Although many people vacation in destinations a way crowds and traffic jams, there is something magical about New York that attracts international visitors year-round. Although New York City is beautifully bustling during the holiday season, there’s plenty to enjoy in the fall. From the many parades and endless offerings of pumpkin spice coffees at local cafes, the cool fall weather is always perfectly pleasant in New York City. Simultaneously, the city also hosts an array of fall-themed activities that will make travelers Forget they visit the famous Big Apple!
ten Join the Halloween Pumpkin Flotilla
Get in the Halloween spirit in town and join in on a family night out! 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 takes place around the last week of October– is limited to the first 50 attendees that show up to the event, so time (and plan) accordingly!
9 Appreciate the fall foliage at the Bow Bridge
Central Park is one of New York’s top attractions, home to green space amidst a bustling metropolis. During the fall season, visitors can be amongst the fall foliage in the park itself, especially when crossing the iconic Bow Bridge. Take a leisurely autumn stroll solo or enjoy the company of a loved one while enjoying the Bow Bridge.
8 Stroll through Prospect Park
Brooklyn’s famous Prospect Park is an oasis full of nature in the heart of New York. Watch the leaves change color and smell the fresh air as you stroll through this huge city park, visiting areas like the Boathouse, the park’s lake (and the only one in Brooklyn), and the Prospect Park Zoo. While watching the leaves change their hues, visitors can take a tour of the forest, enjoy an autumn picnic or even participate in Halloween family events in Prospect Park!
seven 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 magnificent sight. However, the garden is special in autumn due to its dedication to seasonal festivities, especially Halloween! While visitors can marvel at the collection of maples, evergreens, and native plant species that inhabit the park, they can also enjoy displays of scarecrows and pumpkins. From September to the end of October, you can stroll along the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden to see water bottles of all sizes and playful decor.
6 Check out cute pets at the Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade!
The annual New York Halloween Dog Parade 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 Halloween costumes. Watch these adorable dogs walk together, dressed in costumes ranging from not-so-scary ghosts to less-than-intimidating mummies. This iconic parade may be one of the biggest dog costume parades in the world!
5 Discover Roosevelt Island
Located on the city’s East River, the nature-rich neighborhood of Roosevelt Island is a refreshing escape from the bustling streets of New York City. Take a ferry (or the Roosevelt Island Trolley!) to Roosevelt Island this fall and hike the island’s many trails, which also offer the chance to spot wildlife, including birds. Perfect for families or travelers visiting New York with a group, Roosevelt Island also serves as a great picnic spot in the fall.
4 See the Brooklyn Barn
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 agriculture and green roof business, home to the world’s largest rooftop soil farm, which produces over 100,000 pounds of product per year. During the fall, the Brooklyn Grange offers tours and seasonal events allowing the public to marvel at this beautiful city garden (which also offers incredible views of the Big Apple). Enjoy a mix of nature and skyline when visiting Brooklyn Grange and stay for their workshops, from beekeeping tutorials to yoga on the farm.
3 Find goodies at a farmer’s market!
Visitors to the Big Apple don’t have to venture to remote farms and orchids to find apple-infused treats, especially apple cider and apple cider donuts! New York is home to dozens farmers markets that sell seasonal treats, especially iconic treats for fall. When you’re in town, visit year-round farmers’ markets like Union Square Greenmarket to grab those delicious produce for the season.
2 Explore Governors Island
Governors Island offers an extensive park and recreation area, ideal for art and culture lovers, easily accessible by ferry from near Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn. Although open year-round, Governors Island hosts a series of special events in the fall, including the annual Pumpkin Point, a free family event that features exhibits of local arts, crafts and pumpkin patch.
1 Enjoy the big Jack-O-Lantern blaze
Visitors looking for something special this season (especially for Halloween) must experience The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze on Long Island. Located inside the Old Bethpage Village Restoration in Old Bethpage, this family-friendly event features over 7,000 lighted pumpkins for display in the historic grounds of a 19th-century village! Visitors can also see exhibits like the Headless Horseman and a Pumpkin Planetarium. This festival of lights after dark is great for kids and the young at heart!
