Festive and affordable autumn activities in New York City
- Missy Owolabi
- Oct 12
- 4 min read
Updated: Oct 15
For college students with tight budgets seeking a break from their busy schedules, here are five affordable ways to experience autumn across the city.
Photo by Vernon Demir/The Barnard Bulletin
October 12, 2025
As the weather becomes cooler and the leaves begin to change, one of the best places to enjoy the season is undoubtedly New York City, with its wide array of cultural institutions, local festivals, and exciting public life. While it may be tempting to stay cooped up in your dorm room as the days get shorter and colder, fall in the city is full of many unique activities, so get out and make the most of the season. Outdoor fun, seasonal events, and occasions are great opportunities for you to connect with the city and your fellow students.
Here are some fun and affordable activities to check out this season:
Price: Free
Enjoy the scenery and crisp air while exploring Queens Farm’s 47-acre grounds and historic pumpkin patch. Admission is free, but pumpkins are sold by size. Don’t forget to bring your own bag, just in case you happen to bring one home. You can also purchase hay from the farm store to feed the goats and the sheep. On weekends, you can find local food vendors offering autumn treats such as apple cider, donuts, and pumpkin pie. Visitors can also check out the Adriance Farmhouse, the oldest remaining farmhouse in Queens, and learn about the farm’s rich history and architecture.
Price: $4-6 (Free on Wednesdays from 3-6 p.m. and Sundays 9-11 a.m.)
Queens Botanical Garden can be a peaceful escape from the busy city, especially when autumn turns the leaves into vibrant shades. Wander around the 39-acre garden by checking out the Fragrance Walk, Rose Garden, and Herb Garden, which offer spots where you can relax and enjoy the sights and scents of nature. You can also bring food for a picnic, sketch or journal in gardens, or explore with a self-guided walk. Beyond just visiting the garden itself, they also offer engaging activities such as fall bird walks, workshops, community volunteer days, and even movie nights, all while providing opportunities to connect with nature and learn about plants, cultures, and sustainability.
Price: Free
This fall, Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms State Park is hosting “Camouflage,” a large-scale structure by world-renowned Chinese artist and human rights activist Ai Weiwei. The piece covers the park’s three and a half acres in a camouflage netting patterned with silhouettes of cats meant to invite anyone to consider freedom as a living question rather than a guarantee. Inspired by the nearby Wildlife Freedom Foundation cat sanctuary, Ai demonstrates how a cat’s vulnerability and independence makes it a symbol of life’s fragility. His work encourages visitors to add handwritten reflections on freedom, offering a hands-on opportunity for observers to reflect on liberty activism and global politics. The installation runs from September 10 to November 10 and is completely open to the public.
Price: Free
The annual NYC Village Halloween Parade occurs in Greenwich Village on Halloween night from 7-11 p.m. The event stretches along Sixth Avenue, from Canal Street to 15th Street, and has previously drawn crowds of tens of thousands of people for a night of spooky fun. Find a lookout spot early to watch the parade or grab some friends, put on your costumes, and join in the parade yourself. If you cannot make it in person, the event will also be streamed live on NY1 or the Spectrum News app, so you can witness the fun.
Price: Free
Kick off the holiday season by watching the 99th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade from 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m. on November 27. Famous for its giant balloons, floats, and celebrity performances, the parade begins on West 77th Street & Central Park West and ends at Macy’s Herald Square flagship store on 34th Street. If you are not heading home for Thanksgiving but still want to enjoy the holiday spirit, make sure to wake up very early, dress for the weather, and head down to Central Park West to catch the parade live. For those who prefer to stay inside or will not be in the city, it is also broadcast on television and streaming services, such as NBC and Peacock.
With so many affordable and engaging options, ranging from pumpkin patches to iconic parades, there is something for every Barnard student to enjoy this season in New York City. Personally, I cannot wait to see the annual Village Parade come to life on Halloween night! It is a classic NYC celebration that brings together community and creativity while capturing the holiday’s spirit. Whether you are dressing up, going apple picking, or simply taking in the scenery, there is no shortage of ways to make the most of autumn in the city.
