Morningside Lights returns to illuminate the night in a procession of awe-inspiring handmade lanterns floating through Morningside Park to Columbia's campus. Photo by Cherylynn Tsushima

Morningside Lights and More Fun Things To Do in NYC this Weekend with Kids

Kids can go apple picking near NYC at Alstede Farms, where low-to-the-ground trees are perfect for little pickers. Photo by Rose Gordon Sala

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Big Bounce America lands at Citi Field at the end of the month. Photo courtesy Big Bounce.

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Try your hand at corn husking and more analog entertainment during the Corn Fest at the Queens County Farm Museum. Photo courtesy of the Queens County Farm Museum

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Pluck a perfect pumpkin from the pumpkin patch at Alstede Farm in New Jersey. Photo by Rose Gordon Sala

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The 2024-2025 NYC public school calendar is out, and students return to school on Thursday, September 5.

Here's the NYC Public School Calendar for 2024-2025

Take in the Legend of Sleepy Hollow on a spooky fall day trip in the Hudson Valley. Photo by Darren McGee/NYS Dept. of Economic Development

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Visit the 180 Pool at the Crystal Springs Resort. Photo courtesy of the resort

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Climb on platforms dangling from ropes at Hester Street Playground. Photo by Jody Mercier

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Explore modern humanity through all-new world-wandering exhibitions at Mmuseumm.

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Hell's Kitchen is a cool coming-of-age piece loosely based on Alicia Keys' life story. Photo by Marc J. Franklin

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The Peninsula New York rolls out the red carpet for kids—and their grown ups!

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For an only-in-NYC experience, head to the Top of the Rock to enjoy the view. Photo by Jody Mercier

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Summer camps help kids develop social skills and have fun

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Tea Around Town combines a sumptuous meal with a unique view NYC landmarks! Photo by Jody Mercier

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Twinkle Playspace in Williamsburg offers action-packed fun for kids of all ages.

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The American Museum of Natural History's blue whale is an NYC icon, and the entire museum is one of the best children's museums in NYC. Photo by R. Mickens/courtesy of AMNH

Best Museums for Kids in NYC: Children's Museums and Family-Friendly Museums in NYC

Free activities for Kids in NYC include the Children's Museum of the Arts, which has pay-what-you-wish Thursdays from 4-6pm. Photo courtesy of the museum

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Free Things To Do in NYC with Kids

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Guide to Kids' Birthday Parties in NYC

Registration is now open for the reasonably priced summer camps at YMCA locations in NYC.

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There's always a cool new piece of public art to see and interact with in NYC. Photo by Jody Mercier

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The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk has 75 animal exhibits and is home to more than 7,000 animals. Photo courtesy of the aquarium

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Get a Broadway-caliber serenade during a birthday dinner at Ellen's Stardust Diner.

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See the skyline from a whole new vantage point on the Roosevelt Island Tram. Photo courtesy of NYCGo

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Feed a crowd with extra large, classic, New York-style pizza slices without breaking the bank. Photo by Jody Mercier

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No visit to NYC is complete without an up-close encounter with the Statue of Liberty. Photo by Jess Laird

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Take a hike with your little one on a family day trip from NYC.

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Hester Street Playground. Photo by Jody Mercier

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Best Pumpkin Patches and Harvest Festivals Right in NYC

Governors Island’s annual pumpkin patch, Pumpkin Point, returns with thousands of pumpkins and fall-themed decorations arranged across the island’s historic Nolan Park. Photo by Janet Bloom

9/19/24 - By Drew Kristofik

If you think harvest festivals are the stuff of far-flung farmland, we're here to tell you that you don't have to leave NYC for an authentic harvest experience. NYC is jam-packed with fall activities, including pumpkin patches, hayrides, and even our very own corn maze. So, grab the kids and get primed for fall fun, no car rental necessary.

Of course, if you're looking for a more traditional pumpkin-picking experience, be sure to check out our favorite pumpkin patches near NYC. You can find more seasonal picks in our Guide to Fall Activities in NYC, including our favorite fall festivals in NYC and the best Oktoberfest celebrations for families.

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