Located at the Bronx River Parkway and Fordham Road, just 20 minutes from New York City, the 250 acres that make up The New York Botanical Garden are a great place to escape the city frenzy. This year, enjoy a Fall Forest Weekend in New York City’s largest surviving track of old growth forest. Offered Nov. 3 and 4, and Nov. 10 and 11, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., the forest weekends are included as part of the All-Garden Pass, which also allows visitors access to seasonal exhibitions and attractions, such as the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, the Tram Tour and the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden.

During the themed Fall Forest Weekends, visitors have the opportunity to canoe the picturesque Bronx River. Prefer to stay on dry land? Guided walks along pathways through the Thain Family Forest can be augmented with activities that include demonstrations starring hawks, owls, falcons and other birds of prey; a Woodcrafting Demonstration given by Bronx craftsman Ivan Braun utilizing plum, yew, red maple, cherry, apple, Japanese elm and other wood collected from felled trees; and Wilderness Survival Skills presented by urban naturalist Gabriel Willow detailing navigation, plant identification and the basics for surviving in the wild.

Guests can also enjoy fiddle music on the Thain Family Forest Bridge; and Shakespeare in the Forest performances of highlights from A Mid-Summer Night’s Dream, performed by acting troupe Hamlet Isn’t Dead.

Can’t make the trip? Enjoy the forest from afar via the NYBG Fall Color Cam, available on the garden’s website.

Thain Family Forest at The New York Botanical Garden on November 6, 2016 in New York City © Ben Hider for NYBG