Autumn’s here, calling for vibrant foliage and cozy vibes. In New York City, there are plenty of fall activities to make the most out of this season. 

September, October, and November are the most magical times to visit Manhattan with plenty of fun things to do. As a longtime New Yorker, fall always feels so fleeting here. Weather-wise, it’s usually super hot or freezing. This golden time between is precious and I plan on enjoying it as much as possible!

From Central Park strolls to taking a scenic cruise around the Hudson River, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. 

Whether you live here or plan to visit, this guide will help you find the best fall activities. After experiencing these last year, I can’t wait to do them again. 

So, enjoy a pumpkin spice latte and scroll on to embrace autumn in the Big Apple with these fall events.

The Ultimate List Of Fun Fall Activities In New York

New York Botanical Garden | Fall-O-Ween

The New York Botanical Garden (NYBG) is going all out this autumn with a lineup of fun activities. From September 28 to October 27, 2024, there will be events like pumpkin carvings and an evening light trail.

The peak time for fall foliage in New York City is typically late October and early November. This is the perfect time to visit the garden. Even after the Fall-O-Ween festivities are over, you can still stroll through the space and take in the scenery.

Seriously, it’s so breathtaking to see the trees, flowers, and quaint trails in the garden. Get a hot apple cider and take photos with the nature backdrop that looks like a painting.

P.S. Reserve a table at the Hudson Garden Grill while you’re there! It’s a farm-to-table restaurant that serves dishes inspired by locally-sourced ingredients from places like Hudson Valley farms. The food there is so fresh and delicious.

Find ticket info and admission price for the NYBG here. It’s open from 10 AM to 6 PM from Tuesdays to Sundays.

Address: 
The New York Botanical Garden
2900 Southern Blvd.
Bronx, NY 10458

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Harvest Moon Farm & Orchard | Fall Festival

For the past two years, my family, my boyfriend Dex, and I visited Harvest Moon Farm & Orchard. This spot in North Salem, New York, is about an hour’s drive from Manhattan. 

Their fall festival is open every weekend during September and October. Just be sure to book your tickets well in advance as they sell out quick!

You can go apple picking, pumpkin picking, and enjoy food from vendors while listening to live performances. They also have amazing apple cider donuts, a petting zoo with cute farm animals, and other fall-themed activities.

Harvest Moon will have an Oktoberfest celebration on the weekend of October 26 and October 27, 2024. Enjoy German cuisine, hard cider, dance to live music, and stroll through the apple orchards.

Tickets start at $15 (more info here). There’s also another charge for apple picking bags which range from $15 to $40 depending on the bag size. 

Tip: Bring cash to make it easier to buy goods from local vendors. A store/local coffee shop is also on site and takes credit cards.

Address:
Harvest Moon Farm & Orchard
130 Hardscrabble Road
North Salem, NY 10560
(Free Parking)

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Central Park | Fall Foliage

One of the most popular fall activities in NYC is visiting Central Park. It’s gorgeous in the autumn since there are so many trees all around.

This park is the ultimate aesthetically pleasing place to take snapshots of your fall outfits and boots. Be sure to visit the iconic Bow Bridge (where many movies were filmed), The Mall, Bethesda Fountain, and The Pond. You can also venture further uptown to the Conservatory Garden. 

Every year when fall rolls around, Central Park hosts activities like nature walks, hikes, lawn bowling, croquet, dances, and more. Check their website for details on dates and times.

This park is such a zen space to cozy up with a good book, practice creative writing, have an autumn picnic, or spend quality time during your next date. 

Address:
Central Park
59th to 110th Street
Manhattan, NY 10019

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Governors Island | Fall Activities At Pumpkin Point

Find pumpkin patches galore at Governors Island. Their annual fall festivals are free (with suggested donations) and fun for all ages. This year, the celebrations will take place at Nolan Park on the weekend of October 26 and October 27, 2024.

Last year, Dex and I took the ferry over and spent the day there. The event is filled with outdoor activities and every guest can take home one pumpkin. 🙂

The festival features food trucks from local businesses, where you can get sweet treats like a delicious caramel apple. Stroll through the historic houses, carve a pumpkin, enjoy live music, and take in all the fall decor.

You can also go for a bike ride (there are some available for rent) to enjoy the autumn day.

Address:
Nolan Park
Governors Island, NY 10004

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Event Cruises NYC | Fall Foliage Cruise

Another way to celebrate the fall harvest season in New York is by taking a scenic cruise. I’ve taken several sightseeing cruises from Event Cruises NYC and always have the best time.

During autumn, there’s a Fall Foliage Cruise that runs for three and a half hours on the Hudson River. You’ll get panoramic city views and access to the main and sky decks. This doesn’t have as many food options as their brunch and dinner cruises but there are some snacks and drinks you can buy onboard.

Tip: Bundle up with layers! Bring a hat and scarf to keep you warm. We sat in the upper level and were outside the whole time so it was pretty cold. 

Prices range from $49 to $79 depending on the ticket type. 

Another city cruise option is Classic Harbor Line. I’ve only tried their summer and holiday cruises (and love them!), but they also have a few fall-themed cruises here.

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Lady Mendl’s | Tea Salon

You can visit Lady Mendl’s the entire year but it’s even more special in the fall. With the cooler temperatures, all I want is warm tea. This is one of the prettiest places to get it.

Last October, Dex and I visited this whimsical tea salon for the first time on a fall day. It’s located in a Georgian brownstone in Gramercy and is decked out in unique vintage furniture. This place looks like an eclectic, well-traveled grandma’s home.

The afternoon tea service goes for $89 per person. It comes with a seasonal soup or salad, tea sandwiches, traditional scones, crêpes, and desserts. 

You can make reservations up to 30 days in advance. I would highly recommend booking ahead since they can’t always accommodate walk-ins. 

Address:
Lady Mendl’s Tea Salon
56 Irving Place
NY, New York 10003

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Make Fallen Leaf Scrapbooks

The first time I heard about fallen leaf scrapbooks was at the NYBG. While taking a walk, we stopped by a booth where a staff member showed us a book with leaves inside. 

If you love outdoor recreation, scrapbooking, or junk journaling, you’ll love this fall activity. Not only is it fun to collect leaves and glue them inside a notebook, but doing so also has a lot of benefits. 

This fall activity lets you connect to nature more mindfully. Choosing different leaves from the ground allows you take deeper notice of the details, color, and shape. Putting together these together help boost creativity and make memories (especially if you’re creating one with a loved one). 

To make one, first gather your materials. These include a notebook or paper, scissors, glue, or double-sided tape, heavy books (to press on your leaves), markers, and pens (to write captions for personal notes). Then, collect and arrange your leaves on paper before gluing or taping them on. Use the heavy books to set them in place. Follow by writing captions or personal notes. For another special touch, add fall stickers! To preserve them even longer, you can also get your scrapbook laminated.

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What Makes Fall Activities So Special?

Fall is literally a refreshing change from summer, breathing new opportunities into the air. With the cooler temperatures comes vibrant foliage and a chance to switch up your wardrobe. This time of year is big on fall festivals and comfort foods (think hearty meals, pumpkin spice lattes, and apple pie). It’s also a season of gratitude with Thanksgiving and the holidays around the corner.

What Are The Best Things To Do In New York During Fall?

To make the most of autumn in New York City, enjoy all the outdoor activities. Go on a Central Park stroll or a fall foliage cruise on the Hudson River. You can also visit Governors Island during their Pumpkin Point fall festival or dine at Lady Mendl’s for a cozy high tea. 

Here’s to autumn adventures ahead.

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