Fall in Flushing tends to be a great time of year many of us love because of the cooler weather, the changing trees, and the multitude of fall events that keep our weekends packed with fun.
What are your family traditions in the fall? If you're on the search for ideas to make this season special for your family, we have an alphabet of ideas for you!
Here's our ABC fall bucket list:
Apple picking. Find an orchard near you or head over to the Queens Farm Museum for some Hudson Valley apples from their farm stand.
Bake. Apple pie is a great place to start!
Camp. Fall is the perfect time of year for camping. Spend your day hiking under beautiful gold and red trees and cuddle close during the cool nights by a campfire. Check out local opportunities to camp at the Queens Zoo and in local parks with NYC Parks Dept.
Drive. Take a scenic fall drive and find new places to explore. No car? Hop on a bus you've never taken and explore a new neighborhood.
Explore a local museum. A cold or rainy fall day is the perfect time to finally explore that museum you've been meaning to take the family to see. Have you ever visited local Flushing gems like the Lewis Latimer House or the Volker Orth Museum?
Fall festivals. Because they're so much fun! Check the Guide to find one near you!
Ghost stories. Pull up chairs around a backyard campfire for some spooky Halloween stories, or head over the Queens Historical Society for some true & terrifying tales from Queens!
Haunted house. Boo! Check the Fall Guide for local haunts designed for all ages.
Invite friends over for a soup or chili potluck. Everyone brings their family's favorite for sharing! Small apartment? Head out for hot pot.
Jump in a pile of leaves.
Kite flying. Blustery fall days are the perfect time to get out the kite. Little Bay Park has excellent windy fields.
Long walks. Because walking is good for you.
Make your own Halloween costumes! And let your kids do your makeup.
Neighborhood movie night. Whether you opt to Coco in a cemetery or do a family drive-in, the Calendar is packed with free screenings this month.
Oktoberfest! Prost! Bring the kiddos to a family friendly Oktoberfest.
Pumpkins! Carve them. Cook them. Bake with them. Love them. There are pumpkin patches at the Queens Botanical Garden and the Queens Farm Museum, or pick one up at an event!
Quench your thirst. OK, we had to stretch a little bit on this one ... but how about some warm apple cider with the kids? Warm it on the stove with a few sticks of cinnamon to imbue your home with the smell of fall.
Roast marshmallows over a bonfire on a chilly night.
Scarecrow. Fun and easy family project: Take some old clothes and stuff them with hay or newspapers to make a family scarecrow as part of your Halloween decorations.
Trail ride. Did you know Cunningham Park has some amazing bike trails? Register to borrow a bike, or use your own, and head into the woods.
Unplug for the day. Turn off the electronics, ignore the TV, and leave the phone behind to spend a beautiful fall day completely tuned in to your family.
Visit a National Park. Did you know fourth graders and their families can visit national parks for free? There are National Parks on Long Island and directly north of NYC - be there in an hour or so!
Wreath. Have your kids help you collect pinecones and other treasures from around your neighborhood to create your own wreath.
X marks the spot! Create a fall treasure hunt for your kids with a Halloween surprise at the end!
Yarn! Join a knit or crochet circle.
Zoo! A fall visit to the zoo is always a treat, and there are some cool Queens Zoo events coming up to make things extra special!
Hope this list helps you find your family's ABCs of fall fun!
Jennifer Hill is the publisher of Macaroni Kid Fremont, Calif. With links from Emily Griffin Sheahan, Flushing Queens Macaroni Kid.
