As September rolls around and the summer heat begins to dissipate, it’s time for us to start leaving those beach balls, sunglasses and spf 90+ sunscreens at home. Sweater weather is upon us, but don’t let that get you down! Just because there is a bit of chill in the air doesn’t mean we can’t take advantage of the weather. Here’s a list of activities you can do right here in New York City this Fall.
#1 Fishing
Big City Fishing – Hudson River Park ( Pier 25 at N. Moore St.)
If you’ve ever wanted to try your hand at fishing, now is your chance. Hudson River Park offers fishing off Pier 25 from now until October 15th. What do you need to bring? Nothing but yourself! Everything is free including the equipment, bait, and rods. If it’s a bit nippy, grab a sweater and reel in a catch with some friends. Fish not nibbling? No worries, the overseers of the program are environmental specialists who would be more than happy to educate you on the ecology of marine life. After your fishing experience sit down at one of many tables at the pier and enjoy the Hudson’s beautiful views while sipping on hot chocolate or dare I say a pumpkin spice latte?
Hours of Operation: (6/4 – 10/25) Sundays 11AM – 3PM
Cost: Free
More Info
#2 Pumpkin Picking, Corn mazes, Hayrides – Oh My!
Queens County Farm Museum (73-50 Little Neck Pkwy, Queens, NY 11004)
If you are at a loss for events this Fall look no further than the Queens Country Farm Museum. While the Museum is a great stop in year round, it is a must see in the fall. Hungry? Visit their farmstand which sells freshly plucked fruits and veggies. Feeling adventurous? Try your luck at the Maze by Moonlight event. On October 14th and 21st the corn maze is open until 9PM and visitors have nothing but the starry sky and flashlights to guide them through the 3-acre labyrinth. Too daunting? Go for a $4 hayride and admire the changing foliage, or wander through their pumpkin picking patch.
Hours of Operation: Sunday – Saturday: 10AM – 5PM
Cost: Varies depending on event
More Info
#3 Join a Tugboat Race
Pier 83 W. 43rd St. & Hudson River Park
All aboard! Every labor day weekend, the Working Harbor Committee hosts their Great North River Tugboat Race and Competition. Families flock the harbor to witness this annual contest. If you’d like more action the harbor allows you (for a fee) to board the tugboat of your choice and catch a first hand view of the race. Shortly following the races participants engage in a line tossing contest, spinach eating contest and a tattoo contest.
#4 Explore an Urban Farm
Viviana Sanchez and I enjoying the great outdoors
Who says that a farmer can’t make it in the big apple? Check out these urban farms that are making it work in the city. Visit Randall’s Island Urban Farm on an exploration day and ask questions about their produce or explore a farm that is grown completely on top of a roof at the Brooklyn Grange – I give this one a A++ for creativity.
#5 Treat Yo Self – To Pumpkin Spice Everything
While having adventures around NYC is fun, sometimes all you really want is to just sit down and stuff your face with food. Satisfy those Autumn spice cravings with a pumpkin spice ice cream sandwich ($5) from melt bakery or try the Pumpkin Trifle ($2.50) at Sugar Sweet Sunshine’s Bakery. Yum yum!
Additional Fall Activities:
- Collect leaves and use them for a leaf collage, leaf paintings or bedroom decorations (get creative).
- Rake up a bunch of leaves and then jump into the pile.
- Go to a restaurant with a friend and order pumpkin spice everything
- Attend a NYC Fall festival
- Go hiking and feel the crunchy leaves under your feet.
- Get some apples from a grocery store, fill a tub with water and then bob for apples.
What Fall activities do you recommend? Let me know in the comments below and let’s see if we can add to this list.
