Let the fall fun begin! This autumn there are loads of events, festivals, and shows in NYC just right for the preschool set, and as an added bonus, many are FREE! With fall fairs, petting zoos, and musical performances to choose from, you're bound to find the perfect event for your preschooler.
If you're looking for a festive day trip, find out where preschoolers can pick their own apples or even find the perfect pumpkin.
Read on for 30+ fall events for NYC preschoolers and check out our September GoList, Best NYC Fall Festivals, and Fall Fun Guide for even more great fall events.
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September Events for Preschoolers
Celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival (中秋节) with mooncakes, magic, and the Jade Rabbit on the moon! Stop by for an afternoon of storytelling, drop-in arts and crafts, mooncake making, and more. Read More
Queens County Farm hosts its traditional county fair with blue ribbon competitions in livestock, produce, home crafts, arts and crafts, and more. Read More
NYC's only corn maze begins with a "Stalk Talk" to prepare you for the 3-acre challenge of finding clues on your way to Victory Bridge where the maze's stunning vista is revealed. Read More
Hudson River Park presents Submerge—a free science extravaganza devoted to raising awareness about our coastal waters. Celebrate local marine science through hands-on activities, catch-and-release fishing, science stage events, kayaking, and more! Read More
Halloween costumes get an early airing at the 59th annual Ragamuffin Parade, which promenades through the streets of Bay Ridge. Read More
Trek the candy trail, explore an extinct animal graveyard, and take in pumpkin carving demos as the Bronx Zoo's annual Halloween tradition returns, bringing with it tons of family-friendly activities. New this year: a trick-or-truth maze, face painting, a creepy mystery wall, and a Halloween mashup. Costumes are welcome. Read More
NYC's largest street fest, the Atlantic Antic, fills Brooklyn’s Atlantic Avenue with food and craft vendors, family fun, and amazing performances. A highlight for families is Mommy Poppins and Brooklyn Bridge Parents' Playtopia at Atlantic Antic, powered by Prospect Schools. This block-long family fun zone is stuffed to the brim with STEM activities, balloon twisting, freebies, arts and crafts, interactive games, circus activities, and more for kids of all ages. Read More
October Events for Preschoolers
Celebrate Manhattan’s only remaining lighthouse with Urban Park Ranger presentations, readings of The Little Red Lighthouse and The Great Gray Bridge children’s book, live music, and activities for all ages. Read More
The Randall’s Island Park Alliance hosts a free, family-friendly celebration of fall. Decorate and bring home your very own pumpkin from RI's immersive patch, participate in a cooking demonstration with seasonal vegetables, enjoy live performances, have your face painted, and learn about nature. Read More
The Cathedral of St. John the Divine welcomes families for a day of music, prayer, joy, blessings, and fun in honor of Saint Francis, the patron saint of animals and the environment. Read More
The magic of the Big Apple Circus returns to New York City — bolder, brighter, and more breathtaking than ever — with the comedic genius of Johnny Rico, the jaw-dropping trapeze artistry of the Flying Maluendas’ from Chile, and the high-energy acrobatics and human pyramids of Ukraine’s Bingo Troupe. Read More
Socrates Sculpture Park's high-flying Halloween Harvest Festival returns with its third-annual “Flight of the Gourds” pumpkin carving contest and compost launch. Celebrate the autumn season with pumpkin art workshops, creative costume making, face painting, and the epic launch of the pumpkin catapult! Read More
The Laurie Berkner Band returns to Ethical Culture for a family concert. Bring your dancing shoes and a stuffed animal (for your head)! Read More
Halloween at the Queens County Farm Museum brings a monster mash to life. Costumed kids and their grown-ups are invited for fall-themed farm fun with hayrides, kids crafts, a run through the Amazing Maize Maze, a spooky farmhouse to explore, and best of all: trick-or-treating with furry farm friends. Read More