Five Ways To Celebrate Fall In Brooklyn
The weather may suggest otherwise, but it is indeed fall in Brooklyn! The leaves are just starting to change, everything seems to be pumpkin-flavored, and, like it or not, the chances for the kids to let loose some energy outdoors are starting to dwindle. So, to make the most of the season, we’ve put together a list of some fun upcoming activities that will put you in an autumnal mood.
Of course, Halloween is fast approaching, and we’ll have a roundup of cool, festive events coming up around that spooky holiday, so be sure to check back.
Introduction To Bird Watching
Where: Audubon Center in Prospect Park
When: Saturdays & Sundays through November, 12-1pm
What: Fall is an awesome time to spot birds that are migrating through Brooklyn’s big backyard! Enjoy a tour by a pro from the Brooklyn Bird Club, and let the kids ask them all the questions they want.
How Much: Free!
Scharen Knippen
Where: Lefferts Historic House in Prospect Park
When: Saturdays & Sundays through November, 2-4pm
What: Get a taste of what autumn was like in Brooklyn in the 19th century. Kids can try their hands at the old Dutch craft Scharen Knippen, where they’ll cut out seasonal scenes and patterns — some designed by Mrs. Lefferts herself. Plus, they’ll enjoy potato sack races and other fun historic toys and games.
How Much: $3 suggested donation.
Mythic Meal
Where: JJ Byrne Playground, 336 3rd Street, Park Slope
When: Saturday, October 17, 10am-12pm
What: Mmmm, pancakes! Come stuff yourself silly at this “friendraiser” breakfast that will support the playground. In the holiday spirit, kids are encouraged to come dressed as their favorite characters, bring costumes to swap, get their faces painted, and make banners for the Halloween Parade, which marches along 5th Avenue later this month.
How Much: $10 for adults, $5 for kids; plus, mimosas available for a little more!
Fall Festival At The Hendrick I. Lott House
Where: 1940 East 36th Street, Marine Park
When: Sunday, October 18, 12-4pm
What: As part of Open House New York, visitors will get to explore the newly updated grounds around this house from the 1700s, one of the oldest in Brooklyn. The house itself, unfortunately, is closed for renovations, but the family will still have a blast — you’ll see things like wood-turning demonstrations, hear music, and have a chance to meet Betsy, a simulated milking cow.
How Much: Free!
Free Family Days
Where: Wyckoff House Museum, 5816 Clarendon Road, Canarsie
When: Saturdays, 11am-3pm: October 24, November 21 & December 19
What: If you haven’t been out to the oldest house in Brooklyn, fall is a great time to check it out, and they do it up on their free family days with engaging, kid-friendly tours, hands-on activities, scavenger hunts, and more. They recommend you come before 2pm if you’ve got kids under 10, as that’s when they do activities geared more toward the younger set.
How Much: Free!