[Editor’s note: One of our savviest contributors–a local mom of two–shares her picks for seasonal fun in the NYC area. Don’t miss her great picks, as she’s always on top of great options for family fun–from grand events to off-the-beaten-path happenings and activities.]
Summer may be over, but let the fun continue. Here are some of the coolest things you can (mostly) only do in the fall.
1. Pack up the waifs and get thee to a Renaissance Festival where you’ll see lords, ladies, knights, lasses, and knaves in 16th century dress. When they’re not presenting some of the finest skits this side of Broadway, they’re doing full contact chess, jousts, archery, acrobatics, knife throwing or comedy routines. (Other characters in period dress are there to point you the nearest privy, while similarly outfitted enthusiasts are along just for the spectacle and the giant turkey legs.) Artisans show how rolling pins, glass and other necessities were made back when a glimpse of ankle was quite the thrill.
You’ve got your choice of several faires within a short drive of the city, but get a move on. The Tuxedo, NY, fair ends September 27. (Discounted tickets are available at Duane Reade or Walgreens.) The smaller but closer Fort Tryon fair is October 4. North Haven, Connecticut, brings Olde England to New England most weekends in October and Columbus Day; the Pennsylvania Ren Faire runs through October 25 in New Hope. Most offer discounts if you come in costume. Bring plenty of $1 bills. For many artists, this is their full-time job, so they appreciate tips.
2. Take in a West Point Football game. Three hours before kickoff are the cadet review and parachute demonstration. Walk around the campus, see where cadets live and eat, and look out on the Hudson where Benedict Arnold tried mightily to sell out the Americans. And remember the tailgate. Make it a weekend by tying in some leaf peeping along with some apple and pumpkin picking. Leave the electronics at home, grab the Loaded Questions game for some family quiz time in the car and make the kids talk to you.
3. Science innovation meets county fair and gastronomical fun at the World Maker Faire on September 26 and 27 at the New York Hall of Science in Queens. The family-friendly event brings together tech enthusiasts, craftsmen, educators, tinkerers, food enthusiasts, hobbyists, engineers, science clubs, authors, artists, and more for some hands-on fun. If you volunteer to work, you get a free day pass.
4. The Old Rhinebeck Air Show runs on weekends through October 11. Each weekend hosts a different theme, from model airplanes and WWI planes to pumpkin bombing.
5. New York Comic Con, held at the Javits Center, has been called the largest comic book and pop culture gathering in the country, bringing together comic book, video, toy, movie, TV and manga creators and fans. Screening rooms feature sneak peeks at films and TV shows for the truly eager. Best for children 8-11 years old.
6. Not much is free in New York, but kayaking on the Hudson is the exception. Go to Pier 26 from May through October. You can paddle for 20 minutes. Children under 16 must go with an adult, and there is a limit of one child per boat.
7. For two days only each October, Open House New York opens the doors for special events in some of the most important (and closed) buildings across the five boroughs. This year’s event will take place on October 17 and 18.
8. No longer actually at Bear Mountain State Park, the Bear Mountain Oktoberfest still features German bands, wiener schnitzel, sauerbraten, red cabbage, and bier. Only this time, it’s at the Anthony Wayne Recreation Area, slightly closer to NYC. Weekends through October and Columbus Day, 12-6pm. Arrive in the last hour and save the $8 parking fee and get reduced prices for food.
9. Get in the spirit at the Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze at the Van Cortlandt Manor in Croton-on-Hudson in October and November. Go earlier in the day to check out the legend behind the Legend of Sleepy Hollow at the Old Dutch Church across the street from the Philipsburg Manor. For the less fearful set, I hear the Horsemen’s Hollow at Philipsburg Manor is a blast. Tickets sell out quickly.
10. Go see Santa at Macy’s in Herald Square through December 24. Go early (in the day, in the week, and in the season) for the shortest waiting time. You can even get free Express Pass tickets should you wish to bypass hanging with the elves, seeing the trains and looking at the SantaLand displays (which are pretty amazing and worth the wait). One of the best articles I’ve seen on how to skip the line came from AboutTravel.
Hillary Chura writes New York Family’s Le$$er Parenting blog about family finances in New York City. Follow her on Twitter @hillarychura.
