Fall is one of my favorite times to explore the Bronx. With two of the largest parks in the city, the Bronx is beautiful when the leaves start changing. From Halloween fun at the Bronx Zoo to horseback riding through Pelham Bay Park, making corn husk dolls at Wave Hill, celebrating Día de los Muertos at the New York Botanical Garden or simply walking one of the borough’s many trails, there are plenty of ways to enjoy fall right here at home.
Here are some ideas to add to your fall calendar.
Boo at the Zoo
September 26–November 1, 2026
The Bronx Zoo’s annual Halloween celebration takes place Saturdays and Sundays through November 1, plus Monday, October 12. In addition to seeing the animals, families can find a new hay maze and challenge trail, carnival games, costume parades, Halloween crafts, pumpkin displays, a candy trail, spooky stories, magic shows and more. Costumes are welcome, and the Halloween activities are included with Bronx Zoo admission. Learn more.
Where: 2300 Southern Blvd.
Hit Up The Bronx Halloween Parade
Saturday, October 24, 2026
The Bronx Halloween Parade is back for its 41st year on October 24, with this year’s theme being “Carnival of Nightmares: The Greatest Fear on Earth.” The parade begins at noon at Southern Boulevard and Westchester Avenue and heads south on Southern Boulevard before turning onto Intervale Avenue and ending near Dawson Street and Rogers Place. There will also be a post-parade festival at Bill Rainey Park. The event is free and includes marching bands, performers, costumes, candy and a costume contest. Learn more.
Where: Southern Blvd. & Westchester Ave.
See the witches take over City Island
Saturday, October 10, 2026
One of the more unusual fall events in the Bronx is the Witches Paddle, hosted by Buoy Up City Island. The costumed paddlers will take to the water on October 10, with the event hosted at City Island Yacht Club. The Yacht Club’s current calendar lists the paddle for 4:45 p.m. Learn more.
Go horseback riding in Pelham Bay Park
City Island Stables operates within Pelham Bay Park, where horseback riders can ride through the park’s trails. It’s especially beautiful in the fall. Learn more.
Enjoy an event at Wave Hill
4900 Independence Ave.
Wave Hill is beautiful in every season, but fall is especially beautiful.
There is plenty happening this fall, including:
Indigenous Peoples’ Weekend — October 10–12
The weekend includes nature programming and hands-on activities celebrating Indigenous communities and their cultures and contributions. On October 10 and 11, families can make corn husk dolls, while October 11 also includes birding with an Indigenous perspective and a Garden Highlights Walk.
Afternoon Tea
For something a little more grown-up — or just a fun special occasion with the kids — Wave Hill’s Afternoon Tea is offered Tuesdays and Thursdays through November. Tea service includes tea sandwiches, scones, cakes, sweets and a selection of teas.
And if you’re looking for Halloween fun, Wave Hill-O-Ween takes place October 29 from 3:30–6:30 p.m.
Explore Bronx Trails
There are plenty of beautiful trails to walk in the Bronx. My favorites are Hunter Island at Orchard Beach, Van Cortlandt Park, and Soundview Park along the waterfront.
And look out for the Halloween: Wags to Witches, a free family-and-dog Halloween event on October 25 at Van Cortlandt Park and the Great Pumpkin Spooktacular takes place October 17 from noon–4 p.m. at Soundview Park.
Celebrate Día de los Muertos at the New York Botanical Garden
October 3–November 2, 2026
The New York Botanical Garden is celebrating Día de los Muertos throughout the fall with a new seasonal experience centered around memory, life and renewal. Families can see a community ofrenda, colorful calaveras and a larger-than-life Catrina, with music and hands-on activities taking place on select weekends.
There will also be opportunities to make silk flowers and learn about the traditional Mexican art of papel picado. And on Sunday, November 1 at 2 p.m., the Garden will host a Día de los Muertos parade.
Spend an afternoon in Bronx Little Italy
Monday, October 12, 2026
Bronx Little Italy’s Italian Heritage Month Celebration takes place Monday, October 12 from 12:30–3:30 p.m. The event is an opportunity to explore the neighborhood’s Italian-American history and businesses, with a live musical performance by Pane E Cioccolato, who will also be serenading visitors throughout the month. Learn more.