A Family Day Out: NY Waterway Ferry's Fall Foliage Tour Along the Hudson River
Fall foliage on the Palisades
Ah, fall! The season of pumpkin spice lattes, cozy sweaters, pumpkin and apple picking, and, of course, fall foliage! With Fall in full swing, what better way to enjoy it than with a day out on the Hudson River? If you're in the mood for some leaf-peeping combined with a bit of history, the NY Waterway Ferry's Fall Foliage Tour is worth considering.
What to Expect from the NY Waterway Ferry Tour
As someone who enjoys outdoor family activities, I found this tour to be a nice mix of scenic beauty and historical context. A tour guide onboard shares stories and landmarks that make the Hudson River more than just a body of water.
A Closer Look at Tour Highlights
I opted for the 4-hour tour, which departs at 10 a.m. Starting in Manhattan or Port Imperial, the ferry passes Manhattan and the Bronx on it’s way north up the river to the palisades and into New York state. Along the way, our guide pointed out landmarks and narrated events like Hamilton's duel, Benedict Arnold’s betrayal and Washington crossing the Hudson. The tour guide also explained how John Rockefeller left a large part of the palisades north of the George Washington Bridge as a preserve, which left lots of forests along the top and in front of the rock face to view the foliage.
A Family Perspective
While not designed with children as the primary audience, the tour was surprisingly kid-friendly. My kids had room to roam around a bit, especially enjoying the upper deck. Though aimed at a more general audience, it was a good way for them to see the sights and burn some energy.
Details: Cost, Time, and More
If you're interested in this tour, here are the logistics.
Pricing
The 4-hour tour will set you back $90 for adults and $55 for kids, with children under 4 being free. A 2-hour option is available at $70 for adults and $45 for children. Groups of 20 or more get a 10% discount.
Timing Matters
Tours run on weekends from October 7 to November 5. I went for the 10 a.m. slot and felt that it struck a nice balance between early morning chill and afternoon warmth.
Some Handy Tips for Your Trip
Food Situation
The food choices were somewhat…limited.
The onboard selection is limited to coffee, sodas, and pre-packaged snacks and sandwiches - definitely not gourmet, but will do in a pinch. We decided to grab some bagels from Dunkin' Donuts near the terminal before setting off, and also brought along food for the kids. The website says no outside food and drinks, but we didn’t have any problems bringing our own. Beer and wine was also available for sale.
Amenities
There were plenty of seats on our cruise, and inside if you get cold on the upper deck.
The ferry has two bathrooms, which came in handy with kids. However, there are no changing tables for babies. The vessel is wheelchair-accessible, adhering to the standard ferry layout for NY Waterway ferries.
Final Thoughts
The Tappan Zee bridge is named for the Tappan tribe and the Dutch word for sea. Something we learned on the cruise!
This tour is a nice option for those looking to do something a bit different this fall. While it's not an exhilarating experience, it’s a solid, family-friendly activity that combines scenic beauty with a touch of history. It's especially suitable if you have older kids who can appreciate the narrative.
So if you're in the mood for a scenic, educational outing this autumn, or if your like my husband and love boats, the NY Waterway Ferry Fall Foliage Tour might just fit the bill.
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