Accessible Journey Sequence: Halloween in Dutchess

Date Revealed: October 13, 2023

Halloween is filled with spine-chilling enjoyable for teenagers and adults alike, and right here in Dutchess County, there are all types of frightfully incredible occasions and points of interest to have fun the event. From haunted mansions and horror movies to cemetery excursions and costume events, Dutchess has one thing for everybody this spooky season. 

In truth, a few of these points of interest provide particular options to assist these with mobility or sensory challenges get in on the enjoyable. Here’s a listing of some accessible Halloween occasions in Dutchess County. 

Have enjoyable and take a number of images! Share them right here and tag @DutchessTourism on social media.  

Oct. 15 and 22, 2–4 p.m. on the Haunted Fortress of Stanford, Stanfordville

Created by Peter Wing (of Wing’s Fort fame), the Haunted Fortress has been scaring guests since 1997 and can be open this season on 4 consecutive weekends starting Oct. 6. These courageous sufficient to stroll right through the creepy swamp will encounter the Prepare Yard, the Carriage Home, the Crooked Home, the Caves, the Bottomless Pit, the Village, the Church with its Graveyard, and the Lab. Free, sensory-friendly reveals are scheduled on Oct. 15 and 22 from 2–4 p.m., throughout which company of all ages could be guided by the complete attraction through the gentle of day with no creepy music, no actors and no strobe lights.  

Friday, Oct. 20, 6:30 p.m. at The Bardavon 1869 Opera Home, Poughkeepsie ThinkDIFFERENTLY invitations residents of all talents and their households to a free, sensory-sensitive screening of the traditional Halloween film, “Hocus Pocus.” The Bardavon will alter each the lighting and sound to make the expertise extra fulfilling for these on the autism spectrum or who expertise sensory sensitivities. This system may also embrace closed captioning. Seating is proscribed; registration is required. 

By reservation solely at St. James Episcopal Church, Hyde Park 

Tour this 200-year-old churchyard throughout their seasonal graveyard excursions by lantern gentle and “meet” a few of the iconic people who find themselves buried there! Characters wearing costumes acceptable to their occasions inform their tales by interactive dialogue. Annually options new tales with connections to native historical past. Applicable for ages 5 and older. Whereas not superb for wheelchairs, walkers or strollers, there can be a golf cart accessible at no extra cost for these with mobility points through the 6:30 and eight p.m. excursions. Name the parish workplace at (845) 229-2820 to order the cart. 

Yr-round at Stony Kill Farm, Wappingers Falls 

Stony Kill’s eight-plus miles of scenic trails are open to the general public three hundred and sixty five days a 12 months from dawn to sundown. That features the quarter-mile Woodland Path, which options an excellent floor and a delicate incline. It’s compliant with the requirements specified by the People with Disabilities Act, so it may be loved by all! With the splendor of the autumn foliage bursting forth and the forest creatures busily getting ready for winter, it is a nice time of 12 months to enterprise into the woods! For accessible parking, enter the farm from the south entrance close to the pond and comply with the indicators. Plus, Stony Kill can be internet hosting its kid-friendly Halloween occasion, the Stony Kill Spooktacular, on Oct. 28 from 4 – 7 p.m. Get pleasure from a costumed tour of the not-so-haunted barn, hop on the hay wagon for a experience by the fields at nightfall, sit by the hearth and luxuriate in s’mores and treats from the Donuts for Days and Cider Bros. meals vehicles. Cease by the greenhouse for Slithers and Scales, and if it’s a fright you’re after, dare to stroll the Haunted Gardens at evening (6 – 7 p.m.).