🎃 Happy Haunts: Long Island’s Best Halloween Activities for 2025

Fall on Long Island is pure magic — the air is crisp, the leaves turn gold, and every corner of the North Shore feels like a scene from a Halloween movie. Whether you’re into family fun or full-on frights, there’s no shortage of spooky (and sweet) things to do right here on Long Island this October.

Here are two local favorites that are worth adding to your “must-do” list this season.

👻 Gateway’s Haunted Playhouse – Bellport, NY

If you love theatrical scares, Gateway’s Haunted Playhouse in Bellport is the crown jewel of Long Island Halloween attractions.

Each year, this legendary haunt transforms into an immersive world of professional sets, talented actors, and eerie effects that rival Broadway-level productions. You’ll navigate through multiple themed rooms — each creepier than the last — while fog, flashing lights, and unexpected jump scares keep your heart pounding.

It’s been featured on TV, earned national recognition, and consistently ranks among the top haunted houses in New York. Whether you go with friends or brave it solo, one thing’s for sure — you’ll leave screaming and laughing all the way home.

📍 Location: 215 South Country Road, Bellport, NY
🎟️ Tickets: gatewayhauntedplayhouse.com
🕒 Open: Select nights through October

🌲 Trail of Terror – Yaphank, NY

If haunted houses make you claustrophobic, this one’s for you. The Trail of Terror in Yaphank delivers its scares under the open sky.

It’s an outdoor haunted walk that winds through the woods, where fog drifts between the trees and every crunch of a leaf keeps you guessing what’s coming next. You’ll encounter creepy characters, chainsaws in the distance, and plenty of surprises around every corner.

This event perfectly blends the charm of a fall night with the thrill of a classic scare — and it’s become a local favorite for adventurous Long Islanders who love Halloween with a side of adrenaline.

📍 Location: 65 Main Street, Yaphank, NY
🎟️ Details: yaphanktrailofterror.com
🕒 Open: Fridays & Saturdays in October

🍂 Why I Love Fall on the North Shore

Living on Long Island’s North Shore means having access to the best of both worlds — community charm and coastal beauty. From Stony Brook Village’s trick-or-treating to Port Jefferson’s Witches Day Out, there’s always something happening that brings neighbors together.

I love this time of year because it’s when the area truly shines — walkable villages, pumpkin-scented coffee shops, and events that make our towns feel like a Hallmark movie (with a little Hocus Pocus mixed in).

🏡 Make Your Next Move Before Winter

While others are dodging fake cobwebs, maybe it’s time to clear the real ones out of your attic. 😉

If you’re thinking about downsizing, relocating, or buying a home on Long Island’s North Shore, fall is an ideal time to make your move. The weather’s comfortable, curb appeal is at its peak, and serious buyers and sellers are still active before the holidays.

Whether you’re looking for a condo in Stony Brook, a waterfront retreat in Port Jefferson, or a family home in Setauket, I’ll help you find a space where every season feels like home.

📲 Let’s connect — I’ve got just the spell to make your move happen.

✨ About Shaughnessy Dusling

With over 12 years of real estate experience, $200M+ in closed sales, and 180+ five-star reviews, I’ve helped hundreds of Long Island homeowners navigate their next chapter with confidence and care.

As a lifelong North Shore local, I specialize in Stony Brook, Setauket, Port Jefferson, Smithtown, and surrounding Suffolk County communities. My approach is simple — work hard, be kind, and deliver results.