Kid-Friendly (and Cheap!) Weekend Adventures

Written by Dana Leigh Smith

Sometimes all it takes is a little planning to have a great family outing. When routine exploits just aren’t cutting it anymore, shake things up by exploring new terrain, taking in an exhibition, or visiting a landmark and learning a little something about our local history. Here are awesome events to attend and places to visit around town before fall ends. Best part? All of them can be done on the cheap and on one tank of gas—or less!

Kids Costume Cruise

Circle Line

Board at Pier 83

West 42nd Street at the Hudson River

(212) 563-3200

Why Go: It’s all about the little ones on Circle Line's Kids Costume Cruise featuring a sail to the Statue of Liberty. Bring them aboard for live music, surprises and plenty of giveaways. There will be special appearances from Baze and His Silly Friends and The Berenstain Bears will stop by for a meet and greet as well as photos. “Adults will enjoy just being out on the water and getting a different perspective on the city,” says Lindsey Guinn, marketing manager at Circle Lines Sightseeing Cruises. “Our tour guide gives information suited to all ages, and of course seeing their children have a great time is always rewarding for parents.”

Insider Tip: “Book early,” advises Guinn. “These cruises often sell out quickly, so make sure to get your tickets in advance to secure spots!” Also, don’t bother packing a lunch for this trip, as no outside food or beverage is permitted on the boat. Instead, there is a kid-friendly concession stand available.

Must Do: With all the excitement the cruise has to offer, Guinn suggests that families remember to take it all in and really enjoy the experience. “The band will be rocking, and kids can choose to either get their face painted or have a special balloon animal made just for them,” she says. “And of course a family photo with the Statue in the background is always a great keepsake.”

The Fine Print: The Circle Line Kids Costume Cruise will take place Saturday morning, Oct. 26 with boarding at 9:30 and sailing at 10.

Insider Tip: Some crafts have add-ons (read: extra cost), but it’s possible to make an awesome project without them. The bottom line: Skip ’em to save. Pinch pennies even further by packing a picnic to enjoy in nearby Central Park after you’re done. There’s no better way to continue the family fun!

Must Do! Cake decorating—one of the projects Suri Cruise crafted during her 2012 visit to the Upper East Side location with mom, Katie Holmes—is a must-do activity. Kids love playing with their food, and here they are encouraged to do so! The pre-baked and iced cake spins on a motorized turntable to help your little Picasso deck out his or her masterpiece with edible glitter, disco dust, and more!

The Fine Print: Store hours are Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Friday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. While walk-ins are welcome, it is recommended to make a reservation, especially during more busy times such as after school or on weekends. The entry fee is $12 per person, and projects start at $20.

Croton Point Park
1A Croton Point Ave., Croton-on-Hudson
914-862-5290

Why Go? When you’re a city dweller, nothing is more relaxing than a nature-bound getaway. Croton Point Park, located 50 minutes outside the city via Metro North from Grand Central, is not only easy to get to, it also offers year-round activities the entire family can enjoy. “Croton Point Park is a beautiful gem ... (with) spectacular views of the Hudson,” said one TripAdvisor reviewer.

Insider Tip: If you’re trying to avoid spending a lot of money on pricey camping gear, consider renting supplies from Tents and Trails in lower Manhattan. They have everything from sleeping bags and tents to backpacks and special camping food. Travel with another family and cut costs even more.

Must Do! Check out The Croton Point Nature Center, which hosts weekly programs, nature walks, presentations on area history, and arts and crafts workshops — perfect for curious kids.

The Fine Print: Park hours are from 8 a.m. to dusk, daily, year-round. Nature center hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. Trails are open every day, dawn to dusk. Tent sites start at $30 a night with a park pass and $50 a night without. Cabins run $55 to $90 a night with a park pass, and $75 to $120 without one. Cost is based on four-person occupancy. Additional guests are charged a fee of $5 a night. Trailers with daily water, sewer, and electric hookup cost $35 a night with a park pass, and $50 a night without one.

Wilkens Fruit & Fir Farm
1335 White Hill Road, Yorktown Heights, N.Y.
914-245-5111

Why Go: Nothing says fall like apple and pumpkin picking. Wilkens is about an hour from the city by car and is accessible via Metro-North, making it the perfect destination for New Yorkers.

Insider Tip: Although the farm’s webpage says they have apples available through November 1, some Yelpers claim many of the trees are barren by mid-October. Bring your own apple-picking bag, though. The lines to buy a bag onsite can be extremely long.

The Fine Print: The farm is open Monday through Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. There is a 1/4 bushel minimum (11 pounds) for entering the pick-your-own orchard. Plan to spend around $20 on apples. Picking poles are available to rent for $3. A $28 deposit is required, but it’s returned when the pole is brought back.

Hershey’s Chocolate World
251 Park Boulevard, Hershey, PA
717-534-4900

Why Go: If you want to satisfy your sweet tooth, Hershey’s Chocolate World is the perfect destination! Just over three hours from Queens and Brooklyn by car, the attraction houses a factory tour with free samples, and many other hands-on, affordable activities. There’s also a mouth-watering candy store and bakery.

Insider Tip: Typically, Saturdays are Hershey’s Chocolate World’s busiest day, so consider visiting on a weekday. If that’s not an option, get to the park right when it opens to beat the crowd. 

Must Do! Hershey Chocolate World has two must-see attractions: The Great American Chocolate Tour Ride, and the Create Your Own Candy Bar Attraction. On Hershey’s Great American Chocolate Tour ride, you’ll follow cocoa beans on a journey from the rainforest to Hershey, Penn., and enjoy a free chocolate sample. At the Create Your Own Candy Bar Attraction, you’ll be outfitted with everything the workers wear in the manufacturing plant, and you can produce a custom milk chocolate candy bar and wrapper using touch-screen technology. Because of the popularity of this activity—especially on weekends—buy tickets ahead of time online.

The Fine Print: Hours vary throughout the year, however, the park typically opens at 9 a.m. and closes no later than 11 p.m. The Create Your Own Candy Bar Attraction opens at 9 a.m. and closes at 5:30 p.m. on weekdays. It closes at 10:30 p.m. on Saturdays and 8:30 p.m. on Sundays. The Hershey’s Great American Chocolate Tour Ride is free, but the other attractions will cost you. Hershey’s Create Your Own Candy Bar Attraction is $14.95 per person. Children under 2 are admitted free if they are not creating their own bar.