Sundays are often lazy days, even for New Yorkers. Some of us like to sleep in, cook breakfast (some locals get in the kitchen on occasion!), or stroll to pick up a bagel and a schmear from our corner bodega. Afternoons often consist of a walk in the park if the weather cooperates, a few errands, or perhaps a meetup with friends for a late-afternoon brunch. But no matter how mundane Sundays can be, they can also provide a chance to get out in the city and do something new, exciting, and even stimulating. These seven fun things to do in NYC in the fall make us realize how special a season autumn is in the Big Apple.
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See a Live Football Game
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Sip Coffee While Leaf-Peeping
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Tour the 9/11 Memorial & Museum
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Drink at a New York Brewery
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Visit the Queens County Farm Museum
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Bike and Roll in Central Park
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Spend an Afternoon at Snug Harbor
Getting tickets to see the New York Giants or Jets might be one of the most quintessential New York things to do during the fall season. Even though I am not a football fan, the thought of and watching a live game and cheering with thousands of diehard fans plus chowing on all that delicious food sounds like a blast to me. A limited number of single-game tickets are available for both the Giants and the Jets, but put in your requests early.
A cup of Joe and a day of fall foliage seem like the ideal match, and unbelievably, you can get a dose of both right here at home. There's no need to travel outside NYC to see fall color – witness bold colors in late fall in all five boroughs. Start with Central Park and make your way to Prospect Park in Brooklyn, Pelham Bay Park in the Bronx, Cunningham Park in Queens, and don't forget about Greenbelt in Staten Island. Check out the park website for exact locations.
This Lower Manhattan museum documents the events of September 11, 2001. Learn the stories of that day as well as the impact it still has on our lives. Make sure to check out the exhibit "Cover Stories: Remembering the Twin Towers on The New Yorker," which displays 33 magazine covers of the buildings before and after 9/11.
Maybe it's knowing that Oktoberfest has been a tradition for so many years, but ask any beer drinker and they’ll tell you that brews and fall go hand in hand. On a Sunday this fall, spend an afternoon imbibing in one of the city's breweries. Some of the best include Finback Brewery in Ridgewood, Queens, Bronx Brewery, Brooklyn Brewery, Alphabet City Brewery, and the Flagship Brewing Company in Staten Island. (Tip: Take public transportation and be responsible).
Escape the frenzy of the city without ever leaving! It's unbelievable that a working farm in NYC could date back to 1697, but it exists in Queens. Spend the day on the 47-acre site that's the longest continuously operating farm in the state of New York. See historic buildings, livestock, tractors, an orchard, herb garden, and more. If the weather is pleasant, jump aboard one of the hayrides, which are offered on weekends in September and October. General admission is free except during events.
Even if you don't own a bike, you can still ride one in New York City. Sundays are excellent for a leisurely ride through Central Park, and Bike and Roll promises fun and relaxation. Conveniently located on Columbus Avenue just one block to the park, Bike and Roll Central Park provides an opportunity to get some exercise and take in city views simultaneously, all while staying far from traffic.
New York City continues to surprise us in every corner. From horticulture walks to a medley of colorful plantings, Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden is a great attraction for outdoor enthusiasts. Art aficionados will spend a few hours at the Newhouse Center for Contemporary Art, and if you're an art nerd who digs nature, then you'll split your time between the inside and outside. Snug Harbor is one of those hidden New York gems that you won't want to miss, and Sundays in fall are the perfect time to visit.
