Though many people vacation in destinations that are away from the crowds and gridlock traffic, there is something magical about New York City that draws international visitors year-round. Though New York City is beautifully vibrant during the holiday season, there are plenty of things to enjoy in the fall. From the numerous parades and countless pumpkin-spice café offerings at local coffee joints, the crisp autumn weather is still perfectly enjoyable in New York City. Simultaneously, the city also hosts an array of fall-themed activities that will make travelers forget they’re visiting the world-famous Big Apple!
10 Participate In The Halloween Pumpkin Flotilla
Get into the Halloween spirit in the city and participate in a family-friendly evening event! Located in Central Park, the Halloween Pumpkin Flotilla features a collection of Jack-O-Lanterns floating on the Harlem Meer. This 30-year event—which happens around the last week of October—is limited to the first 50 participants who show up for the event, so time (and plan) accordingly!
9 Appreciate Fall Foliage At Bow Bridge
Central Park is one of New York City’s top attractions, harboring a green space in the middle of a bustling metropolitan. During the fall season, visitors can be among the fall foliage at the park itself, especially when walking through the iconic Bow Bridge. Take a leisurely autumn stroll solo or enjoy the company of a significant other while enjoying the Bow Bridge.
8 Walk Around Prospect Park
The world-famous Prospect Park in Brooklyn provides a nature-filled oasis in the heart of New York City. Watch the leaves change color and feel the crisp air while strolling through this massive urban park, checking out areas like the Boathouse, the park's (and Brooklyn's only) lake, and the Prospect Park Zoo. While watching the leaves transform their hues, visitors can take a tour of the forest, enjoy a fall picnic, or even participate in family-friendly Halloween events at Prospect Park!
7 Smell The Flowers At The New York Botanical Garden
Whether it's a hot June day or a cool October morning, the New York Botanical Garden is always a beautiful sight. However, the garden is special during autumn due to its dedication to seasonal festivities, particularly for Halloween! While visitors can marvel at the collection of maple trees, conifers, and native plant species that inhabit the park, they can also enjoy displays of scarecrows and pumpkins. From September to the end of October, guests can enjoy a stroll along the Everett Children's Adventure Garden to see gourds of all sizes and playful decor.
6 See Cute Pets At The Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade!
The annual Halloween Dog Parade in New York City is a tradition that takes place every October in Tompkins Square. This cute, family-friendly event features dogs of all shapes, breeds, and sizes dressed in colorful costumes for Halloween. Witness these adorable canines walk together, wearing costumes from not-so-scary ghosts to less-than-intimidating mummies. This iconic parade is perhaps one of the largest dog costume parades in the world!
5 Discover Roosevelt Island
Located on the city's East River, the nature-rich area of Roosevelt Island is a refreshing escape from the busy streets of New York City. Take a ferry (or the Roosevelt Island Tram!)to Roosevelt Island this fall and hike through the island's many trails, which also offer opportunities to view wildlife, including birds. Perfect for families or travelers visiting New York City with a group, Roosevelt Island also serves as a great autumn picnic spot.
4 See The Brooklyn Grange
Not all vegetables are grown on farms, and the Brooklyn Grange is a perfect example! Located along Flushing Avenue in Brooklyn, the Brooklyn Grange doubles as a rooftop farming and green roofing business, housing the largest rooftop soil farm, which produces over 100,000 lbs of produce per year. During the fall, the Brooklyn Grange offers tours and seasonal events for the public to marvel at this stunning city garden (which also offers incredible views of the Big Apple). Enjoy a mix of nature and skyline when touring the Brooklyn Grange and stay for their workshops, from Beekeeping tutorials to yoga at the farm.
3 Find Goodies At A Farmer's Market!
Visitors of the Big Apple don't have to venture to distant farms and orchids to find apple-infused goodies, especially apple cider and apple cider donuts! New York City is home to dozens of farmer's markets that sell seasonal goodies, especially iconic treats for the fall. When in the city, visit year-round farmer's markets like Union Square Greenmarket to grab these delectable goods for the season.
2 Explore Governors Island
Governors Island provides a sprawling park and recreational area, great for lovers of art and culture, easily accessible by ferry near Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn. Though it's open year-round, Governors Island hosts an array of special events during the fall, including the annual Pumpkin Point, a free, family-friendly event that includes displays of local arts, crafts, and pumpkin patches.
1 Enjoy The Great Jack-O-Lantern Blaze
Visitors looking for something extra special this season (especially for Halloween) need to experience the Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze in Long Island. Located inside the Old Bethpage Village Restoration in Old Bethpage, this family-friendly event features over 7,000 illuminated jack-o-lanterns for display within the historic grounds of a 19th-century village! Visitors can also view exhibits like the Headless Horseman and a Pumpkin Planetarium. This after-dark lights festival is great for kids and the young at heart!