top places in NYC to visit this fall
Most of us have totally embraced the fall, one of the best seasons in NYC, in my opinion. There are plenty of fall activities to enjoy in NYC, but we’ve narrowed it down to our top six places to take a day trip with your families in and around NYC. Here is a list of our favorite places to visit in the fall with kids!
1. Boo at The Zoo- The Bronx Zoo
top places in NYC to visit this fall
top places in NYC to visit this fall
Our favorite activity in the fall is the Boo at the Zoo at the Bronx Zoo! With its own show on Animal Planet, it’s arguably one of the world’s most famous zoos, and for good reason. It’s got so much to offer and it’s so much fun! Even on regular days between the Children’s zoo, Madagascar, Jungle World, Nature Trek, the Wild Asia Monorail and so much more, it’s almost impossible to see it all in one day. During the month of October we don’t even spend that much time looking at the animals (except our favorites) because of all the activities they have in store for us. During Boo at the Zoo, there are professionals carving pumpkins, magicians, scavenger hunts, candy trails and jack-o-lantern trails.
We all dress up when we go putting us in the Halloween spirit. At certain times, they have the “Costume MASKarade” where stilt walkers in costumes join the festivities and parade around the zoo. Kids can join too!
top places in NYC to visit this fall
My kids are between the ages of 2 and 8 and they all enjoy bug carousel. They played themed music and had spider-webs around it too.
The rest of the zoo is fantastic as well. You can find more information here:
2. The Children’s Adventure Garden at New York Botanical Gardens
top places in NYC to visit this fall
We were so excited to experience all of these family-friendly adventures that were offered. Unfortunately, due to COVID the Children’s Adventure Garden is currently closed BUT there are plenty of other family friendly activities available right now like the Great Pumpkin Path. You’ll see some humongous pumpkins, some of the largest in the world. And you’ll be as pleasantly surprised as we were by the pop shows including ribbon dancers.
top places in NYC to visit this fall
top places in NYC to visit this fall
We also toured the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, to view the lush tropical rain forests, cactus-filled deserts, and much more plants and flowers.
Certainly something to see every season. You can learn more about these beautiful gardens what they offer throughout the year at their website: https://www.nybg.org/visit/
3. Sesame Place -The Count’s Halloween Spooktacular
An hour and 28 minutes from NYC but well worth the trip! The park is transformed into a family-friendly Halloween haven with little ones in costumes ready to enjoy the mechanical rides! Be prepared for cuteness overload with so many great photo ops. We went to Sesame Place (https://sesameplace.com/philadelphia/) as the cast of Toy Story.
With all the fun festive activities Sesame Place has to offer, my kids still enjoy the rides more than anything! Since October is considered to be off season, the lines were quick or non-existent which is likely the case for A Very Furry Christmas, celebrating the holidays between November 21 to Jan 3, 2021.
top places in NYC to visit this fall
There are also opportunities to dine with Elmo & Friends, which can be scheduled online here: https://sesameplace.com/philadelphia/events/halloween-spooktacular/halloween-dining/
4. Terhune Orchards
Of all the farms and festivals we visited we really enjoy Terhune Orchards. Fall weekends include barnyard animals, mazes, pony rides, pumpkin picking & painting, pedal tractors for the younger ones and live music.
You can get your tickets here:
https://terhuneorchards.ticketspice.com/terhune-orchards
5. Spooky Season at the Liberty Science Center
We couldn’t put a list together without including our favorite children’s museum! LSC includes indoor and outdoor Fall activities that the whole family enjoys. We were so impressed with the range of new exhibits they included for the holidays.
You can check out their entire list of live shows, films, and exhibitions on their website here: https://lsc.org/ Each floor holds different experiences. Their opened all year long taking all the necessary safety precautions so that you can enjoy a fun, educational experience with your little ones.
6. The Great Jack O’ Lantern Blaze
The Great Jack O’ Lantern Blaze has become an essential part of Halloween in New York. The Hudson Valley attraction is set along the beautiful riverside landscape of Van Cortlandt Manor with a pumpkin promenade display like none other: There are over 7,000 hand-carved jack o’lanterns waiting to impress visitors. New for 2020, it includes a fire truck–making a special rescue–and witches cooking up a spell.
You can get tickets here at the various sites:
What cool places! Looked like loads of fun with the kids!
I love New York….so many fun things to do with kids.
What fun outings.
That Jack O Lantern Blaze looks so cool!! I would love to go to that!
We haven’t made it to a Boo-at-the-zoo yet, but it looks so fun!
These all look so fun! I can’t wait to show my kids NYC!
These look awesome! My kids would love all of them and I’d love to see the botanical gardens!
Aww, if I had kids I would definitely take them to these places!
New York has a lot of great places to visit!
What fun fall activities!
So fun and pretty. I didn’t realize there was so much for families in NYC.
You’ve found all of the best places! Thanks for sharing with us!
What fun activities for little ones.
Wow!! Looks amazing! I love fall decor, so this would be right up my alley! Oh… and the kids would love it too!
These look like awesome places to visit!
Fall activities are so much fun for a family to enjoy together!
I love NYC I didn’t realize there was so much stuff for kids to do. Love it!
It’s really fun to observe Halloween activities in the city! Looks like a great time for kids!
These all look like great ideas. I would love the botanical gardens and the orchard best.
Great list of places! Thank you for sharing.
Wow! This all looks like so much fun! Sesame Place is on my list of places to go with our kids when we take them to the east coast one day!
How fun does these spots look, it would’ve been nice to have something this fun around when my son’s were little ones. Both of mine loved Buzz Lightyear as well lol Thank you for sharing! ?
Of course! I know what you mean lol I live vicariously through my kids haha
We used to love going to Boo at the Zoo at our local zoo. It was always so much fun. Great photos.
Thank you! It’s such a fun time!
So fun! Zoos and science centers are my favorite!
You really can’t go wrong!
I live so close to some of these places, my kids would enjoy these so much. Thanks for this awesome fall list!
Thanks habeebti! So glad you you found it helpful!
These look like amazing fall activities! Love it!
Awesome places in NYC! I’d love to visit. And I’d absolutely include a trip to the Bronx Zoo,
Hope you get to visit!
We love Terhune Orchards (it may or may not have anything to do with the blueberry wine they sell, lol)!
Loool a variety of activities for all 😉
Those look like some great adventures. Your kids were so cute in their little costumes and certainly look like they were having a blast.
They had a wonderful time thank you for the kind compliments Susan!
WOW!! Such fun, family filled sights in NYC. I’d love to travel the east coast in the fall. Now I know what I can do when I’m there. Thanks for sharing!
So glad you found it helpful!
Outstanding options! Thank you for sharing!
Aww thank you for reading! Very kind of you!