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10/4/24 - By Jody Mercier

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.

Fall things to do: Defying Gravi-Tea at The Plaza
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.

Fall activities in NYC: & Juliet on Broadway
& 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.

Fall activities in NYC: NYBG
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.

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.

Fall Activities Uptown Downtown Brooklyn Queens Bronx New York City