Fall is almost upon us, and it’s time to start thinking about travel plans for the upcoming holidays. Most families will have kids in school, so weekend jaunts are more likely than long excursions away from home. Where should your family go on your weekend getaways? If you’re looking for some of the best fall activities for families in the US, we’ve got a great list to get you started!
Best Fall Activities for Families in the US
Fall is a fantastic time of year for travel. The weather is cooler, many kids are heading back to school, and travel becomes less of a rat race and more of a journey. Our Traveling Mom motto is “We’ve Been There,” and, fortunately for our readers, our writers are spread across the country. This variety allows us to bring you the best fall activities for families from all over the United States. Keep reading to find out which fall activities for families in the US we love the most.
Alabama
Dothan, Alabama plays host to the National Peanut Festival every fall and has consistently hosted the event each year since 1947. A ten-day long experience, the festival is filled with numerous family activities including amusement rides, animal attractions, agricultural displays, concerts, livestock shows, a parade, and, of course, peanuts!
Arizona
The Marana Pumpkin Patch and Fall Festival has the requisite pumpkin picking and corn mazes, and Post Farms has an “air pillow” perfect for jumping. The idea is similar to a trampoline, but it’s safer, more grounded, and inflatable!
Georgia
The bustling metropolis of Atlanta, Georgia already plays host to family friendly activities like World of Coca-Cola, Georgia Aquarium, and Center for Human and Civil rights, but did you know you could get good deals when you visit in the fall?
Illinois
Another unique festival to put on your list is The Great Highwood Pumpkin Festival in Highwood, Illinois. One of the main focuses of the event has always been to beat the Guinness World Record of 30,581 for most jack-o’-lanterns carved and lit at the same time. Row upon row of lit jack-o-lanterns is a unique feature to this festival as is the onsite carving stations.
New Hampshire
Warner, New Hampshire will host its annual Fall Foliage Festival in October. Three days of events include a full lineup of open-air concerts, 2 parades, a 5-mile road race, and more! While there is a small fee for parking, admission to the event is free.
New Mexico
Next on our list is the largest hot air balloon festival in the US. The balloons launch from a 78 acre field. That is the equivalent of 54 football fields full of hot air balloons. Expect fireworks, a rodeo (yes a hot air balloon rodeo), chainsaw carving and much more. Plan to spend more than one day if you want to see it all.
Ohio
Also of note, Columbus, Ohio plays host to an annual version of the classic German festival, Oktoberfest. Featuring authentic-style facilities (100 year old pavilions offering 100,000 square feet of covered space), Oktoberfest includes the beautiful and spacious Natural Resources Park as well as authentic food and several kid-friendly activities.
Pennsylvania
The National Apple Harvest Festival in Biglerville has been celebrating great crafts, wonderful music, and good food for over 50 years. The festival is located in the heart of Pennsylvania Apple country, just a few miles from historic Gettysburg. It is within a two-hour drive of Washington D.C., Baltimore, MD and Harrisburg, PA.
Texas
Everything’s bigger in Texas, even the corn mazes! Test your skills and have some fun with any one of the mazes featured at farms from Canton to Marble Falls to Katy.
Wisconsin
Finally, head to Wisconsin for some quality apple picking. Apple Holler has been drawing visitors to their combination orchard farm and farm park for more than 20 years. The orchard has more than 30,000 trees, and the farm park is full of activities for the kids.
Looking for more great fall fun from SheBuysTravel? Check out these articles to help you plan your next family adventure!
Midwest Fall Foliage Road Trip Ideas
6 Places to Experience Autumn in the South
Dr. Jennifer and Dr. Tony Edwards says
Interesting roundup. I would add the State Fair of Texas to the list.