Fall is one of the best times to take the family out for a day trip. Early in September, you have remnants of summer warmth, while the later months give you a perfectly crisp chill without it being too cold.
It’s perfect for picking pumpkins, going on hay rides, and sipping warm drinks at your local farms. Whether your crew loves taking in the changing leaves or would rather spend the day exploring a museum, there’s no shortage of things to do across New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut this fall. Here are some family-friendly activities worth adding to your calendar.
New York
Queens County Farm Museum
For low-cost fun with the family, Queens County Farm Museum has acres of land to explore. Located in Floral Park, it’s a quick drive from both Manhattan and Long Island, and is free most days.
The grounds have livestock, such as goats, sheep, cows, and hens, but it’s not a petting zoo. You can, however, feed hay to goats and sheep. Hayrides are available throughout the year for $6/person.
This year, they have a maize maze on Saturdays and Sundays starting on August 29 and ending November 1. Tickets are $17 for adults and $10 for children ages 3-11. Free for children under 2.
Be sure to check out their Halloween on the Farm, which takes place on October 31 from 10-5 pm.
Masker Orchards
Fall activities wouldn’t be complete without apple picking, and if you’re in New York, Masker Orchards in Warwick is the way to go.
They start the season on September 5 and are open the whole week from 9-5, including Sundays. Admission and parking are free, but you pay $49.95 per car for a 1/2 bushel bag, which the website states is about 22 pounds of apples — enough for snacking, pies, sauce, and more!
Muscoot Farm
If you’re looking for a no-frills outdoor space to let your kids run around in, head over to Muscoot Farm in Katonah. They offer seven miles of hiking trails and barn animals for viewing.
The park is open from 10-4, and they host a farmer’s market on Sundays from 9:30-2:30 until November.
While there is a concession stand, if you want to have lunch, bring a picnic and enjoy the lovely fall weather while your kids burn off energy.
Check out their events list for the fall, which includes a horse grooming experience, crafts, fairy walks, and more.
Balloon Museum
Balloon Museum began as an interactive art installation around the world in 2021 and welcomed its first flagship location in Manhattan this August.
It offers hands-on exhibits perfect for explorers, with many awe-inspiring colors and shapes that will erase any rainy-day boredom.
Feast of San Gennaro
Every year, Little Italy in Manhattan hosts The Feast of San Gennaro, a huge, multi-block celebration including lots of delicious food, live music, and people-watching.
This year, it runs from September 17 to the 27th. Be sure to wear your walking shoes and elastic pants, as your whole day will center on eating and taking in the sights.
Catskill Mountain Railroad
When the leaves start turning colors, that’s the perfect time to take a scenic ride through wooded areas. Catskill Mountain Railroad offers seats on a very cool-looking train that takes you on an eight-mile round-trip tour along the bright fall foliage.
Open windows provide the best views, while an overhead canopy protects you against possible rain showers. They have set dates and times through September and October, so be sure to check their website to see the schedule.
New Jersey
Demarest Farms
Demarest Farms is officially open for the fall season with apple picking, hay rides, and a petting zoo where kids can feed the animals crackers. Located in Hillsdale, you must plan ahead and get tickets before you arrive for your designated time slot. Entry is $9.50 for ages 2 and up, and a 10-12 bag for apples is $21.55.
Be sure to check out their Halloween Light Show, which is a guided tour where you take your car through a series of amazing light installations. Available from September 26 to November 1.
Have an a-maze-ing time at Alstede Farms
Love a challenge? Take your kids to Alstede Farms in Chester and have them wander through an elaborate corn maze. When you’re done with that, go through the giant sunflower trail and the evergreen maze. The fun to be had is endless.
Heaven Hill Farm
Heaven Hill Farm in Vernon is packed with plenty of activities, including dog shows, pig races, pony rides, carnival rides, and paintball for older kids. Admission is $24.99 online and $29.99 at the door. If you plan on going often, it might be worth getting the season pass for $59.99.
Wightman Farms
Wightman Farms in Morristown is an actual working farm where you can pick your own seasonal fruit. You have to get a membership for the season, which is good from June to August 30. The website states that the entrance is $12 per person, but folks online say it went up to $30, so be sure to call ahead.
Because it’s an actual working farm, the website strongly encourages visitors to wear proper footwear. That means boots and sneakers with treads — leave the flip-flops and sandals at home, especially for the kiddos.
American Dream Mall
When a rainy weekend ruins your pumpkin-picking plans, American Dream in East Rutherford gives families plenty of indoor options. The huge mall features attractions including a Nickelodeon Universe theme park, an aquarium, DreamWorks Water Park, an indoor snowboarding/ski slope, mini golf, and more. You can easily spend a whole day there and come back for more.
DeKorte Park
For a fun, free experience, head over to Lyndhurst’s DeKorte Park and take in the scenery along the wetlands. The path offers views of the Manhattan skyline while you’re surrounded by tranquility. Bring binoculars and turn your kids’ day into a scavenger hunt to see which wildlife they spot.
Connecticut
Bishop’s Orchards
If you’re looking for an all-in-one fall experience, Bishop’s Orchards in Guilford is hard to beat. Its 2026 Fall Festival runs September 5 through November 1, with apple and pear picking, wagon rides, a pumpkin patch, a four-acre corn maze and a huge activity area.
Kids can also enjoy bounce pads, pedal karts, a corn crib, tire mountain, a climbing web and a mega slide on select days. Grown-ups can enjoy some cool refreshments at the Cider Hut & Garden.
The pumpkin patch opens in mid-to-late September, making this an especially good destination once you’re officially in pumpkin season. Reviewers rave about their ice cream, so make time for some tasty treats.
Lyman Orchards
A trip to Lyman Orchards in Middlefield can easily fill an entire fall day. Pick some seasonal apples, pears, and pumpkins, then stop at the market for yummy treats. The farm also has a popular fall corn maze, so kids can burn off some of that sugar-fueled energy.
Jones Family Farms
Jones Family Farms in Shelton is full of fall activities. Aside from pumpkin picking, notable events on their fall lineup include harvesting your own flowers, a vineyard talk and tasting, and a pizza and wine dinner on September 10.
March Farm
March Farm in Bethlehem offers the kind of fall outing where you don’t have to worry about your kids getting bored after 20 minutes.
The family-owned farm has apple and pumpkin picking, an animal yard, a playscape, hayrides, and a corn maze. That combination makes it especially appealing for families with younger children who need more than just an orchard to keep them entertained.
After exploring the farm, stop by the Farm Store & Bakery for tasty goodies to snack on during the ride home.
Stamford Museum & Nature Center
To experience both outdoor and indoor options, look no further than the Stamford Museum & Nature Center.
Visit the Heckscher Farm, which houses a vegetable garden and farm animals, or immerse yourself in a show at the planetarium. Note: This may not be suitable for those with sensory issues.
If you don’t want to commit to a schedule, simply pack a picnic and explore the vast grounds with your family.
