hunt,” and ghost walk. Also hear the tales of the local grave-digger (who often fired his musket in the air to keep away spirits), among the many family-friendly activities.
Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 30-31, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. $10 adults, $7 children 4-14 and seniors. Old Bethpage Village Restoration, Round Swamp Rd., Old Bethpage. (516) 572-8400.

Halloween Spooktacular!
Theodore Roosevelt Sanctuary and Audubon Center shares in the Halloween spirit this weekend with pumpkin carving and story telling. The big draw here is the animals, and visitors can spend some time with some of the Sanctuary’s “spooky” resident animals and tell stories around a campfire. Costumes are optional (but encouraged); bring a pumpkin to carve.
Saturday, Oct. 30, 6:30-8:00 p.m. $8, $5 members. Reservations required. Theodore Roosevelt Sanctuary & Audubon Center, 134 Cove Rd, Oyster Bay.
(516) 922-3200 or trsac@audubon.org.