As the leaves turn shades of gold, amber, and red, Pennsylvania transforms into a fall wonderland perfect for family adventures. Whether you’re in the heart of the state or exploring its edges, Pennsylvania offers plenty of activities to make the most of autumn with your kids. Here’s a roundup of the best fall activities you won’t want to miss!
1. Explore a Pumpkin Patch
Nothing says fall like a trip to a pumpkin patch, and Pennsylvania has some of the best! Let your kids roam free as they pick out the perfect pumpkin for carving. Many patches offer hayrides, corn mazes, and even petting zoos, making this a full-day adventure.
- Where to go:
- Shady Brook Farm (Yardley, PA): A beautiful farm with pumpkin picking, a corn maze, and even a barnyard playground.
- Milky Way Farm (Chester Springs, PA): Pumpkin patches, hayrides, and an amazing farm store with fresh produce and ice cream.
2. Take a Scenic Fall Foliage Train Ride
One of the best ways to soak in the breathtaking beauty of fall is by hopping aboard one of Pennsylvania’s scenic train rides. With stunning views of the vibrant fall foliage, this is an experience the entire family will love.
- Where to go:
- Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway (Jim Thorpe, PA): This historic train takes you through the Lehigh Gorge, offering incredible views of fall colors.
- Strasburg Rail Road (Strasburg, PA): Take a ride on America’s oldest short-line railroad through the picturesque Lancaster countryside.
3. Visit a Harvest Festival
Pennsylvania is home to numerous fall festivals, offering everything from delicious seasonal treats to fun activities like apple bobbing, live entertainment, and craft fairs. These festivals are a great way for your kids to experience the joys of the harvest season.
- Where to go:
- Bloomsburg Fair (Bloomsburg, PA): One of the largest and longest-running fairs in Pennsylvania, offering fun rides, games, and plenty of fall foods.
- AppleFest (Franklin, PA): A three-day festival that celebrates all things apples, from pies to cider, and even has a craft show and a kids’ corner.
4. Go Apple Picking
Apple picking is a quintessential fall activity, and Pennsylvania has no shortage of orchards where you can fill your baskets with crisp, juicy apples. It’s a fun way to teach kids about where their food comes from, while also enjoying some fresh air and sunshine.
- Where to go:
- Solebury Orchards (New Hope, PA): A scenic orchard known for its delicious apples and beautiful setting.
- Highland Orchards (West Chester, PA): Along with apple picking, you can enjoy hayrides, a corn maze, and freshly made apple cider donuts.
5. Visit a State Park for Leaf Peeping
Pennsylvania is famous for its fall foliage, and state parks provide a perfect backdrop for a peaceful nature walk or a more challenging hike with the family. The vibrant colors and crisp air make for an ideal day out.
- Where to go:
- Ricketts Glen State Park (Benton, PA): Known for its stunning waterfalls and scenic hiking trails, this park is breathtaking in the fall.
- Ohiopyle State Park (Ohiopyle, PA): Located in the Laurel Highlands, this park offers incredible views of fall colors and a variety of outdoor activities.
6. Visit a Corn Maze
For an activity that’s sure to delight both kids and adults, get lost in one of Pennsylvania’s famous corn mazes. Some farms even have night mazes where you can explore by flashlight for an added thrill!
- Where to go:
- Cherry Crest Adventure Farm (Ronks, PA): Their corn maze is one of the largest in the country and offers interactive games along the way.
- Weakland Farms (Portage, PA): With over 20 acres of corn maze fun, this is an exciting way to spend a fall day with the family.
7. Attend a Haunted Attraction (Kid-Friendly!)
If your kids enjoy a little spookiness, there are plenty of family-friendly haunted attractions in Pennsylvania that offer a fun but not-too-scary experience. From haunted hayrides to trick-or-treat events, there’s something for every level of bravery.
- Where to go:
- Hersheypark in the Dark (Hershey, PA): Enjoy the famous amusement park with a Halloween twist, including night rides and trick-or-treating for the little ones.
- Linvilla Orchards (Media, PA): Linvilla offers a Pumpkinland with Halloween-themed activities and spooky hayrides perfect for younger kids.
Final Thoughts:
Pennsylvania is a dream destination for fall family fun. Whether you’re picking pumpkins, wandering through corn mazes, or simply enjoying the vibrant fall foliage, these activities will make for lasting memories with your kids. So pack some cozy sweaters, grab your camera, and embark on a fall adventure the whole family will love!