Autumn is here and vibrant yellow, orange and red hues are decorating the city. It’s a wonderful time to take the kids out to explore all the changes and enjoy the beautiful fall foliage. Theres plenty of fabulous viewing spots – here’s a few highlights of our favorite places for leaf peeping in NYC with kids. (Don’t forget to jump in those crunchy leaf piles!).
Leaf Peeping in NYC – Central Park
The largest park in the city is a colorful autumn dream thanks to dramatic and diverse leaves from maple, elm and oak trees. Our favorites for foliage include the view over the water Bow Bridge on The Lake, from across the Conservatory Water, or simply walking up the arching trees of The Mall to the famous Bethesda Terrace Fountain. Make a day of it: Visit one of the park’s popular playgrounds, take a spin on the Central Park merry-go-round, or enjoy a charming puppet show at the Swedish Cottage Theater. Central Park. North 110th Street to Central Park South (59th Street), and from Central Park West (8th Avenue) to 5th Ave
Leaf Peeping in NYC – Prospect Park
The sugar and red maple trees around Prospect Park Lake are the first ones to change, and bring bright, beautiful hues of orange and red reflecting off the water’s edge. Take in the colors by heading over to the Le Frank Center Lakeside for fun family activities—including roller-skating, biking and boating. For an even more colorful experience, head deeper into the park to the Ravine, where you will be surrounded by a thick concentration of autumn plants at their fall best. Make a day of it: Rent a paddle boat for a close-up view of the color, or send some time at one of the popular playgrounds! Prospect Park. Prospect Pk W, Flatbush, Parkside, Ocean Aves, Brooklyn, New York.
Flickr/John Drummond
Leaf Peeping in NYC – New York Botanical Garden
When the changing leaves are at their peak, there’s no place that can top the New York Botanical Garden. Plan a visit during their famous Fall Forest weekends in November when they celebrate the gorgeous colors through guided tours. These preserved 50 acres have the highest concentration of old growth forest in New York City, creating magnificent colors as far as the eye can see. Make a day of it: The annual Spooky Pumpkin Garden exhibit is also set up inside the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden from September 21 to October 31. New York Botanical Garden. 2900 Southern Boulevard, Bronx, NY.
Leaf Peeping in NYC – Brooklyn Bridge Park
Brooklyn Bridge Park’s Pier 1, albeit small, offers some amazing foliage viewing come fall. Children will love to run up and down the leaf covered paths—they’ll feel like they stepped out of the city and into a magical autumn woodland. The dense mix of trees and shrubs hang over the winding trails and create a fun canopy of color to walk under. Possibly more beautiful than the leaves are the sweeping views of the city; only a few short steps from these paths are incredible skyline views (that make for perfect family photo backgrounds!). Be sure to climb the small stair way to Squibb Park Bridge for an epic view of the foilage. Make a day of it: Visit on of the playgrounds or take a spin on Jane’s Carousel. Bonus: Several pizza and ice cream shops are just steps away. Read our full DUMBO guide HERE. Brooklyn Bridge Park, Pier 1. 1 Old Fulton Street, Brooklyn, NY.
