Fall is hands down my favorite season here in New England. The air feels crisp and refreshing, the trees put on the most stunning display of color, and everywhere you look, there are cozy, family-friendly activities to enjoy. When my husband and I were newly married, we loved spending autumn weekends hopping from farm to farm, sipping fresh cider, and getting lost in corn mazes. Now that we have our daughter, those same traditions feel even more special as we watch her delight in the animals, hayrides, and piles of leaves. There is just something about seeing the season through her eyes that makes me slow down and savor it all a little more.

One of our favorite places to visit year after year is Red Apple Farm in Phillipston, MA. This farm is truly a gem that keeps getting better. We started visiting before our daughter was born, and we were instantly hooked by the mix of charm and activity. From sunflower and zinnia picking to the live music and cozy cidery barn, there is so much to do. Now, our little one loves seeing the farm animals, riding the hay wagon through the orchard, and toddling through the flower fields. They even let you dig for your own potatoes, which is a fun and unique experience! In the fall, the whole farm smells like cider donuts and crisp apples, and you can easily spend half a day exploring. My personal tip is to go early on a weekend morning — you can have the flower fields almost to yourself, and the hayride lines are shorter.

Another family favorite is the Tree House Brewery in Charlton, MA. I know a brewery might not sound like a kid-friendly destination at first, but Tree House has a beautiful outdoor space, plenty of picnic tables, and even its own walking trails that make it a perfect fall afternoon outing. The pavilion is gorgeous, and there is plenty of room for kids to play. Plus, they rotate food trucks, so there’s always something new and delicious to try. We love sitting outside with friends, enjoying the live music, and soaking up the sunshine while our daughter runs around in the grass. I recommend bringing a blanket for the kids to sit on and a few small toys so they can stay entertained while you enjoy a seasonal beer.

Davis Farmland in Lancaster is a must-visit if you have toddlers or young kids. Their corn maze is always a hit, and they have an entire play zone complete with a construction play area, gem digging, face painting, bounce houses, and lots of food vendors. We went last year and spent nearly the whole day there without running out of things to do! This year, we plan to go back with friends and let the kids run wild together. If you go on a sunny day, pack hats and sunscreen. There is plenty of open space, and you will want to stay for hours!

Kimball Farm in Westford, MA is another spot that holds a special place in my heart; it’s actually where my husband and I had our second date! They have two mini-golf courses, bumper boats, a driving range, batting cages, and of course, their famous ice cream. It is such a fun place for both kids and parents to enjoy together. We like to go in the late afternoon when the sun is lower, play a round of mini golf, and then grab a yummy ice cream to wrap up our visit. If you have older kids, they will love the batting cages or trying out the driving range.

If you want to venture a little farther north, Storyland in NH is another magical fall adventure. The weather is cooler, which makes walking around the park more comfortable, and the foliage surrounding the park is breathtaking. Storyland is stroller-friendly, has plenty of places to grab snacks or a warm drink, and is perfect for a weekend getaway. If you can pair this trip with a drive through the White Mountains, you are in for some of the most beautiful views in New England.

Sample Day Trip Itineraries

Sometimes the hardest part is deciding where to go and how to make the most of your day. Here are a few sample day trips to inspire you and your family this fall:

Day Trip #1: Red Apple Farm + Tree House Brewery
Start the morning at Red Apple Farm. Let the kids feed the goats, pick a basket of apples, and take a hayride through the orchard. Enjoy a picnic lunch under the trees or grab something from their BBQ shack. Before heading home, stop at Tree House Brewery for a relaxed afternoon under the pavilion while the kids run around. Parents can enjoy a seasonal pour while soaking up the view. If you have extra time, take a short walk on the brewery trails and enjoy the foliage.

Day Trip #2: Davis Farmland Adventure
Plan to spend most of the day at Davis Farmland. Start with the corn maze before it gets crowded, then head over to the play zones and animal barn. Pack swimsuits if the splash pad is still open — the kids will love it. Grab lunch at one of the many food vendors and end the day with a tractor ride around the property. If your kids still have energy, stop at a local ice cream shop on the way home to wrap up the day.

Day Trip #3: Kimball Farm Family Fun
Make a day of it at Kimball’s! Start with mini golf or the bumper boats, then grab an early dinner or giant ice cream cone. Parents can take turns hitting the driving range or batting cages while the kids play arcade games. If you want to extend your day, there are several nearby conservation areas with easy hiking trails to sneak in a short nature walk before heading home.

Day Trip #4: Storyland Weekend Getaway
If you want to stretch the fun, plan a weekend in the White Mountains. Spend one day exploring Storyland and another hiking an easy trail nearby, like Diana’s Baths or Echo Lake State Park. The crisp air and mountain views will make the perfect backdrop for family memories. For a cozy fall touch, pack matching pajamas and hot cocoa to enjoy back at your Airbnb after a long day.

Day Trip #5: White Mountains Camping + Kid‑Friendly Hikes
Drive up to the White Mountains and spend the day setting up camp or checking into a family‑friendly lodge near North Conway. Enjoy a short hike like Sabbaday Falls, which is an easy walk to a beautiful waterfall that toddlers can manage. Pack a picnic lunch and eat on the trail or at a local café in Conway. In the afternoon, explore Arethusa Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in New Hampshire, with a scenic, family‑friendly trail leading to it. Kids will enjoy the walk and the view, and it’s a beautiful spot for photos. Wrap up the day with dinner in town or cook at the campground. Roasting marshmallows under the stars is a perfect ending before tucking everyone into their sleeping bags.

