Kids can go apple picking near NYC at Alstede Farms, where low-to-the-ground trees are perfect for little pickers. Photo by Rose Gordon Sala

Apple Picking near NYC: Best Apple Farms and Apple Festivals for Kids

Try your hand at corn husking and more analog entertainment during the Corn Fest at the Queens County Farm Museum. Photo courtesy of the Queens County Farm Museum

Best 2025 Fall Festivals and Fairs in NYC this September and October

The Bronx Zoo celebrates Boo at the Zoo with family activities all October long. Photo by Julie Larsen Maher

Best Halloween Events in NYC 2025 for Kids and Families

GUIDE

NYC Fall Day Trips Guide: Orchards, Farms, Festivals, and Kid-Friendly Getaways 2025

All aboard for a day of fun when vintage transit vehicles take over Brooklyn Bridge Park for the New York Transit Museum's annual bus festival. Photo courtesy of the museum

22 Best Things To Do in NYC with Kids September 2025, According to Mommy Poppins Editors

Italian pride—and tasty eats—are on the menu at the annual Feast of San Gennaro, which takes over Little Italy in September. Photo by Jody Mercier

61 Free Activities in NYC September 2025 for Kids

The 2025-2026 public school year for NYC kids starts on Thursday, September 4.

Here's the NYC Public School Calendar for 2025-2026

Get ready for back to school with all the right supplies, classes, and tips.

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Back-to-School Guide 2025-2026

See the skyline from a whole new vantage point on the Roosevelt Island Tram. Photo courtesy of NYCGo

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Stranger Things: The First Shadow plays at the Marquis Theatre and gives the popular Neflix show a prequel. Photo by Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman

Best Broadway Shows for Kids and Families in 2025

Lights, Camera, New York! Where to Find Iconic NYC Movie Sites with Kids

The Ausable Chasm has been described as the Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks and it's one of our top 100 things to do in New York State with kids. Photo by Anna Fader

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Diving into the sprinkle pool at the Museum of Ice Cream is a great way to cure rainy day blues. Photo by Jody Mercier

47 Fun Indoor Activities in NYC for a Rainy Day

Vinland Playground got a fresh upgrade in Bay Ridge. Photo by NYC Parks/Daniel Avila

Jaw-Dropping New Playgrounds in NYC to Explore with Kids Now

Summer camps help kids develop social skills and have fun

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The Peninsula New York rolls out the red carpet for kids—and their grown ups!

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Climb on platforms dangling from ropes at Hester Street Playground. Photo by Jody Mercier

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There's always a cool new piece of public art to see and interact with in NYC. Photo by Jody Mercier

100 Free Things To Do in NYC with Kids

Brooklyn's Flying Apple offers action-packed fun for kids of all ages.

24 Best Kids' Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in NYC

Discover the NYC-themed play space hidden inside the Toys

27 Free Things To Do Indoors in NYC: Free Places To Play Indoors on Cold and Rainy Days

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Guide to Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in NYC

Free activities for Kids in NYC include the Children's Museum of the Arts, which has pay-what-you-wish Thursdays from 4-6pm. Photo courtesy of the museum

GUIDE

Free Things To Do in NYC with Kids Guide

Visit the 180 Pool at the Crystal Springs Resort. Photo courtesy of the resort

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Explore modern humanity through all-new world-wandering exhibitions at Mmuseumm.

Weird, Wacky, and Wonderful Under-the-Radar Museums in NYC that Kids Love

Kids' classes like art lessons can help your NYC child grow and develop

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Guide to NYC Classes for Kids

For an only-in-NYC experience, head to the Top of the Rock to enjoy the view. Photo by Jody Mercier

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Tea Around Town combines a sumptuous meal with a unique view NYC landmarks! Photo by Jody Mercier

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The American Museum of Natural History's blue whale is an NYC icon, and the entire museum is one of the best children's museums in NYC. Photo by R. Mickens/courtesy of AMNH

Best Museums for Kids in NYC: Children's Museums and Family-Friendly Museums in NYC

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Registration is now open for the reasonably priced summer camps at YMCA locations in NYC.

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The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk has 75 animal exhibits and is home to more than 7,000 animals. Photo courtesy of the aquarium

Best Aquariums to Visit from the NYC Metro Area with Kids

Get a Broadway-caliber serenade during a birthday dinner at Ellen's Stardust Diner.

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Get a birds eye view of the skyline from the Edge observation deck at Hudson Yards. Plan a visit near sundown to watch the city lights come to life. Photo by Jody Mercier

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Feed a crowd with extra large, classic, New York-style pizza slices without breaking the bank. Photo by Jody Mercier

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These boredom-busting activities turn a stuck-at-home day into a lasting memory.

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The Met offers pay-what-you wish admission at all times to New Yorkers and kids always attend for free. Photo by Jody Mercier

Free Museums and Free Museum Days in NYC for Kids

Kids can while away hours of a day with a set of watercolors and a stack of new paper for painting. Photo by Sara Marentette

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No visit to NYC is complete without an up-close encounter with the Statue of Liberty. Photo by Jess Laird

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Take a hike with your little one on a family day trip from NYC.

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Creating a baking soda volcano is a classic science experiment for kids. Photo by Sara Marentette Nighswander

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Hester Street Playground. Photo by Jody Mercier

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Harvest Glow is one of two big seasonal events opening at the Bronx Zoo this weekend. Photo by Terria Clay/courtesy of the Bronx Zoo

Harvest Glow, Ragamuffin Parade, and More Things To Do this Weekend in NYC with Kids

Ultimate Guide to Fall Festivals in 2025 for Houston Families

Houston Fall festivals that are fun for the whole family. Photo by Jessica Stautberg

8/31/25 - By Rachael Cherry

Fall festival season has arrived in Houston — that time of year when weekends are packed with Houston harvest festivals and other celebrations of everything from cultural food to art to pumpkin festivals. With dozens of fall festivals in Houston happening over the next few months, there are endless opportunities to enjoy (hopefully) cooler temps and plenty of family-friendly fun.

For more fun things to do with kids this fall, check out our Fall Activities Guide for Houston Families and our recommendations for Top Pumpkin Patches Near Houston.

Tips for Visiting Fall Festivals with Kids

Check the weather before you go — Houston fall weather can be hot, cold, hurricane, or anything in between.
Bring cash for food vendors and rides.
Don't forget the bug spray!
Check for online tickets and reservations.
Go early to avoid crowds and to give kids plenty of time before lunch and naps.
Be ready for photo ops in with hay bales, pumpkins, and more.