4 Things to do in New York City in October for Free!

Things to do in New York City in October that are all free and family-friendly

Are you looking for things to do in New York City in October? This post has got you covered. October is one of the best times to visit New York City. The weather should be perfect, the fall leaves in Central Park are magical, and of course, the city goes all out for Halloween, making it an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re here for a quick break or planning a longer stay, there are so many amazing things to do in New York City in October. In this post, I’ll share the best ones with you!

These activities are all free, and as I’m a mum/ mom to two little boys, everything is family-friendly. Although you can enjoy these activities with or without kids!

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The Best Things to Do in New York City in October:

1. Check Out New York’s Halloween Decorations

New York City decorates for Halloween like nowhere else I’ve ever known!

One of our favourite activities in October was going on a “spooky-house” hunt. It provided hours of entertainment for my son when he was aged 3-4.

There are two great houses to see in Midtown Manhattan; luckily, they’re very close to each other.

A huge creepy clown face Halloween decoration spotted in New York City — one of the many spooky sights to enjoy in October.

Full exterior of the creepy clown house in Manhattan

ADDRESSES: Spooky Clown House – East 38th Street between Lexington and Park Avenues.
Glow in the Dark Skeleton house – East 36th Street between Lexington and Park Avenues

You can also find great decor on the Upper West Side, but personally, I think the Upper East Side did it best! Below are the absolute best houses you won’t want to miss, but I’ve written a whole guide with more incredible options!

READ IT HERE: THE BEST HALLOWEEN DECORATIONS – UPPER EAST SIDE

ADDRESSES: 1. East 76th Street between Fifth and Maddison Avenues.
3. East 71st Street between Park and Lexington Avenues.
4. East 74th Street Between Maddison and Park Avenues.

A spooky Upper East Side townhouse decorated with a giant witch and monster for Halloween — classic NYC in October vibes.

A giant Haloween Skellington outside an Upper East Side townhouse

2. See the Pumpkin Arch at Pier 17

Another cool thing to do in New York City in October is to get a photo by Pier 17’s pumpkin arch. This free display is something well worth visiting. It’s the perfect backdrop for Instagram-worthy photos! This arch is slightly different each year, but on display yearly from September 27th to November 7th and is completely free to enjoy.

Generally, people seem to make an orderly line for photos, and the person behind you in the queue will often take a photo of you if you ask nicely!

This is an absolute, must-do thing in New York City this October. While you’re in this area, South Street Seaport is a beautiful area to explore. Or you could walk the Brooklyn Bridge!

Side view of Pier 17’s iconic pumpkin arch with the Brooklyn Bridge in the background — a autumnal photo spot in NYC in October.

Our family posing under the bright orange pumpkin arch at Pier 17 — a seasonal New York City photo stop in October.

3. Visit Pumpkin Point at Governors Island

This is another annual event which is completely free (although donations are appreciated). Governors Island is just a short ferry journey from Manhattan’s Wall Street Pier and was our favourite family day trip when we lived in NYC.

The last two weekends in October, the island is transformed for Halloween. Children can pick a pumpkin from the patch, enjoy a puppet show and do arts and crafts.

Smiling on hay bales by the Pumpkin Point sign at Governors Island — one of the best family-friendly things to do in NYC in October.

My son exploring the pumpkins at Governors Island’s Pumpkin Point — a perfect October activity in New York City with kids.

4. See Central Park in Fall

No trip to New York would be complete without visiting Central Park; it should be on everyone’s bucket list! The park becomes especially beautiful in the fall (or autumn as we call it in England), the colours of the leaves are just magical! This is one of my absolute favourite things to do in New York in October.

My favourite spot was by the Bow Bridge, but The Mall is also beautiful. Kids will love The Billy Johnson Playground (located close to the Central Park Zoo – which I don’t recommend, by the way!)

Kids will have so much fun playing in all the fallen leaves, and it’s a great opportunity to take some cute photos of them. My eldest just loved throwing leaves over his baby brother!

My kids playing in a pile of autumn leaves in Central Park — a must-do family experience in New York City in October.

Beautiful view of Central Park’s vibrant fall colours — a stunning natural highlight of New York City in October.

That concludes my list of 4 great things to do in New York City this October. They’re all free and family-friendly, which is just amazing in one of the most expensive cities in the world!

I hope we’ve helped inspire you to plan your trip!

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Happy Exploring,