Prospect Park Fall Checklist
October 13, 2025
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 as hundreds of thousands of birds will pass through the area on their way south for the winter during fall migration.
Here’s your guide to experiencing the best of fall in our beloved park:
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!
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.
Fall also presents an amazing time to deepen your commitment to Brooklyn’s Backyard by becoming a volunteer. From Park Pitch-in, Fall Fix Up and Junior Volunteer Corps events, the Alliance offers opportunities for all ages to get involved, stay active and enjoy lending a hand in the park during peak fall foliage season.
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.
Take an autumn ride on Prospect Park’s beloved 1912 Carousel. Open Thursdays–Sundays, and holidays, 12–5 pm through November, this treasured historic attraction features magnificent carved horses, lions, giraffes and deer. You won’t want to miss the final weeks of Carousel fun. Plus, don’t be scared when you see the Carousel haunted on October 25, 26 and 30 + 31! Take a spin on the spooky ride to your favorite Halloween jams at the beloved, magical landmark in the Children’s Corner.
Did you know that Prospect Park is home to Brooklyn’s last remaining upland forest? These 250 acres of scenic, natural areas include Brooklyn’s last remaining upland forest and countless species of native plants and wildlife. The Alliance’s formal trail system features five routes through the heart of our forest, each with scenic viewpoints. Staying on these paved, wood-chipped, gravel and log-lined routes while exploring the park’s woodlands helps ensure that Brooklyn’s Backyard, including fragile wildlife habitats and native plants can continue to thrive. Make the most of your time in Brooklyn’s Backyard by visiting Fallkill Trail, Lullwater Trail, Peninsula Trail, Midwood Loop and Ravine Loop.