In Park Slope, where parents might prefer Montessori toys and organic snacks, Halloween transforms the charming neighborhood into a spectacle of plastic fangs and heaps of candy corn.
On one exceptionally festive block—11th Street between Prospect Park West and 8th Avenue—community members gather to deck out their homes for the holiday, creating a lively atmosphere steeped in spookiness.
The much-anticipated evening drew the first wave of trick-or-treaters by as early as 3 p.m.
At 606 11th St., it was a scene brimming with Halloween spirit. Guitarists Camp Childers and Mike Kuhn exchanged playful riffs while kids admired and petted Childers’ bat-costumed Schnauzer, Inca.
“Honestly, I think folks here get more excited about Halloween than any other holiday,” Kuhn remarked as little ones formed a line for treats.
“We usually run out of candy by 5:30 because the kids just keep coming,” he added. “It’s tough keeping up with the demand on this block.”
Childers mentioned how neighbors eagerly contribute to the festive atmosphere, even recalling the family who initiated a block tradition with their dinosaur decorations.
Marcel, Cheryl, and their son Jack Van Ooyen are the creative minds behind the now-iconic “Jurassic Park” stoop at 594 11th St. As John Williams’ “Jurassic Park” score played, children admired life-sized dinosaurs while collecting candy from the couple, dressed as park rangers.
“We’ve been at this for 17 years,” Marcel shared, noting a different theme each year, with this year’s pun on “Jurassic Park Slope” resonating well with kids.
A few years back, the neighborhood opted to shut off the street to vehicles, inviting a playful block party atmosphere. “It has turned into one big celebration,” he said with enthusiasm.
“Seeing the joy on kids’ faces makes every effort worthwhile,” Cheryl added with a smile.
She explained about her home dinosaur creation process, starting with a wooden frame and layering various materials to craft a realistic look. She even mused about adding a cheeky Christmas twist with a Santa hat later on.
The Van Ooyen family has a knack for reusing their holiday decorations, revealing that their T. rex has previously taken on roles as a giant rat and a dragon from “Game of Thrones.”
“There’s an abundance of kids in the area—all of whom seem to adore dinosaurs. It was a perfect fit,” he noted, highlighting the year’s cohesive theme.
Across the street at 597 11th St., the Ialussi family’s nautical-themed display caught eyes with its glowing tentacles and a shipwreck embellished with “Park Sloop” lifebuoys. They greeted trick-or-treaters dressed as a pirate princess, captain, and mermaid.
“We’ve been inspired by our neighbors, particularly the Van Ooyens,” Adam Iarussi said, noting their growing Halloween commitment over the past seven years.
His daughter, Laila, and her friend Lexi devised the underwater tentacle concept, reminiscent of their past projects that include a Beetlejuice setup and a Barbie-themed display.
Deborah Iarussi mentioned how the endeavor not only strengthens family bonds but also connects them with other neighborhood kids who pop by to witness the evolving decorations.
Vivian F., who runs the Park Slope Living social media account, expressed that for many residents, adorning their homes during Halloween transcends mere decoration—it’s a cherished tradition.
“It’s a testament to the hard work our community puts into creating a festive atmosphere,” she told, emphasizing the beauty of the area during this time. The initiative to compile a Spooky Stoops map highlights homes known for their dramatic decorations, where humorous touches add to the fun.
At Stephen and Roman Barr’s home, playful skeleton displays have become a staple. Roman explained their creative process and jokes about the eye-catching lemonade display their family concocted.
“We always brainstorm ideas together. It’s become a fun father-son tradition,” Stephen shared, recounting their playful past Halloween displays.
