Things to Do in Prospect Park This Fall
Photo by Martin Seck
Runners love fall, and city runners especially love Prospect Park in the fall. Clear blue skies, cool breezes and crisp leaves underfoot make the case that autumn is the perfect time for runners and their families to take in Brooklyn’s Backyard, in and out of their sneakers. In this post, Prospect Park Alliance, the nonprofit that maintains the park, brings us a variety of activities you won’t want to miss this season in the park.
Take a Fall Foliage Walk...
You don’t need to take a trip upstate to experience gorgeous fall colors. With 30,000 trees clustered right in the heart of Brooklyn, Prospect Park is the best place to take in ambers, golds, and rusty reds from September to late November. Read our suggestion of great routes to take through the park.
...Or a Run!
If you’d rather run, hit the Prospect Park loop. This 3.36-mile running lane takes you past several of the park’s notable sites. NYRR features this and other New York running routes on our website.
Tours in Prospect Park
Architecture enthusiasts, history buffs, and aspiring urbanists: this is your month! Every week in October, take part in tours through Prospect Park in celebration of Archtober. Learn the history of the park’s East Side and marvel at Olmstead & Vaux’s architectural vision. And if you’re searching for something family friendly, look no further than the Brooklyn’s Backyard Tour, which includes Zoo and Carousel admission. Visit prospectpark.org/tours for the full calendar.
Halloween in Prospect Park
A beloved Brooklyn tradition, the 40th Annual Haunted Walk + Fair is not to be missed. On October 26, take your little ones to Lookout Hill to encounter zombies, witches, and other Halloween spirits, then visit the Nethermead to play carnival games, enjoy sweet treats from food trucks, and more. Visit prospectpark.org/halloween to see all of Prospect Park Alliance’s Halloween events.
NYRR Jingle Bell Jog 5K
On December 14, join NYRR for this year’s Jingle Bell Jog 5K! A festive family favorite, this is the place to sport your favorite red and green garb while dashing through Prospect Park. But it’s also more than just a race; it's also a fundraiser for NYRR's youth programs which provide running programs and events for nearly 250,000 children in schools across the United States. So, throw on that Santa Claus cap and join NYRR in Prospect Park this December 14th!
Group Training with NYRR
If you’re looking to fine-tune your legs for the Jingle Bell Jog, or just to stay in shape as the holiday season approaches, register for NYRR Group Training. The express winter holiday six-week session begins November 12 and meets every Tuesday and Thursday night at Grand Army Plaza (see map). Sign up here.
Ice Skating at the LeFrak Center at Lakeside
One great thing about the temperature dropping? The opening of the ice rink at Lakeside! Rouse yourself from a period of winter hibernation, get outside and get moving. Zip around the rink with friends, or if skating is really your thing, check out our website for a wide variety of organized activities like figure skating lessons, hockey, broomball, and curling leagues, and more. Learn more at prospectpark.org/lakeside.