September events calendar for kids in NYC

Are your little ones missing their favorite reading circle? Don’t worry, Mom and Dad: We have the perfect solution! Time Out is partnering with the New York Public Library to present digital storytimes for pint-sized bookworms. Families can tune in Monday through Friday at 10am—right here—for a remote read-aloud. Curious about the lineup? The Time Out New York Kids newsletter will reveal forthcoming story time schedules on Fridays, so sign up today!

Summer vacation is practically in the rearview mirror, so now is the time for kids to soak up that last bit of freedom. Plus, there are a few end-of-season perks to enjoy. Some of NYC's best family attractions are offering free and discounted admission for students before the first day of school on Sept 21. Count us in!

The spooky season is right around the corner, so ghosts and ghouls should prepare accordingly. HALLOWFEST, Six Flags Great Adventure's all-new celebration, will run from Sept 18 through Nov 1, which means there are plenty of opportunities for creepy, kooky and spooky shenanigans. During the day, little monsters can enjoy seasonal scream-worthy attractions: inflatables, a Trick or Treat Trail, a hay bale maze (in one direction) and other fun activities. At night is when things get a little more serious (perhaps a time better suited for the tweens and teens): Creepy fog, eerie lighting and sinister music will transform the family attraction into a real-life horror movie and thrill-seekers can ride their favorite coasters...in the dark!

Let's be honest: We love a ride on the ferris wheel and a few rounds of Whac-A-Mole, but the real draw of a festival is the food. (Candy apples, anyone?) Since fall activities are making adjustments this year, one New York town wanted to ensure that you got your funnel cake fix. Plan a weekend day trip to the free, socially-distanced Orange County Drive-Thru Fair Food Festival. From Sept 24–27 and Oct 1–4, you and your family can head to the Orange County fairgrounds in Middletown for all the sweets your heart desires. 

The New York Aquarium is welcoming back visitors! There are a few things to note before making a visit: Online reservations are now required, guests must wear a face mask and new safety procedures will be in place, including additional hand sanitizing stations and contactless check-in. There will be limited seating at the Aquatheater and the 4-D Theater still remains closed. However, visitors can still expect the same great exhibits. Stop by and say hello to sea otters and harbor seals at "Sea Cliff," extend Shark Week with a pitstop to the "Ocean Wonders: Sharks" exhibit and take in a "snorkeler's-eye view" at Conservation Hall. Plus, the new "Spineless" exhibit—which was only accessible through live cams—will be ready to rock 'n roll. Park-goers can learn all about lagoon jellies, Pacific octopi and other backbone-lacking invertebrates that call the ocean home.

We have some dino-mite news to share with you, NYC: One of our favorite family attractions is getting ready to open its doors for the first time since March! The American Museum of Natural History took to Instagram to share its forthcoming plans. Pending approval from New York State, members will be able to visit beginning September 2 and the general public will be able to visit beginning September 9. Obviously, we're making a b-line for T.rex when we get there. 

Prepare to do your book browsing online. One of New York City's most popular literary celebrations, the Brooklyn Book Festival, is going remote for the first time. Although it seems like an atypical way to ring in the event's 15th anniversary, the star-studded author lineup and programming, particularly for young readers, is certainly worth celebrating—even from your laptop. The week-long festival is scheduled from Sept 28–Oct 5. Children's Day, which will take place on Oct 3, will include virtual illustration competitions, readings and performances for little bookworms. Among the author attendees are R.L. Stein, Oliver Jeffers and Tami Charles. But families with teens should particularly take note: BKBF is introducing a new program titled Y.A. Out Loud, which is also slated for Oct 3. Attendees can enjoy virtual readings and talks with the most popular young adult authors out there, including Libba Bray, Kacen Callender and Marie Lu.

Visitors are able to rent a boat, kayak and bike with family and friends. If you're looking to refuel after an afternoon out, the Bluestone Cafe is offering food and drinks on a takeaway basis. Although Splash Pad is open, visitors must note that it is not regularly sanitized and social distancing guidelines are enforced when using the facility, according to the park's website. 

Anxious to start paddling? We can't blame you. There are a few things to note before venturing to the boathouse on Pier 4. For one, registration is open and kayaking will resume Wednesdays from 4–8pm and Saturdays from 10am–4pm from Aug 15–Oct 15, according to the park's website. Walk-ins will be accommodated if there is room. All participants must wear a face mask and attendees under 18 must have a guardian present. Park-goers must sign a waiver before hitting the water.

