Top 55 Fall Activities in the U.S. for 2025

Fun Things to Do in the Fall Around the US

Autumn in the United States is a time of transformation and celebration. From the crisp air to the vibrant colors of falling leaves, there are countless ways to enjoy the season. Whether you're looking for family-friendly activities or unique experiences, there's something for everyone across the country.

Arizona

Tucson

Tucson comes alive with fall events starting in early September. The University of Arizona Wildcats games are a highlight, along with pumpkin picking at the Marana Pumpkin Patch and exploring the largest corn maze in Arizona at Apple Annie’s in Wilcox.

Phoenix

Fall is the best time to visit Phoenix, with events like the Spooktacular Balloon Festival at Salt River Fields and the scenic drive from Phoenix to Sedona offering stunning views of red rock formations and colorful oak trees.

California

Sacramento

Sacramento offers family-friendly fall activities such as visiting Bishop’s Pumpkin Farm and exploring Apple Hill, a collection of farms, orchards, and wineries.

San Diego

Although the weather remains mild, San Diego has plenty of fall festivals and events. Kids Free San Diego provides free admission to dozens of attractions in October, while LEGOLand, Balboa Park, and the San Diego Zoo offer family-friendly fun.

Napa Valley

Napa Valley is in full swing during fall, with food and wine festivals, harvest parties, and family-friendly activities like grape stomping and vineyard walks. Belden Barns and Landmark Vineyards are excellent choices.

Colorado

Breckenridge

Breckenridge is a prime spot for viewing fall colors, with options for biking, hiking, and boating. The town offers a variety of adventurous ways to experience the changing landscape.

Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs is ideal for enjoying fall foliage. Staying at The Broadmoor provides easy access to Seven Falls, a series of waterfalls within a box canyon, and scenic hikes like Chamberlain Trail.

Durango

Durango celebrates fall with cultural events such as the historic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and the annual Durango Autumn Arts Festival.

Connecticut

Norwich

Norwich and surrounding areas offer family-friendly farms with hayrides, pumpkin picking, and corn mazes. The scenic route CT-169 from Norwich to Woodstock provides breathtaking views of autumn foliage.

West Hartford

Downtown West Hartford features fall festivities, including tree-lined streets displaying seasonal colors. The Fall Festival in Blue Back Square offers live music, arts and crafts, and more.

DC

Washington, DC is bustling with fall events, from Oktoberfest to oyster festivals and apple picking. The city is quieter, making it an ideal time for field trips and exploring without crowds.

Florida

Fort Myers

Fort Myers hosts community events, farmer’s markets, and craft fairs. Lakes Park’s Scarecrows in the Park event and Manatee Park in November are highlights.

Pensacola

Pensacola offers cooler weather and special events such as the Pensacola Seafood Festival and the Pensacola Interstate Fair. Local farms provide pumpkin patches and hayrides.

Georgia

Atlanta

Atlanta offers scenic fall foliage rides on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway and Oktoberfest at the Beer Garden in Helen. Georgia State Parks host various fall events, including haunted tours and moonlit hikes.

Hawaii

Hawaii is known for its spooky ghost tours, with locations like the Night Marchers and the ghost of Pele offering unique Halloween experiences.

Illinois

Chicago

Chicago in fall is filled with pumpkin patches, apple orchards, and the world’s largest corn maze at Richardson Adventure Farm.

Springfield

Springfield offers outdoor activities such as strolling through Washington Park and exploring the Henson Robinson Zoo.

Kansas

Kansas City

Kansas City is perfect for fall with the Louisburg Cider Mill, Overland Park Farmers’ Market, and the Ernie Miller Park & Nature Center for leaf viewing.

Kentucky

Louisville and Lexington

Louisville and Lexington offer endless fall activities, including the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular and scenic hikes like Dupree Nature Preserve.

Louisiana

Baton Rouge

The Fifolet Halloween Festival transforms Baton Rouge into a spooky playground with trick-or-treating, parades, and gumbo cookoffs.

New Orleans

New Orleans is ideal for exploring historic sites and attending festivals like the National Fried Chicken Festival and Bayou Bacchanal.

Maine

Portland

Portland offers scenic ferry rides to Peaks Island and visits to the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum for train rides through fall landscapes.

Boothbay Harbor

Boothbay Harbor is perfect for cozy weekends with local restaurants serving fresh seafood and the Fall Foliage Festival.

Maryland

Annapolis

Annapolis offers warm days for beach outings and hikes, with Homestead Gardens hosting fall festivals featuring hayrides and pumpkin patches.

Frederick

Frederick is ideal for families seeking autumn adventures, with the Great Frederick Fair in late September featuring carnival rides and agricultural exhibits.

