Fall in NYC with Kids: 15 Fun Autumn Activities Your Family Will Love
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1. Explore Central Park
Central Park is a vibrant splash of nature right in the heart of New York City! This vast green space is perfect for a family day out. You can bike through the colorful fall foliage or take a leisurely walk to discover hidden statues and fountains. It’s huge, so there’s plenty of room for everyone to play and relax.
2. Pumpkin Picking at Queens County Farm Museum
Fall in New York City is magical and what’s more fun than pumpkin picking with your kiddos? Queens County Farm Museum offers a family-friendly atmosphere where you can find your perfect pumpkin! Spread over 47 acres, this farm is one of New York’s oldest working farms, and the pumpkin patch is a seasonal highlight.
At the Queens County Farm Museum, you can pick your own pumpkin right from the vine. Sizing up pumpkins is a blast, and each one is priced according to size.
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3. Walk the High Line
A walk on the High Line offers an unparalleled perspective of the city’s autumn beauty! Elevated above the streets, this former rail line-turned-park weaves between modern architecture and lush gardens, creating a perfect canvas for fall photos.
You’ll love the cool breeze and the unique vantage points to see the bustling city below. Make sure to look out for the art installations that change seasonally; they’re always a hit with kids of all ages!
4. Visit the Bronx Zoo
The Bronx Zoo is a fantastic place for an autumn adventure with your kids! With over 265 acres to explore, you’ll encounter wild animals and vibrant fall foliage. The children’s zoo is especially fun, where kids can meet friendly animals up close.
Don’t miss the sea lion feedings, which are sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face! The zoo’s nature club offers hands-on activities that blend learning with play, and your family can join in to learn even more about wildlife conservation.
5. NY Botanical Garden’s Halloween Train Show
Exciting times await you at the NY Botanical Garden’s Halloween Train Show! Imagine miniature trains zipping through a landscape of over 150 New York landmarks, each crafted from natural materials like bark, leaves, and acorns.
Grab your kids and watch their faces light up as they spot familiar sights in a magical, scaled-down form. It’s a seasonal spectacle that’s sure to dazzle, perfect for family photos and creating new traditions.
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6. Attend the Village Halloween Parade
Every autumn, New York City’s streets come alive with the Village Halloween Parade. It’s a perfect family fun event where creativity shines! With amazing costumes and performers, your kids will have wide eyes and big smiles. Make sure to grab a cozy spot early as the city buzzes with anticipation.
7. Enjoy a Broadway Show
Taking in a Broadway show is a perfect way to spend an evening in New York City. The energy of the theater, the incredible talent on stage, and the buzz of the crowd make for an amazing atmosphere.
Shows like The Lion King are a hit with kids and adults alike, bringing the magic of Disney to life. The Great White Way is known for its variety, so you can find a performance that fits your family’s interests.
8. Hayride at Decker Farm
A hayride at Decker Farm is a perfect fall treat for the whole family! Nestled on Staten Island, this historic farm transforms into a fall wonderland. Climb aboard a rustic wagon and feel the crisp air as you’re pulled by a tractor through fields dotted with pumpkins.
Listen to the sounds of autumn as children giggle and dried leaves rustle under the wagon wheels. It’s an ideal way to spend a sunny afternoon in October!
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9. Apple Picking at Masker Orchards
If you’re looking for a fun family activity this fall, head over to Masker Orchards for a fantastic day of apple picking. Just a short drive from the New York Metropolitan area, this orchard allows you to drive right up to the trees.
Fill your baskets with ripe, juicy apples and enjoy a picnic amidst the beautiful foliage. It’s a perfect spot for kids to run around and enjoy the crisp autumn air!
10. Visit the American Museum of Natural History
Autumn in New York is special, and a trip to the American Museum of Natural History is perfect for a chilly day! With exhibits ranging from colossal dinosaur fossils to the vibrant butterfly conservatory, your adventure here is educational and exciting.
Dinosaurs not your thing? No worries, because the museum has a variety of displays that will catch your eye. Remember to check out the famous blue whale model; it’s huge!
11. Ride the Staten Island Ferry
Taking your kids on the Staten Island Ferry is a must when the leaves start to turn orange and the air gets crisp. It’s a free way to see some amazing sights! You’ll spot the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the stunning skyline. Ferries run all day, so you can pick a time that works with your family’s schedule.
Enjoy the cool breeze and snap some family photos against the backdrop of the city. It’s a relaxing break from the hustle and bustle, and your kids will love the adventure of a boat ride!
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12. Explore the Children’s Museum of Manhattan
Taking your kids to the Children’s Museum of Manhattan is a blast! Every exhibit is designed for hands-on learning and fun. Imagine touching a real fire truck or exploring a giant keyboard with your feet.
This is a place where learning and play go hand in hand. You’ll see your little ones light up with curiosity as they play their way through five floors of interactive exhibits. Get your camera ready for some heartwarming photos of those bright smiles!
13. Visit the Brooklyn Children’s Museum
Your kids will love a day out at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum. It’s a place full of excitement, with hands-on exhibits that make learning fun. Your little ones can explore the world in miniature, splash around in a water play area, or even dress up and perform in a kid-sized theater.
14. Take a Circle Line Sightseeing Cruise
As autumn paints the Big Apple in vibrant colors, your family can witness the city’s beauty from the best seat in the house—the deck of a boat. You’ll see the Statue of Liberty, sail under the majestic Brooklyn Bridge, and enjoy the crisp fall air!
Remember to bring a camera; you’ll want to capture these moments. This cozy cruise offers great fun for kids and a relaxing break for parents, so snatch your tickets and enjoy the sights!
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15. Visit the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum
Autumn in New York City brings the perfect chance to explore the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum with your kids. This museum showcases impressive exhibits, including an actual aircraft carrier and a space shuttle.
Your family can check out real airplanes, learn fascinating space facts, and engage with interactive displays. It’s an adventure on the Hudson River that combines history with hands-on excitement!
