Top 10 Things To Do With Kids During Fall In New York

While returning to classrooms might dampen kids’ enthusiasm for autumn, New York City offers the perfect antidote! The Big Apple bursts with seasonal magic that will reignite their excitement. From the vibrant cascade of fall foliage in city parks to thrilling experiences like the Haunted High Line and countryside apple-picking excursions, NYC’s spectacular autumn activities create wonder and delight for visitors of all ages!

1. Visit NYC’s parks

View of Central Park on a crisp fall day

Central Park is a must-see during the fall—watch vibrant leaves change color while sipping hot apple cider. Pack snacks for a family picnic or explore one of the park’s many scenic trails. Also check out nearby Prospect Park in Brooklyn and Hudson River Park for quieter, kid-friendly green spaces.

2. Pumpkin picking & corn mazes at Queens County Farm

Pick your own pumpkins or buy some pre-picked ones.

Head to Queens County Farm Museum for fall classics like pumpkin picking, hayrides, and the Amazing Maize Maze. The annual fair now features live music, farm animals, and seasonal treats every September. Check the official event calendar for the latest dates. 

3. Apple-picking

Apple-picking near NYC is a must-do fall activity. Visit Masker Orchards in Warwick or Wilkens Fruit & Fir Farm in Yorktown Heights for family-friendly fun. Enjoy hayrides, fresh cider, and petting zoos while picking your favorite apples. More apple orchards near NYC. 

4. Festivals

People enjoying the San Gennaro festival in Little Italy

Don’t miss the Feast of San Gennaro in Little Italy, a family-friendly street festival with parades, live music, and tasty Italian treats. Stay close to the festival by booking a Brooklyn vacation rental! The festival is comprised of local and national vendors alongside popular restaurants and boutiques. Your kids will be sure to love the pony rides, storytelling, and face painting on an entire block dedicated exclusively to kid-friendly activities. Want to know more about this festival? Check out our post all about it. 

5. Halloween festivities

Experience Halloween magic in New York City! Discover family-friendly frights at the enchanting Haunted High Line or celebrate nature with a twist at Brooklyn Botanic Garden’s Ghouls & Gourds. 

Don’t miss the legendary Village Halloween Parade for elaborate costumes and festive entertainment. Families with younger children will love the American Museum of Natural History’s special Halloween celebration, offering educational fun in a not-too-scary setting. 

Stylish living room with natural light, modern furnishings, and a comfortable gray sectional sofa in Bushwick (NY-20009)

Looking for the perfect home base for your NYC Halloween adventures? Our 1 Bedroom Apartment Rental in Bushwick, Brooklyn offers a stylish, convenient retreat after a day of festive fun. This modern apartment sleeps 2 comfortably and comes fully equipped with air conditioning, cable, TV, internet, and in-unit laundry facilities. Pet-friendly accommodations mean your furry family members can join the holiday excitement! Located at Lafayette Avenue & Broadway in Brooklyn’s vibrant Bushwick neighborhood, you’ll be just a short subway ride from all the Halloween festivities. 

Explore our guide to the Best Halloween events for NYC families and create unforgettable autumn memories in the city that makes Halloween truly spectacular! 

6. Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

Balloons float by during the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Start Thanksgiving early with Macy’s Balloon Inflation Night (Nov 26, 2025), then catch the parade live on Nov 27. Arrive early for the best view of giant balloons, floats, and Broadway performances. Be close to all the action by staying in a Manhattan vacation rental. Want to know more about the parade? Be sure to check out our guide to all things Thanksgiving.

7. Museums

Rainy fall day? Head to the American Museum of Natural History for dinosaur exhibits and space shows. For hands-on fun, visit Brooklyn Children’s Museum or Children’s Museum of the Arts. 

If you have younger kids, the Brooklyn Children’s Museum is a great choice! Founded in 1899, the Brooklyn Children’s Museum was the country’s first museum to be designed specifically for children. Check out how the Brooklyn Children’s Museum is one of the five best New York sites for kids.

Have a look at our furnished rentals in the Upper West Side to put you close to the museum. 

8. NYC landmarks

The Statue of Liberty welcomes you to Liberty Island.

Statue of Liberty: A must-see for all ages. Book online to avoid sellouts. Enhance your visit with the Junior Ranger program—pick up an activity book at the Information Center and have your children sworn in as Junior Rangers with special badges upon completion. Click here to find things to do. 

Empire State Building: This 1,450-foot marvel offers breathtaking views from its observation decks. The 86th floor deck provides clearer views with 80-mile visibility on good days. Expect lines at this popular attraction. 

Consider staying in our vacation rentals in Manhattan for convenient access to these unforgettable landmarks! 

9. Baseball & football games

Play ball! Catch a baseball game at Yankee Stadium.

Immerse yourself in New York’s electric sports atmosphere with a live game experience! 

Baseball: NYC offers double the excitement with two MLB teams. Head to the Bronx for iconic Yankee Stadium or visit Queens’ Citi Field to cheer on the Mets. Enjoy America’s pastime complete with classic ballpark hotdogs. 

Football: Catch NFL action with both the Giants and Jets playing at MetLife Stadium in nearby New Jersey. 

Whether you’re a dedicated fan or just looking for an authentic New York experience, the energy and excitement of a live NYC sporting event is unmatched anywhere else! 

10. Horseback riding

Kensington Stables: Explore Prospect Park’s 3.5-mile scenic trail, encountering local wildlife along varied terrain. Riders ages 11+ can enjoy independent riding, while younger children are accompanied by supervisors. Stay nearby in our furnished Park Slope rentals! 

Jamaica Bay Riding Academy: Enjoy breathtaking 40-minute rides through wooded areas and beaches in Brooklyn. Options available for both adults and children (6+) with supervision. Pony rides available for younger children. 

Bronx Equestrian Center: This full-service facility offers trail rides, pony rides, and hay rides for all experience levels. Children under 18 must be accompanied by adults. Budget-friendly pony rides make this accessible for families with multiple children! 

New York City transforms into a magical playground for families each autumn! With activities from museums and landmarks to sports events and horseback riding, your family will create unforgettable memories. 

Share your experiences with these family adventures or tell us which ones you’re planning to try next! Book your perfect family getaway today with our conveniently located accommodations throughout the city! 

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