Good news for those who are anxious to pay a visit to the animal kingdom. Not only is the Bronx Zoo reopening to the public on July 24 (it's operating on a members only basis from July 20–23), but it's enticing visitors with a perk. For families in search of a day trip on the cheap, might we suggest a Wednesday pitstop to the outdoor attraction? According to the Wildlife Conservation Society, general admission to the Bronx Zoo is free on Wednesdays. However, visitors have to plan in advanced: Advanced timed tickets will be required. The Wednesday ticket store will open on Tuesday at 10am for that Wednesday’s reservations, so make sure to set an alarm on your phone. You're not going to want to miss an opportunity to snag a spot. 

The New York Aquarium has started welcoming back visitors, joining the ranks of the Wildlife Conservation's other family attractions like the Bronx Zoo and Prospect Park Zoo. The sharks are lurking, the sea otters are relaxing and the "Spineless" newbies are waiting to say hello. These animal encounters alone are enough to pique your interest, but free admission is also another enticing factor. On Wednesdays after 3pm, the aquarium admits visitors at no cost. However, there are a few things to note now that city is grappling with a new norm: Advanced timed tickets are required, and those who attempt to enter without reservations will not be permitted inside. Every Monday at 5pm, the Wednesday Afternoon Ticket Store will open for that week's reservations according to the aquarium's website, so act fast! 

Beginning Friday, Sept 25, New Yorkers can make their way to the aircraft carrier for a peek into our nation's maritime, military and space history.  Things will look a little different once the city, state and federal guidelines are taken into consideration: The family attraction will operate at 25 percent capacity, operate Wednesday–Sunday from 10am–5pm and only invite those with advanced, timed tickets to enter the museum. Unfortunately, this also means that interactive areas will not operate, including the Concorde, submarine Growler, Lutnick Theater, simulators, food service and gift shop. At this time tours, parties and museum sleepovers will not operate. However, there is still plenty to see and learn—you'll just have to snag tickets and explore the space for yourself. 

Times Square is due for something sweet: A 4,500 square-foot Krispy Kreme. Opening Sept 15 at 1601 Broadway, the 24/7 doughnut shop will take desserts to the next level, and you need to swing by for an original glazed—and then some. Expect a big-city-twist to a classic brand: You'll be able to enjoy your favorite flavors, and the shop will take things to new levels with a doughnut-making theater, where you can catch a two-foot-tall glaze waterfall and doughnuts whipping through conveyor belts.Once you've snagged a snack (or two), be sure to pop a squat in the stadium-styled seating and score some fun merch—mugs, tees, and so on—before making your way out. Too busy to stay? No sweat: The street-side pickup window will be available 24/7! Don't forget to take a look at the world's largest Hot Light before you jet.  

We've discovered the most unique pizza in all of New York City—and you can find it at one of your favorite ice cream shops. No, that wasn't a typo: Ice cream pizza has landed at Milk & Cream Cereal Bar in honor of Nickelodeon's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Show your love for the crime-fighting, sauce, cheese and dough connoisseurs with a slice of pie that's one of the most Instagrammable desserts in town. The combo of cookie crust, strawberry puree, Cocoa Krispy Treats and shaved bits of white chocolate will make the turtle quartet proud. You can also prove your devotion to Michelangelo, Donatello, Raphael and Leonardo with swirl cups and collectable milkshake cups. Plus, you can find cartoon swag adorned throughout the shop. (We told you this was an Instagrammable spot!) Make sure to stop by before Sept 14 to enjoy the sweets.

Summon the harvest season one Granny Smith at a time. We found the best places for apple picking NY families need to explore, so grab a basket and map out the fall activities for kids your brood can't miss.

Just like Humpty Dumpty, it's time to have a great fall: That means cozy sweaters, mugs of warm cider and the best pumpkin picking NY has to offer.

Autumn is upon us, folks. Before you know it, you'll be reaching into the closet for something plaid and scoping out the apple cider doughnut supply at the bakery. And, according to new data, you have little over a month before biding adieu to green leaves. Breaking down peak fall colors by state, Farmers' Almanac predicts that New Yorkers should be on the lookout for fall foliage from Sept–Oct 28, depending on each location's elevation and proximity to the coast.