A natural go-to destination in the spring and summer, Central Park has plenty to offer families in the fall (besides the vibrant foliage, which is worth a trip in itself!). Check out these fun autumn happenings in the park:
Bats Alive!
Spread your wings and fly over to this exciting lecture and interactive session about bats! The Central Park Conservancy and the Organization for Bat Conservation will be featuring live bats from all over the globe, including the world’s largest bat, the Malaysian Gigantic Flying Fox Bat. Sure to delight and inspire curiosity in everyone, especially in your little Batman aficionado. This batty meet-and-greet is followed by a bat walk at dusk to view the park’s own nightly inhabitants. Free; all ages. October 16, 5:00 p.m.-6:30 p.m. Great Hill (inside Central Park near 106th St. and Central Park West) In case of inclement weather, the event will be held at the North Meadow Recreation Center. (centralparknyc.org)
Halloween Parade and Pumpkin Sail
Kids can join the costume parade led by a friendly Frankenstein to show off their cool outfits, make paint mini pumpkins, listen to scary stories, and attend a pumpkin carving demonstration. Bring your own carved jack o’ lantern (5-10 lbs, or between the size of a softball and a soccer ball) and watch as its candle-lit grin sails away with dozens of other pumpkins at sunset. Free; all ages. October 24, 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Charles A. Dana Discovery Center (inside Central Park on 110th St. between Fifth and Lenox Aves). (centralparknyc.org)
Halloween at Belvedere: A Monster Musical Adventure
Come watch this 45-minute musical about a boy who fights alongside friendly monsters in order to save Halloween! Performances are held outside, so make sure you bundle up your own little monsters. Free; all ages. October 30, performances are at 12:00 pm, 1:00 pm, 2:00 pm, and 3:00 pm. Belvedere Castle (inside Central Park at 79th St.). (centralparknyc.org)
Spooktacular Sport
It sounds scary, but your athletic munchkins will have a fun time playing spooky sports like the “Freak” Throw Contest and Soccer “Ghoul” Kicking, among other chilling activities. Free; ages 3 and up. October 30, 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm. North Meadow Recreation Center (inside Central Park at 97th St.). (centralparknyc.org)
Look at the Birdie!
Load up your Discovery Kit backpacks–which include binoculars, a map, a guidebook, and drawing materials–and set out on your mission to find some beaky buddies. All kinds of birds flock to the park during the fall, including hawks, and can be observed throughout the premises. Discovery Kits are free and available with valid photo ID from 10:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m.; all ages. Belvedere Castle (inside Central Park at 79th St.). Call 212-772-0210 or visit centralparknyc.org for more information.
Ice It
Why wait for the snow to slip into some skates and out on the ice? Dress warmly and take the kids for a spin at Wollman Skating Rink, which opens October 23. Prices vary. Park South (59th Street and 6th Avenue). (wollmanskatingrink.com)
