As the leaves transform into hues of red, orange, and yellow, and a crisp breeze fills the air, New York City welcomes the arrival of fall with open arms. The Big Apple offers an array of exciting activities for both locals and visitors during the season of autumn. Here’s your guide to the fun fall activities that await you and your family in the heart of New York City.
- Breathtaking Fall Foliage: Central Park stands as the crown jewel of New York City, and during the fall, it shines brighter than ever. The winding paths and serene lakes become even more breathtaking as they are enveloped by the vibrant leaves of fall. Take leisurely strolls through Central Park’s iconic landmarks, including Bethesda Terrace and Bow Bridge. Don’t forget to capture the exquisite beauty of Bow Bridge framed by golden foliage. Alternatively, hop on a scenic cruise along the Hudson River to witness the breathtaking fall foliage from a unique perspective. Several cruise companies such as Sail NYC, Seastreak and Circle Line offer special fall foliage tours. These cruises allow you to relax and soak in the stunning views of the changing leaves, along with iconic landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and the Brooklyn Bridge.
- Pumpkin and Apple Picking: While Midtown Manhattan may not have sprawling pumpkin patches and apple orchards, the surrounding areas provide fantastic options for enjoying quality family time in the fall. Simply hop onto a train or take a short drive, and you’ll discover charming farms offering hayrides, corn mazes, bountiful apple orchards, and pumpkins ready for decorating or carving. Below are some recommended farms where you can relish a perfect fall day of apple picking, pumpkin carving, and indulging in apple cider donuts and freshly pressed cider:
- Demarest Farms – Hillsdale, NJ
- Queens Farm – Queens, NY
- Hillview Farms – Gillette, NJ
- Dr. Davies Farm – Congers, NY
- Decker Farm – Staten Island
- Secor Farms – Mahwah, NJ
- Outhouse Orchards – North Salem, NY
- Riamede Farm – Chester, NJ
- Wilkens Fruit and Fir Farm – Yorktown Heights, NY
- Apple Ridge Orchards – Warwick, NY
- Fall Fairs and Festivals: New York City hosts an array of fall fairs and festivals that celebrate a wide range of interests, from music and culture to art and food. Explore the Harlem Harvest Festival for seasonal produce and artisanal goods, or attend the Downtown Brooklyn Arts Festival for a stunning visual display. Food and drink enthusiasts can indulge in mouthwatering treats at festivals such as the NY Coffee Festival. Here are some notable fall festivals in the city:
- Iconic NYC Attractions: Local attractions in New York City embrace the spirit of fall with their unique charm. The New York Botanical Garden’s Fall-O-Ween event includes hundreds of pumpkins and gourds on display, hands-on activities like mini pumpkin decorating, 3D pumpkin carving, food and beverage talks, tastings and more. Pumpkin Nights at the Bronx Zoo will showcase more than 5,000 carved, animal-themed pumpkins in a jack-o’-lantern trail stretching over half a mile. Visitors can also enjoy live pumpkin carving demonstrations, games, and indulge in festive fall treats and food truck delights.
- Explore Historic Sites: Fall provides an excellent opportunity to explore New York City’s historic sites without the summer crowds. Consider visiting Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty, embarking on a tour of the historic neighborhoods of Harlem, paying tribute to heroes and remembering victims at the National 9/11 Memorial & Museum, dedicating an entire day to exploring the Metropolitan Museum of Art, or venturing into the grounds of the Cloisters, a branch of the Metropolitan Museum of Art nestled in Fort Tryon Park.
From leisurely walks through Central Park to exhilarating fall festival adventures, New York City offers an abundance of exciting fall activities for all to enjoy. So, make plans to embrace the magic of autumn in the city that never sleeps, and create lasting memories with your loved ones!
All of us at Sentry Window Guards hope that you have a season of joy this fall! For more information regarding our window guard products and our expertise in understanding NYC safety requirements, contact us today.
