The 6 Best Family Destinations & Activities For Fall 2013 In N.Y. & N.J.
Sad to see summer go? Don't be. Our favorite destinations for Autumn are back with a new calendar full of exciting activities and annual traditions. We don't need to tell you that fall is the ideal time to get outside and take in the foliage. Here are the best
New York Botanical Garden
Bronx River Parkway at Fordham Road
Bronx, NY 10458
(718) 817-8700
nybg.org
See Also: CBSNewYork's Garden And Zoo Guide
Families will love strolling through the beautiful grounds of the New York Botanical Garden together. This fall, the Haunted Pumpkin Garden will display pumpkin sculptures of scarecrows and Halloween creates. "Fall Forest Weekends" take place in November, with tree-climbing destinations and guided tours. Kids can explore to their heart's content in the Everett Children's Adventure Garden, where running around and asking questions is encouraged. The Edible Garden, a NYBG fan favorite, will be open until October, features an audio tour by Mario Batali.
Field Station Dinosaurs
1000 New County Road Secaucus, NJ 07094
(855) 999-9010
fieldstationdinosaurs.com
More: NYC's 5 Best Historic Landmarks
Nine minutes from New York City, this animatronic wonderland. Field Station Dinosaurs is an informative, educational and fun oasis, set against the backdrop of the New Jersey Meadowlands. Along with learning about the prehistoric age, kinds can take part in demonstrations about reptiles and other kinds of animal life. The park's newest attraction is Dinosaurs Alive! A 3D adventure about the latest scientific breakthroughs when it comes to dinosaur life.
Audubon Center at the Boathouse at Prospect Park
95 Prospect Park West
Brooklyn, NY 11215
(718) 287-3400
prospectpark.org/visit/places/audubon
The Audubon Center at the Boathouse offers free interactive exhibits, an aquarium and terrariums that teach children about the plants and animals of Prospect Park. Nature crafts and science activities are also offered on the weekends. For a special treat, families can take an electric boat ride on the Independence, which runs through October ($8 adults, $4 children). Another relaxing fall family option is to take a free guided walking tour on one of the nature trails every Saturday and Sunday at 3 p.m.
Green Meadows Farm at the Queens Farm Museum
73-50 Little Neck Parkway
Floral Park, NY 11102
(718) 470-0224
visitgreenmeadowsfarm.com
The children's petting farm at Green Meadows is the perfect way to add a taste of country to your family's life. At the Queens Farm Museum, children can learn about farm animals, ride ponies, milk cows, go on a tractor-driven hayride and pick up pumpkins. Admission is $9 a person. The Farm Museum features has a 3 acre interactive corn maze, a farm stand with delicious treats.
Muscoot Farm
51 Route 100
Katonah, NY 10536
(914) 864-7282
muscootfarm.org
Along with weekly farmers' markets, families can go hiking, visit the farm museum, or meet all kinds of animals at this longstanding Westchester staple. Annual events include October's Pumpkin Picnic, Autumn Celebration, Run the 5 mile trail race and Halloween 'Boo Walk.'The grounds are host to several historic buildings, and hayrides are available as well.
Wightman's Farms
1111 Mt Kemble Road
Morristown, NJ 07960
(973) 425-9819
wightmansfarms.com
Weekend family hayrides are offered all autumn long at this northern New Jersey farm. You can also pick your own apples and peaches, or visit the market tables where donuts and pies are available from the bakery. And for the parents: Wightman's features wines from Four Sisters Winery in Belvidere.