Massachusetts

Old Sturbridge Village

Old Sturbridge Village is a living museum where visitors can explore historical paths and take boat rides through fall foliage.

Plimouth Plantation

Plimoth Plantation offers educational experiences about the Pilgrims and Wampanoag tribe, with Thanksgiving dinner available.

Minnesota

Minneapolis

Minneapolis is known for its apple orchards and the Twin Cities Harvest Festival and Maze, with haunted corn mazes for older kids.

Montana

Whitefish

Whitefish offers scenic chairlift rides, hiking trails, and the Great Northwest Oktoberfest. Glacier National Park provides sweeping views before winter closes the road.

New Hampshire

Kancamagus Highway

The Kancamagus Highway is a scenic drive through the White Mountain National Forest, offering panoramic views of fall foliage.

North Conway

North Conway features scenic train rides on the Conway Scenic Railroad and the Fryeburg Fair, which includes rides, games, and fair food.

New Mexico

Albuquerque

Albuquerque hosts the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, featuring hot air balloon displays and Night Glows with illuminated balloons.

New York

Sleepy Hollow/Tarrytown

Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow offer a journey into history and Halloween magic, with the Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze and hiking trails along the Hudson River.

Seneca Lake

Seneca Lake is ideal for wine tastings and exploring Watkins Glen State Park, with cascading waterfalls and gorge trails.

North Carolina

Asheville

Asheville offers the Biltmore Estate with fall foliage and the Blue Ridge Parkway for leaf-peeping drives. The Western North Carolina Nature Center provides educational opportunities for kids.

Ohio

Columbus

Columbus is a great fall destination with traditional activities like apple picking and pumpkin patches, along with numerous festivals throughout the season.

Cleveland

Cleveland offers the Boo at the Zoo event and the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad for experiencing fall foliage.

Oregon

Portland

Portland’s Portland Japanese Garden and Sauvie Island offer fall activities like pumpkin patches and apple picking. The Portland Nursery Apple Tasting event features apple varieties and festive entertainment.

Pennsylvania

Philadelphia

Philadelphia and its suburbs offer seasonal activities such as visiting Valley Forge National Historical Park and exploring apple orchards in Bucks County.

Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh is known for its fall foliage and pumpkin patches, with the fall activities in Pittsburgh, PA being a must-see.

Harrisburg

The National Apple Harvest Festival near Harrisburg offers a quintessential autumn experience with food, crafts, and children’s games.

Rhode Island

Newport

Newport offers a chance to explore historic mansions against the backdrop of autumn foliage. The Norman Bird Sanctuary in Middletown provides scenic trails for enjoying fall colors.

South Carolina

Columbia

The South Carolina State Fair features carnival rides and food vendors, while the Riverbanks Zoo and Garden hosts Boo at the Zoo events.

Darlington

The South Carolina Sweet Potato Festival celebrates all things sweet potato-related with live music and crafts.

Tennessee

Nashville

Nashville offers a lively fall experience with the Cheekwood Harvest Festival and Shelby Bottoms Greenway for scenic strolls.

Pigeon Forge

Dollywood’s Harvest Festival and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park provide fall-themed entertainment and breathtaking hikes.

Texas

San Antonio

San Antonio’s warm fall weather is perfect for exploring the San Antonio Zoo and the historic River Walk. The city also offers haunted houses and pumpkin patches.

Kerrville

Lost Maples State Natural Area offers a rare treat with vibrant fall foliage and scenic trails through the Texas Hill Country.

Dallas/Fort Worth

The Fort Worth Stockyards and State Fair of Texas provide family-friendly fall activities, including cattle drives and classic fair food.

Utah

Park City

Park City’s fall scenery is breathtaking, with the Park City Wine Festival in October offering wine tastings and live music.

Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City offers seasonal pumpkin patches and orchards, with Big Cottonwood Canyon being a great spot for hiking.

Virginia

Colonial Williamsburg

Colonial Williamsburg hosts the Haunting on DoG street event with trick or treating and Ghost Walk Jr. walking tours.

Washington

Seattle

Seattle’s fall weather is unpredictable, but the city offers public gardens in fall colors and hiking opportunities when kids aren’t in school.

Wyoming

Jackson Hole

Jackson Hole offers a range of fall activities, including exploring Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks. The Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival showcases local artistry and live music.

Around the State

Wyoming’s fall festivals include Ellis’ Harvest Home with a Bigfoot-shaped corn maze and family-friendly events like the Fall Fest at David Street Station. Haunted tours and murder mystery events add a thrilling twist to the season.

Whether you're looking for pumpkin carving, apple festivals, or spooky ghost tours, there's something near you to enjoy this fall!