Day Trip #6: Killington Mountain Adventure Center in VT
Arrive at Killington mid‑morning and rent mountain bikes for the kids at the Killington Bike Park. Start with some easy family‑friendly flow trails to build confidence. Stop for lunch at one of the on‑site dining spots or bring a picnic. In the afternoon, explore the Adventure Center together: try the Beast Mountain Coaster, the Soaring Eagle Zip Line, and the Skye Ropes Course. Take the scenic gondola for sweeping views of the colorful mountains before heading to nearby lodging or back home for dinner.

Day Trip #7: Alpine Adventures, Lincoln NH
Head to Alpine Adventures and begin with a family‑friendly aerial course to get everyone warmed up. Pause for lunch in Lincoln or enjoy sandwiches between activities. Spend the afternoon on a zip line tour and let the older kids try climbing features and obstacle courses for an extra challenge. Finish the day with dinner in Lincoln or North Woodstock and, if there is still light, stop by a waterfall or lake before driving home.

With seven full-day trips and weekend itineraries to choose from, you could fill almost every weekend of fall with something memorable. Each adventure balances outdoor play, kid‑friendly food stops, and moments of rest so that no one feels rushed. Whether you choose to pick apples and listen to live music at Red Apple Farm, ride the Beast Coaster at Killington, get muddy digging for gems at Davis Farmland, or cozy up around the campfire in the White Mountains, these ideas are designed to help your family savor this short but beautiful season. The best part is that you can mix and match them depending on your children’s ages and energy levels, making this fall full of special moments that you will look back on with joy.

If you are looking for even more ways to get outside and enjoy fall with your kids, the following list of fifty non-Halloween activities is full of inspiration. These ideas are perfect for filling in the weekends or adding spontaneous adventures throughout the season.

50 Fall Activities for Kids in New England

Apple picking at your favorite local orchard.
Visit a sunflower or zinnia field for a U-pick experience.
Take a hayride through a farm or orchard.
Go on a leaf-peeping road trip and stop at scenic overlooks.
Have a picnic at a state park surrounded by foliage.
Visit a working farm and see the animals up close.
Try digging for your own potatoes or carrots.
Enjoy fresh apple cider donuts at a local farm stand.
Go hiking on a family-friendly trail (stroller-friendly if possible).
Pack a thermos of hot cider and watch the sunrise.
Walk through a corn maze (many are stroller-friendly!).
Go on a nature scavenger hunt for acorns, pinecones, and leaves.
Collect colorful leaves and press them for crafts later.
Paint pumpkins instead of carving them.
Visit a local farmers’ market for fresh seasonal produce.
Go on a wagon ride at a farm.
Have a cozy family picnic with blankets and a thermos of soup.
Build a leaf pile and let the kids jump in.
Take family photos with the fall foliage.
Go for a nature walk and look for signs of animals preparing for winter.
Make homemade applesauce together.
Visit a cider mill and watch cider being pressed.
Go to a farm with a petting zoo.
Attend a local craft fair or harvest festival.
Bake an apple or pear crisp with your kids.
Visit a nature center for a guided fall program.
Go on a bike ride on a rail trail.
Have a backyard campfire and roast marshmallows.
Make leaf rubbings with crayons and paper.
Create a fall sensory bin with leaves, pinecones, and small gourds.
Explore a local botanical garden.
Go birdwatching and look for migrating species.
Pick out fun fall books from the library (check out my fall book recommendations here!).
Make homemade caramel apples.
Visit a historic village or open-air museum.
Go fishing at a local pond or lake.
Explore tide pools along the coast before the weather turns too cold.
Try a kids’ paint night or pottery class.
Visit a local brewery or cidery with outdoor seating.
Take a family-friendly cooking class.
Make fall-themed crafts like pinecone turkeys.
Go on a scenic train ride.
Visit a maple sugarhouse if they offer fall tours.
Try geocaching or letterboxing for a fun treasure hunt.
Visit an alpaca or llama farm.
Explore a nature trail with educational signs.
Build a scarecrow together.
Take a family photo day trip to a covered bridge.
Collect rocks and paint them with fun fall designs.
Have a family game night with warm cider and snacks.

Planning Tips for Parents

Stroller-Friendly Outings: Many farms and corn mazes have wide paths, but check their websites ahead of time for accessibility info.
Food Options: Most farms and breweries have seasonal food vendors, but packing a few snacks can be a lifesaver with little kids.
Timing: Weekends can be busy, so consider arriving early to avoid long lines.
Layer Up: Fall mornings can be chilly, but afternoons often warm up — dress in layers!
Flexibility: Kids tire out faster than we think. Build in time for breaks and be willing to change plans if needed.

Fall in New England is fleeting, but that is what makes it so magical. Whether you are exploring a new corn maze, revisiting a favorite farm, or simply crunching through leaves in your own backyard, each moment becomes a memory. I hope this list inspires you to make the most of the season with your little ones. Grab your favorite cozy sweater, pack up the car, and head out for a day of fun — you won’t regret it! Sometimes, the best days are the ones that are unplanned, when you find yourself sipping hot cider and listening to your child’s laughter echo across a pumpkin patch. Have fun, Mama!

Fall Adventures for Kids in New England: A Family Guide

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