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Fall Bucket List for Kids: 35 Top Things To Do in NYC this Fall
With September behind us, we're focused on finding the best fall activities in NYC for families because it's official: The seasons are shifting. So, instead of lamenting the summer that was, we're looking forward to all the fall activities that await.
With that in mind, here's our season-long look at the best things to do this fall in NYC. After all, we've got assorted school holidays, plus a few long weekends to fill before the weather really changes. Without further ado, here is our fall bucket list, chock full of 35 things to do in NYC with kids.
Now that we've got you dreaming of fall, find our top picks for family-friendly fall day trips and more seasonal fun in our Guide to Fall Fun in NYC.
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1. Squid Game: The Experience
Treat your teens to an outing at Squid Game: The Experience where you'll tackle five challenges from the show—and no one gets offed.
2. Whale Watching
Fall is the peak season for seeing these sea giants in the waters off of NYC's shores. We've found 10 whale-watching cruises sailing from NYC or nearby.
3. Little Island
This waterfront park is an absolute wonder, and its landscaping shines in the fall. Wander Little Island's paths and overlooks and enjoy nature's splendor. FREE
4. Comic Con
Book your tickets now for the perennially popular Comic Con, which takes over the Javits Center from Thursday, October 17-Sunday, October 20.
RELATED: Top Free Halloween Events in NYC
The tower of tea treats gets a magical makeover during a Wicked-themed tea at The Plaza's Palm Court this fall. Photo by Jody Mercier
5. Treat Yourself to Tea
We always love afternoon tea as a splurge-worthy outing, and The Palm Court at The Plaza has an extra magical experience this season with its new Wicked-themed Defying Gravi-Tea menu. Nosh on themed treats like Flying Monkey Macaroons or Elphaba’s Emerald Spinach Tart. Book your reservations now: This experience runs through Sunday, November 3.
6. New York Aquarium
Reserve timed-entry tickets for the New York Aquarium and catch a cool autumn sea breeze, a brand-new sea lion show, and even its Ascarium programming if you time it right.
7. Pumpkin Picking
Nab the perfect pumpkin at one of these nearby patches.
8. Barbie at MAD
Say "Hey, Barbie," when the pop-culture princess takes over the Museum of Arts and Design with an expansive installation detailing the doll's 65-year history and global impact beginning Saturday, October 19.
9. New York Hall of Science
Kids love the NYSCI because they can explore more than 450 interactive, STEM-related exhibits, and sneak in one more romp in the Science Playground before it shutters for the season.
10. Seaport Kids Halloween Block Party
Mommy Poppins and Brooklyn Bridge parents are teaming up with the Seaport Kids team for this festive Halloween fete that's sure to kick your holiday week off right on Saturday, October 26. FREE
11. See Fall Foliage
Take a brisk fall walk while enjoying some excellent leaf-peeping at one of these city parks. Push yourselves a little harder with one of these fall hikes in NYC or venture out for one of these destination-worthy fall hikes in the Adirondacks. FREE
12. Pumpkin Nights at Bronx Zoo
Celebrate Halloween all month long during Pumpkin Nights at the Bronx Zoo. It runs select night through Sunday, October 27. Prefer to visit in the daytime? Check out Boo at the Zoo on weekends and holidays!
13. Visit a Petting Zoo
Visit a local petting zoo to get some face time with the animals.
14. Monster Party at Legoland New York
Plan a day trip to Legoland New York—or opt to stay overnight at the Legoland Hotel—to enjoy the Monster Party festivities in addition to plenty of theme park fun.
RELATED: The Great Pumpkin Train and More Halloween Trains in New Jersey
& Juliet turns Shakespeare's classic tale on its head with plenty of girl power. Photo courtesy of Matthew Murphy
15. See a Broadway Show
Return to the Great White Way to see one of our favorite Broadway shows for kids, including newcomers like Six, Back To The Future, and more.
16. Queens County Farm Museum
Don't miss the Queens Agricultural Fair from Saturday, October 5-Sunday, October 6. It's one of the seasonal highlights at NYC's only historic working farm, the Queens County Farm Museum. Another top pick for fall: its Amazing Maize Maze.
17. Harlem Meer Pumpkin Flotilla
Watch the sunset as a sparkling display of jack-o'-lanterns is towed across the Harlem Meer in one of our favorite FREE Halloween events on Wednesday, October 30. FREE
18. Spooky Day Trips
Pile the family in the car for a haunting day trip to one of these seasonal destinations.
19. New Victory Theater
Pint-sized theatergoers enjoy the shows at this Midtown theater, which opens its season with The Princess and the Pea, on Saturday, October 19. Check out all the season's highlights from our theater critic here.
20. Celebrate Oktoberfest
Yell "Prost!" as you raise a stein at one of these family-friendly Oktoberfest celebrations in NYC.
21. Apple Picking
Load up baskets until they overflow with freshly picked apples, and then nosh on one of these easy apple recipes.
RELATED: 30 Perfect Fall Family Day Trips from NYC
See pumpkins, scarecrows, and plenty of seasonal fall foliage at the New York Botanical Garden. Photo courtesy of the NYBG
22. New York Botanical Garden
Visit the New York Botanical Garden to enjoy the fall foliage and a season-long display of pumpkins and scarecrows.
23. The Eric Carle Story Show
Experience the spellbinding stories and colorful characters of author Eric Carle in a whole new way at The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show.
24. Carl Schurz Park Harvest Festival
Frolic in this lovely Upper East Side green space for a day of harvest festival fun on Saturday, October 13. FREE
25. The Nightmare Before Christmas Light Trail
Return after dark to check out the stunning Jack Skellington-inspired light installation that's wowing visitors through Saturday, November 30.
26. Jimmy Fallon's TonightMares
This is another big-kid-approved outing. Head to Rockefeller Center for this frightening haunted house experience.
27. Hit the Jersey Shore
Who says beach season is over? Activities abound in the off-season at these Jersey Shore towns.
28. Take a Weekend Away
Sneak away for a long weekend at these fall-friendly haunts across the Northeast.
29. Leaf-Peeping with a Twist
Soar over falling leaves, take a train ride through the changing foliage, or enjoy one of these other unique destinations to see fall leaves near NYC.
30. Go to an Art Park
Take in larger-than-life art at these outdoor art parks near New York City. Bonus: You'll see some stunning fall foliage, too.
31. Harvest Fest at Luna Park
Get ready for the season during the Halloween Harvest at Luna Park, which buzzes with festive and seasonal activities.
RELATED: Visiting Alstede Farms: What You Need to Know Before You Go
The Great Jack-o'-Lantern Blaze lights up the season with locations on Long Island and in the Hudson Valley. Photo by Katherine Dhurandhar
32. The Great Jack-o'-Lantern Blaze
Get some serious pumpkin-carving inspiration at the stunning Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze in Croton-on-Hudson or Old Bethpage Village Restoration on Long Island.
33. Open House New York
Go behind the scenes of some well-known NYC institutions during the annual Open House New York, which grants visitors access to tours at locales like the Swedish Cottage Marionette Theater, Dykman Farmhouse, and more from Friday, October 18-Sunday, October 20. FREE
34. Six Flags Fright Fest
Hit up Six Flags Great Adventure for its Fright Fest Extreme. Make a weekend out of it with a stay at its brand-new Savannah Sunset Resort and Spa.
35. Trick-or-Treat!
One word: Halloween. FREE
Originally published in October 2018.
