6 Essential Activities The Whole Family Will Enjoy

The season of crisp weather and changing leaves is upon us, and New York City is the one of the best places to take advantage of the best experiences fall has to offer. But there’s more to the season than just pumpkin patches, and these are our favorite activities that the whole family will enjoy.

Minard’s Family Farm

Think: fall paradise. Barnyard football, tug of war, pumpkin painting and a giant bounce pillow. But all those activities are just icing on the cake - the real reason people arrive in droves is for the 100 acres of apple trees. Pick Honey Crisp, Gala, Macintosh, and more varietals, and swing by the farm stand for freshly-baked goods before you head home.

Smolak Farms Hay Ride

via Smolak Family Farms

A scenic drive north from Boston, this scenic adventure awaits. Hop-on hay rides are available for your family anytime, as are night rides that include cider and doughnuts! Enjoy the tractor-drawn tour through orchards, fields, ponds, and more. This event is guaranteed to be a hit with the whole family, but make a reservation - slots fill up fast.

Van Cortlandt Nature Center

via Flickr

This sprawling park in the Bronx boasts more than 80,000 trees, which means it will be the best place to take in the fall foliage. Spot a variety of species like sweet gum and hickory from a family stroll along the nature walk. And take in the most stunning seasonal views from the Old Croton Aqueduct Trail. Hint: This could be a great place to snap a family photo for holiday cards!

Rinconada Goat Farm

via Rinconada Goat Farm

Just up the 101 by San Luis Obispo, animal lover's paradise awaits. Rinconada Dairy owners Jim and Christine Maguire raise goats, sheep, pigs, and chickens on this blissful 92-acre ranch where fun for kids of all ages is guaranteed. Shake off the city and try on farm life for a day this season, and if you can't bear to leave - it doubles as a B & B.

Demarest Farms

via Demarest Farms

No fun, fall, family day would be complete without a pumpkin patch. (Keep your eye on the newsletter for the announcement of our Harvest Celebration, where pumpkins will make an appearance!) After picking your very own pumpkin, older kids can check out the haunted maze... if you dare!

Baugher's Orchards and Farms

via Getty Images

All the apples you can pick - and when we say all the apples, we mean all the apples. Golden Delicious, Mutsu, Empire, Jonagold, Shizuka, and Fuji are just some of the varietals waiting for you and your family at this picturesque orchard a short drive away from downtown D.C. Don't leave without trying their apple cider slushie and take a few apple fritters for the road.

So unpack your scarves and thick sweaters and put them to good use this season! Because before we know it, fall will turn into winter, and we'll be missing the days of apple cider doughnuts, hay rides, and more.

The Related Life is written and produced by Related Luxury Rentals. Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for the latest events, news and announcements in your area, and tag us for a chance to be featured @therelatedlife and #therelatedlife.