Things to do on Columbus Day for kids in NYC

The air is crisp, the apples are sweet and the movies are scary. Autumn is a gorgeous time of year in NYC, and it's fast approaching. In honor of the occasion, we've rounded up the best things to do in the fall with kids. Trust us, you're not going to want to miss a single event!  If you're feeling hungry, we'll guide you toward the best spots for apple picking. If you're looking to carve an A-plus Jack-O-Lantern we've got you covered with a roundup of epic pumpkin picking locales. If you and the crew are taking scenic drives, we'll point you in the right direction of the most beautiful fall foliage.  Little ones might feel blue that the summer has passed, but once they embark on these things to do in the fall, they'll forget all about the 90-degree weather.  It's time to fall in love with sweater weather and all-things pumpkins. Enjoy, NYC! 

Don the flannel and grab a pumpkin-spiced treat. Autumn is upon us, and the best fall festivals and fairs will return to put NYC in a festive spirit. With all of the goodies coming our way, you won't be sorry to see summer go.  Weekends during September and October mean seasonal goodness at Luna Park in Coney Island. Don't forget for all-things creepy, cooky and fun at Brooklyn Botanic Garden's annual Ghouls and Gourds extravaganza.  Find the perfect pumpkin for your family's Jack-o-lantern and sip on some delicious cider—there's nothing quite like fall in NYC!  RECOMMENDED: Full guide to things to do in the fall with kids While you're planning your calendar, don't forget to check out the best apple picking near NYC, the most adventurous corn mazes NY and the surrounding area have to offer and, of course, binge on the spookiest scary movies for kids. 

As the temperatures cool and pumpkins and gourds begin to reappear, you know it's time to plan your fall family itinerary. Of course, a visit to the best corn mazes NY has to offer is a no-brainer.  Let your kids wander through these seasonal labyrinths and round out the adventure with the tastiest apple picking in NY, the greatest pumpkin picking near NYC that'll make Charlie Brown envious and an epic movie night with the creepiest scary movies for kids. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to things to do in the fall with kids Could there be a better way to ring in this time of year? (Let's just hope everyone in your brood finds their way out of the best corn mazes in NY). Happy Fall!

We've rounded up the best apple picking NY and the surrounding areas have to offer, so if you're looking to get the whole family in a fall state of mind, we have you covered.  These orchards and farms not only offer the chance for visitors to pick their own fruits and veggies, but many of the venues feature fun activities like hayrides and Halloween attractions, so it's a win-win if you have little ones in tow. Plus, who can resist a few snacks after a long day out? RECOMMENDED: Full guide to where to pick your own fruits and vegetables near NYC What are you waiting for? The best apple picking near NYC (and the best apple picking NJ has to offer) are calling your name! Grab your basket and get ready to keep the doctors away with all of the apples you pick. Fall is the perfect time to explore fun petting zoos, cider mills and pumpkin patches with the fam. What's on your list? 

What's chock-full of cinnamon, spice and everything nice? The best apple cider donuts NYC has each autumn, of course. Once September hits, people might start craving all-things pumpkin, but there's no excuse to surpass delectable apple desserts. Trust us, your sweet tooth will thank you.  RECOMMENDED: Full guide to things to do in the fall with kids We've rounded up our favorite spots for apple cider donuts—and similar seasonal flavors—that deserve a spot on your autumn to-do list. Happy munching! Don't forget to check out the best locales for apple picking near NYC, take the whole family for a drive to enjoy the New York fall foliage and curl up with one of these scary movies for kids. 

Make the most out of fall with a cozy sweater, a cup of cocoa and a trip to uncover the best pumpkin picking NY—and the surrounding area—has to offer. It's go-time, friends!  As the leaves change and the air cools, cravings for a cute Jack-o-lantern and gourd kick in. Bookmark the cutest pumpkin patch NYC and the surrounding areas have on the map and bring your family for a day of seasonal bliss.  RECOMMENDED: Full guide to where to pick your own fruits and vegetables near NYC When you're not exploring the most epic pumpkin picking NY has on the menu, make sure you're watching the best scary movies for kids, indulging in the tastiest apple cider donuts in NYC and enjoying all of the exciting things to do in fall with your family  

Calling all witches, goblins and ghouls! This guide to Halloween for kids will help you have your most spectacular Halloween ever! Halloween in New York is the best for many reasons, including that it boasts fantastic Halloween events for kids (festivals, costume contests, haunted houses and other cool stuff!)—even the Village Halloween Parade, one of the most iconic Halloween celebrations in the world. Many NYC neighborhoods also host trick-or-treating at avenue storefronts to keep things safe for city families. Looking for even more adventures this fall beyond our top suggestions for Halloween? For the kids, you can go pumpkin picking nearby, visit local cider mills and even navigate some pretty intense corn mazes. When is the Halloween Parade?  The annual Village Halloween Parade takes place on Halloween—this year, Wednesday, October 31, 2018—at 7pm. If you're planning to attend, make sure your kids aren't easily intimidated by crowds; The Village Halloween Parade's typical attendance is about two million people, and many visitors don crazy costumes! Where is the Halloween Parade?  The parade runs up Sixth Ave from Spring St to 16th St. It begins at 7pm and ends around 11pm (though if you're bringing your younger kids, you may head home before then). Be sure to bring some packable snacks and stake out a great spot a bit early (at least around 6pm) to get a good look at the parade.  Where to go trick-or-treating City families can go trick-or-treating all around the f