As the crisp autumn air settles in and the leaves begin their vibrant transformation, there’s no better time to explore the fall foliage beauty of New York’s East End with your family. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, creative crafts, or cozy indoor activities, here are some ideas to make the most of the season with your children.

Explore State Parks and Scenic Drives

• Hither Hills State Park: Located in Montauk, this park offers beautiful walking trails with ocean views and colorful fall foliage. Spend the day exploring the dunes, forest trails, playground, and open spaces with your family.
  
• Mashomack Preserve: Situated on Shelter Island, this expansive nature reserve features serene trails winding through woods and marshlands. It’s an ideal spot for a peaceful family hike while enjoying the vibrant autumn colors.
  
• Montauk Point Scenic Drive: Starting in East Hampton, follow Route 27 east for 30-40 minutes to Montauk Point, the easternmost tip of Long Island. You’ll pass through charming towns like Amagansett, Napeague, and Montauk before arriving at Montauk Point State Park, with plenty of opportunities to enjoy stunning fall foliage along the way. At the park, you can visit the Montauk Point Lighthouse, hike the scenic trails, and enjoy panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean.
  
• North Fork Wine Trail: Begin on Route 25 (Main Road) in Riverhead and travel 40 to 50 minutes to the easternmost tip of the North Fork in Greenport. Along the way, you’ll pass vineyards, farms, and coastal views, with plenty of stops for family-friendly farm stands and scenic autumnal overlooks. In Greenport, there are plenty of ways to spend the day—riding the antique carousel, strolling Mitchell Park’s harborfront boardwalk, exploring interactive exhibits at the Seaport Museum, taking the ferry to Shelter Island, or grabbing ice cream from Sweet Indulgences while the warm weather’s still with us.

Take a Leaf-Peeping Train Ride

• Peconic Scenic Railroad: Located on the East End of Long Island, the Peconic Scenic Railroad offers a charming 45-minute to 1-hour train ride. This scenic journey takes you through the heart of Long Island’s wine country, with views of vineyards, farms, and picturesque landscapes. In the fall, the train ride features vibrant autumn foliage, making it a delightful experience for kids and adults. The railroad often hosts themed rides and special events during the fall, such as Halloween and harvest-themed excursions, adding extra fun to your visit. The train also features a historical museum at its Greenport station, where families can learn about the region’s railway history.
• Adirondack Scenic Railroad: The Adirondack Scenic Railroad offers longer journeys ranging from 1.5 to 6 hours, depending on the route you choose. This railroad provides breathtaking views of the Adirondack Mountains, with rolling hills, dense forests, and beautiful lakes that showcase stunning fall colors. The train ride passes through remote wilderness areas and quaint towns, offering a peaceful and scenic escape. During the fall, the Adirondack Scenic Railroad frequently hosts special events such as “Fall Foliage Specials,” which feature guided tours and themed activities. The railroad also has a museum at the Thendara Station, where visitors can explore exhibits on local railway history and the region’s natural beauty.

Visit a Local Farm

• Apple and Pumpkin Picking: Many farms across New York offer apple and pumpkin picking during the fall. It’s a great way to spend the day outdoors, and you can use your harvest for baking or carving.
• Corn Mazes and Hayrides: These classic fall activities are perfect for younger kids. Explore a corn maze or take a hayride to see the vibrant landscape.

Make Fall Memories at Home

Leaf Crafts

• Pressed Leaf Art: Collect fallen leaves in various colors and press them between heavy books. Once dried, kids can create beautiful art by arranging the leaves on paper and framing their masterpieces.
• Leaf Rubbings: Place leaves under a sheet of paper and have your children rub crayons over the top to reveal intricate patterns. This simple activity is perfect for little ones and can be used to make seasonal cards or decorations.

Fall-Themed Books and Movies

• Books: Enjoy storytime with fall-themed books like “Red Leaf, Yellow Leaf” by Lois Ehlert or “Leaf Man” by Lois Ehlert, which teach kids about the changing seasons and the beauty of autumn.
• Movies: Cozy up with classics like “Winnie the Pooh: Seasons of Giving” or “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” to get into the fall spirit.

Activities

• Scavenger Hunt: Design a simple scavenger hunt where kids can search for: a red leaf, yellow leaf, orange leaf, brown leaf, green leaf, multi-colored leaf, uniquely shaped leaf, leaf with holes, a big leaf, a small leaf, an acorn, pinecone, chestnut, and flower. It’s a fun way to engage children in the outdoors while teaching them about different types of trees and plants. After the activity, the kids can make a collage or shadow box with their fall treasures.
• Leaf Chromatography Experiment: This simple hands-on science experiment helps kids understand why leaves change color in the fall. Collect a few green leaves, crush them in a glass jar, and cover them with rubbing alcohol. Let the mixture sit, then place a coffee filter strip inside the jar. The strip should be long enough to reach the liquid, but not so long it touches the bottom of the jar. Over time, the liquid will slowly move up the paper filter through capillary action, revealing hidden pigments like yellow and red. The separate bands of color on the coffee filter help kids visualize how the green chlorophyll fades and other pigments become more visible during fall.

Enjoy the Season at The Shine Studio.

Fall is a magical time, especially when experienced through the eyes of a child. Whether you’re taking a scenic drive, crafting at home, or enjoying a cozy movie night, there are countless ways to celebrate the beauty of the season with your family.

At The Shine Studio in the Hamptons, we’re always looking for new ways to encourage appreciation of nature, self-expression, and adventurous learning. Drop in for one of our classes or workshops or hire our educators to entertain a party.