c. Elizabeth Keegin Colley

8 Ways to Welcome Fall in Brooklyn’s Backyard

October 8, 2024

Fall has arrived in Prospect Park, and just around the corner is a vibrant display of red, orange, and yellow foliage. As the air turns crisp, Prospect Park Alliance has plenty of ideas for how you can celebrate the season in Brooklyn’s Backyard. Did you know the park is home to 30,000 trees and miles of woodland trails? Take a Fall foliage walk to truly enjoy the season. Also try your hand in birdwatching: according to a number of bird experts, this weekend alone hundreds of thousands of birds will pass through the City on their way south for the winter during a major spike in migration, which will continue all season long. Here’s your guide to experiencing the best of fall in our beloved park:

1. Fall Foliage Walks

Check out Prospect Park Alliance’s favorite walking route for fall foliage destinations this autumn. From vibrant vistas at the Peninsula, colorful hues on Lookout Hill, tall maples and London Planes along the Nethermead and Lullwater, and much more. Don’t miss the peak of fall foliage right around the corner, near the end of October!

2. Soar Into Fall Migration Season

Fall bird migration is in full swing, and Prospect Park is the place to be. Located along the Atlantic Flyway, Prospect Park is a haven for birds in all seasons, with 200+ species of resident and migratory birds. Autumn is an especially notable time for bird sightings as countless feathered friends embark on their lengthy journey to warmer climates. The park is a crucial rest stop for these species providing a critical haven for migratory birds to fuel up on seeds, berries and insects and find valuable protection as they venture south. Join the Brooklyn Bird Club and Prospect Park Alliance for Prospect Park Fall Migration Walks on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays in October.

3. Volunteer in the Park: Park Pitch-Ins, Fall Fix Ups + Junior Volunteer Corps

Free, RSVP Required

Fall also presents an amazing time to deepen your commitment to Brooklyn’s Backyard by becoming a volunteer. From one-day Park Pitch-in, Fall Fix Up and Junior Volunteer Corps events, to more committed opportunities to work alongside Prospect Park Alliance gardeners with our EcoZone Volunteer Crew, there are many ways to get involved, stay active and enjoy the park in peak fall foliage season.

4. Explore Nature at the Prospect Park Audubon Center

Learn more about nature with your little ones during free fall nature activities at the Audubon Center at the Boathouse Saturdays and Sundays through November. Make art out of fallen leaves, introduce your child to animals in the Audubon Center’s collection and explore on a fall nature walk to learn more about how the park’s insect and plant life prepare for seasonal changes. Plus, enjoy Friday Wellness Walks starting from the Boathouse and strolling through fall park beauty including scenic trails along the Lullwater, Peninsula, Midwood or Waterfall. Want to bring your little, little ones along? Join for Stroller Walks past park waterways and through fall foliage on Thursdays through November.

5. Enjoy Fall Carousel Rides

Take an autumn ride on Prospect Park’s beloved 1912 Carousel. Open Thursdays–Sundays, and holidays, 12–5 pm, this treasured historic attraction features magnificent carved horses, lions, giraffes and deer. Plus, don’t be scared when you see the Carousel haunted on October 22, 23 and 31! Take a spin on the spooky ride to your favorite Halloween jams at the beloved, magical landmark in the Children’s Corner.

6. View Public Art in Brooklyn’s Backyard

Visit the Long Live J’ouvert Pop Up Installation, on-view at the tollbooth outside of Lefferts Historic House through Sunday, November 3 celebrating the powerful traditions of the Caribbean diaspora and Carnival season. Plus, don’t miss ReImagine Artist in Residence, Adama Delphine Fawundu’s site specific installation Ancestral Whispers. The collection is informed by Prospect Park Alliance’s research into the lives of Africans enslaved by the Lefferts family. View the exterior installation daily + view the interior installation during open hours from 12–4 pm on Saturdays + Sundays through December 1.

7. Free Fitness Walks for Adults 60+

Free, RSVP

Join Prospect Park Alliance and Heights and Hills for Free Fitness Walks in Prospect Park for Adults Ages 60+ this fall on Thursdays from October 17 through November 7. Led by Matt Abrams, Director of the Park Slope Center for Successful Aging, these group walks are a great way to explore the park and get tips on how to stay active—especially for those with arthritis.

8. Ace the Season at the Tennis Center

Register for Programs

Prefer an indoor activity this fall? The indoor tennis season kicks off Monday, October 21 at the Prospect Park Tennis Center. Register little ones of any age and any level of experience for intensive group instruction through the Junior Development Program. Or work on your tennis skills on your own or with friends through the Adult Beginner Classes or the more advanced Adult Tennis Program. Sign up for a seasonal court or lessons today.