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? I’ve scoop on what’s going on near you! If you’re looking for some of the best fall travel ideas for families in the US, I’ve got a great list to get you started!
Best Fall Travel Ideas 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. Fortunately for you, I work with some amazing travel writers that live all over the country. This variety allows me to bring you the best fall travel ideas for families from all over the US thanks to their awesome contributions. 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!
Another great Alabama destination to visit in the fall is the beach! Gulf Shores and Orange Beach experience low crowds and great temperatures during their “shoulder season,” aka the season between summer and winter. Head to the beach this fall for warm weather and less crowds!
Arizona
Next, my friend Karen at Desert Chica, says her family really enjoys a visit to the Marana Pumpkin Patch and Fall Festival every year. In addition to the requisite pumpkin picking and corn mazes, 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? Check out what Maria at Mamalicious Maria had to say about those deals and then book your trip ASAP!
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 their 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. Jenn from Journeys with Jenn says “The balloons span a 78 acre field to launch from. That is the equivalent of 54 football fields full of hot air balloons. Offering fireworks, a rodeo (yes a hot air balloon rodeo), chainsaw carving and much more, the fiesta requires more than one day to see it all.”
Ohio
Also of note, Columbus, Ohio plays host to their 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. R We There Yet, Mom? blogger Rebecca says, “In the past years, we have seen odes to Texas Longhorns, Snoopy, Willie Nelson and more. It never ceases to amaze us how they can grow these corn stalks in such elaborate patterns.”
Wisconsin
Finally, blogger Kirsten from Kids Are A Trip, says that her kids wouldn’t miss their family’s apple picking tradition for anything! “Apple Holler has been drawing visitors to their combination orchard farm and farm park for over 20 years. The orchard has over 30,000 trees, and the farm park is full of activities for the kids,” she says.
Whether you’re searching for warmer weather in the south or apple picking in the midwest, fall is a great time for family travel! Where will your adventures take you this fall?
